Blood Cancer
Expert care for leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
What you need to know about blood cancer
- Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells; the cancer cells are mainly in the bone marrow and blood, although it can spread to other places.
- Lymphoma begins in the lymph nodes or other organs. There are two types — Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
- Multiple myeloma begins in the plasma cells (white blood cells that make antibodies).
Blood cancer specialists
Legacy Cancer Institute, located in Portland, OR, ranks among the nation’s best cancer programs. We have a team of cancer specialists who work together to diagnose and develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Find the right provider and treatment close to home.
Legacy Cancer Institute is accredited as an integrated network cancer program by the American College of surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Learn more about our quality cancer care.
Understanding your blood cancer diagnosis
Depending on the type of blood (hematological) cancer you have, your doctor may conduct tests to learn more about your cancer and to see if it has spread. They include blood tests, bone marrow tests, imaging tests, lymph node biopsy, lumbar puncture or urine tests.
Possible tests include:
- Blood tests: Tests for blood counts (white, red, platelets), chemistry test (kidney function, liver function), disease-specific tumor markers.
- Bone marrow testing
- Immunohistochemistry: A test that uses antibodies to tell the difference between types of cancer
- Cytogenetic analysis: A lab test where cells of sample tissues are put under the microscope to look for changes in chromosomes
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): A lab test looking for genes or chromosomes in cells and tissues. This type of test looks for genetic markers.
- Immunotyping: Used to identify cells based on the antigens or markers on the cell surface
- Chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI: Imaging technology to look inside the body
- Lumbar puncture: Collecting cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal column
- Biopsy of a lymph node or other tissue: Collecting tissue with a needle or by surgical removal to determine the type of cancer you may have
- Heart tests including echocardiogram or MUGA (multigated acquisition) scan creates video images of the lower chambers of the heart to check whether they are pumping blood properly.
Blood cancer treatment options
There are several ways to treat blood cancers depending on the type. Options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation or stell cell transplant. People often receive a combination of treatments. Learn more about blood cancer treatment options. Learn more about blood cancer treatment options.
A stem cell transplant (also called cellular therapy) may be an option for certain types of blood cancer. Legacy is a nationally accredited transplant center, in conjunction with the Northwest Marrow Transplant Program. Learn more about stem cell transplantation.
Other new types of cancer treatments are being tested. Talk to your doctor about options or see if a clinical trial may be right for you.
More support
You are not alone. Legacy offers support throughout your cancer journey, as well as care for your emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Nurse navigators
Legacy Cancer Healing Center
Support groups and classes
Cancer rehabilitation
Survivorship services
More information
Stem cell transplant
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
Leukemia quiz
About white cell count
Hodgkin lymphoma: Tests after diagnosis
Hodgkin lymphoma: Newly diagnosed
Multiple myeloma: Newly diagnosed
National Cancer Institute: Acute myeloid leukemia
National Cancer Institute: Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment
National Cancer Institute: Multiple myeloma treatment
