Explore Cancer & Blood DisordersLeukemia
What Is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that occurs when the body produces a large amount of abnormal or underdeveloped white blood cells. The cancer usually originates in the bone marrow. There are many different kinds of leukemia, with some being more prevalent in children and others occurring mostly in adults.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the type of leukemia, but common symptoms include easy or unexplained bruising, fatigue, fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, share your concerns with your doctor.
Diagnosis
To diagnose leukemia, your doctor will give you a thorough physical examination and collect information about your family history of cancer. The doctor also will likely order blood tests to check for a high occurrence of abnormal white blood cells. If further testing is indicated, a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis and aid your doctor in determining a treatment plan.
Treatment
Leukemia is frequently treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Immunotherapy and stem cell transplants are two other options that your team of doctors will consider when they create a treatment plan individualized for your type of leukemia.
Outcome
Leukemia is curable, and survival rates are climbing year after year. Due to groundbreaking research and clinical trials, a patient diagnosed with leukemia has a higher chance of survival than ever before, with the majority of patients surviving 5 years or longer after diagnosis.
Nurse Navigator
Amanda Kennan, BSN, RN
Hematology
Phone: 860-308-4483
Email: kennan@uchc.edu
Fax: 860-676-3437
Nurse Navigators are here to help you through your entire health journey, diagnosis through treatment.