Best California Hematopathologists

Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder. It alters the shape of the red blood cells (RBCs). This decreases their ability to carry oxygen. It can also cause acute episodes of pain. These are called a sickle cell crisis. The body will also destroy the sickle cells. The loss of RBCs results in Anemia.

Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system drains excess fluid from the tissues. It also helps protect against infections.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a general name. It applies to many types of lymphomas. There are several different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. They are based on the cell type that is involved and the patterns of growth. Treatment will vary according to type.

Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare form of cancer. It involves white blood cells called B lymphocytes. White blood cells protect the body from infections and cancers. HCL gets its name from the tiny hair-like projections that protrude from the surface of these cancer cells. Illness results from the accumulation of these cancer cells in the bone marrow and spleen.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's Lymphoma , also referred to as Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps protect the body against infection and disease. It consists of a network of lymph vessels and small structures that are called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body.

Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells and the cells from which they develop. The word cancer refers to diseases in which certain cells in the body become abnormal and grow unchecked. In this case, the abnormal cells are white blood cells and their precursors. Leukemia cells do not function normally and cannot do what normal white blood cells do, such as fight infections. In addition to the abnormal cells in the blood, other, normal elements such as platelets and red cells may be decreased, leading to anemia and clotting problems.

Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic Anemia is a noncontagious disease which occurs when the bone marrow stops producing blood cells. Bone marrow is the red, spongy, inner part of the bone and is responsible for supplying the body with three types of blood cells: red blood cells which deliver oxygen to all parts of the body, white blood cells which protect the body from germs, and platelets needed for blood to clot. This disease can affect anyone of any age, race, or gender.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of Leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells, and evidenced by excess lymphoblasts. ALL causes immature white blood cells to be overproduced in the bone marrow. This causes damage to normal cells and eventually death through overcrowding. ALL is most common in children 2-5 years old and the elderly.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. With AML, the bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells including:

Myeloblasts-a type of white blood cell, fight infection Red blood cells (RBCs)-carry oxygen Platelets-makes blood clot, stops bleeding in cuts or bruises AML begins in immature myeloblasts and progresses very quickly. It may also be the end state of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). AML may occur in either children or adults.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. With CLL the bone marrow makes too many of these cells. CLL begins in mature lymphocytes. It progresses gradually. It may be indolent (slow growing) for many years. You may have little or no trouble. It may also eventually progress to a more aggressive form of leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Some forms of CLL may be more serious. This is because leukemia involves the cells of the immune system. These cells that are needed to resist infection.

Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. With CML, the bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells including:

Myeloblasts-a type of white blood cell, fight infection Red blood cells (RBCs)-carry oxygen Platelets-makes blood clot, stops bleeding in cuts or bruises CML progresses gradually. It is often slow growing for many years. Eventually, it may transform itself into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This is a more aggressive type of leukemia. It progresses much more rapidly and is more serious.