What Is Hematologic Cancer?
Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hematologic cancer, also known as blood cancer, refers to a group of cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. These cancers disrupt the normal production and function of blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and clotting blood.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hematologic cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type, but common signs include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, fever, joint pain, and anemia.1
Diagnosing blood cancer typically involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, imaging scans like CT or PET, and a biopsy of the affected lymph node or tissue.1
Types of Blood Cancer
There are three primary types of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. While leukemia primarily affects the blood and bone marrow, lymphoma targets the lymphatic system, and multiple myeloma develops in plasma cells, each presenting unique challenges and requiring tailored treatment approaches.1
Treatment Options
The treatment of blood cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Our dedicated team of cancer care specialists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Blood Marrow Transplantation
A medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore the body’s ability to produce blood cells.
Chemotherapy
Medications are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or in cases where surgery is not an option.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is a common approach that can be used to target and destroy cancer cells. We utilize a linear accelerator, which is a new automated technology that enables us to deliver the most accurate treatments possible.
Immunotherapy
This treatment helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be administered directly into the bladder (intravesical therapy) or systemically.
Targeted Therapy
Utilizes medications that specifically target cancer cells and their unique characteristics, inhibiting their growth and spread.
1 Yale Medicine. (n.d.). Blood cancers. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/blood-cancers
