How Does a Diagnostic Mammogram Differ from a Screening Mammogram?
Regular mammograms are an important part of women’s health care. A mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer before it grows and spreads,
Hematologic Oncology and Blood Cancer
Hematologic oncology is a medical specialty concerned with treating cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues. Specialists in this field help patients with a variety of cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. At Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), our hematologic oncology team provides treatment for patients with malignant blood disorders in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area, with more than 20 convenient locations.
What Is Hematologic Oncology?
Hematology is a medical field concerned with the blood and blood-forming tissues, while oncology is the medical specialty focused on treating cancer. Our hematologic oncology physicians work within both fields and focus on treating patients with blood cancers. Using a variety of treatment modalities, our doctors help patients with treatments and management of symptoms related to blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
What Types of Blood Cancer Do Hematologic Oncologists Treat?
The three main types of blood cancers treated at Regional Cancer Care Associates are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. We also provide services to patients with non-cancerous hematologic conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia.
Here are some hematologic cancers that our experienced specialists treat:
- Leukemia
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors of Blood Cancers
The risk factors for blood cancers are not completely understood. If you have concerns about risk factors, make sure to discuss them with your primary care or family physician.
Leukemia
Leukemia risk factors include exposure to chemicals such as benzene, as well as radiation, smoking, family history, and the presence of a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome.
Lymphoma
Risk factors for lymphoma include immune system diseases, such as lupus or celiac disease; viral infections, such as hepatitis C or Epstein-Barr; previous radiation or chemotherapy treatments for cancer; and exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
Multiple Myeloma
Known risk factors for multiple myeloma include being over age 65, of African-American descent, or male; having a family history of the disease; having a history of exposure to pesticides and fertilizers; or having an inflammatory condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to blood cancer, contact your primary care physician or other medical provider as soon as possible. Symptoms of blood cancer often include the following:
- Fever, chills, coughing, or chest pain
- High frequency of infectious illnesses
- Itchy areas of the skin or a rash
- Constant weakness, fatigue, or night sweats
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Swollen yet painless lymph nodes in the groin, armpits, or neck
- Changes in appetite or recurring nausea
What Will a Hematologic Oncology Examination Include?
When hematologic oncology patients are referred to Regional Cancer Care Associates, examinations will include tests to determine the type and severity of blood cancer. These tests may include the following:
- Blood work
- Bone marrow exams
- Diagnostic imaging tests
Hematologic Oncology Treatment Approaches
The approach taken by the experienced physicians at Regional Cancer Care Associates is always individualized. The medical team will determine the best options for the patient with cancer based on the nature of the cancer and the person’s overall health. The patient is informed and involved every step of the way. Treatment options for blood cancers include:
- Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to attack and kill cancer cells
- Targeted therapy, in which drugs are guided more precisely to kill cancer cells
- Immunotherapy, which strengthens the immune system to help the body kill cancer cells
- Stem-cell transplantation, which introduces healthy cells into the bone marrow
- Radiation therapy, in which high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells
Our doctors may use one or several of these therapies to treat blood cancer. While there may be side effects that result from these treatments, our experienced medical team is available to help with side effects management, including mitigation of fatigue, nausea, and anemia.
Trust Regional Cancer Care Associates for Advanced Hematologic Oncology
Patients with blood cancers can receive treatments from experienced specialists at Regional Cancer Care Associates. With more than 20 locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, our patients have access to convenient, caring, state-of-the-art care for cancer and blood disorders. Contact us today to learn more or to request an appointment.
we are here for you
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
RELATED ARTICLES
Early Signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) provides comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders to patients throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC, area.
Immunotherapy for Colon Cancer Treatment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colon cancer, identifying the treatment approach that’s best for you and your particular circumstances is
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.