Unexpected Bleeding And Cancer
Author: Krishan
For unexpected bleeding from any part of the body, in a
child/adult, like oozing of blood from the gums, haemorrhagic
spots/areas on the skin, or excessive bleeding from the nose,
say, after a blow, or profuse bleeding following tooth
extraction or minor injury, the possibility of early acute
leukaemia must be considered for precise diagnosis. It is
important to point out that leukaemias should be given due
consideration and all efforts must be made to treat and control
the condition.
Chronic leukaemia As compared to acute leukaemia, chronic
leukaemia usually manifests itself at a later age, say at the
age of 30-50 years, and has a different presentation from acute
leukaemia. The disease remains hidden and the patient reports
after months/years of the onset of the ailment, and in some
cases it may be diagnosed accidentally during a routine medical
check-up.
However, the disease can be diagnosed in infancy, and besides a
clinical examination/ suspicion by the physician who may happen
to examine the case, we need the expertise of a clinical
pathologist/laboratory technician competent to spot out such
cases from the routine tests like total leucocyte count (TLC),
differential leucocyte count (OLC) and, above all, from the
examination of the peripheral blood film (PBF), especially for
immature cells, etc.
Enlargement of the spleen and/or glands of the body
(prominently cervical), tenderness on the sternum, i.e., the
bone lying in front of the middle of the chest (so-called
sternal tenderness), may be considered some of the relatively /
moderately early symptoms/signs.
Both in acute and chronic cases of leukaemia, a bone marrow
examination and some other special tests are 'a must' to confirm
the diagnosis.
Recovery in the case of leukaemia, whether acute or chronic,
depends on the age of the patient, and on the type/ variety of
the leukaemia diagnosed finally. There should be no unnecessary
panic when the possibility of leukaemia is being considered.
Many cases go well with their disease for several years before
they begin to show. A middle-aged case of chronic leukaemia with
some unusual complaints/symptoms detected for the first time by
the author has still been continuing rather satisfactorily for
the last ten years or so. He has retired from his job after
completion of his tenure and has been living a fairly normal
life. The idea of writing this is that the leukaemia patient or
his family members should never go away with the idea that
mortality is the rule in all such cases, as we see in some of
the Indian movies.
However, it is very important to mention that a very scientific
approach is required for the treatment of such cases. The
patient needs the thorough guidance of the physician in respect
of diet, exertion, stress, etc. He should undergo periodic
check-ups, and blood-tests should be repeated, as advised. Above
all, only the prescribed drugs should be taken by such patients.
We lost one of our patients who on his own had shifted to other
drugs, in spite of the fact that the prognosis of the case was
rather good, and this fact was also confirmed by the late Dr.
M.M. Wintrobe, a noted haematologist in the USA, who had also
authored the book, Clinical Hematology (Lea & Febiger,
Philadelphia), and to whom the detailed clinical data of the
case were sent for a thorough probe/investigation. Later the
peripheral blood films of this case were also taken to the USA
for discussion by the author.
Interestingly, the patient also got carried away when some
unauthentic approach for his treatment was suggested to him, but
it came to the notice of the author in time, and he, to
substantiate his views/line of action, sent the case to the Tata
Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, which probably saved the patient from
the likely tragedy. The patient referred to above, is at present
progressing satisfactorily with his disease by following
instructions as well as the treatment religiously.
Finally, it may be stressed that a great realization is
required among the masses regarding blood cancers, but somehow,
leukaemias are lagging far behind in cancer awareness campaigns
/ programmes.
About The Author: Author sites: http://www.herbalremedieslk
, http://shabi-home-remedies
http://www.e-self-help.com
