Leukemia and Lymphoma

At Mease Countryside Hospital, we believe that hope and healing go hand in hand in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma at our state-of-the-art oncology facility in Safety Harbor, Florida. Our highly specialized team of radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons has experience treating a wide range of hematologic cancers (blood cancers) including Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. From diagnostic testing to surgery and palliative care, we are committed to guiding patients through the entire treatment process in a caring and compassionate manner.

Diagnostic Testing for Leukemia and Lymphoma in the Tampa Bay Area

Leukemia and lymphoma may not produce any symptoms and some individuals are diagnosed with one of these diseases after having routine blood work performed. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, frequent infections, fatigue or unexplained weight loss, be sure to talk to your doctor.

The following diagnostic tests for leukemia and lymphoma are available at Mease Countryside Hospital:

• B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel – test for certain proteins called B-lymphocytes on the surface of white blood cells
• Bone marrow exam (aspiration and biopsy) – extraction of bone marrow to help diagnose blood cancers
• Immunoglobulin testing – tests the level of immune system antibodies in an individual’s bloodstream
• Immunohistochemistry study (IHC test) – lab test used by pathologists to detect certain antigens in bodily tissues
• Immunophenotyping – test that labels white blood cells with specific antibodies to identify leukemic cells
• Karyotyping – test that examines chromosomes to determine if genetics is a contributing factor in the development of a disease like leukemia or lymphoma
• RT-PCR – reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction is a genetic test that identifies whether a specific gene is being expressed in a sample

Leukemia and Lymphoma Treatment at Mease Countryside Hospital

Treatment of leukemia or lymphoma may take several different forms. One of the most common treatments for this diverse group of disease is chemotherapy, which is the administration of drugs that kill cancer cells. Systemic, regional or combination chemotherapy may be given through an injection or oral medication. Your experienced care team at Mease Countryside Hospital will help you and your family manage the physical and emotional aspects of treatment and its side effects. Additional treatments include biologic therapy (immunotherapy), targeted drug therapy, red blood cell transfusion, and lymph node dissection.

For a referral to a board-certified oncologist, please call the BayCare Customer Service Center at (727) 462-7500 or find a specialist near you.