Overview

Blood Cancer Care in the Western Suburbs

For diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, you can depend on Northwestern Medicine for advanced cancer treatment.

Diagnosing Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma

Symptoms of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma mimic many other conditions, so it’s important to have your doctor conduct a thorough exam. As with all cancers, early detection improves the chances of a positive outcome.

Diagnostic tests vary depending on the type of blood and lymph cancer your doctor is trying to rule out. Diagnostic tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture to collect spinal fluid
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Lymph node removal

A diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma can only be verified by viewing cancer cells under a microscope.

Once the diagnosis is made, your doctor may need to assess the stage of the disease using:

Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma Treatments

Treatment for leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma depends on your age, overall health, the type and extent of the disease and your tolerance for therapies. We offer a wide range of treatments.

Chemotherapy
A combination of drugs is administered, either intravenously or orally, to treat cancerous cells that are growing out of control in the bone marrow or lymph system.

Radiation Therapy
In conjunction with chemotherapy, your doctor might use high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells in the blood or lymph system.

Immunotherapy
Also known as targeted antibody therapy, this treatment uses lab-created antibodies to fight cancer cells.

Transplant
Specialists in oncology and hematology (blood) may use bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplants for leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

Palliative Medicine
Side effects from cancer treatment can impact your quality of life and your body’s ability to respond to treatment. Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville and the Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Delnor is home to a diverse team of palliative medicine specialists who work with your oncologist to help relieve your pain and manage your symptoms. The palliative medicine specialists:

  • Treat pain and other physical symptoms of cancer, such as fatigue, nausea, trouble sleeping, poor appetite, breathing difficulties, and weight loss
  • Treat emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety
  • Improve your body’s ability to tolerate cancer treatments
  • Help you better understand tests, procedures, and options
  • Guide you and those who care for you to helpful outside resources

From your initial diagnosis throughout your care, the palliative medicine team at Northwestern Medicine can help you remain stronger in your fight against cancer and feel better, every step of the way.

Support Services for Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma

If you are battling leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources can be a vital component of your treatment and recovery. Living Well Cancer Resources serves as a gathering place, providing comfort and community to anyone experiencing the effects of cancer. The staff works to ensure that you and your family feel less isolated, better informed, more hopeful and empowered to take on the challenge of facing cancer.

Learn more about cancer support services.

Make An Appointment

The care team partners with your referring physician to ensure coordinated care from diagnosis through survivorship. To make an appointment with a blood cancer specialist, please call 630.352.5450 (Warrenville) or 630.232.0610 (Delnor Hospital campus). TTY 711.

Locations & Contact Information
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