Leukemia Specialist

What is leukemia?

Leukemia is the group of cancers that affect your blood and the blood-forming cells in your bone marrow. The several different types of leukemia are classified by where the cancer begins and whether it is a fast- or slow-growing disease.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

ALL is more common in children than adults. It begins in the bone marrow, where your blood cells are made.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

AML is most often diagnosed in older patients. It’s the most common type of leukemia found in adults. AML begins in your bone marrow but quickly spreads to your blood.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

CLL starts in the white blood cells in your bone marrow. This form of the disease primarily affects adults and accounts for a third of all leukemias.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

CML starts in the blood-forming cells of your bone marrow before invading your blood. CML is relatively rare, making up only 10% of all leukemias.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)

CMML mostly affects older adults. It begins in your bone marrow before spreading to your blood.

Leukemia in children

Around a third of childhood and adolescent cancers are leukemia, making it the most common cancer in young patients. In most cases, childhood leukemia is ALL.

What are the warning signs of leukemia?

While the symptoms of leukemia vary slightly depending on the specific type of disease, common signs of leukemia include:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Frequent or severe infections
• Unintended weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Tiny red spots on your skin
• Fever, chills, and night sweats
• Bone pain or tenderness

You should make an appointment a Wellness Oncology & Hematology if you or your child have any persistent symptoms.

How is leukemia treated?

The team at Wellness Oncology & Hematology provides customized treatment depending on the stage and type of your leukemia.

For example, if you have an acute form of leukemia, your oncologist could recommend aggressive chemotherapy. They could also prescribe medication to decrease infection, nausea, and vomiting. You might also have blood transfusions to replenish your red blood cells and platelets.

When your treatment is complete and you reach remission, you continue to have routine checkups so your oncologist can monitor your blood count and provide additional therapy if your cancer returns.

If you’re concerned about leukemia, call Wellness Oncology & Hematology or make an appointment online today.