Blood Disorders & Cancers

Blood disorders and cancer can affect children at any age. Through all the unknowns, the UNM Children's Hospital team is with you at every step of the way. Our board-certified doctors provide the highest quality childhood cancer care in New Mexico. UNM Children's Hospital is home to the state's only pediatric hematology/oncology inpatient unit.

We provide child-friendly, family-centered care. And as a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, we are connected to the latest in childhood research, funding and treatments.

Symptoms

Symptoms of blood disorders and cancers can mimic other conditions. Bring your child in as soon as you notice symptoms—the sooner we can diagnose, the sooner we can start treatment.

Schedule an appointment if your child shows any of the following:

  • Delayed wound healing
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Paleness
  • Recurring infections
  • Shortness of breath

Conditions We Treat

Blood disorders and cancers can affect a child’s white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, plasma or hemoglobin. UNM doctors are skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of conditions such as:

Bleeding disorders

  • Hemophilia
  • Thrombosis
  • Von Willebrand disease

Cancer

  • Brain tumors
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Solid tumors

Red Blood Cell Disorders

  • Anemia
  • Histiocytosis diseases
  • Sickle cell disease

White Blood Cell Disorders

  • Leukopenia
  • Neutropenia

Treatment for Blood Disorders

Your child will receive the latest in hematological and oncological care at New Mexico’s only pediatric hematology/oncology inpatient unit.

A skilled team of doctors will provide comprehensive care. They may recommend treatment such as:

  • Blood, platelet or plasma transfusion
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cord blood transplant
  • Immunotherapy or biotherapy
  • Iron infusions for anemic patients

For children with hemophilia, the Ted R. Montoya Hemophilia Program and Treatment Center provides excellent medical care and recovery. Parents can connect with community resources and get financial aid information.

Children who need lengthier infusions will spend time in the family-friendly pediatric infusion unit (PIU). This is on the sixth floor of the UNM Children’s Hospital.

Our pediatric infusion therapy nurses provide care in a Star Wars-themed room with TVs and video games available for your child’s comfort. We also have Child Life Specialists on-hand for additional support.

Your child may need to visit the PIU for IV medication related to:

  • Biotherapies
  • Blood transfusions
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunoglobulin therapy
  • Specialized medicines for other conditions

 

Follow-up care is important for survivors of pediatric cancer. Our Survivorship Clinic is open to anyone who has had childhood cancer, even adults. You’ll get a health-risk assessment, screenings for cancer-related physical or emotional issues and advice to help you stay healthy.

We have a pediatric cancer doctor, nurse, neuropsychologist, social worker and child life specialist available to meet with you—all in one day for your convenience. Call 505-272-4461 to request an appointment for you or your child.

You are not alone. Connect with support groups for family and friends of cancer patients, meet our pediatric oncology team and get the emotional support you need to get through this trying time.