Leukemia

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When you or a loved one receive a leukemia diagnosis, �۰�ͼ�� is here to help. Our multidisciplinary team with board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians work together through our tumor boards to create a personalized treatment plan for your cancer.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is cancer in the tissue that develops blood cells. It usually affects white blood cells and is one of the most common types of blood cancer.

Leukemia often begins in bone marrow cells. Changes in these cells cause white blood cells to build up in the body. These abnormal cells make it hard for blood to do its tasks. Symptoms may include bruising or bleeding more than usual, developing red dots on your skin and pain in your joints or bones.

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What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia Types We Treat

Our cancer experts treat all types of leukemia, including:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): Abnormal lymphocytes form in the bone marrow in this fast-growing leukemia. ALL is more common in children and can spread to other parts of the body quickly.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): More common in older adults, this cancer develops in bone marrow cells that make white blood cells (myeloblasts). There are different subtypes of this fast-growing leukemia.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL develops from changes in bone marrow cells that form lymphocytes. Doctors test for proteins to classify CLL into two types - one that grows slowly and a faster-growing type. CLL is most common in older adults.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): Mutations in bone marrow (myeloid) cells form an abnormal gene that causes cancer to develop. These changed cells build up in the blood and can spread throughout the body. CML is a less common leukemia that usually affects adults.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML): Too many monocytes form, creating a total white blood cell count that is too high. These abnormal cells begin in the bone marrow. CMML usually affects older adults.

How We Diagnose Leukemia

Our experts use different tests to diagnose leukemia. We talk with you about the symptoms you're experiencing and do a physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, our doctors may use:

Blood tests
Bone marrow tests
Imaging tests
Specialized leukemia tests:
Specialists examine cells under a microscope to see:
Changes to genes
How cells are growing
Whether cells react to specific proteins that blood produces to fight germs (antibodies)

Leukemia Treatments and Research

Our cancer experts work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Cancer treatments depend on the leukemia type and how quickly it is growing. Your doctor may recommend:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant
Surgery
Targeted therapy

Our experts and partners also research new ways to treat cancer. Please read about our work at our �۰�ͼ�� Research Center.