Blood Cancers

Blood Cancer Expertise You Can Trust

When you're facing a blood disease diagnosis, put your faith in us. Because for every test, appointment and treatment, our team of internationally renowned experts is here. We help you weigh the options and understand our approach so you can make the most informed decision possible. Trust that you're in good hands with a team that's with you through it all.

Personalized Cancer Care

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  • Clinical Trials for New Treatments

    We're working to find breakthroughs in hematologic cancer treatment through clinical trials. This dedication to discovery has paved the way for us to participate in numerous trials each year, giving our patients access to innovative treatments that aren't widely available.

  • More Hope and Better Outcomes

    Your health and recovery are our top priorities. By putting your recovery first, we aim to have consistently high survival rates that exceed local and state benchmarks for blood and marrow transplant programs.

  • Experienced Transplant Teams

    Our teams perform numerous transplants each year and have each essential step down to a science, from completing your personalized pre-transplant evaluation to providing the highest level of post-transplant care.

Blood Cancers and Conditions We Treat

No matter your unique diagnosis, we’ll devote all our expertise to you. Our oncologists are well-versed in treating these blood cancers with a focus on your whole-person healing.

Understanding Your Treatment Options

As you begin your treatment journey, it’s essential to realize that beyond traditional treatment, everything you eat, the way you feel and your mindset can play a role in your healing. It’s why we examine your whole health before creating your unique treatment plan. It’s also important to know that because no two cancer diagnoses are the same, your oncology team will personalize your course of treatment strategically, choosing individual therapies or bone marrow transplant procedures as needed. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include some, none or a combination of the therapies below.

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Cancer Specialists Who Specialize in You

When you or someone you love is facing cancer, we put our medical knowledge and concerned hearts to work, supporting you with everything we’ve got.

Count on our world-class physicians, surgeons, nurses, social workers and Nurse Navigators to guide your care with lifesaving diagnostic technology, proven cancer treatments and an unwavering commitment to your whole-person health.

Patient Testimonials

Whole-person care has a profound impact. When our patients trust us with their health, we know they’re trusting us with their lives. That’s why we’re committed to cancer care that helps them heal in body, mind and spirit. Here are their stories, in their own words, told from the heart.

New Cells Mean New Hope for Kids

AdventHealth for Children is home to the first Pediatric Cellular Therapy Program in Central Florida, giving families access to the highest level of care for kids who need a bone marrow transplant or cellular therapy. Discover how we'll support you and your child at every step.

Explore Patient Resources

You'll feel even stronger when you're surrounded by a loving support system. From our in-depth online resources and financial assistance tools to our restorative and pampering services after your treatment, we’re here with the practical, emotional and spiritual guidance you need.

Become a Donor, Save a Life

Every three minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia. For many, their only hope for a cure is a bone marrow transplant. Your selfless bone marrow donations make a huge difference in the lives of people and their families. With your help, our Blood and Marrow Transplant Program can perform more lifesaving transplants and help heal bodies, minds and spirits. Discover how you can give marrow, find a purpose and save a life.

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  • Question: What are the symptoms of blood cancer?

    Answer:

    There are many different types of blood cancer, and each one may have unique symptoms. However, all types share similar signs, including:

    • Frequent infections
    • Night sweats
    • Pain, discomfort or feeling full in the stomach area
    • Pain or aching in bones and joints that affect everyday activities
    • Shortness of breath
    • Tiredness that doesn’t improve with sleep
    • Unexplained bruising, bleeding or weight loss

    You can feel confident knowing our expert oncologists and care teams are here to help you understand your symptoms and set you on a path toward whole-person health.

  • Question: Can a complete blood count (CBC) detect blood cancer?

    Answer:

    Yes, a complete blood count (CBC) test can detect certain types of blood cancer, especially leukemia. These routine tests measure the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to highlight any abnormalities. If you’re ever unsure what your test results mean, your provider will be happy to discuss them with you and answer any questions you may have.

  • Question: What are the three main types of blood cancer?

    Answer:

    The three main types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

    Leukemia is a type of blood cancer found in your early blood-forming cells. Usually, leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, but it can start in other blood cell types. The high number of white blood cells can’t fight infection, and they don’t allow the bone marrow to produce other types of blood cells.

    Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, an essential part of our body’s immune system. Abnormal lymphocyte white blood cells turn into lymphoma when they multiply and collect in your lymph nodes and other tissues.

    Myeloma is a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Abnormal plasma cells build up and form tumors in different bones of the body, potentially preventing bone marrow from making infection-fighting antibodies.

  • Question: What causes blood cancer?

    Answer:

    Blood cancer is caused by abnormal mutations in blood-forming cells that begin to grow, divide and multiply uncontrollably. These mutations can start in the bone marrow, where the blood cells are made, or in the lymphatic system, which is the body’s defense against infections.

  • Question: Is blood cancer curable?

    Answer:

    Research shows that certain types of blood cancers are curable; however, not all of them are. For those that aren’t curable, they’re highly treatable if caught early. Several factors play a significant role in the curability of blood cancer, including the specific type of cancer, its subtype and the patient's overall health. If you’ve been diagnosed with blood cancer, talk with your doctor about your specific condition to find out your best next steps.

  • Question: How is blood cancer diagnosed?

    Answer:

    There are several ways to diagnose blood cancer, but the first step is usually a blood test. This test measures your red and white blood cells as well as your platelets to detect abnormalities that could indicate cancer. If your blood test shows signs of cancer, your doctor will then likely order a bone marrow biopsy to check for abnormalities in the blood-forming tissues. Other common methods for diagnosing blood cancers include CT and MRI scans.

  • Question: How is blood cancer treated?

    Answer:

    Treatment for blood cancer varies depending on the type, its stage and the patient’s overall health. However, common treatments for blood cancer include:

    • Chemotherapy: Powerful medications are used to eliminate cancerous and fast-multiplying cells or stop them from growing
    • Immunotherapy: Boosts your body’s immune system to fight cancer on its own
    • Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation targets and destroys cancerous cells
    • Stem cell transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells to produce new blood cells
    • Targeted therapy: Only targets cancerous cells and reduces damage to normal cells
  • Question: What are the early warning signs of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma?

    Answer:

    When it comes to recognizing the early warning signs of blood cancer, it’s important to remember that symptoms can vary depending on the type and subtype of cancer you have.

    In general, early warning signs of leukemia include:

    • Breathlessness
    • Easily bleeding or bruising
    • Fatigue
    • Fever
    • Long-lasting or more frequent infections
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Unexplained weight loss

    Early warning signs of lymphoma include:

    • Bone pain
    • Breathlessness
    • Chest pain
    • Cough
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Itching
    • Long-lasting or frequent infections
    • Rashes
    • Swollen glands
    • Unusual bleeding or bruising

    Early warning signs of myeloma include:

    • Bone damage and pain
    • Easily bruising and bleeding
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Frequent infections and fevers
    • Thirst and frequent urination

Find Blood Cancer Care Near You

Whether you’re concerned about symptoms or have been recently diagnosed, you won’t face blood cancer alone. Find the strength and support you need at our AdventHealth Cancer Institute. We offer specialized care for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other blood diseases — all coordinated through a trusted national network. Explore our locations or let our team guide you to the one that’s right for you, so you can focus on what matters most: healing.