Who Leads the Leukemia Treatment Team?
When you received an abnormal complete blood count (CBC) test result, your primary care physician most likely recommended you see a hematologist. These blood specialists are also oncologists who treat cancer. If you receive a diagnosis of leukemia, the hematologist will usually serve as the lead of your treatment team.
Along with the hematologist/oncologist, you may also meet with other physicians involved in your treatment process, such as a surgeon or radiation oncologist. Additionally, your care team may include oncology nurses, physician assistants, nutritionists, and social workers, who will work together to provide the best care possible.
What Is the Extent of My Leukemia?
Most people think about cancer in stages based on the size of the tumor. The process of staging leukemia is different since it doesn’t produce a tumor. Instead, the various stages of leukemia are typically identified by the count of blood cells and the presence of leukemia cells in other parts of the body. Each subtype of leukemia has a customized staging system tailored to the specific leukemia.
Which Leukemia Treatments Will I Receive?
Some types of leukemia grow slowly, called chronic leukemia. While other types are more aggressive and grow quickly. Chronic leukemias may be able to delay treatment until symptoms appear or become more severe. For more aggressive types of leukemia, immediate treatments are more likely.
Several treatment options are available to leukemia patients, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, also referred to as immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant. Patients may receive one or a combination of treatment methods.
Should I Get a Second Opinion?
Feeling confident about your leukemia diagnosis and treatment plan is important. Our hematologists/oncologists provide second opinions on blood cancer diagnoses and treatment plans. Some insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, but contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage is still a good idea.
To schedule a second opinion with one of our leukemia doctors, please request an appointment at the Compass Oncology location that is most convenient for you.