Category: Blog

Liver cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the liver. The word “liver” can also refer to other abdominal organs that perform similar functions, including the gallbladder, stomach, and pancreas. Liver cancer may also be called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which means “cancer of the liver.” The liver is a large gland in the upper right of the abdomen. It performs many functions, including detoxifying blood, producing bile to help digest fats, and storing vitamins A and D. The liver also helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage in muscles or fat cells.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

The symptoms depend on the stage of cancer. In general, symptoms include:

• Vomiting (nausea) or feeling like you can’t keep anything down
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes)
• Loss of appetite or weight loss -Fatigue or weakness

Causes of Liver Cancer

A number of different factors causes liver cancer. Some of these include:

• Hepatitis B and C infections
• Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
• Alcohol abuse
• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for about one-third of all cases of HCC worldwide and about 70% in Asia. Other causes include hepatitis C virus (HCV), cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Diagnosis

It is diagnosed with imaging, blood tests, and biopsies. Imaging can be done with ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scans.

• An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the liver on a monitor.
• CT scans use X-rays to create three-dimensional images of internal structures. MRIs use radio waves and magnetic fields to generate images of the body’s internal structures.
• PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material that attaches itself to cancer cells so the scanner can detect them.
• Blood tests check for certain proteins in the blood that may indicate cancerous tissue growth. These proteins include AFP (alpha fetoprotein), CA 19–9 (carbohydrate antigen 19–9), and CA 72–4 (carbohydrate antigen 72–4).
• Biopsies are performed on the liver tissue to confirm whether or not cancer is present.

Treatment

Liver cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal if not treated. The main goal of treatment is to cure cancer, but this may not always be possible. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of your liver cancer.

The main treatment options for early-stage liver cancer include surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgery may include a partial hepatectomy (removing part of your liver) or a liver transplant.

More advanced tumors may require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Liver transplantation is an option for patients who have a liver tumor that cannot be removed by surgery or when their tumors have spread to other parts of their body. The surgery involves removing the patient’s diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy one from another person or donor organ.

Experts in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Transplantation at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), Abu Dhabi, treats patients suffering from liver, pancreas, and biliary system ailment.

Liver Cancer & Transplant Expert

Dr. Rehan Saif

Director of Transplant Surgery for Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Clinical Lead HPB Surgery, Consultant General Surgery

Colon cancer is a disease that affects the colon, which is the part of the digestive system between the stomach and the anus. Colon cancer can occur anywhere in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. The colon is responsible for absorbing fluids from foods and turning them into waste. The most common type of colon cancer begins in cells lining the large intestine’s inner surface. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma, and it can start in any part of your colon. It may also affect other areas of your body, including your appendix, rectum, or blood vessels. These are called secondary cancers.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The symptoms include:

• Blood in the stool
• Unintended weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramps
• A feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes are unknown, but research has shown that several factors increase your risk of developing it.

Age: Older people have a greater risk for developing colon cancer. This is because our bodies become less able to fight off germs and other things that can cause cancer as we age.

Gender: Men and women have different risks for colon cancer. Men tend to develop it at a younger age than women and are more likely to have hereditary forms of the disease. Women are more likely to develop colon cancer from environmental factors such as diet or lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol heavily over many years, which can lead to chronic inflammation in the body (inflammation increases your risk for most types of cancer).

Family History: If your parents or other close relatives had colon cancer, you might be more likely to develop it yourself. Having Lynch syndrome (a genetic condition) also increases your risk of developing colorectal cancers because it causes changes in DNA repair genes that damage chromosomes over time, making cells more likely to divide uncontrollably when they shouldn’t be dividing.

Genetic Mutations: The genes that control cell growth may be damaged by aging or exposure to chemicals. These changes may cause cells to grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumor.

Diet: A diet high in fat and red meat has been linked to colon cancer. Dairy products may also increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Studies show that people who consume more fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing the disease.

Lifestyle: Some studies suggest that smoking increases your risk of developing the condition, while others have found no link between tobacco use and this type of cancer. Obesity may also increase your risk for this type of cancer by causing chronic inflammation in the body.

Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

A doctor diagnoses the condition via a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests. The most common method of diagnosis is a colonoscopy, an endoscope that allows the doctor to view and examine the inside of the colon. A biopsy may be taken during this procedure to confirm or rule out cancer. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is another common method of diagnosing the condition.

Treatment

Colon cancer is treated through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for this type fo cancer, and it involves removing the affected area of the colon through an incision made in the abdomen. This type of surgery may be performed along with other procedures to remove any tumors that have spread into nearby lymph nodes or tissues, such as lymphadenectomy or a resection. If the entire colon has been removed, your doctor may recommend an ostomy procedure to create an opening in your abdomen so waste can leave your body.

Chemotherapy may be used to treat the condition. It cannot be removed by surgery or if it has spread to other parts of your body. Chemotherapy uses drugs that destroy cancer cells and stop them from growing or spreading further. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in your body.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target tumors and kill any remaining cancer cells.

At Burjeel Medical City, our expert team of gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, and oncologists provide treatment for colon cancer. We offer a range of treatments, from minimally invasive surgery to chemotherapy and radiation therapies. Our team can help you manage the symptoms of your condition and ensure that you receive the best possible treatment plan for your situation. We understand that dealing with colon cancer can be overwhelming, but we are here to guide you through each step.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of glands, nodes, and channels producing lymph fluid. The lymphatic system helps the body fight infection by removing bacteria and other foreign substances from the blood. It also helps fight cancers and tumors by making special proteins called antibodies.

It affects the lymph nodes and other parts of the immune system. It usually progresses slowly but can be life-threatening if it spreads to other organs like the lungs or bone marrow.

Hodgkin lymphoma is named for description by Thomas Hodgkin and his colleagues at Guy’s Hospital in London in 1832.

Types of Hodgkin Lymphoma

There are four main types: 

Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin Lymphoma (NSHL) is a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma with a distinctive appearance. It is characterized by large, solid tumors that are sessile and have no capsule. These nodules are surrounded by a thin rim of reactive cells, which can appear as a pale halo surrounding the nodule on CT scans. The lesions may be solitary or multiple and can occur anywhere in the body.

Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A distinctive pattern of histology and molecular alterations characterizes it. Affected individuals are typically younger than those who have other types, and the disease tends to be more aggressive in its early stages.

Lymphocyte Rich Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (LRCH) is a type of Hodgkin lymphoma that is characterized by an abundance of lymphocytes (white blood cells), which are the main component of the immune system. It is also known as “nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin lymphoma” or “nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.” The term “nodular” refers to the characteristic tumor nodules appearing in Hodgkin lymphoma. In contrast, there are fewer or no nodules in most other forms. Two types of LRCH exist type 1, which has a more favorable prognosis than type 2 and type 2, which has a worse prognosis than type 1.

Mixed Cellularity Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (MCCL) is a form that has cells with both Reed-Sternberg and non-Reed-Sternberg features. It is more common in older adults than other types.

Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma

The most common symptoms are:

• Painless swelling of the neck, underarms, or groin
• A fever that lasts for more than 3 days
• Night sweats
• Weight loss for no known reason

Causes of Hodgkin Lymphoma

The cause of this disease is unknown, but research has shown that it could be linked to genetics and lifestyle factors. In particular, a person’s risk of developing the condition increases if they have a family history of the illness or if they have been exposed to certain environmental factors like radiation or chemicals.

Risk Factors of Hodgkin Lymphoma

The risk factors include,

Age. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in people between the ages of 15 and 30, with the highest rates occurring among those between 20 and 24 years old. While it can occur at any age, it is rare in children younger than 10.

Gender. Males are more likely to develop the condition than females. However, it is important to note that this difference may be due in part to the fact that men are more likely to seek medical care when they experience symptoms.

Ethnicity. Caucasians are more likely to develop the condition than Asians or African Americans.

Family History. People who have a parent or sibling with Hodgkin lymphoma have an increased risk of developing it themselves. In addition, there is evidence that suggests having multiple family members with the condition can increase your risk by two times compared with someone who does not have this family history.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose the condition include the following: 

Physical Exam: The doctor will examine you, checking for swollen lymph nodes in your neck, underarm area, or groin. They’ll also check your skin for signs of infection and look at your body for any other abnormalities.

Blood Tests: A blood test can confirm the presence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma by looking for increased levels of a protein called LDH (lactate dehydrogenase). Chest X-ray: An X-ray can help determine whether you have any enlarged lymph nodes in your lungs or chest wall. It may also show signs of lung damage from cancer treatment.

CT Scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body, including the lymph nodes. This test can determine if there are enlarged lymph nodes and whether they contain cancer cells. 

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body without using X-rays. It can help doctors see tumors that are difficult for CT scans to detect. 

Lymph Node Biopsy: The doctor will use a needle to remove several small tissue samples from your lymph nodes for testing in the lab. In some cases, this may be done under sedation or general anesthesia so the procedure doesn’t cause pain or discomfort.

Treatment

Treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

Chemotherapy is used to treat both stages 1 and 2 of Hodgkin lymphoma. The goal is to destroy cancer cells with drugs against fast-growing cells. Chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy or surgery to treat the condition.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat the condition.

Stem cell transplantation is used if your doctor thinks your disease has come back after treatment (recalled) or if you have advanced stage 3 or 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. Stem cells are immature blood cells that can become any blood cell in your body when they mature. Stem cell transplants replace your unhealthy bone marrow with healthy donor bone marrow.

Hematologists and Bone Marrow Transplanation experts at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, treat Hodgkin lymphoma and other blood disorders.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of conditions that affect the blood and bone marrow. They are characterized by abnormal production of blood cells (myeloid cells), which can decrease the number or function of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. MDS usually develops slowly over time and may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

What are the Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

The symptoms of MDS can vary from person to person and may not be present in all patients with this condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired or short of breath
• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• Pain in your bones or joints
• Feeling itchy or tingling sensations in your arms or legs
• Feeling like you have a fever

What are the Types of Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is the most common type of myelodysplastic syndrome. It occurs when the bone marrow produces too many immature white blood cells, which can cause infections, anemia, and bleeding disorders. The leukemia cells can also spread to other parts of your body.
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)—This type of leukemia affects older adults but is not as common as AML. CML causes abnormal growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow. If untreated for a long time, it can progress into acute leukemia or another form of cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
• Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)—This form affects children under age 20. It is less likely than other types of myelodysplastic syndrome to be inherited from your parents’ genes because it usually appears without warning during childhood or adolescence without any family history of JMML or other medical conditions.

What is the Cause of Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

The cause of MDS is unknown. It can develop in people who have had previous radiation or chemotherapy treatment. Other risk factors include aging, having a family history of MDS, being exposed to certain chemicals or drugs, and having certain genetic conditions.

How is it Diagnosed?

Myelodysplastic Syndromes can be diagnosed by a number of different methods, including:

Blood tests: These are used to measure red blood cell counts and the number of platelets in the body. They may also check for white blood cells and other markers that can signal disease.

Bone marrow biopsy: A small amount of bone marrow is extracted from your hip bone, which is then examined under a microscope. If your bone marrow is unhealthy, it will show signs of myelodysplastic syndrome.

Lumbar puncture: This test involves inserting a needle into your spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The fluid can be tested for signs of leukemia or other cancers in addition to myelodysplastic syndromes.

How is it Treated?

Myelodysplastic syndromes are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. The goal is to slow down or stop the progression of this disease.

Chemotherapy is often used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes. This type of treatment involves using certain drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. These drugs are typically taken by mouth or injected into a vein (IV). Some chemotherapy drugs can be given through an IV in your arm or hand before you go home from the hospital or doctor’s office after surgery to remove your spleen. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat this condition.

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells and keep them from growing back (recurring).

If these treatments don’t work, you may need a bone marrow transplantation. A bone marrow transplantation replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow that contains normal blood cells.

Hematologists and Bone Marrow Transplantation experts at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, treat Myelodysplastic Syndromes with the latest medical advancements

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow or the soft tissue inside your bones. It’s a malignant (cancerous) condition that occurs when abnormal plasma cells grow and invade other tissues, including the bone marrow. The abnormal cells produce large amounts of immunoglobulin, which can lead to various symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?

The most common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma are:

• Bone pain
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Fever and chills
• Loss of appetite (not related to nausea)

What are the Causes & Risk Factors of Multiple Myeloma?

There is no known cause of multiple myeloma. It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental exposure, and hormones, but several factors may increase your risk. These include:

• Age – Multiple myeloma is most common in people over age 50.
• Infection with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) – A virus that can cause leukemia and other blood disorders; it’s found mostly in tropical areas.
• Family History – People who have a family history of multiple myeloma are more likely to develop it themselves.
• Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals

How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

A blood test, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can determine if your body has increased monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G protein-specific antibodies. These antibodies are produced by the plasma cells that have been transformed into malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma.

If the CBC determines that you have an increase in these proteins, your doctor will likely perform other tests. You may have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, which involves inserting a needle into your hip bone to remove some bone marrow for testing. This can help confirm the presence of cancerous plasma cells and determine whether they are located in areas where they shouldn’t be—such as the liver or kidneys.

Another common test for multiple myeloma is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test creates images of your bones and soft tissues by sending radio waves through them so that they can be seen on a computer screen. An MRI can help detect tumors throughout your body and determine their size and location so that doctors can provide treatment plans accordingly.

How is it Treated?

Multiple myeloma can be treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Doctors will choose from these treatment options based on the patient’s medical history and type of multiple myeloma.

Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells before they spread or return after treatment has ended. It does this by damaging or killing rapidly dividing cells that grow into tumors.

Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth or spread. These drugs may help stop cancer cells from growing or spreading so that they become less harmful to patients. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.

Radiation may be used alone or combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapy as part of your overall treatment plan for multiple myeloma.

Stem cell transplantation involves replacing some of your immune system’s stem cells with those from another person who has healthy stem cells but no history of cancer. Stem cell transplants are generally performed only when other treatments have not worked well enough.

Hematologists and Bone Marrow Transplantation experts at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, treat multiple myeloma and other malignant blood diseases. They are also experts in bone marrow transplantation, stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, and finding the best treatment for your condition.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which consists of a network of vessels, organs, and glands throughout your body. Lymphomas are classified by the type of cell from which they develop.

The lymphatic system helps to protect humans from disease by carrying away waste products and foreign substances from the body. The lymphatic system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, adenoids, mucous membranes in the nose and throat, lymph nodes, and other tissues.

Lymphocytes (white blood cells) are produced in the bone marrow and travel through the bloodstream to reach other parts of the body. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in B-cells (white blood cells) or T-cells (a type of white blood cell). In general terms, lymphomas involve abnormal growths called tumors that start in one part of the body but spread to other parts through the lymphatic system or blood stream.

What are the Types of Lymphoma?

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly appears in the lymph nodes located throughout the body.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is another form of cancer that starts in lymphocytes. However, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma does not usually start in the lymph nodes like Hodgkin’s does and can affect any part of the body.

Other types of lymphomas include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and small-cell carcinoma of the lung.

What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?

Symptoms of lymphoma can develop slowly over time or they can appear suddenly. The most common symptoms are:

• coughing up blood
• pain in the abdomen or chest
• loss of appetite and weight loss
• feeling very tired all the time (feeling like you have the flu)
• night sweats (waking up sweating at night)

What are the Causes of Lymphoma?

The causes of lymphoma are not well understood. Some lymphomas have an inherited genetic component, but most do not. Most cases of lymphoma occur in people who don’t have any known risk factors.

What are the Risk Factors of Lymphoma?

Some people are at higher risk for lymphoma than others. Risk factors include

Age: The risk of developing lymphoma increases as you get older.

Gender: Men are more likely to develop lymphoma than women.

Genetics: Certain genes can increase your risk of developing certain types of lymphoma (such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia).

Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation: People exposed to certain chemicals or radiation may be at higher risk for developing certain types of lymphoma (such as hairy cell leukemia).

How is it Diagnosed?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose the condition include:

Lymph node biopsy. A pathologist examines a sample of tissue from a lymph node for signs of cancerous cells.

Blood tests. These tests can detect abnormal white blood cell counts, which are often high in people with lymphoma.

CT scans or MRI scans. These imaging tests can help doctors see if there’s any tumor tissue in the spleen or other organs outside the lymph nodes or bone marrow.

Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy (called a marrow test). This test involves removing a small amount of bone marrow through a needle and examining it under a microscope for signs of cancerous cells.

How is it Treated?

Chemotherapy: This is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body to reach cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. These drugs are not selective, meaning they will affect normal cells as well as cancer cells, which can cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.

Stem cell Transplantation: This procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy cells from a donor who has been matched for tissue type (e.g., blood type) and gender. Transplants are usually done when the patient has exhausted other treatment options, or their disease progresses rapidly.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies take a more personalized approach to treating cancer by targeting specific areas within a tumor or oncogene (a genetic mutation that triggers uncontrolled cell growth). These therapies are used in combination with traditional chemotherapy drugs to increase effectiveness for some cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.

Hematologists and Bone Marrow Transplanation experts at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, treat lymphoma and other blood disorders.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood. It can be either acute or chronic, and it starts when the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells crowd out normal blood cells, creating anemia, which causes tiredness and weakness.

What are the Symptoms of Leukemia?

The symptoms vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms are:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Bleeding or bruising easily
• Fever and night sweats
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Recurring infections

What are the Causes of Leukemia?

The causes are not well understood, but it is thought that the disease develops when a person’s bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal white blood cells grow in the spinal cord or central nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and paralysis. In other cases, these cancers can cause no signs or symptoms until they spread throughout the body.

How is Leukemia Classified?

Leukemia is classified by the type of white blood cells that are affected. The most common types of leukemia are lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

Lymphoblastic leukemia occurs when the body produces abnormal lymphocytes or white blood cells.

Acute myeloid leukemia occurs when a person’s bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells.

How is Leukemia Classified?

According to the American Cancer Society, there are several different types of leukemia. They include:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is children’s most common type of leukemia. Cancer begins in your bone marrow, where blood cells are made.

• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)is fast-growing cancer that starts in your bone marrow and affects your white blood cells. It causes anemia, which is when you have too few red blood cells to carry enough oxygen throughout your body.

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is slow-growing cancer that starts in your bone marrow and affects your white blood cells.

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is slow-growing cancer that starts in your bone marrow and affects your white blood cells. It causes anemia, which is when you have too few red blood cells to carry enough oxygen throughout your body.

What are the Risk Factors?

Risk factors include:

• Being a male
• Having a family history of leukemia
• Being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals
• Having been diagnosed with another type of cancer or an infection that affected your immune system

How is Leukemia Diagnosed?

It is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow. It can affect all age groups and races but most commonly affects children, adolescents, and young adults.

A diagnosis begins with a physical examination and medical history by a hematologist or blood cancer specialist. The doctor may order other tests to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to those of leukemia. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests (such as X-rays or CT scans), or tissue biopsies.

The hematologist will examine your skin, nails, and eyes by looking for any signs of unusual coloration or growths. Your lymph nodes will also be checked for swelling or tenderness. Your bodily fluids may be tested for increased white blood cells, which are an indication of infection; decreased red blood cells, which indicate anemia; or decreased platelets, which indicate bleeding problems.

A bone marrow biopsy may be performed to determine if there are abnormal cells present in the bone marrow, which is another way to diagnose the condition. Suppose your doctor suspects that you have it based on your symptoms and initial test results. In that case, he or she will likely order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine how far the disease has progressed in your body.

What Does the Treatment Involve?

Leukemia is treated in a number of ways. There are three main types of treatments: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. 

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of a drug to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. It does this by attacking the rapidly dividing cells that makeup tumors. Because healthy cells also divide quickly, chemotherapy can also kill some healthy, normal cells in your body. Chemotherapy can be given through an IV (intravenously), or it can be taken by mouth. 

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be given as one large dose or several small doses over time.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies help stop cancer cells from growing or spreading by blocking them from receiving signals to grow and divide. Targeted therapies are often used after chemotherapy has been ineffective at controlling your symptoms.

Bone Marrow Transplantation: Bone marrow transplants are used most often when there is no chance that your leukemia will go into remission without one. A person with leukemia who receives a transplanted bone marrow stem cell has a better chance of remission than someone who doesn’t receive the transplant.

Hematologists and Bone Marrow Transplantation experts at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, treat leukemia and other blood disorders in both adults and children. The Hematology department of Burjeel Medical City provides advanced care for patients with blood diseases. The department offers a wide range of services, including hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation.

Bladder cancer is a disease that affects the bladder, which is located in the lower part of your pelvis. The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine. Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called ureters. When you urinate, urine flows out of the body through another tube called the urethra. Bladder cancer is a disease that begins in cells in your bladder and spreads beyond it. It can affect other organs, such as the lymph nodes or prostate gland (in men).

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Symptoms of bladder cancer include,

• Urinary symptoms such as pain, blood in your urine, or frequent urination
• Back pain or pain in the lower abdomen
• Blood in your stool or vomit (may be caused by bleeding from the anus)
• Weight loss without trying to lose weight
• Trouble breathing or swallowing

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the bladder. It is also referred to as transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma. Normally, bladder cells are able to grow and divide in a controlled manner. However, when a mutation in certain genes controls cell division, the cells can continue to divide and grow without stopping, causing them to become cancerous. There are two main types of mutations: chromosomal and molecular. Chromosomal mutations are changes in DNA that occur when chromosomes break apart and then rejoin incorrectly. This can cause a change in how proteins are formed or stop them from being produced altogether. Molecular mutations occur when proteins don’t function properly or aren’t produced at all because they’re defective or missing altogether.

Types of Bladder Cancer

There are several types of bladder cancer, including urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer in adults and accounts for 90% of all cases. It usually occurs in the bladder’s inner lining and can be treated successfully with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Squamous cell carcinoma is another common form of bladder cancer that develops in the outer layer of cells lining the bladder’s surface. This type of cancer is typically treated by removing the tumor with surgery and chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells.

Adenocarcinoma is a rare form of bladder cancer that develops from mucus-producing glandular tissue inside the bladder. It tends to grow slowly but may spread rapidly if not detected soon enough.

Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer

The risk factors for bladder cancer include:

• Tobacco smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Occupational exposure to strong chemicals, including aniline dyes and rubber chemicals
• Exposure to radiation, like uranium or radon gas
• Genetic conditions such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
• Age: The risk increases with age. All people over 50 should have an annual test called a cystoscopy to check for early signs of bladder cancer
• Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop it

Diagnosis

Bladder cancer is usually diagnosed by cystoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests.

Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder. The doctor can look for abnormal areas that may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. A sample of tissue from any suspicious areas can be taken during cystoscopy for further evaluation.

Biopsy is the removal and examination of tissue to look for signs of cancer. The doctor performs a biopsy by inserting a thin needle into an area of concern through the skin and taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.

Urine Cytology involves examining cells in urine under a microscope to detect abnormal cells that may indicate bladder cancer.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of cancer cells and how advanced they are.

Targeted therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses drugs to block specific molecules in cancer cells, which can help slow down or stop the growth of tumor cells.

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps your body fight off disease by boosting your immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.

Bladder Cancer Surgery

Bladder cancer surgery involves removing the tumor, preserving the ureter, and reconnecting it with the bladder to prevent urinary incontinence.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT): This procedure is performed through a small incision in the perineum using a laser to cut out a portion of the tumor. The remaining part of the tumor is removed by shaving it off.

Cystectomy: This procedure removes all tumors in one operation. In some cases, it may be performed via laparoscopy, and in others, via open surgery. It can also be done using robotic technology for less invasive procedures.

Neobladder Reconstruction: A neobladder is a tube that connects an ileal conduit to a continent urinary reservoir (CUR). The CUR collects urine from your kidneys and passes it into your bladder when you are urinating.

Ileal conduit is a type of urinary diversion. It involves inserting a catheter into the small intestine and then connecting the catheter to a bag of fluid that can be drained. The ileal conduit is used when there is no bladder left after bladder cancer surgery.

Continent Urinary Reservoir is a type of urinary diversion in which two tubes are inserted into the bladder. One tube connects to the ureters and drains urine from the kidney; another tube connects to the urethra, and urine can flow through it directly into the bag of fluid. Continent reservoirs are used when there is no bladder left after bladder cancer surgery.

Our Uro-Oncologists at Burjeel Medical City have experience treating bladder cancer. They will work closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan that will meet your needs and goals.