Hematology Services
Overview
Hematology refers to a medical specialty. It is studies related to blood, blood-forming
organs, and blood diseases. It is a very vast, important, and difficult field for
research. It deals with a special fluid. This includes investigations of the makeup and
functioning of blood structures and respective illnesses. Thus, hematologists play a
cardinal role in the diagnosis, treatment, and study of blood conditions.
What does Hematology mean
Hematology is the study of blood and its components. These are red and white blood
cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. It also comprises blood vessels, bone marrow,
lymph nodes, and the spleen. It shall also deal with proteins that become involved
with bleeding and clotting. It is a specialty that researches disorders of the blood.
This encompasses anemia, clotting disorders, hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma,
myeloma, and other blood-related malignancies.
How are Hematologists trained?
The hematologists are the specialized doctors who study this as curriculum. In order
to get such expertise, they go to medical school in the first place. After this, they do
residency in internal medicine. After this, they train through fellowship in hematology
or in hematology-oncology. It is this extensive education that arms doctors with
knowledge and skills for diagnosing and treating many blood conditions.
They are trained to read complex lab tests and understand the blood's diseases. As
part of the training, they manage patients with blood disorders. Therefore they are
qualified to offer comprehensive care. They work with others. They make sure that
they offer interdisciplinary care to their patients. They make sure the overall health of
the patients is catered for.
Examinations and correct management of blood disorders are major roles hematologists play.
The hematologists do this by reviewing a brief history of the patient undergoing the
examination process, physical examination, and some special tests. The
hematologists accept modern diagnoses and treatment techniques. These tests
include blood tests, bone marrow, and genetic. Also, imaging studies identify the
primary causes of blood problems.
For example, in the case of anemia, hematologists will diagnose a deficiency in iron
or vitamin B12. Conduction will be the examination of chronic illnesses or bone
marrow diseases. The treatment will depend on the diagnosis. It can be diet, and in
some cases, supplements have to be included, meds or much more
⦁ Blood Cancer Treatment
Hematologists treat diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. These are
cancerous conditions. They affect the blood, bone marrow, and immune systems.They greatly need specialized treatments. Hematologists use chemotherapy. They
combine it with radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. They do this
to treat these malignancies.
⦁ The control of Hemorrhagic Disorders: Hemophilia
The second very important area in hematology is that of bleeding disorders, such as
hemophilia. These diseases are devoid of coagulation of blood. This can cause risky,
exhausting bleeding and bruising. Hematologists diagnose these disorders as well
as treat them with medications, lifestyle modifications, and monitoring.
Hematologists, in the case of hemophilia, add clotting factor missing. They do this by
the transfusion of the same into the blood of the patient. This shall be in addition to
teaching people the ways of avoiding and dealing with bleeding so as to enable them
to live a more active life. Gene therapy shall help in curing hemophilia in the future.
This is a small example of work constantly changing in the field of hematology.
⦁ Thrombosis and Management of Anticoagulation
Abnormal clotting is the cause of many serious problems. These are experienced by
individuals with disorders like DVT, PE, and stroke. At the same time, the hospital
trains hematologists and vascular clinicians who can provide the diagnosis and
management of coagulant disorders. This is a step taken so that every patient gets
the right anticoagulation therapy under which clots are prohibited.
Hematologists apply numerous drugs with anticoagulant activities, such as warfarin,
heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants. They apply these drugs in the management
of thrombosis in patients at risk. Physicians will keenly supervise the patient. A
balance between risks of clotting and of bleeding will be maintained. As required, the
physicians will make changes in treatment. They are experts in managing
anticoagulation. Diseases treated by them include atrial fibrillation, venous
thromboembolism, and mechanical heart valves.
Symptoms that Hematologists Treat
⦁ Unexplained fatigue
⦁ Persistent bruising
⦁ Frequent nosebleeds
⦁ Enlarged lymph nodes or spleen
⦁ Chronic infections
⦁ Unexplained weight loss
⦁ Night sweats
⦁ Shortness of breath
⦁ Rapid or irregular heartbeats
⦁ Pale skin
Symptoms of Various Hematology Problems
⦁ Anemia: Fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath
⦁ Hemophilia: Excessive bleeding, frequent nosebleeds
⦁ Leukemia: Frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes
⦁ Lymphoma: Night sweats, fever, unexplained weight loss
⦁ Thrombocytopenia: Easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts
⦁ Sickle Cell Disease: Pain episodes, swelling in hands and feet, frequent
infections
⦁Myeloma: Bone pain, frequent infections, anemia
What Tests and Diagnoses Does a Hematologist Perform/Advice?
⦁ Complete Blood Count
⦁ Blood Smear
⦁ Bone Marrow Biopsy
⦁ Coagulation Tests
⦁ Flow Cytometry
⦁ Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
⦁ Iron Studies
⦁ Genetic Testing
⦁ Immunophenotyping
⦁ Imaging Tests
⦁ When to Consult a Hematologist?
⦁ Persistent anemia not responding to treatment
⦁ Unexplained bleeding or bruising
⦁ Suspected blood clotting disorders
⦁ Family history of blood disorders
⦁ Abnormal blood test results
⦁ Diagnosis of blood cancer
⦁ Chronic or unexplained infections
⦁ Symptoms of spleen or lymph node enlargement
⦁ Preparation for or recovery from stem cell transplantation
⦁ Management of ongoing blood disorder treatment
Frequently Asked Questions about Hematology
Who is a hematologist?
A hematologist is a physician who diagnoses, manages, and treats blood related
disorders, bone marrow and lymphatic systems.
Which disorders are managed by a hematologist?
They manage disorders like anemia, clotting disorders, blood cancers like leukemia,
lymphoma, myeloma, and genetic blood disorders.
What are the symptoms of disorders related to the blood?
Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, excessive bleeding or bruising,
frequent infections, enlarged lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss.
How are blood disorders diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made with blood tests like CBC, bone marrow biopsy, genetic
testing, and imaging tests.
What treatments do hematologists provide?
The treatments range from medications and blood transfusions to chemotherapy, a
stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy.
What are bone marrow biopsies?
Bone marrow biopsy is a test in which a small amount of bone marrow is removed to
study and evaluate blood cell production so as to diagnose blood disorders.
Can blood disorders be cured?
Although some blood disorders are curable, especially when diagnosed and treated
promptly, others may need treatment throughout life.