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Leukemia occurs when your white blood cell count dramatically increases. By overwhelming the number of red blood cells and platelets in your body, an unhealthy imbalance occurs

Leukemia Diagnosis at Inspira

Symptoms of Leukemia

Each person will experience symptoms differently, but the most common signs of leukemia are:

  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Recurring or severe infections
  • Swollen lymph nodes, liver or spleen

Screening and diagnosis for Leukemia

There is no standard screening process for detecting early-stage leukemia. In most cases, leukemia is not found until a person goes to the doctor because they are experiencing symptoms of the disease.
 
If you have signs or symptoms that suggest leukemia, you may undergo the following diagnostic exams:

  • Physical exam – During this exam, your doctor will look for physical signs of leukemia, such as pale skin from anemia, swelling of your lymph nodes, and enlargement of your liver or spleen.
  • Blood tests – These tests will look for abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets.
  • Bone marrow test – This test will look for leukemia cells in a sample of your bone marrow. The bone marrow is removed from a hip bone using a long, thin needle. Specialized tests of your leukemia cells may help to determine the best treatment for your leukemia.

Our Approach to Leukemia Treatment

Treatment for leukemia will vary depending on the stage and type of leukemia as well as your overall health. In some cases, your doctor may choose to tackle treatment with traditional medications such as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Surgery may also be an option, as well as procedures like:

  • Bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
  • Immunotherapy
  • Blood transfusion (red blood cells, platelets)
A female doctor of Asian descent sits with a child patient who is fighting cancer. The patient is a preschool age caucasian girl. She is wearing a pink bandana to hide her hair loss from chemotherapy treatment. The doctor is embracing the child. They are talking and the doctor is comforting the sick girl.

Inspira Cancer Specialists

If you’d like more information about your or a loved one’s cancer care, or to receive a second opinion about a diagnosis, our team is here to help. 

Erev Tubb

Erev Tubb

Specialty

Medical Oncology

4.80 out of 5
Nandini N. Kulkarni

Nandini N. Kulkarni

Specialty

Surgical Oncology

4.80 out of 5

Why Choose Inspira for Leukemia Treatment

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