Comprehensive Care for Leukemia and Blood Cancers

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Catholic Health Cancer Institutes across Long Island offer the latest treatment options for patients diagnosed with blood cancer. The three main types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia found in adults. Our compassionate cancer team supports patients from diagnosis to treatment to follow-up and survivorship care.

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® is rated by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma.

Blood Cancer Testing for Early Detection

Most blood cancers start in the body's bone marrow and interfere with the function of normal blood cells. It causes the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The bone marrow's ability to produce platelets and red blood cells is reduced. Our team of hematologists-oncologists at Catholic Health Cancer Institutes use blood tests to detect blood cancer in its earliest stages when it’s most treatable.

  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Enlarged spleen or liver
  • Excessive sweating, especially at night
  • Extreme thirst
  • Fever or chills
  • Frequent nose bleeds
  • Persistent weakness or fatigue
  • Recurrent or severe infections
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Tiny red spots in your skin called petechiae
  • Unexplained weight loss

Blood Cancer Types

Leukemia develops in your blood-forming tissues, such as your bone marrow and lymphatic system. It typically affects your white blood cells. White blood cells are produced in your bone marrow. They help your body fight infection and ward off disease. When working correctly, your bone marrow produces white blood cells. These cells grow and divide as needed.

Leukemia interferes with this healthy process and causes your bone marrow to develop large quantities of abnormal white blood cells.

There are four main types of leukemia:

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) — begins in your bone marrow and progresses depending on its type. CLL is the most common form of leukemia in adults.
  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) — causes too many white blood cells called lymphocytes or lymphoblasts. It may occur in adults but is most commonly found in children.
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — occurs when there are changes to the genetic material in your bone marrow, leading to infection, anemia and abnormal bleeding.
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) — occurs when you have a gene mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome. CML may cause few symptoms for a long time and then enter a period where they multiply rapidly.

Lymphoma affects the part of your immune system called the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system includes your lymph glands, thymus gland, bone marrow and spleen. Lymphoma can affect all or part of those areas as well as other organs throughout your body.

The two main types of lymphomas are:

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma — cancer of your lymphatic system that causes large abnormal cells, called Reed-Sternberg cells, to develop in your lymph nodes. It is the most common form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Hodgkin’s lymphoma — lymphoma that starts in your lymphatic system that does not contain Reed-Sternberg cells.

Multiple myeloma affects your plasma cells and their ability to develop normally. Plasma cells are produced in your bone marrow. They make antibodies that fight infection and protect you from disease. Multiple myeloma causes cancerous plasma cells to build up in your bone marrow and cause tumors that crowd out normal blood cells.

Our Team and Approach

Catholic Health's blood cancer and leukemia experts work closely with you to create customized treatment plans based on the type and stage of cancer and your needs and preferences.

Our multidisciplinary approach gives you access to a team of compassionate cancer specialists, including board-certified oncologists and hematologists-oncologists as well as registered nurse navigators and infusion/chemotherapy nurses. If you need diagnostic imaging, our board-certified radiologists use the latest technology for accurate results.

At Catholic Health, we care for the entire person. Our cancer team includes social workers and spiritual care staff who are available to provide comfort and support to you and your loved ones.

 

Meet our cancer care team

Quality Care Close to Home

Catholic Health Cancer Institutes in Nassau and Suffolk counties offer clinical excellence close to home. You can access the most advanced and latest blood cancer and leukemia treatments.

Find a Catholic Health Cancer Institute near you 

 

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Catholic Health Cancer Institutes are accredited for excellence in care.

Clinical Excellence. Compassionate Care.

Cancer Treatments

Customized treatment plans tailored to cancer type and stage.

Clinical Trials

In partnership with Roswell Park, we offer the newest and most innovative treatments available only through clinical trials.

Cancer Survivorship

Catholic Health is committed to helping you on your journey to optimal wellness.