Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. It is the most common type of blood cancer. Many people associate it with children, but it’s 10 times more common in adults.
Leukemia starts in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft tissue inside most bones. This is where blood cells are made. Blood cells come in three major types: white, red and platelets. All three are vital to your health. Leukemia causes changes in the level of blood cells in your body.
Types of Leukemia
Leukemia can be acute or chronic. Acute leukemia develops quickly and makes you feel sick right away. Chronic leukemia moves slowly and may not cause symptoms for months, even years.
Leukemia can be lymphocytic or myelogenous. Lymphocytic leukemia affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. Myelogenous leukemia affects all of the other blood cells.
The four major types of leukemia are:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
The leukemia specialists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center are leaders in the field. They work as a team to provide you with the latest advances in diagnosis, treatment and resources.
Why You Should Choose The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Experience
If you have leukemia, you will find the leading specialists you need at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. All our doctors are board-certified. The transplant team and hematology specialists have years of experience treating patients with all types of leukemia.
Academic Approach
Because we are an academic center, we offer some of the region's most advanced cancer treatments. We are constantly finding new treatments to improve lives. We use state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects. We also use the latest findings in cancer research.
Community
Our highly trained staff also are accustomed to working with community health care providers. In many cases, you can receive some of your treatment near your own home in coordination with the staff at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Care Coordination
Each person is unique, so we tailor your care to your personal needs. This means doctors, nurses and other staff work closely together to develop the treatment plan that best fits your needs. They discuss every patient’s treatment as a team to stay up to date on your care and progress.
Clinical Trials
We are part of many national clinical trials on cancer treatment. So, you benefit from our staff’s exposure to the latest options. You also may be able to take part in a clinical trial for leukemia during your treatment.
To Make an Appointment:
Call: 913.588.1227
Toll Free Call: 800.332.6048
Referring Physicians:
Call: 913.588.5862
Toll Free Call: 877.588.5862