Leukemia

Overview

Mayo cancer specialists treat all types of leukemia, a malignant blood disorder that develops in bone marrow, blood, and other tissues. Patients have access to all the standard therapies for these diseases, as well as many clinical trials of experimental treatments. The National Cancer Institute has designated the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center a comprehensive cancer center for its superior depth and breadth of capabilities.

All three Mayo Clinic locations treat adults. Children are treated primarily in Minnesota. See treatment of children with leukemia for more information about Mayo's capabilities.

Diagnosis

Experienced hematologists work with each patient to implement the most effective treatment. A patient with suspected acute leukemia requires a careful interview and physical examination by a physician. General tests can determine whether the leukemia affects internal organs. Blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy are also necessary.

Treatment Options

Treatment options depend on which form of leukemia the patient has:

• Acute Leukemia
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Chronic Leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Large granular lymphocytic leukemia
• Prolymphocytic leukemia
• T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

If a type of leukemia is not included in the list above, contact the Hematology Department at a Mayo location to learn about treatment options at Mayo Clinic.

About Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymph system. Leukemia is not one disease, but four main types and many subtypes.

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