New blood cells develop in your bone marrow. But like other cells in your body, these cells can become cancerous and grow uncontrollably. When they do, your blood cells don’t function as they should. Malfunctioning cells may limit your ability to fight infection, cause bleeding issues and make it harder for your body to produce other blood cells.
At Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute located at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, hematology (blood) specialists provide comprehensive care for adults with all types of blood cancer. Here, you’ll find a compassionate team of experts that includes:
- Hematologic oncologists (blood cancer physicians)
- Oncology-specialized physician assistants and nurse practitioners
- Oncology-certified nurses
- Oncology pharmacists
- Oncology nutritionists
These professionals are part of your care team from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. They tailor care to your needs, offering the latest medical therapies and access to a full range of support services. Working together, they strive to make your cancer journey as easy as possible so you can focus on healing.
From the beginning, our nurse navigators will be at your side, guiding you through your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Always just a phone call away, they are your go-to source for questions and can help you with any necessary preauthorizations, symptom management and other concerns.
Lynn Cancer Institute is Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)-certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This certification speaks to our commitment to providing our patients with the best possible cancer care.
What types of blood cancer are treated at Lynn Cancer Institute?
We treat all main blood cancer types, including:
- Cutaneous lymphoma
- Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Myeloproliferative disease
In addition, our hematology specialists also treat benign (noncancerous) conditions.
How do your specialists diagnose blood cancers?
If you have signs or symptoms of blood cancer, physicians may do a physical exam and order one or more blood tests to help make a diagnosis. A bone marrow biopsy may also be necessary.
During a biopsy, physicians numb an area of your body over a bone — usually your hip. They then carefully insert a hollow needle into the bone to remove a small sample of your bone marrow. Specialists will examine the sample in a laboratory for signs of cancer.
In some cases, imaging tests such as CT scans or PET/CT scans can also help make a diagnosis.
How do specialists at the Institute treat blood cancers?
If you receive a blood cancer diagnosis, our tumor board will discuss your case. Cancer specialists with different expertise — including some from Miami Cancer Institute — take part. They use their combined knowledge and experience to evaluate your options and develop the best blood cancer treatment recommendations for you.
Different therapies may work better for different cancers. Depending on the type of blood cancer you have and other factors, such as your overall health, doctors may recommend:
- Chemotherapy — powerful medications that attack cancer cells
- Immunotherapy — a treatment that boosts the ability of your body’s own immune system to fight cancer
- Targeted therapy – medications that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells
- Radiation therapy — high energy waves or particles that kill cancer cells
- Surgery — removal of areas affected by cancer (such as lymph nodes, in the case of lymphomas)
We are also happy to provide second opinions to ensure you receive the best possible treatment for your specific cancer.
Stem cell transplant
In some cases, physicians may recommend a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant. This procedure involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells that can grow into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. The stem cells may come from your own body or a donor. We offer this procedure through Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
Getting ready for blood cancer treatment
Our oncology nurse practitioners and physician assistants offer one-hour teaching sessions to prepare you for treatment. They explain the treatment recommended by your physician, so you know what to expect. They also provide advice on dealing with potential side effects.
Caring for you in body, mind and spirit
Because a cancer diagnosis can affect you mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, we offer a full range of support. Services include nutritional counseling, yoga classes, wellness programs, support groups and more. As we treat your cancer, we strive to improve your symptoms and get you back to daily living with the best possible quality of life.
Our Approach
When you come to Lynn Cancer Institute for blood cancer treatment, you can expect:
- A complete treatment plan that considers all aspects of your health and well-being
- A team of experts who collaborate on your treatment and work together to support you throughout your cancer journey
- The latest diagnostic and treatment options available
Refer a patient
As part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, Miami Cancer Institute and Lynn Cancer Institute physicians work together to provide the right care at the right place. To refer a patient for a bone marrow transplant, email the referral form to BMTMHReferrals@BaptistHealth.net.
Meet the team
Clinical Trials
At Lynn Cancer Institute, we treat cancer in today’s patients and offer hope for those who may get the disease in the future. Through clinical trials, we study promising new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. As our patient, you have access to trials and treatments that aren’t widely available elsewhere.
If a clinical trial may be right for you, we’ll talk with you about the potential benefits and risks. We make your overall well-being and safety our top priority if you choose to participate.