Blood cancer is a complex disease that requires expert diagnosis and treatment. The Penn Medicine Blood Cancer Program is a longstanding pioneer and leader in hematological cancer care. Our team is dedicated to fighting blood cancer through:
- Advanced diagnostic techniques
- Gold-standard treatment options
- Patient education and support
- Research and clinical trials to continuously develop new, more effective options
What Is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer, also called hematological cancer, occurs when abnormal cells in the blood grow out of control. The abnormal cells can crowd out normal blood cells, which have important functions in the body:
- Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout the body.
- White blood cells help fight infections.
- Platelets help blood clot.
There are three main types of blood cancer:
- Leukemia: Leukemia begins in early blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma begins in lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps fight infection.
- Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells in bone marrow. Plasma cells make antibodies that help the immune system fight infections.
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Cancer
The signs of blood cancer vary depending on type and are different from person to person. Symptoms may include:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever and chills
- Frequent infections
- Loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss for no apparent reason
- Pain the bones or joints
- Swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands), often in the neck, armpits or groin
How Is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis of the specific type of blood cancer is crucial to determining the most effective treatments. Our team has every advanced tool for precise diagnosis. Our specialists also have the expertise to interpret the complex results and what they mean for you. Tests may include:
- Blood tests to measure blood cells or detect proteins or chemicals in the blood that indicate hematological cancer
- Biopsies to test a small piece of tissue for cancerous cells
- Imaging tests to see whether cancer has spread and look for infections or other problems
Advanced Hematological Cancer Treatment Options
Blood cancer care is changing quickly, with entirely new kinds of treatments now available. Penn Medicine offers every option and is actively developing the next generation of treatments through blood cancer clinical trials.
Your treatment options may include any combination of:
Because blood cancer can affect organs and tissues throughout the body, our hematologists collaborate with other experts throughout the Penn network. Your team will include:
- Comprehensive cancer support services
- Nurse navigator to guide you through the process
- Infusion nurses to deliver medications
- Oncologists and radiation oncologists
- Palliative care specialists who can help manage symptoms and goals of care
- Pathologists
- Pharmacists
- Surgeons
Blood Cancer Care: The Penn Medicine Advantage
If you've been diagnosed with a hematological malignancy, you need care from specialists who are experts in the field. At the Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center, you'll find:
- A history of leadership in blood cancer: Penn is a pioneer and international leader in hematological malignancies. We helped develop many of the current treatments and teach others around the world about effective diagnosis and treatment.
- Expertise in each type of blood cancer: Our fellowship-trained hematologists (blood cancer specialists) concentrate on specific types of blood cancer.
- Guidance through the process: When you contact our team for diagnosis, you'll work closely with a nurse navigator specialized in blood cancer. She'll make sure you quickly get any appointments you need for tests and consultation. After your appointments, our team takes time to make sure you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
- Every treatment option: We offer every type of effective treatment for each kind of blood cancer. Options include the newest classes of treatment — immunotherapy and CAR T cell therapy.
- Help for even the most complex cases: We offer the most advanced treatment options, so we can help the most complex cancers. Even if treatment elsewhere has not been successful, we might have options for you.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.