Lymphoma / Leukemia

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. Lymphoid tissue includes the lymph nodes and other organs that are part of the body’s immune system, which makes some blood cells and protects against germs.

Lymphomas fall into two major categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) and all other lymphomas, called non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Leukemia

Leukemia is the general name for four different types of cancers: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

These cancers are in the body’s blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow and the lymphatic system. The disease usually starts when a person’s bone marrow starts to produce a large number of abnormal white blood cells. These eventually block production of normal white blood cells, impairing the body’s ability to fight off infection.

Diagnosis

If you have a symptom or a test result that suggests lymphoma or leukemia, your doctor may order additional tests or procedures, including:

• Additional blood tests
• CT or CAT scan: imaging that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images
• MRI: a diagnostic procedure that uses large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body
• X-ray
• Positron emission tomography (PET): a procedure that uses a tiny amount of a radioactive substance to examine tissue and evaluate its metabolism
• Biopsy or aspiration: a procedure performed to remove tissue, cells or fluid from the body for examination.
• Ultrasound/sonography: an imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs.
• Complete blood count (CBC):  a measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood
• Spinal tap/lumbar puncture: a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal to measure the pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems

Treatment

Our expert physicians provide a range of advanced, multidisciplinary healing therapies using state-of-the-art technology, including:

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• High-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplant or peripheral stem cell transplantation
• Biologic (immune) therapy
• Surgery
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Blood transfusion
• Medications

Therapy and Support

Lymphedema Therapy (Complete Decongestive Therapy) for edema resulting from impairment of the lymphatic system. This outpatient therapy program is part of Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers’ range of services. For more information, please call 1-888-357-2396.

Lymphedema Support Group

For those with lymphedema or breast cancer, as well as cancer survivors, caregivers and families. Meets at Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. For meeting days and times, please call 203-255-5300.

For more information on cancer resources available at Bridgeport Hospital, you can also email us.