Benign Blood Disorders

Not all blood disorders are cancerous and our board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists are prepared to treat all types of blood disease including:

• Anemia (too few red blood cells)
• Coagulation and thrombosis disorders (blood clotting issues)
• White blood cell disorders
  • Neutropenia (too few bacteria-fighting white blood cells)
  • Neutrophilia (too many bacteria-fighting white blood cells)
• Plasma cell and antibody production disorders
• Platelet disorders
• Bone marrow failure diseases

The most common benign blood disease is anemia, a condition where the red blood cell count is lower than normal. Although low iron is the most common reason for anemia, this is not always the case. In fact, anemia can have many causes including a reaction to certain medications, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a serious underlying medical condition or an autoimmune disorder.

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Symptoms of a benign blood disorder include:

• Fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath can result from severe anemia
• Fever, chills, organ damage
• Blood clots
• Enlarged spleen
• Kidney disease

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A doctor will perform a physical examination, review symptoms and perform blood studies. If initial results indicates the presence of a blood disorder, treatment may include:

• Drug therapies
• Transfusions
• Stimulating agents that increase blood cell production
  • Erythropoietin for red cells
  • Granulocyte growth factor for white cells
  • TPO mimetics for platelets
• Advanced agents for blood clots/deep vein thrombosis that may not require routine monitoring
• Bone marrow transplants

For additional information on programs, services and locations, download and print the following PDFs:

St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Program Guide  

St. Luke’s Infusion Centers Guide  

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