Hearing that you might have a rare cancer or blood disease can be frightening. It can shake up your life. And leave you asking, “Why me?”
It’s easy and understandable to be angry at cancer — or just dejected or sad. It’s a tough diagnosis. And when you add the word “rare” in front of it, well, the weight can seem even heavier. But it’s important to understand that what’s considered rare to many healthcare providers isn’t rare to us.
Our experts manage rare cancer and blood diseases every day. We combine the expertise of dozens of specialists who understand your unique needs. And we stay compassionately by your side through our careful diagnosis and treatment. At Cleveland Clinic, we’re here to support you, guide you and help you feel more at ease about what lies ahead.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained healthcare providers are experts in the rare conditions we treat. We accurately diagnose even the rarest cancers and blood diseases and create personalized treatment plans that offer you the best possible outcomes.
We believe in a team approach to managing rare diseases, and our providers collaborate across a wide variety of fields. These various experts have clinical expertise, experience and research interests in these rare diseases. Meet our team.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all care plan. Our providers work together and with you to match your treatment to your specific condition. Your needs are always our focus, and you’re always at the center of your care.
When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, especially a rare one, you want to know your healthcare team has your back, not just physically, but emotionally, too. You can count on us to be a listening ear and a compassionate shoulder to lean on throughout your cancer journey.
Research is an important part of our work at Cleveland Clinic. It’s through our studies that we continue to improve the way we care for you. As our patient, you may also be able to participate in clinical trials that offer you access to the latest therapies for rare conditions.
We understand treatment can be hard, and some days, you might not feel up to an in-person appointment. When that happens, our online virtual visits can be a welcome alternative. You can talk with your providers from the comfort of home. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer.
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Cleveland Clinic’s oncology and hematology providers have experience with rare cancers and can provide the care you need. We treat rare cancers by body system, including:
Cancer that affects hormone-producing organs, like the thymus and thyroid glands:
Rare neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), including:
Care for eye tumors, such as:
Comprehensive treatment for:
Cancers affecting your chest and blood vessels, including:
Urinary tumors, such as:
Our hematology team provides expert care for rare and complex blood diseases, including:
Treatment for leukemias, like:
Personalized care for all lymphomas, including:
Care for bone marrow failures and cytopenias you develop after birth, including:
Care for conditions that develop or are inherited before birth, such as:
Treatment for all Castleman disease (CD), including:
If you don’t see your diagnosed condition listed under the rare cancers or blood disorders we treat, please give us a call. We may still be able to help.
Because fewer people have these conditions, it’s important to get care from providers who have experience in identifying and treating them. Cleveland Clinic experts do this every day. Our highly skilled, compassionate providers diagnose and treat many rare cancers and blood diseases (cancerous and noncancerous).
Your provider may order certain tests to help confirm if you have a rare cancer or blood disease and what kind it is. These tests can also help us rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. You might have:
Being diagnosed with a rare cancer or blood disease can be emotional and overwhelming. There are so many things to think about. But one thing is certain — finding the best possible care is the most important first step. Feeling confident that you’re working with a team of healthcare providers you trust completely is key. That’s why we encourage second opinions.
Our highly skilled, experienced cancer specialists will spend time with you to help you better understand your diagnosis and what treatment options might be best for you. And because we know that cancer doesn’t wait, we always try to meet with as soon as possible. Getting a second opinion can make you feel in control of your care and give you peace of mind, knowing you’re in the most capable hands.
Want a second opinion without the need to travel? Our virtual second opinions connect you with an expert without the need to leave home. You’ll get the guidance you need to help you move forward with confidence.
We believe in a team approach at Cleveland Clinic. Depending on your diagnosis and unique needs, your care team could include specialists from many different areas, including:
Cleveland Clinic has many experts who treat rare cancers and blood diseases, each with different areas of expertise. The providers you'll see will depend on your specific diagnosis.
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations in Northeast Ohio and Florida.
To give you the most personalized treatment plan, your care team will spend some time getting to know you. They’ll want to understand what symptoms you have and how they’re affecting your life. They’ll listen to your concerns and goals, answer your questions and go over your test results with you. Then, using all this information, they’ll put together a comprehensive treatment plan that offers the best possible outcome, reduces your risk of complications and relieves your symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:
Cleveland Clinic experts lead and participate in clinical trials of new therapies to treat rare cancers and blood diseases. If you’re eligible, a clinical trial gives you the chance to receive the latest therapies for some conditions. If you’re interested, your provider can let you know if a clinical trial might be right for you.
When you learn you might have a rare cancer or blood disease, it’s not unusual to worry about your future. And you may wonder if you can find healthcare providers who know what it takes to treat your condition. At Cleveland Clinic, you don’t have to look far. Our specialists are here to give you the personalized care you need to treat your rare cancer or blood disease. And we’ll stay by your side with compassionate support for as long as you need us.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s rare cancer and blood diseases experts is easy. We’ll help you get care.
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Learning you have cancer can be stressful, shocking and challenging. From the moment you get the news, you're a survivor. As you face the challenges that go along with cancer treatment and recovery — physical and emotional — we’ll be right there with you.
At Cleveland Clinic, survivorship care is one part of your journey. We offer a wide range of services, resources, clinics and support groups to help with any physical, emotional, financial and spiritual needs you might have related to your cancer diagnosis. Lending a helping hand along the way, we want you not only to survive but thrive on this journey and beyond.
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