Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects the production of blood cells. One of the most common types of blood cancer is leukemia. Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that leads to an overproduction of white blood cells. Unlike other types of cancer, blood cancer staging does not always follow the conventional 1-4 numbering system.
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Blood Cancer Stages
You may be familiar with cancer stages ranging from 1 to 4, but blood cancer is different.
For other cancer types, staging is typically based on tumor size and spread. However, since blood cancer does not involve tumors, its staging system is slightly different. The staging of blood cancer is determined by the number of abnormal white blood cells present in the body, which is assessed through hematological tests. The staging system also varies depending on the type of blood cancer.
In fact, most blood cancers are not classified into numerical stages. However, one type of leukemia that follows a numerical staging system is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is categorized as follows:
- Stage 0: The white blood cell count, particularly lymphocytes, is abnormally high (usually over 10,000), but other blood components remain normal. Stage 0 blood cancer typically does not cause symptoms and is considered low risk.
- Stage 1: Lymphocyte levels exceed 10,000, and there is swelling in the lymph nodes. Other blood cell counts, such as red blood cells and platelets, remain normal. This stage is classified as moderate risk.
- Stage 2: In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the liver or spleen also becomes enlarged. Lymphocyte levels remain high, while other blood cell counts are normal. This stage is also considered moderate risk.
- Stage 3: Other blood components begin to be affected, particularly red blood cells, which start to decrease while lymphocytes remain high. This stage is classified as high risk.
- Stage 4: At this stage, platelet and red blood cell levels are significantly low, while lymphocytes remain excessively high.
Symptoms of Stage 4 Blood Cancer
Unlike other cancers, blood cancer does not cause tumors or lumps. Instead, its symptoms are related to immune system dysfunction, organ enlargement, and blood abnormalities such as anemia or frequent nosebleeds.
A person with stage 4 blood cancer may experience the following symptoms:
- Extremely high levels of white blood cells (lymphocytes)
- Low red blood cell and platelet counts
- Anemia
- Pale skin
- Enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, and liver
- Easy bruising or frequent nosebleeds
Treatment Options for Stage 4 Blood Cancer
Blood cancer generally occurs due to issues in blood cell production in the bone marrow. Genetic mutations cause the bone marrow, which functions as a “factory” for blood cells, to produce an excessive number of white blood cells. Over time, these abnormal white blood cells outnumber the other essential blood cells.
In general, treatment options for stage 4 blood cancer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Radiotherapy
- Immunotherapy
One of the treatment options for stage 4 blood cancer is a bone marrow transplant. This procedure involves replacing defective bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.
However, this procedure carries significant risks and is usually considered only when other treatments fail to show positive results. For a successful transplant, the patient must find a compatible donor to ensure the body accepts the new bone marrow.
Survival Rate for Stage 4 Blood Cancer
Given the many types of blood cancer, survival rates and 5-year life expectancy vary depending on the specific type.
On average, the 5-year survival rate for individuals with CLL-type blood cancer is 87.2%.
However, determining the exact survival rate for stage 4 blood cancer is challenging. This is because the progression of chronic blood cancer can be unpredictable, and it is often unclear how long it takes to advance to the next stage.
Generally, survival rates decline as cancer progresses to higher stages. Despite this, it is important not to lose hope. In some cases, especially with chronic leukemia, progression can be very slow, and some individuals may not experience symptoms for years.
Doctors may choose to conduct regular monitoring if the cancer is in an early stage and considered low risk.
It is recommended to consult with an oncologist to receive the best medical advice for your condition. You can consult with the oncology specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital’s Advanced Cancer & Radiotherapy Center for expert consultation and treatment.
For easier appointment booking, you can contact us via WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and App Store.
