Hematology

What Is Hematology?

Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of blood-related diseases. It involves patients who have disorders of the blood and bone marrow and is the specialty responsible for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of benign  (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) disorders of the red and white blood cells, platelets, and the coagulation system in children and adults.

 Who Are Hematologists?

A hematologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in diseases that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Hematology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine.

Some diseases restrict blood flow (blood clots), while some may make you bleed more than usual.  In addition, blood conditions and cancer might be life-threatening or exhibit few symptoms.

Hematologists work very closely with other health professionals, including primary care physicians, specialist nurses, and pharmacists in hospitals and primary care centers.

They help hospital departments like Accident and Emergency, intensive care, operating rooms, special care baby units, and cancer by performing a wide range of laboratory tests. Additionally, they produce and interpret results and assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases.

What Are Common Blood Diseases?

If you have a blood disease, it means one or more parts of your blood aren't working as they should. Some blood disorders are benign, while some are malignant.

Here are some examples of benign blood diseases:

• Red blood cell disorders like anemia (decreased red cell levels), polycythemia (excessive red cells), sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.
• White blood cell disorders such as leukopenia and leukocytosis.
• Platelet disorders like thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia
• Bleeding disorders (Von Willebrand disease).

Few malignant blood cell disorders are:

• Leukemias.
• Lymphomas.
• Myelomas.

 What Does A Blood Test Tell You?

Blood tests offer helpful information for the diagnosis of hematological and non-hematological diseases and disorders. One of the most common blood tests used to diagnose diseases is the complete blood count (CBC).

The number of white and red blood cells, platelet count, hematocrit, red blood cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, differential white blood count, and several additional red blood cell indices are among the hematological parameters assessed in a CBC. Complete blood counts diagnose inflammatory illnesses, blood-related malignancies, anemia, and infections.

When To Visit A Hematologist?

To analyze the findings of your blood test, your primary healthcare practitioner may request that you visit a hematologist. Remember that preliminary blood test results don't always indicate a severe illness.

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