Blast Crisis
What is Blast Crisis?
Blast crisis is a condition that occurs as a result of uncontrolled cell growth in the bone marrow and can lead to high levels of immature cells in the blood and bone marrow. It is a complication of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and generally occurs in people who have been living with either of these conditions for many years.
Symptoms of Blast Crisis
The symptoms of blast crisis include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Anemia
Diagnosis of Blast Crisis
A doctor will usually diagnose blast crisis through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests such as an X-ray or CT scan.
Treatment of Blast Crisis
Treatment for blast crisis is usually aggressive and may include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant. The goal of treatment is to stop the cancer from spreading and to bring the cancer under control. In some cases, a stem cell transplant may also be an option.
Outlook and Prognosis
Generally, the prognosis for blast crisis is poor. However, the outcome can vary greatly depending on a person’s age, overall health, and the type and extent of their cancer. It is important to remain hopeful and seek out treatment options to give yourself the best chance of fighting the disease.