Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal white blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells don’t die when they become old or damaged, so they can build up and crowd out normal blood cells. The resulting low level of normal blood cells can make it harder for the body to get oxygen to tissue, control bleeding, and fight infections. Leukemia cells also can spread to other organs, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and brain. There is no cure for leukemia, but it may be treated with chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, radiation, or stem cell transplant.
Acute leukemia usually develops quickly and tends to cause fatigue, easy bruising, and frequent infections. Chronic leukemia usually develops slowly, with the leukemia cells working almost as well as normal white blood cells. Patients may not feel sick at first, but if not treated the leukemia cells may later crowd out normal blood cells. Leukemias also are named for the type of white blood cell that is affected. Leukemia that starts in myeloid cells is called myeloid, myelogenous, or myeloblasticleukemia. Leukemia that starts in lymphoid cells is called lymphoid, lymphoblastic, or lymphocyticleukemia. The four most common types of leukemia are acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Why UAB
The UAB Medicine Leukemia Clinic utilizes state-of-the-art technology to screen for and treat leukemia. Our physicians are nationally recognized for their expertise and innovation in the field, and our research team is dedicated to improving treatments and, ultimately, finding a cure for these diseases. Because we are part of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB’s nationally recognized research programs, our patients may be eligible for medicines and treatments not available at other institutions in the region. Our Comprehensive Cancer Center is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country and is a leader in bone marrow transplantation. UAB Medicine's Bone Marrow Transplant Program is the only one in the state and has achieved a high level of success, even with difficult diagnoses.
A diagnosis of cancer can be stressful for patients, so we provide a nurse navigator to help organize your visit. The program streamlines your introduction to UAB Medicine by arranging for your medical records, setting your appointments, and guiding you through the process. This allows your treatment team to deliver more efficient care.
Images and Videos
Breast Cancer
Sonya Sutton was shocked when a routine breast exam led to the discovery of breast cancer. Learn more about Sonya's five year journey with cancer and why she credits UAB's team of oncologist and surgeons with her survival.
Welcome to the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB
The first day of your cancer journey can be scary and unknown, but as throat cancer survivor Sherry learned, meeting UAB's expert team is all it takes to know you're in the right place for superb cancer care. Welcome to the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, where your fight becomes our fight.


Related Conditions
Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMore from UAB
Around the Web
nlm.nih.gov
LATEST HEADLINES
-
Birmingham to Launch Non-Smoking Health District with Community Partners
- Publish Date
- 12/10/19
-
UAB, Highlands Hospitals Earn A’s on Patient Safety
- Publish Date
- 12/10/19
-
‘Wonders of Alabama’ Art Collection Donated to UAB by Energen Corp.
- Publish Date
- 12/9/19
-
Recovery and the Holidays: Tips for Celebrating Sober
- Publish Date
- 12/5/19
-
10 Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season
- Publish Date
- 12/4/19
-
UAB Addiction Recovery Program Adds Peer Support Specialists
- Publish Date
- 12/2/19
-
10 Ways to Help Prevent Birth Defects
- Publish Date
- 11/25/19
-
Miracle of Survivorship
- Publish Date
- 11/20/19
-
Veteran Henry Brown Reflects on a Life of Service and Activism
- Publish Date
- 11/6/19
-
A Poet Patient Shares the Prose of Her Life
- Publish Date
- 11/6/19
UPCOMING CLASSES AND EVENTS
- Transplant Wellness Group
- Spirituality Group
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Patient and Family Support Group
- General Blood Cancer Support Group
This group is for any patient who has undergone a bone marrow or stem cell transplant as a result of a blood cancer. The group also welcomes those who are contemplating a transplant. It meets the second Tuesday of the month at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, at 6 p.m. Light refreshments are provided.
To get more information and/or to register, contact 205.989.0098
Come explore your own spiritual, religious, or philosophical understanding of the world. For more information contact Chaplain Kelsey Blankenship - 205.801.7050 or kmblankenship@uabmc.edu
UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center - WTI 220 (Patient Education Center)
For patients and families living with a diagnosis of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease or Multiple Myeloma. Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Wallace Tumor Institute Room 220 at 12:00 p.m.. For information contact Alma Delgrosso, 205.989.0099.
This group is for patients and families living with any type of blood cancer. It meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at noon at the American Cancer Society offices in Southside. Lunch is provided.
To get more information and/or to register, contact 205.989.0098
Related Links
nlm.nih.gov