Leukaemia is a blood cancer that usually starts in your bone marrow, a spongy tissue found in the centre of your larger bones. All of your body’s blood cells including red cells, white cells and platelets are produced in the bone marrow.
Leukaemia leads to the over-production of abnormal white blood cells. White blood cells are part of your immune system and fight off infection, but incorrectly formed white blood cells cannot do this. Their abundance also crowds your red blood cells and platelets and means they cannot work properly either.
You should see your doctor if you think you may have leukaemia symptoms. Your GP may examine you and find out more about your symptoms. If they suspect leukaemia, they will refer you to a hospital doctor called a haematologist, a specialist in blood disorders, for further tests.
Further tests might include:
There are several different types of leukaemia. They are named according to whether the leukaemia is acute or chronic, and the type of blood cell affected.
Chronic Leukaemia - occurs when white blood cells fail to die so they accumulate in your bloodstream, bone marrow and related organs and they overcrowd your healthy blood cells. Chronic leukaemia develops more slowly and may not require immediate treatment.
There are four main types of leukaemia:
Your treatment options will depend on the type of leukaemia you have, how developed it is, your age, and your general health. Early treatment improves the chance of achieving remission when the abnormal cells are no longer growing and dividing.
If you have acute leukaemia your treatment will usually begin immediately after diagnosis.
Types of treatment for leukaemia include:
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood cells in your bone marrow, usually the white blood cells.
At Ramsay Health Care UK, we understand the importance of providing rapid access to appointments, diagnosis and treatment for our leukaemia cancer patients.
Our expert haematologists will diagnose your condition or provide the all-clear, and they will discuss with you your recommended and individualised treatment plan that is developed with you based on your personal needs.
We offer friendly, reliable, and whenever appropriate virtual support to help look after you throughout your journey with us for the treatment of your blood cancer. We have the latest treatments and drugs for your leukaemia care.
Leukaemia treatment is usually provided in our outpatient or day units. Whilst visiting us you can benefit from free parking and also rest assured that we have strict protocols in place to minimise your risk of infection such as social distancing in our waiting areas, optimised patient flows, additional cleaning for common touchpoint areas, and adequate PPE.
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Julie Marson MP, Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford and the former Employment Minister, recently visited Rivers Hospital in Hertfordshire to meet local doctors, nurses and staff to see how the hospital is providing high quality healthcare for local people.
Six years ago Rivers Hospital launched their first Look Good Feel Better workshop. Ladies currently undergoing and also recently finished their cancer treatment join together for a morning of make-up tips, laughter and building new friendships.
Four years ago Rivers Hospital launched their first Look Good Feel Better workshop. Ladies currently undergoing and also recently finished their cancer treatment join together for a morning of make-up tips, laughter and building new friendships.