Hematology

Hematology is a branch of medicine that studies blood and blood cells. This medical discipline investigates the processes of blood cell production, thefunction of blood cells in the body,as well as the diseases that affect these cells. Regular laboratory blood tests are important for early disease detection and timely treatment, which improves the patient’s prognosis and quality of life.

Who is a hematologist?

Hematologists are specialists who deal with the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and disorders related to the hematopoietic system that produces blood cells. Their practice includes diagnosing and treating anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, hemophilia, thrombosis, another numerous diseases.

When should you see a hematologist?

You should consult a hematologist if your general practitioner suspects one of the following most common blood diseases:

Anemia: Anemia is a condition where in the body is deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Hematologists diagnose different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, hemolytic anemia, as well as aplastic anemia.

Leukemia: Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the production of white blood cells. Hematologists treat different types of leukemia, including acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, and other rare forms of leukemia.

Lymphomas: Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system that involve the lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphatic organs. Hematologists treat different types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Myeloma: Myeloma is a plasma cell cancer that develops in the bone marrow. Consequently, hematologists diagnose and treat myeloma by administering drug therapy, performing bone marrow transplantation, or with other therapeutic options.

Thrombosis: Thrombosis is a condition where in blood clots form within the veins. These clots can cause serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Hematologists administer anticoagulant therapy in order to prevent the formation of new clots and break down the existing ones.

What does an examination by a hematologist look like?

An examination by a hematologist usually includes the following steps:

Anamnesis: The hematologist begins the examination by talking to the patientto learn details about symptoms, medical and family history, and the medication that the patient is taking.

Physical examination: After talking with the patient, the hematologist performs a general physical examination in order todetect the typical signs of disease that can manifest in different organs.

Laboratory tests: A hematologist will most often request various laboratory blood tests to evaluate the red blood cell count, platelet count, and leukocyte count, as well as the hemoglobin level and other parameters that may indicate the presence of disease.

Bone marrow biopsy: In some cases, a hematologist may recommend a bone marrow biopsy for a more detailed blood analysis and identification of possible diseases.

Radiological examinations: Depending on the suspected diseases, the hematologist may recommend different radiological examinations such as X-rays, CT, or NMRI.

Diagnosis and treatment plan: After the examination is completed and the test results are obtained, the hematologist establishes a diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan. This may include drugs, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatment options.

Follow-up of the course of treatment: After the treatment plan is initially established, the hematologist will monitor the patient and adjust the therapy as needed. In some cases, patients may be referred for rehabilitation programs, especially in cases of long-term illnesses or complex treatments.