Leukemia Stages / Staging
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Video: Cancer Staging
Dr. Timothy McCay explains what the stages of cancer mean and how this information is determined. He also discusses why determining the stage of cancer is critical to treatment planning.Cancer Staging
Dr. Timothy McCay explains what the stages of cancer mean and how this information is determined. He also discusses why determining the stage of cancer is critical to treatment planning.
Stages of Leukemia
In order to determine which leukemia treatments will be best suited to you, your CTCA care team will learn the type and stage (extent) of the disease.
Most cancers are staged based on the size and spread of tumors. However, because leukemia already occurs in the developing blood cells within the bone marrow, leukemia staging is a little bit different. The stages of leukemia are often characterized by blood cell counts and the accumulation of leukemia cells in other organs, like the liver or spleen.
Staging by Type of Leukemia
Leukemia stages vary based on disease type. And, some of the leukemias may be broken out into subtypes during the staging process.
The acute types of leukemia (AML and ALL), are sometimes staged based on the type of cell involved and how the cells look under a microscope. This is called the French-American-British (FAB) classification system.
Lymphocytic leukemias (CLL and ALL) occur in a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. The white blood cell count at the time of diagnosis may be used to help stage the leukemia. Likewise, staging for myeloid leukemias (CML and AML) is based on the number of myeloblasts (immature white blood cells) found in the blood or bone marrow.
Factors Affecting Leukemia Staging and Prognosis
- White blood cell or platelet count
- Age (advanced age may negatively affect prognosis)
- History of prior blood disorders
- Chromosome mutations or abnormalities
- Bone damage
- Enlarged liver or spleen
Planning Treatment for Leukemia
Once your CTCA care team knows the type and stage of leukemia, we can plan your treatment. We’ll work closely with you to answer your questions about the leukemia staging process and plan treatment that is tailored to your needs, lifestyle and personal preferences.
To learn more about our cancer hospitals and the leukemia treatment options available to you, contact us at 1-800-615-3055 or Chat Online. We’re available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
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