
Hematologists do:
- ablation therapy (procedures in which abnormal tissue can be eliminated using heat, cold, lasers, or chemicals)
- blood transfusions
- bone marrow transplants and stem cell donations
- cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and biological therapies
- growth factor treatments
- immunotherapy
- Anemia, or low red blood cells.
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
- Leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma (cancers in your bone marrow, lymph nodes, or white blood cells)
- Sepsis, a dangerous reaction to an infection.
- Hemophilia, a genetic blood clotting disorder.
What is hematology, and which diseases do hematologists treat?
Hematology is practised by specialists in the field who deal with the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of people with blood disorders ranging from anemia to blood cancer. It is a branch of medicine concerning the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.
What diseases do hematologists treat?
What is a hematologist?
- Orders and interprets blood and genetic tests and prescribes medications
- Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect the blood including problems with blood cell production, blood clotting, and cancer
- Provides screening of blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia
What do hematologists treat?
Types of blood cancers they might treat include:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
What will hematologist do on first visit?
What will hematologist do on first visit? During this appointment, you will receive a physical exam. The hematologist also will want you to describe your current symptoms and general health. Blood tests will be ordered and when the results are reviewed, the hematologist can begin to diagnose your particular blood disorder or disease.

What treatment would be treated by a hematologist?
Cancers and bone marrow disorders are also treated by hematologists and examples include leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis. Hematologists manage the blood transfusions that may be required in various different conditions including major blood loss due to trauma.
Why would a doctor refer you to a hematologist?
Why am I being referred to a hematologist? If your primary care physician is referring you to a hematologist, it may be because you are at risk for a condition involving your red or white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, or spleen.
What are the symptoms of blood disorders?
Common symptoms of red blood cell disorders are: fatigue. shortness of breath. trouble concentrating from lack of oxygenated blood in the brain....Common symptoms of white blood cell disorders are:chronic infections.fatigue.unexplained weight loss.malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell.
What is the most common hematology test?
One of the most common hematology tests is the complete blood count, or CBC. This test is often conducted during a routine exam and can detect anemia, clotting problems, blood cancers, immune system disorders and infections.
What are some examples of hematology?
Cancers and bone marrow disorders are also treated by hematologists and examples include leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis. Hematologists manage the blood transfusions that may be required in various different conditions including major blood loss due to trauma.
What are some examples of hematological disorders?
Some examples of the different treatments that may be used in hematological disorders include: Diet changes. Oral iron preparations that may be taken as tablets or liquids. Blood disorders such as megaloblastic anemia are treated with Vitamin B12 injections and folic acid pills.
What is the medical term for the study of blood?
Hematology is a branch of medicine concerned with the study of blood, blood disease and the organs involved in forming blood. The diagnosis and treatment of hematological disorders is mainly managed by specialists in the field referred to as hematologists.
What is therapeutic blood letting?
Therapeutic blood-letting is applied in rare cases of polycythemia or iron overload. One drug that is commonly used for iron overload is desferrioxamine. Various blood cancer chemotherapies are provided under the care of hematologists.
What are some examples of platelet and bleeding disorders?
Examples of platelet and bleeding disorders that may be treated by hematologists include idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombocytopenic purpura, hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease.
What is the job of a hematologist?
Hematologists work with blood-related conditions, including several types of cancer . They use a variety of tests and treatments for these issues. Many hematologists also receive training in oncology, which is the branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer. This article will look at what hematology is, what hematologists do, ...
What is the link between hematology and oncology?
The links between hematology and oncology mean that some doctors train in both. If a doctor refers a person to an oncologist, it may not mean that the doctor suspects cancer. Hypertension. Blood / Hematology. Cancer / Oncology.
What is bone marrow biopsy?
Bone marrow biopsy: This procedure can help diagnose and monitor anemia, thrombocytopenia, which involves having a low platelet count, and some cancers. Blood transfusions: This involves the body receiving healthy blood intravenously — through an IV. A hematologist might have one of the following specialties.
What is hematological malignancy?
Hematological malignancy. This area of hematology focuses on diagnosing and treating blood cancers, such as myeloma. Blood cancers start in the cells of the immune system or tissues that make blood cells, such as bone marrow.
What is the subspecialty of internal medicine?
Problems with the blood can impede many functions of the body and cause a range of complications. For this reason, hematology —the study and treatment of blood disorders — is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Hematologists work with blood-related conditions, including several types of cancer. They use a variety of tests ...
What is the condition that leads to low blood levels?
Anemias are conditions that lead to low levels. Trusted Source. of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the body. Having anemia prevents enough oxygen-rich blood from circulating in the body. As a result, a person may feel unusually tired and experience muscle weakness.
What is the study of blood in relation to health and disease?
Hematology is the study of blood in relation to health and disease. Blood plays essential roles in human health, including: transporting vital substances, such as oxygen and nutrients, around the body. helping to control the body’s balance of water and acidity. helping to fight off disease.
What is a hematologist?
Hematologists are internal medicine doctors or pediatricians who have extra training in disorders related to your blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. They’re specialists who may work in hospitals, blood banks, or clinics.
How long does it take to become a hematologist?
They’re trained in pathology, a branch of medicine that examines body tissues and blood with microscopes or tests. All hematologists have at least 9 years of medical education. It includes 3 years of on-the-job training called residency after medical school and up to 4 years of subspecialty training. Some hematologists are generalists, ...
What is the best treatment for cancer?
Also called a stem cell transplant, it replaces diseased stem cells from the spongy center of your bone with healthy cells from other parts of your body or from a donor. Ablation therapy.
How long does it take for a lab technician to draw blood?
A lab technician who takes your blood sample usually isn’t a doctor. Blood draws take only minutes. You may wait a few days to get your test results.
What is the name of the disease that causes blood clots in the blood?
Deep vein thrombosis ( blood clots) Leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma (cancers in your bone marrow, lymph nodes, or white blood cells) Sepsis, a dangerous reaction to an infection. Hemophilia, a genetic blood clotting disorder. Sickle cell disease, which involves faulty red blood cells.
What is a complete blood count?
Complete blood count. This common test helps your doctor diagnose or monitor your disease. Blood drawn from your vein or finger is checked for the levels and characteristics of all three types of blood cells, including platelets. Prothrombin time.
Why do you need to see 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 specialist oversight.
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 .
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.
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 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.
Why do you see a hematologist?
If your primary care physician has recommended that you see a hematologist, it may be because you are at risk for a condition involving your red or white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, or spleen. Some of these conditions are: hemophilia, a disease that prevents your blood from clotting.
What are the different types of hematology?
Hematologists are involved in many of the therapies, treatments, and procedures related to blood and bone marrow. Hematologists do: 1 ablation therapy (procedures in which abnormal tissue can be eliminated using heat, cold, lasers, or chemicals) 2 blood transfusions 3 bone marrow transplants and stem cell donations 4 cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and biological therapies 5 growth factor treatments 6 immunotherapy
What tests do you need to know if you have a blood disorder?
If you’ve been referred to a hematologist, you will probably need blood tests to find out if a blood disorder is causing the symptoms you’re experiencing. The most common tests count your blood cells, measure enzymes and proteins in your blood, and check whether your blood is clotting the way it should. If you donate or receive a bone marrow ...
What to do if you don't have enough blood cells?
Bone marrow biopsy. If your doctor thinks you are not making enough blood cells, you may need a bone marrow biopsy. A specialist will use a small needle to take a bit of bone marrow (a soft substance inside your bones) to be analyzed under a microscope. Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before the bone marrow biopsy.
What is the treatment for growth factor?
growth factor treatments. immunotherapy. Because blood disorders can affect almost any area of the body, hematologists usually collaborate with other medical specialists, especially internists, pathologists, radiologists, and oncologists. Hematologists treat both adults and children.
How long does it take to become a hematologist?
The first step to becoming a hematologist is to complete four years of medical school, followed by a two-year residency to train in a specialty area like internal medicine. After the residency, doctors who want to become hematologists complete a two- to four-year fellowship, in which they study a subspecialty like pediatric hematology.
What are the conditions that prevent blood from clotting?
Some of these conditions are: hemophilia, a disease that prevents your blood from clotting. sepsis, an infection in the blood. leukemia, a cancer that affects blood cells. lymphoma , a cancer that affects the lymph nodes and vessels. sickle cell anemia, a disease that prevents red blood cells from flowing freely through your circulatory system.
What is a hematologist?
A hematologist specializes in researching, diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions that affect the blood. Hematologists treat both adults and children with blood-related disorders, such as anemia, bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, and blood cancers. A hematologist typically:
What are the treatments for hemolytic anemia?
Common procedures and treatments include: Anemia treatments including blood transfusions, vitamin and nutritional therapy, and antibiotics and immune suppressants to treat hemolytic anemia, and medications to increase blood cell production. Bleeding treatments including medications and transfusion of factor VIII to treat hemophilia A.
What causes a bleed in the thigh?
Blood cancer including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Blood clots and clotting disorders including deep vein thrombosis, which usually occurs in the thigh or lower leg.
Why should a hematologist screen family members of a person with a blood disease or condition?
A hematologist should screen family members of a person with a blood disease or condition because many blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, are inherited.
What is the test for sickle cell anemia?
Laboratory tests including complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and other blood tests to diagnose anemia, infections and cancer.
What is bone marrow transplant?
Bone marrow transplant to treat leukemia, aplastic anemia, and some immune deficiency diseases. Clotting treatments including anti-clotting medications (anticoagulants such as Coumadin), clot-busting drugs, and catheter-directed thrombolysis, which is a minimally invasive procedure to treat blood clots.
Can a doctor treat blood disorders?
A doctor may treat patients with blood disorders and diseases without becoming board certified in hematology. However, education, training, experience and certification establish a doctor’s level of competence.
What type of cancer does a hematologist treat?
Types of blood cancers they might treat include: Leukemia. Lymphoma.
What do hematologists do?
What They Do and What to Expect. Hematologist oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating blood cancers and disorders of the blood. Learn more about the conditions hematologist oncologists treat and when you might need to see one. Skip to main content .
What to expect at a hematologist?
What to Expect at the Hematologist Oncologist. When you visit a hematologist oncologist for the first time, they will review your medical history, including family history and allergies. Then they will check your vital signs — such as heart rate, blood pressure, and vision and do a physical exam.
What is a hematologist oncologist?
A hematologist oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the blood. They have extra training in the blood system, lymphatic system, bone marrow, and cancers. The term “hematologist oncologist” comes from two different types of doctors.
What kind of doctor treats cancer?
Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers. A hematologist oncologist specializes in both. You might see a hematologist oncologist if you have blood cancer or suspected blood cancer. If blood cancer runs in your family, you might also see one then, too.
How many years of college do you need to become a hematologist?
A hematologist oncologist’s training involves many years of study. Like all doctors, hematologist oncologists first must graduate from a four-year college. Ideally, they will major in pre-med or another science. Once they’ve graduated, their education and training might include:
What is the treatment for cancer?
Blood transfusion (getting blood from another person placed in your body) Immunotherapy. Bone marrow transplant. Chemotherapy . Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells in your body. Side effectsdepend on the treatment type but can include fatigue, and hair loss.
