How are blood disorders diagnosed and treated?
Blood disorders are predominantly seen by hematologists —physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of problems in your blood and/or bone marrow. Your physician will examine you and your symptoms to determine the most likely diagnosis. Most of the time blood work is needed.
Why would I be referred to a hematologist?
If you have been referred to a hematologist, it is either because a blood abnormality is at the center of your condition or a medical procedure (such as a stem cell transplant) would benefit from the oversight of a blood specialist.
How do doctors treat bleeding disorders?
Doctors typically treat bleeding disorders with medications or transfusions of specific clotting factors. It will depend on the type of bleeding disorder. Doctors treat clotting disorders with anticoagulants and thrombolytics. Anticoagulants are commonly known as blood thinners.
What are the types of blood disorders?
An Overview of Blood Disorders. Blood disorders involve problems in your blood or bone marrow. The most common types are anemia, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, and blood clots. In general, when physicians refer to something as a blood disorder, they are implying that it is not cancerous—excluding blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma,...
What is the role of a hematologist?
A hematologist may sometimes function as the lead physician (especially those who specialize in pediatric leukemia) or work as part of a team that can include, among other things, a radiologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, geneticist, and rheumatologist .
Why is a hematologist important?
This is especially important if you have multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, that may impact treatment decisions.
What tests are performed by a hematologist?
In addition to blood tests, a hematologist may perform other procedures: 1 Bone marrow aspiration is the extraction of the liquid part of the bone marrow to diagnose leukemia or lymphoma. 2 Bone marrow biopsy is the extraction of the solid core of bone marrow to aid in the diagnosis of leukemia and other cancers. 3 Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test used to confirm sickle cell disease or other inherited disorders affecting red blood cells. 4 Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing is a blood test used to determine if a bone marrow donor is a good match for a patient. 5 Positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging test that employs a radioactive tracer to locate areas of cancer in the body. 6 Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) involves the extraction of cerebrospinal fluid to establish whether there are blood cancer cells in the sample. 7 Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of blood vessels to aid in the diagnosis of stroke and other vascular diseases. 8 Stem cell and bone marrow transplants may be used to treat certain leukemias, lymphomas, and benign blood disorders.
What is the procedure that a hematologist performs to diagnose leukemia?
In addition to blood tests, a hematologist may perform other procedures: Bone mar row aspiration is the extraction of the liquid part of the bone marrow to diagnose leukemia or lymphoma. Bone marrow biopsy is the extraction of the solid core of bone marrow to aid in the diagnosis of leukemia and other cancers.
What is the difference between hematology and oncology?
Hematology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that often overlaps with oncology (the study of cancer). Hematology-oncology is a combined fellowship program 1 that prepares an internist to diagnose , treat , and manage a wide range of related blood disorders.
What to do before meeting with a hematologist?
Before meeting with a hematologist for the first time, prepare a list of symptoms that you've been experiencing, including their time, duration, and severity . It often helps to keep a symptoms journal to log whenever an adverse event occurs.
How long does it take to become a hematologist?
Hematology certification requires a four-year medical degree—as either a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO)—followed by three years of residency to train in a specialized area of practice, such as internal medicine or pediatrics.
What is the condition where your bone marrow makes an excessive number of red blood cells?
Anemia can result from iron deficiency, sickle cell disease, or thalassemia. 4 . Polycythemia vera (PV) is a condition in which your bone marrow makes an excessive number of red blood cells.
What causes shortness of breath and shortness of breath?
Some blood disorders cause few symptoms, while others are responsible for more. Anemia (low red blood cells) can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or increased heart rate. Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) can cause increased bruising or bleeding from the mouth or nose. 8 .
What is a hematologist trained in?
Most hematologists are also trained in oncology (diagnosis and treatment of cancer) and work in clinics with oncologists. Hopefully, having a better understanding of what blood disorders are will alleviate some of your concerns.
Why are neutrophils important?
The neutrophils are an important part of your immune system that fights off bacterial infections. There are numerous causes including autoimmune neutropenia, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and cyclic neutropenia. 3 . Anemia results from a decreased number of red blood cells or hemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen.
How to treat thrombocytopenia?
Immune thrombocytopenia might be treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone or medications that raise the platelet count. Remo ving the spleen is another treatment performed when needed. 12 . It is important to discuss with your physician what the best treatment is for you and your diagnosis.
What is the most commonly used test to diagnose blood disorders?
The most commonly used test to diagnose blood disorders is the complete blood count (CBC ). 9 The CBC looks at the three types of blood cells and determines if any are increased or decreased or if more than one blood cell is affected.
What are the most common types of blood disorders?
The most common types are anemia, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, and blood clots. 1 . In general, when physicians refer to something as a blood disorder, they are implying that the condition is not cancerous (i.e., leukemia, lymphoma, etc). Getty Images/Medic Image.
What are the different types of blood disorders?
There are several ways to classify them—inherited or acquired, cancerous or noncancerous, and by the blood component the disorder affects. Some of the more common types of blood disorders include: Anemias, including iron-deficiency anemia and sickle cell disease.
How long does blood disorder last?
See your doctor for any unusual symptoms that persist for more than a couple of weeks.
What organs support the blood?
Several organs and tissues support the blood and its functions. This includes the bone marrow, lymphatic system, clotting proteins, spleen, liver and kidneys. Problems with these supporting tissues or with a blood cell, blood protein or other components of the blood can cause a blood disorder.
What is blood disorder?
Blood disorders are a family of different diseases that affect some part of the blood. Your blood consists of a liquid part and a solid part. The liquid part is plasma. Plasma contains water, salts and proteins. It makes up a little more than half of your blood volume.
How to treat anemia?
Anemia treatment. The first step in treating anemia is to determine the cause. Possible treatments may include vitamin and nutritional therapy, medications to increase red blood cell production, and drugs that suppress the immune system.
How to lower blood pressure?
For other types of blood disorders, you may be able to lower your risk by: Eating a balanced diet and using supplements as recommended by your doctor. Effectively treating chronic medical conditions. Getting regular physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
What are the symptoms of a syringe?
Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fast or erratic heartbeat. Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness. Vision changes, weakness, facial drooping, or paralysis on one side of the body. Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or major rectal bleeding.
