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The Hematology/Adult Sickle Cell Program at Blumenthal Cancer Center treats Myeloma, Lymphoma, Leukemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. The Hematology/Adult Sickle Cell Program offers a full range of diagnostic, consultative and treatment services including clinical research. There is a range of treatment options depending on the patient's type of cancer and stage.

ABOUT THSESE CANCERS
Myeloma:
Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cells. White blood cells help fight off infection and there are several types of white blood cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies. Antibodies are part of the immune system. They work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from harmful substances, such as germs. Each type of plasma cell makes a different antibody. Normally, cells grow old and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. Cells continue to die and new ones replace them in an orderly fashion. With myeloma this process goes wrong. New cells are created and old ones do not die, and this creates a mass of tissue called a tumor. These abnormal plasma cells divide and make copies of them self. In time these myeloma cells collect in bone marrow and crowd out normal blood cells.

Lymphoma:
All types of lymphoma begin in cells of the lymphatic system. Just as described in myeloma, the lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system, which fights off infections and diseases. Normally these cells grow old and die then new cells take their place. But, this process can go wrong and a build up of abnormal cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor. The abnormal cells divide to make copies of themselves. They are cancerous cells and do not die when they should. They also do not protect the body from infections or other diseases and can spread to nearly any other part of the body.

Leukemia:
Bone marrow is the soft, inner part of bones. All of the different types of blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is made up of blood-forming cells, fat cells and tissues that help blood cells grow. Early blood cells are called stem cells. These stem cells grow in an orderly process to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and then invades the blood. It then can spread to the liver, spleen or other parts of the body. Cancers that start in other organs and then spread to the bone marrow are not leukemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia:
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited, chronic illness of the red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body tissues. In the blood of those who have sickle cell, most of the red cells are abnormal and do a poor job of carrying oxygen through the body.