San Diego, California
October 5-7, 2025
Blood cancer
Blood cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast.
Understanding blood cancer
Cancer can start almost anywhere in the body, affecting tissues, organs, and systems in different ways. Better outcomes begin with early detection and individualized care.
Types of blood cancers
- LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming tissues, primarily the bone marrow and lymphatic system.LymphomaChatGPT said:
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system—a key part of the immune system that includes lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow that normally produces antibodies to fight infection.Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.Common symptoms-
A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm that feels different from surrounding tissue - Change in breast size, shape, or appearance, including swelling or visible distortion
- Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling
- Nipple changes, such as inversion (turning inward), pain, or discharge (especially bloody or clear)
- Persistent breast pain or tenderness not linked to the menstrual cycle
- Changes in skin texture resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange)
Testings options in our labWe provide companies and institutions with legal services for business and private clients- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Measures red cells, white cells, platelets; abnormalities may suggest leukemia, MDS, or other blood disorders.
- Peripheral Blood Smear – Microscopic examination of blood cells for size, shape, and maturity.
- Blood Chemistry Panel – Checks organ function (kidney, liver), calcium levels (important in multiple myeloma).
- Protein Tests (e.g., Serum Protein Electrophoresis, Immunofixation) – Detect abnormal antibodies (M protein) in multiple myeloma.
- Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) – Often elevated in aggressive lymphomas and leukemias.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration – Removes liquid marrow for analysis of cell types and counts.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy – Removes a small core of marrow to examine structure and infiltration by abnormal cells.
- Karyotyping – Looks at chromosomes for structural abnormalities.
- Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) – Detects specific genetic changes linked to certain blood cancers.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) – Detects minimal residual disease and specific gene mutations.
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) – Profiles multiple cancer-related genes at once.
- Flow Cytometry – Identifies specific cell surface markers to classify cancer type (e.g., B-cell vs. T-cell lymphoma).
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) – Detects proteins on cell surfaces or inside cells for diagnosis and classification.
- X-rays – Detect bone damage (multiple myeloma).
- CT Scan / MRI / PET Scan – Assess lymph node involvement, organ enlargement, or bone lesions.
Urine Protein Electrophoresis & Immunofixation – Detect light chains (Bence-Jones proteins) in multiple myeloma.Useful guidesExplore resources for valuable insights into pathology and molecular testing. Access our collection of articles, case studies, and educational materials to enhance your understanding of our diagnostic solutions.FAQ
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow and divide in an abnormal way, forming a lump or tumor. It can be non-invasive (stays in the ducts or lobules) or invasive (spreads into nearby tissue and possibly other parts of the body).- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin changes (redness, dimpling, puckering)
- Nipple changes (inversion, discharge, or pain)
- Persistent breast pain
- Note: Many breast changes are not cancer, but any new symptom should be checked by a doctor.
Both women and men can develop breast cancer, though it is much more common in women.- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Inherited genetic changes (like BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Lack of physical activity, obesity, alcohol use
- Previous chest radiation
You can’t completely prevent it, but you can lower your risk by:- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
- Not smoking
- Talking to your doctor about screening and, if needed, genetic testing
Screening tests can find breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear. These include:- Mammogram (main screening test)
- Ultrasound or MRI for higher-risk patients
- Breast self-awareness (knowing your normal look and feel)
If something suspicious is found, your doctor may order:- Imaging tests (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI)
- Biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue for lab testing)
Staging describes how large the tumor is and if it has spread. Stages range from 0 (non-invasive) to IV (spread to other parts of the body).Treatment depends on the type and stage. Options include:- Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy (for some cases)
Some chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Your care team can suggest ways to manage this, like wigs or scalp-cooling devices.Many people work during treatment, but it depends on the treatment type, side effects, and your overall health.It can recur, but your doctor will help you create a follow-up care plan to lower the risk and monitor for changes.- Local and online support groups
- Counseling or therapy
- Patient navigators and nonprofit cancer organizations
- Friends and family support networks
Don’t wait. Contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation as soon as possible.