Blood grouping is one of the most important steps in medical science, especially before blood transfusion, organ transplant, or pregnancy care. While most people are familiar with forward blood grouping (testing a person’s red blood cells), fewer know about reverse blood grouping—an equally essential step to confirm accuracy. What is Reverse Blood Grouping? Reverse blood grouping, also known as serum grouping or back typing, is a laboratory test used to identify the antibodies present in a person’s plasma/serum. In this test, the patient’s serum is mixed with known red blood cells (A, B, and O cells). The reaction (clumping or no clumping) helps detect the natural antibodies and confirms the person’s blood group. It is called reverse because, unlike forward grouping (which looks at antigens on red cells), this test looks at the antibodies in plasma. Why is Reverse Blood Grouping Important? 1. Accuracy Check – It cross-verifies the results of forward blood grouping. 2. Error Detect...
Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Here are some key points:
What is Cancer?
Definition:
Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably and spread to
other parts of the body. These cells can form tumours, which can be benign
(non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Causes:
Cancer can be caused by genetic mutations, environmental factors (such as
smoking, radiation, and chemicals), lifestyle factors (such as diet and
physical activity), and infections.
Types of Cancer
Carcinomas:
Cancers that start in the skin or the tissues that line internal organs.
Sarcomas:
Cancers that begin in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or other connective
tissues.
Leukaemia:
Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow.
Lymphomas
and Myelomas: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Central
Nervous System Cancers: Cancers that begin in the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms
Symptoms
vary depending on the type and location of the cancer but can include lumps,
unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and changes in skin or bowel habits.
Diagnosis
Imaging
Tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Biopsies:
Taking a sample of tissue for examination.
Blood
Tests: To look for cancer markers.
Treatment
Options
Surgery:
Removing the tumor.
Chemotherapy:
Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Radiation
Therapy: Using high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:
Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted
Therapy: Using drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth
and spread.
Prevention
Lifestyle
Changes: Such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising
regularly.
Screening:
Regular screenings for certain types of cancer can help detect the disease
early when it is most treatable.
Benign Tumours
Definition:
Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths of cells that do not invade nearby
tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Types:
Common types include adenomas (glandular tissue), lipomas (fat cells), fibromas
(fibrous tissue), and haemangiomas (blood vessels).
Malignant Tumours
Definition:
Malignant tumours are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to
other parts of the body.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests, biopsies, and staging to determine
the extent of spread.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
How
Chemotherapy Works
Mechanism:
Chemotherapy drugs target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which is a
characteristic of cancer cells12.
Administration:
It can be given orally, intravenously, or through other methods depending on
the type and stage of cancer1.
Types of
Chemotherapy Drugs
Alkylating
Agents: Damage the DNA of cancer cells to prevent them from multiplying.
Antimetabolites:
Interfere with DNA and RNA growth by substituting the normal building blocks of
RNA and DNA.
Topoisomerase
Inhibitors: Prevent cancer cells from dividing by interfering with enzymes
called topoisomerases2.
Mitotic
Inhibitors: Stop cancer cells from dividing by inhibiting mitosis2.
Antitumor
Antibiotics: Different from antibiotics used to treat infections, these drugs
interfere with DNA replication2.
Side
Effects
Common Side
Effects: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and increased risk of
infection12.
Managing
Side Effects: Doctors can prescribe medications to help manage side effects,
and supportive care is often provided1.
Uses of
Chemotherapy
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