Hematology and Blood Disorders
Whether you are fighting cancer or managing a blood disorder, the hematologists and oncologists at Main Line Health offer the comprehensive care you need.
Leukemia is a blood cell cancer involving abnormal production of white blood cells. White and red blood cells, and platelets, all form in the bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy part inside your bones. With leukemia, the white blood cells, whose purpose is to fight infection, begin to grow out of control and crowd out the normal blood cells. The disease can be acute, meaning it moves very quickly, or it can be chronic, or slow-growing. With either type, leukemic cells can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal if left untreated.
Although there is no definite cause of leukemia, certain people may be more at risk for this type of cancer, including those who have:
Depending on the type of leukemia, you may experience immediate symptoms or your symptoms may not show up for several years. People with leukemia may experience:
In order to diagnose leukemia, your doctor will perform a physical exam and review of your medical history. A blood test may reveal abnormal amounts of white blood cells compared to other blood cell types. Additional testing may include bone marrow biopsy to examine the cells inside your bones.
Treatment options for leukemia depend on your age, overall health, and the type of leukemia you have. This type of cancer is commonly treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant and targeted therapy, which pinpoints specific cancer cells and produces fewer side effects.
Chemotherapy is used to fight almost every type of cancer and is part of the comprehensive treatment plan created by our oncologists.
Specialists at Main Line Health offer a variety of radiation therapies to help treat cancerous tumors while preserving healthy tissue.
Whether you are fighting cancer or managing a blood disorder, the hematologists and oncologists at Main Line Health offer the comprehensive care you need.
From diagnosis and throughout treatment, Main Line Health cancer specialists (oncologists) provide compassionate care for you and your loved ones through all stages of cancer treatment.