Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant(BMT)

Blood Disorders Overview

Blood Disorders Overview

Leukaemia

• What it is: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Types include acute (AML/ALL) and chronic (CML/CLL).
• Symptoms:
  • Frequent fevers or infections
  • Fatigue and paleness (anaemia)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding (low platelets)
  • Bone pain or swollen lymph nodes
• Diagnosis:
  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Genetic Testing (e.g., BCR-ABL for CML)
• Treatment:
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy (e.g., imatinib)
  • Immunotherapy (e.g., Blinatumomab, CAR-T)
  • Bone Marrow Transplant

Lymphoma

• What it is: Cancer of the lymphatic system. Types include Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s.
• Symptoms:
  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes
  • Fever, night sweats, weight loss
  • Itching and fatigue
• Diagnosis:
  • Lymph Node Biopsy
  • PET-CT scan
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy
• Treatment:
  • Chemotherapy (ABVD, R-CHOP)
  • Radiation
  • Targeted Therapy (e.g., Rituximab)
  • Bone Marrow Transplant

Multiple Myeloma

• What it is: Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
• Symptoms:
  • Bone pain
  • Anaemia
  • Kidney problems
  • Frequent infections
• Diagnosis:
  • Blood Tests (M-protein, free light chains)
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy
  • Imaging (PET-CT, MRI)
• Treatment:
  • Drug Combinations
  • Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Maintenance Therapy
  • Supportive Care

Aplastic Anaemia

• What it is: A rare condition where the bone marrow stops making enough blood cells.
• Symptoms:
  • Fatigue
  • Infections
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
• Diagnosis:
  • Blood Counts
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy
• Treatment:
  • Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Immunosuppressive Therapy (ATG, cyclosporine)