Blood cancer
Blood cancer occurs when stem cells in bone marrow make uncontrolled, abnormal blood cells. They keep your blood from fighting infections and slows excessive bleeding control. We have many treatments, such as chemo, radiation therapy and stem cell transplants.
Blood oncology and hematology care in Kansas City
Blood cancers can be distressing, but our medical oncologists and hematologists are with you throughout all stages of your cancer journey.
At HCA Midwest Health, our cancer centers work together to advance the science and care of those with blood cancer. We offer personalized cancer treatment plans with leading-edge therapies.
Looking for a second opinion? We can help.
A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your medical care. Getting a second opinion from an oncology expert at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health is easy, convenient, secure and can all be done remotely.
A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your medical care. Getting a second opinion from an oncology expert at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health is easy, convenient, secure and can all be done remotely.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Types of blood cancers and disorders we treat
Our experienced oncologists, hematologists and medical team treat various conditions, including:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — This affects the development of white blood cells, and causes fatigue, bruising and chronic infections.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) — This slow-progressing condition usually affects older adults, causing fatigue and bruising.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia — Another slow-progressing condition that generally affects older adults, this type of leukemia is caused by a mutation in the chromosome, causing bleeding and fatigue.
- Hodgkin lymphoma — This affects the lymphatic part of the immune system, and limits the body's ability to fight infection.
- Lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) — This usually occurs in older adults, affecting the white blood cells and lymph nodes. It causes swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and bruising.
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) — This occurs when the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy cells.
- Myelofibrosis — This occurs when excessive scar tissue forms in the bone marrow and disrupts the normal production of blood cells. It can cause fatigue, anemia, enlarged spleen, difficulty breathing, bruising and bleeding.
- Multiple myeloma — This affects plasma cells (a type of white blood cell), causing possible damage to the immune system, bones and kidneys.
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) — This occurs when too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) are produced
Advanced hematology and oncology care
When you choose blood cancer care at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health, you have access to complex hematology services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Features of our blood cancer programs
Our facilities possess a variety of advantages for blood cancer care, including:
- Access to the latest treatment advances — We bring innovative care options, including community-based clinical trials and immunotherapies.
- Dedicated patient navigator — These dedicated oncology trained nurse navigators walk you through every step of your cancer journey, answering whatever questions you may have and referring you to the right team members.
- Multidisciplinary care team and patient cases conferences — Our team works together through every stage of the cancer journey to make sure our patients receive high-quality care and access to valuable support resources. Additionally, physicians across the Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Network discuss cases and develop optimal patient treatment plans.
- Oncology Alert patient care program — The only program of its kind in the Kansas City region, Oncology Alert focuses on quickly identifying and treating those who may be immunocompromised arriving in any of our cancer clinics or emergency room (ER). This program provides special training to ER and clinic staff to identify and address the unique needs of chemotherapy patients.
- Part of the Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Network — Sarah Cannon is one of the largest providers of blood cancer care across the U.S. and United Kingdom, performing life-saving blood and marrow transplants, also called bone marrow transplants or stem cell transplants.
- Staffed with oncology nurses — All of our registered nurses are chemotherapy certified, and a nurse manager, or charge nurse, performs daily rounds to ensure excellent care.
- Support services for patients and caregivers — Our cancer wellness program includes nutrition, psycho-social, rehabilitation and survivorship support.
What is blood cancer
Blood cancer causes the standard development process of bone marrow cells to be disrupted, affecting the creation and function of these cells and keeps your blood from fighting infection or preventing severe bleeding.
Many blood cancers begin in your bone marrow, where your blood is produced. Your bone marrow contains stem cells that develop into:
- Red blood cells: Deliver oxygen to body tissue through the circulatory system
- White blood cells: Part of the immune system that helps the body fights infections and diseases
- Platelets: Colorless cells that prevent bleeding, help the blood clot and repair damaged blood vessels
Blood cancer causes the standard development process of these cells to be disrupted. Cancer affects the creation and function of these cells and keeps your blood from fighting infection or preventing severe bleeding.
Blood cancer symptoms
Blood cancer can present itself in a number of ways, which may not always be apparent to a non-medical professional.
What to watch out for
Determining whether you have blood cancer requires the care of a trained medical professional, as many of the symptoms could easily be signs of different conditions. These symptoms are still problematic on their own, and should be assessed as soon as possible. Blood cancer symptoms can include:
- Coughing or chest pain
- Fever or chills
- Frequent infections
- Itchy skin or rash
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Night sweats
- Persistent weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
HCA Midwest Health is part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (816) 448-7737 or visit askSARAHnow.
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