Specialized Care for Hematologic Malignancy

At University Hospitals (UH) Seidman Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists treat every type of common and rare blood disorders (hematologic malignancies). Our expertly trained hematologic specialists focus on advanced treatments such as stem cell transplants and antibody-based therapies.

With a focus on research and discovery, our nationally recognized researchers and clinicians are making important discoveries in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic malignancies.

Cancers that affect the blood and lymphatic system are known as hematologic malignancies. These cancers may begin in the bone marrow or in the cells of the immune system. Some of the most common types of hematologic malignancies include:

• Leukemia: The rapid production of abnormal white blood cells is known as leukemia. Both acute leukemia and chronic leukemia can put patients at a very high risk for infections.
• Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer of the lymphatic system is called lymphoma. Abnormal lymphocytes turn into lymphoma cells and damage the immune system over time.
• Myeloma: Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies in the body and help it fight off diseases and infections.

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Understanding Hematologic Malignancies

Blood cancers interrupt normal blood cell development so many bodily functions are affected. There are a number of different symptoms of hematologic malignancies, including:

• Appetite loss
• Decreased urination
• Easy bleeding and fractures
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Persistent mild fever
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with a blood cancer, or would like a second opinion, a cancer specialist at UH Seidman Cancer Center can confirm an accurate diagnosis and begin an individualized treatment plan to address your specific condition. Our team may use a variety of diagnostic techniques, including:

• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsy using a small needle to remove a sample of the soft tissue within your bone
• Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans or x-rays
• Surgical node removal and examination is the removal of a lymph node to determine the nature of the malignancy

Once a diagnosis of blood cancer has been determined, our team is able to determine the stage, spread and severity of the cancer.

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Proven, Effective Care for Blood Disorders

A patient’s age as well as the type of cancer they have, where it has spread, and how fast it is progressing will determine how it will be treated. Stem cell transplants, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some of the most effective ways to treat hematologic malignancies.

Our multidisciplinary blood disorders team works together with other experts at UH Seidman Cancer Center and across the UH system of care to develop a treatment plan that is customized to each patient. Our care team consists of experts in:

• Cancer surgery (surgical oncology)
• Hematology (blood disorders care)
• Immunology (immune system care)
• Infectious disease
• Oncology (cancer specialists)
• Pathology (lab specialists)
• Pharmacy
• Pulmonology (lung specialists)
• Radiation oncology
• Supportive oncology

We also offer a variety support services to help patients cope with blood cancer. Experts in cancer support services, social work, stress reduction and nutrition work alongside our medical team to help patients improve their overall health and well-being.

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Comprehensive Blood Disorder Care Close to Home

You don’t have to travel far to receive exceptional treatment. Our UH Seidman Cancer Center is located at both a nationally recognized hospital and many locations across northeast Ohio so we can treat patients with blood disorders closer to home.

For more information on blood disorders or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today.