According to statistics from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer. Today, almost 350,000 people are living with, or in remission from, leukemia in the United States, with an additional 60,000 people expected to be diagnosed this year.
Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children, while other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults. At Hematology/Oncology of the North Shore, our skilled professionals are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, while providing the utmost in state-of-the-art and compassionate patient care.
The bone marrow makes two kinds of blood cells: red and white. White blood cells help the body fight infection, and red blood cells transport oxygen and platelets, which aid in blood clotting. If these cells become mutated, they can grow in an uncontrolled fashion and become leukemia. The type of blood cell that exhibits abnormal cell growth determines the particular type of leukemia.
Treatment is tailored to the type of leukemia a patient has with additional consideration given to age, overall health, and the extent of the disease. Historically, leukemia treatments relied on traditional chemotherapy drugs. While these drugs can be effective, treatments developed over the past decade for some types of leukemias are more targeted, with fewer side effects and improved outcomes of care.
At the office of Hematology/Oncology of the North Shore, we're dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled care for blood disorders and cancers. For more information on the many services we provide, call 847-675-3900.
By Hematology/Oncology of the North Shore
October 15, 2021