Patients and caregivers

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. In AML, bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that grow quickly and don’t work properly. These abnormal cells can crowd out healthy cells, leading to serious health problems. 

Symptoms of AML 

Symptoms of AML can appear suddenly and may include: 

• Feeling very tired or weak 

• Frequent infections 

• Easy bruising or bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums) 

• Fever 

• Shortness of breath 

• Bone or joint pain 

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor who can run tests to check for AML or other possible health issues. 

Diagnosis 

AML is usually diagnosed through blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is taken and examined for abnormal cells. Once diagnosed, treatment typically needs to start quickly, as AML can progress rapidly. 

Living with AML 

Living with AML can be challenging, but there are many support options available. Talking to your healthcare team, joining patient support groups, and learning more about your condition can make a big difference. If you’re considering clinical trials or new treatments, always discuss your options with your doctor. 

AML is a serious disease, but with early diagnosis and the right treatment, many people can manage the condition and even achieve remission, where no signs of the disease are present. 

Myelofibrosis is a rare type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow—the spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. In myelofibrosis, the bone marrow becomes scarred, and as a result, it can’t produce enough healthy blood cells. This can lead to symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and problems with bleeding or infections. 

What Happens in Myelofibrosis? 

In a healthy body, the bone marrow makes red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help with clotting). When you have myelofibrosis, scar tissue builds up in the bone marrow, which makes it harder for the body to produce these important cells. Over time, this can lead to: 

• Anemia (low red blood cells), causing fatigue and shortness of breath. 

• Low platelets, leading to easy bruising or bleeding. 

• Low white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections. 

As the bone marrow stops working properly, other parts of the body, like the liver and spleen, try to help by making blood cells. This can cause these organs to swell, leading to discomfort or fullness in the stomach area. 

Symptoms of Myelofibrosis 

Symptoms of myelofibrosis can vary from person to person, but common signs include: 

• Feeling very tired or weak 

• Shortness of breath, especially when active 

• Bruising or bleeding easily 

• Frequent infections 

• Feeling full quickly after eating (due to an enlarged spleen) 

• Pain or discomfort on the left side of the belly (where the spleen is located) 

• Night sweats or fever 

Some people may not have any symptoms in the early stages, and the disease can be discovered during routine blood tests. 

Diagnosis 

Myelofibrosis is usually diagnosed with blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is taken to check for scarring and abnormal cells. 

Living with Myelofibrosis 

While myelofibrosis is a serious condition, many people live with it for years while managing their symptoms. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team are important to monitor the disease and adjust treatments as needed. 

There are also support resources and patient groups available to help you and your loved ones understand and cope with myelofibrosis. Staying informed and working closely with your doctors can help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life. 

If you have any symptoms or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider for advice and information on treatment options. 

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of cancer that starts in your lymphatic system, which is part of your body’s immune system. This system helps protect you from infections and diseases. DLBCL is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which means it affects a type of white blood cell called B-lymphocytes (B-cells). These B-cells normally help your body fight infections, but in DLBCL, they grow uncontrollably and form tumors in the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. 

What Happens in DLBCL? 

In people with DLBCL, the B-cells start to grow quickly and form large lumps, often in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small glands found throughout your body, especially in areas like your neck, armpits, and groin. These abnormal cells can also spread to other organs, such as the liver, spleen, or bone marrow. Because DLBCL grows fast, it can cause symptoms quickly, but it is also often treatable, especially if caught early. 

Symptoms of DLBCL 

DLBCL can cause different symptoms depending on where the abnormal cells are growing. Common signs include: 

• Swollen lymph nodes, which may feel like lumps in your neck, armpits, or groin 

• Tiredness or fatigue 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Fever that doesn’t go away 

• Night sweats (waking up drenched in sweat) 

• Loss of appetite 

• Pain or swelling in the stomach if the lymphoma has spread there 

• Sometimes, symptoms can be less obvious, and DLBCL is discovered during tests for something else. 

How Is DLBCL Diagnosed? 

If you have symptoms that suggest DLBCL, your doctor will likely do several tests to find out if you have it. These can include: 

• Biopsy: Removing a small piece of tissue from a swollen lymph node to look for cancer cells. 

• Blood tests: To check for signs of cancer or see how your body is functioning. 

• Scans: Tests like CT scans or PET scans to see where the cancer is and how much it has spread. 

Living with DLBCL 

Being diagnosed with DLBCL can be overwhelming, but many people respond well to treatment and go into remission (where the cancer is no longer detectable). Regular follow-up care is important to monitor your health and catch any signs of the lymphoma returning. 

If you have DLBCL, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options, side effects, and what to expect during and after treatment. There are also support groups and resources that can help you and your family cope with the emotional and practical challenges of living with lymphoma. 

Remember, many people with DLBCL go on to live healthy, active lives after treatment. Staying informed, following your treatment plan, and leaning on your support network can make a big difference in your journey. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. 

Low-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a type of blood disorder where the bone marrow—the part of your body that makes blood cells—doesn’t produce healthy blood cells as it should. The blood cells made by the bone marrow in MDS are often abnormal, and they don’t work properly. This can lead to issues like anemia (low red blood cells), making you feel tired or weak, or cause infections (due to low white blood cells) or easy bruising and bleeding (due to low platelets). 

What Does “Low-Risk” Mean? 

When MDS is classified as “low-risk,” it means the condition is progressing more slowly. It doesn’t usually turn into a more serious blood cancer like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) right away, and the symptoms may be milder compared to high-risk MDS. While the disease can still affect your daily life, treatment can help manage the symptoms and keep the condition under control for a longer period. 

Symptoms of Low-Risk MDS 

People with low-risk MDS may experience: 

• Feeling tired or weak (due to low red blood cells) 

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity 

• Frequent infections (due to low white blood cells) 

• Bruising or bleeding easily, like frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding (due to low platelets) 

• Pale skin 

These symptoms may develop slowly, so it’s important to get regular check-ups and blood tests if you have MDS. 

Diagnosis 

MDS is usually diagnosed with blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is examined to check for abnormal cells. 

Living with Low-Risk MDS 

People with low-risk MDS often live with the condition for many years while managing symptoms. It’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor, who will monitor your blood cell levels and adjust treatments as needed. While low-risk MDS is generally less aggressive, it’s still important to watch for any changes in symptoms. 

By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare team, you can keep a good quality of life while managing low-risk MDS. Make sure to ask your doctor about your treatment options and any new therapies that may help improve your condition. 

High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a type of blood disorder where the bone marrow—the part of your body that makes blood cells—doesn’t work properly. In MDS, bone marrow produces unhealthy or abnormal blood cells that don’t function like they should. These cells can be white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Over time, this can lead to serious problems, like anemia (low red blood cells), infections (low white blood cells), or easy bleeding and bruising (low platelets). 

What Does “High-Risk” Mean? 

There are different levels of risk with MDS. When MDS is classified as “high-risk,” it means the abnormal cells in the bone marrow are growing more rapidly and there is a greater chance that the condition may progress into acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive form of blood cancer. 

Symptoms of High-Risk MDS 

Symptoms of high-risk MDS can include: 

• Feeling very tired or weak (due to low red blood cells) 

• Frequent infections (due to low white blood cells) 

• Easy bruising or bleeding, like nosebleeds or bleeding gums (due to low platelets) 

• Shortness of breath 

• Pale skin 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor who can run tests to check your blood counts and diagnose the condition. 

Diagnosis 

MDS is usually diagnosed through blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is examined to look for abnormal cells. 

Living with High-Risk MDS 

High-risk MDS can be difficult to manage, but there are options to help control the disease and improve quality of life. Many patients find it helpful to talk with their healthcare team and learn about the condition, treatment options, and potential participation in clinical trials for new therapies. 

Though high-risk MDS can be serious, advancements in treatment are being made all the time, giving patients more hope for better outcomes. Always speak to your doctor about the best options for your specific condition. 

A solid tumor is a mass of tissue that forms when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably in the body. Unlike blood cancers, such as leukemia, solid tumors grow in specific organs or tissues, like the lungs, breasts, prostate, or liver. These tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

• Benign tumors grow but do not spread to other parts of the body. They can sometimes cause problems if they press on nearby organs or tissues, but they are usually not life-threatening and can often be removed through surgery. 

• Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body (a process called metastasis). These tumors need treatment to prevent them from spreading and causing harm to the body. 

Common Types of Solid Tumors 

There are many different types of solid tumors, depending on where they form in the body. Some common types include: 

• Breast cancer: A malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. 

• Lung cancer: A cancer that begins in the lungs and is often caused by smoking or other environmental factors. 

• Prostate cancer: A tumor that forms in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. 

• Colorectal cancer: A cancer that affects the colon or rectum. 

• Liver cancer: A malignant tumor that starts in the liver cells. 

Symptoms of Solid Tumors 

The symptoms of a solid tumor depend on where it is located and how large it has grown. Some tumors don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they become quite large. Common symptoms of solid tumors can include: 

• A lump or swelling in a specific part of the body 

• Unexplained pain 

• Difficulty breathing (if the tumor is in the lungs) 

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits (for tumors in the colon or bladder) 

• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue 

• Difficulty swallowing (for tumors in the throat or esophagus) 

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s essential to consult a doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your body. 

How Are Solid Tumors Diagnosed? 

If a doctor suspects you may have a solid tumor, they will likely order tests to find out more. Some common ways to diagnose solid tumors include: 

• Imaging tests: These include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, which allow doctors to see inside your body and check for tumors. 

• Biopsy: In this procedure, a small sample of the tumor is taken and examined under a microscope to determine whether it is benign or malignant. 

• Blood tests: Sometimes blood tests can detect certain markers that indicate the presence of cancer. 

Living with Solid Tumors 

Receiving a diagnosis of a solid tumor can be frightening, but many tumors are treatable, and some can even be cured, especially when detected early. It’s important to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare team and understand what each option involves. 

Additionally, having a support system of family, friends, or patient support groups can be a great help during treatment. Many people live full, active lives after undergoing treatment for solid tumors, and regular follow-up appointments with your doctor can help ensure the cancer does not return. 

If you have any questions about solid tumors or your treatment options, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for more information. They are there to help guide you through every step of the process.