Blood and Bone Marrow Cancer

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Overview

We treat all types of blood and bone marrow cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. And we treat you where you are most comfortable, near home and loved ones.

Types of Blood and Bone Marrow Cancers

Blood cancer occurs when the bone marrow makes immature blood cells at a very fast rate. When this happens, the body loses its ability to fight infection, carry oxygen and stop bleeding. Because of this, blood cancer can become very serious, very fast.

If you have a blood cancer diagnosis it's important to receive care from a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood (called a hematologist). A hematologist has expert knowledge and ready access to sophisticated medical technology.

Blood cancers can be divided into three categories called:

Lymphoma, which is a blood cancer that occurs in a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. These cells provide immunity and help to fight infection. Swollen lymph nodes are one of the most common signs of lymphoma, along with unintentional weight loss, night sweats and feeling “full."

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Treatment of lymphoma includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant and, rarely, surgery.

Leukemia, which is a blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow, where all blood cells originate. It can be an acute cancer or a chronic cancer. While both types are serious, acute leukemias are a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. Unusual or unexplained bleeding, fevers, and severe fatigue are common signs of leukemia.

There are four main types of leukemia: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Treatment of leukemia includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy and bone marrow transplant.

Multiple myeloma, which is a cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells make antibodies that help fight infection. When the plasma cells become malignant, they make too many antibodies that are not functional and that cause harm to the bone marrow, kidneys and bones.

Treatment for multiple myeloma includes immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

overview

At the Forefront of Cancer Care

At Luminis Health, we don't just treat the cancer — we treat the whole person. If you're diagnosed with a leukemia or other blood or bone marrow cancer, we offer:

Experienced oncologists. Our blood and bone marrow cancer specialists are at the forefront of today's research and technology.
State-of-the-art treatment. The Blood Cancer Program offers the latest in diagnosis and treatment options.
Nurse navigators. A cancer diagnosis frightens and confuses many. Our nurse navigators help you step-by-step through the process and connect you with the resources you need.
Cancer support services to help your well-being. Cancer is a major life event. If you or a loved one has cancer, we're here to help you every step of the way. We offer many different services and resources designed to fit your needs and give you a better, more comfortable experience.

Blood and Bone Marrow Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

People who have blood and bone marrow cancers don't always have obvious symptoms. Others have symptoms like anemia, night sweats and bone pain.

Diagnosing blood and bone marrow cancer

The tests your doctor uses to confirm or rule out cancer include:

Biopsy (examination of a tissue sample).
Blood tests.
Bone marrow aspiration (small sample of bone marrow from hip, thigh or breastbone).
CT scan, MRI or x-ray.
Chromosome and gene testing.
Urine tests.

CT Scan

Doctors order CT scans to understand symptoms and monitor cancer. CT scans can even catch diseases before they cause problems.

MRI

An MRI is a way to see organs, joints, blood vessels, and other structures in the body without using radiation.

X-rays

Doctors use x-rays to see if you've broken or fractured a bone or to diagnose conditions like pneumonia. Luminis Health offers x-rays on a walk-in basis.

Treatments

Treatment for blood and bone marrow cancer can include:

Chemotherapy, which is a treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually given by infusion or injection, but in some cases it's taken as a pill or rubbed on your skin. We use chemotherapy to cure cancer, prolong life or reduce symptoms.
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Bone marrow transplant, which is a procedure where we replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells, either from your own body or a donor.
Immunotherapy, which uses the body's immune system to to fight cancer cells.

To help ease your symptoms, you may also receive:

Antibiotics to treat infection.
Medication to strengthen your bones.
Blood transfusions if you're anemic.
Hormones to increase red blood cell production.
Kidney dialysis if your kidneys are failing.
Pain medication.
Surgery for bone injuries or to ease pressure on nerves.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one form of cancer treatment. It uses medicine to treat your cancer. Our specialists devise an individualized plan for you.

Radiation Oncology

More than half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. Here's what you need to know.

diagnosis-treatments

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A Network of Support

You won't only see a surgeon or medical oncologist when you come to our Blood Cancer Program. Your care team may include:

Nurse navigators.
Social workers.
Dietitians.
Oncology rehabilitation specialists.
Financial social workers.
Physical therapists.
Blood donations - One way you can support your family member or friend who has blood cancer is to donate blood. Blood donations can be life-saving for someone with blood cancer.