Hematology

Common Hematological Diseases

1. Anemia
• A disorder reducing red blood cells’ oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Causes: Nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12), infections, or genetic disorders.
• Common among children and pregnant women.
2. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
• Characterized by low platelet count, leading to bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding.
3. Neutropenia
• Low neutrophil count weakens the immune system, increasing infection risk.
• Causes: Chemotherapy, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
4. Sickle Cell Disease
• Abnormally shaped hemoglobin molecules obstruct oxygen flow, causing pain and complications.
5. Bone Marrow Failure
• Impaired production of blood cells, leading to deficiencies in red cells, white cells, and platelets.
6. Hemophilia
• A rare genetic disorder causing improper blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding.
7. Iron Metabolism Disorders
• Imbalance in iron levels can lead to oxidative stress or deficiency-related complications.
8. Thrombosis
• Formation of blood clots in veins or arteries, potentially causing strokes or heart attacks.

Hematologic Cancers

1. Leukemia
• Cancer of blood-forming tissues, affecting white blood cells.
• Most common in children under 15 and adults over 55.
2. Lymphoma
• Cancer of the lymphatic system, affecting lymph nodes, spleen, or bone marrow.
3. Myeloma
• Cancer of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell).

Diagnostic Methods in Hematology

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Evaluates red and white blood cells and platelet counts.
2. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
• Assesses blood clotting efficiency.
3. Prothrombin Time (PT)
• Measures the time taken for blood to clot.
4. Fibrinogen Test
• Evaluates fibrinogen protein levels for clot formation.
5. Bone Marrow Biopsy
• Examines bone marrow for abnormalities.

Treatment Options for Hematological Diseases

1. Chemotherapy
• Targets and kills fast-growing cancer cells using specialized drugs.
2. Radiation Therapy
• Uses controlled doses of radiation to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells.
3. Stem Cell Transplant
• Restores healthy stem cells destroyed during aggressive cancer treatments.
4. Immunotherapy
• Boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells.
5. Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
• Administers radiation during surgery, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.
6. PARP Inhibitors
• Oral medications targeting cancer cells through synthetic lethality.

When to See a Hematologist

Seek consultation if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness.
• Unexplained bruising or prolonged bleeding.
• Frequent infections or poor wound healing.
• Abnormal blood test results.

Hematologists collaborate with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s condition, improving outcomes and quality of life.