Leukemia

Leukemia is the most common cancer among children and teens; it accounts for over 30% of cancers diagnosed in young people under 18. It is classified as a blood cancer, which account for 10% of all cancer diagnoses.

At the Riverside Cancer Institute, we’re committed to leading the fight against leukemia here in our communities throughout the heartland of Illinois and Western Indiana. Patients of all ages have access to advanced diagnostics, leading-edge treatments, experienced hematology-oncology specialists and a team committed to providing high-quality care to fight this complex disease.

To request an appointment with specialist close to home, call (815) 933-9660. You can also find an oncologist anytime online.

About Leukemia

Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, the soft tissue in the center of the bones where blood cells are produced.  Leukemia leads to an uncontrolled increase in the number of white blood cells being made. Life-threatening symptoms can then develop and cancer cells can spread to the bloodstream and lymph nodes. They can also travel to the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body.

Leukemia is divided into two major types, acute and chronic, and within those types are subtypes:

Acute: progresses quickly and includes:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) occurs when the body produces a large number of immature lymphocytes. The cancer cells grow quickly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. ALL prevents healthy blood cells from being made. Life-threatening symptoms can occur.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is cancer that starts inside bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. The cancer grows from cells that would normally turn into white blood cells.

Chronic: progresses more slowly and includes:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are found in the bone marrow and other parts of the body. CLL causes a slow increase in a certain type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancer cells spread through the blood and bone marrow. CLL can also affect the lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver and spleen; it eventually can cause the bone marrow to lose its function.
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside bone marrow. CML causes an uncontrolled growth of immature cells that make a certain type of white blood cell called myeloid cells. The diseased cells build up in the bone marrow and blood.
• Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is caused by the abnormal growth of B cells. The cells look "hairy" under the microscope because they have fine projections coming from their surface. HCL usually leads to low numbers of normal blood cells.

General Symptoms of Leukemia

Each type of leukemia has specific symptoms that are unique, but there are patterns that appear in nearly all types that include:

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Excessive sweating (especially at night)
• Fatigue
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount
• Recurring infections and fevers
• Pain or fullness in the upper left belly
• Swollen lymph glands
• Weakness
• Uncontrolled weight loss

Detection & Diagnosis

There are currently no routine tests for leukemia, so if you find that you are at risk, or showing one of multiple symptoms, it is important to see your doctor or one of our caring physicians. They may recommend diagnostic testing, such as blood or bone marrow test to check your white blood cell counts and see if there are detectible cancer cells.

Personalized Treatment

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with leukemia, rest assured you have some of the region’s best experts by your side. Our dedicated team – including hematologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, specially trained nurses and more – will work closely together with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
That may include immunotherapy – newer, FDA-approved medicines that help your own defense system destroy tumors. You also have access to leading cancer clinical trials, featuring promising new therapies before they become widely available.

Support for Every Step

We’re committed to providing the all the education, tools and resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of free or low-cost cancer support services, including nutritional, spiritual and financial counseling, rehabilitation, survivorship programs and more to meet your needs.