Leukemia

Leukemia is less common than many other cancers. Some types happen mostly in children, and others mostly in adults over 55.

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): fast-growing, most common acute type in adults.
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): fast-growing, most common in children.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): slow-growing, most common type in adults; some people only need watching at first.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): slow-growing; often controlled well with daily pills.
• Your specialist will name your exact type, because treatment depends on it.

Most people with leukemia have no clear cause. Things that can raise the risk include:

• Getting older (for most adult types)
• Past chemotherapy or radiation for another cancer
• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene
• Some genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome
• A family history of leukemia (for some types)

• Feeling very tired or weak
• Pale skin or shortness of breath
• Frequent or hard-to-shake infections
• Fevers or night sweats
• Easy bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or tiny red dots on the skin
• Bone or joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes or a full feeling under the left ribs
• Some people, especially with CLL, have no symptoms and it's found on a routine blood test.
• At your visit, your provider checks for pale skin, bruising, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen or liver.

Leukemia is often first suspected from a blood test.

Lab tests your provider may order include: a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, a blood smear, a comprehensive metabolic panel, LDH, uric acid, and clotting tests.

If results are abnormal, a bone marrow biopsy and special tests on the cells confirm the type. The biopsy is always done by our hematology/oncology partner or by interventional radiology. We don't do bone marrow biopsies or imaging at our office; we refer you to trusted partners and review the results with you.

• Treatment is planned by a hematology or oncology specialist and depends on the type.
• Options may include watchful waiting for some slow-growing types, chemotherapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplant.
• Lower your infection risk: wash hands often and avoid people who are sick.
• Protect against bleeding if your platelets are low, such as using a soft toothbrush.
• Tell your care team about side effects early; many can be eased.
• Emotional support matters. Support groups, counseling and loved ones can help.

Treatment for many types of leukemia has improved a lot. Some types can be cured, and others are managed for many years.

Every person's situation is different. Your specialist is the best person to talk with about what to expect for your type.

Your primary care team at Moaddel Medical orders blood tests, looks into abnormal results, and refers you to our hematology and oncology partner, Wellness Oncology & Hematology (Dr. Omid Shaye, Dr. Ashkan Lashkari and Dr. Christopher Ho; wellnessoncology.com).

We help coordinate your care, manage your other health conditions, and support you and your family along the way.

We're at 7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 100, West Hills, CA 91307.