Leukemia

Houston Methodist specialists are among the best worldwide in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia and other blood cancers. We provide advanced care for blood cancer at locations across the Greater Houston area. 

Leukemia is cancer of the blood or bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made). Leukemia develops when cellular DNA in the bone marrow changes in a way that causes a cell or cells to behave in an abnormal way.   

There are four main types of Leukemia: 

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – The bone marrow produces too many abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This rare yet aggressive type of blood cancer is the most common childhood cancer. 
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) – The bone marrow creates a large number of abnormal blood cells. This is a rare yet aggressive type of blood cancer that develops rapidly without treatment. 
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) – Multiple genetic mutations cause the blood cells to produce too many abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This slow-developing, rare type of blood cancer typically affects older adults. 
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – A genetic mutation in immature myeloid cells (a type of white blood cell) causes the blood cells to produce cancerous white blood cells. This slow-developing, rare type of blood cancer typically affects older adults.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Blood Cancer

The multidisciplinary team of experts at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center provides innovative care tailored to your specific case. Oncology nurse navigators guide you through every stage of leukemia care — from diagnosis through treatment.  

Hematologists, oncologists and other specialists work together to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. We use advanced diagnostics and treatment options — including molecular testing, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant — to stop your cancer as quickly and safely as possible. 

Our pioneering research and clinical trials result in new therapies to treat cancer. Houston Methodist patients may access clinical trials offering promising treatments not yet available to the general public. 

We provide the same high level of leukemia care at each of our eight cancer center locations across the Greater Houston area. 

A risk factor is anything that increases your odds of developing leukemia, including genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. It is important to be aware of your individual risk factors. 

Risk factors vary by the type of leukemia. Common factors include: 

• Age – Some forms of leukemia occur primarily in children, while others are most common in older adults. 
• Chemical exposure – Exposure to chemicals such as benzene can raise your risk for leukemia. 
• Family history – Your risk of developing leukemia is increased if a family member has had the disease. 
• Genetic syndromes – Some genetic disorders such as Down syndrome heighten the risk of developing leukemia. 
• Radiation exposure – Exposure to high levels of radiation — such as in a nuclear accident — increases your risk. 
• Sex – Leukemia is slightly more common in men than women. 
• Smoking – Smoking is a known risk factor for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). 

One or more risk factors do not guarantee you will develop leukemia. At the same time, few or no risk factors does not mean you will not develop it. 

To discuss your specific risks and prevention tactics, book an appointment with one of our specialists. 

Identify Leukemia Symptoms Sooner

Leukemia occurs when your DNA mutates and begins to tell your cells to grow and multiply in a way that affects normal cell function and production. 

When you develop leukemia, you may experience symptoms very similar to other, more common diseases. If you notice a new or persistent symptom, it is important to identify the root cause. 

Leukemia symptoms often vary, depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include: 

• Bone pain – Bone pain or tenderness is caused by the accumulation of abnormal leukemia cells in the bone marrow. The pain is often felt in the long bones of the arms and legs. 
• Easy bruising or bleeding – Leukemia can cause a shortage of platelets, leading to easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. 
• Fatigue and weakness – Persistent fatigue and generalized weakness are common due to anemia, which results from the lack of healthy red blood cells. 
• Fever and night sweats – Unexplained fevers and night sweats can occur due to the body's response to the abnormal cells. 
• Frequent infections – Due to the decreased production of healthy white blood cells, individuals with leukemia are more susceptible to infections, which may be recurrent and severe. 
• Pale skin – Anemia can also lead to pallor or pale skin. 
• Shortness of breath – Reduced red blood cell count can cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. 

The only way to know the cause of a particular symptom is to see your physician. The early detection of leukemia allows for timely intervention and treatment.