Diagnosing & Treating Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Since bone marrow makes red and white blood cells, many of which help fight off infection and disease, cancer affecting these cells can lower your immune system's capabilities to fight.
Treatment for leukemia includes:
The Williamsport, PA oncologists at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center are committed to creating a personalized treatment plan for your leukemia, so you don’t have to fight this cancer alone.
Types of Leukemia
There are four common types of leukemia:
- Acute. This type of leukemia refers to fast-growing cancer.
- Chronic. This type of leukemia refers to slow-growing cancer.
- Lymphocytic. This type of leukemia affects the lymphocytes, or immune system cells.
- Myelogenous. This type of leukemia affects the red and white blood cells and/or platelets.
Leukemia Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of leukemia can include:
- Unexplained fever or chills
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Excessive sweating
State-of-the-Art Leukemia Treatment
Treatment options we recommend for your leukemia may include radiation, chemotherapy or surgery, depending on the type of leukemia you are experiencing.
At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we want you to know that you are not alone as you seek treatment for leukemia in Williamsport or Wellsboro. In fact, you will come in contact with our oncologists, hematologists, nurses and other team members who are here for you during this difficult time. We are all committed to working together to help you beat your cancer.
UPMC has two cancer centers in Williamsport and Wellsboro, PA that can treat people who have been diagnosed with leukemia