Hematology

What is Hematology?

Hematology is the study of healthy and diseased blood. As a medical specialty, it involves the research, diagnosis, and treatment of various blood disorders, including anemia, blood clots, bleeding disorders, blood cancers and many more. Since blood runs through every organ and tissue in the body, hematology plays an enormous role that extends to all fields of medicine. Some blood diseases are more evident than others. Hemophilia, for instance, is often diagnosed in childhood, while anemia may first present itself as fatigue, leading you to think you’re not getting enough sleep.

How We Are Different

Our hematologists handle acute and chronic issues related to the blood—anemia, hemophilia, blood clots, leukemia, lymphoma and many more. We focus on all issues related to the blood, including red and white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, as well as the health of your spleen. We work closely with other departments to provide effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Treatment of common and rare blood diseases, including:

• Anemia
• Bleeding and clotting disorders
• Enlarged lymph nodes or spleen
• Hematologic malignancies
• Hypercoagulable states and platelet disorders
• Immune cytopenias
• Leukemias
• Lymphproliferative disorders
• Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia
• Myeloma
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Porphyria
• Primary amyloidosis
• Thrombocytopenia

Managing blood diseases using the following tools:

• Addition and removal of blood components as needed
• Biological therapy for benign and malignant blood disorders
• Chemotherapy
• Growth factor drugs
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Stem cell and bone marrow transplantation

Is it true that people can inherit blood diseases?

Yes. Some disorders of the blood are inherited, and can range from being fairly mild to severe. Disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease result when the blood lacks certain clotting factors, and are almost always.

How do I know if I have a blood disease?

First, if you have a family history of blood disease, we encourage you to speak with your primary care physician, or schedule an appointment with the Hematology Department, to share your concerns, and discuss options for detection and treatment. Symptoms of bleeding disorders may include easy bruising, bleeding gums, heavy bleeding from small cuts or dental work, unexplained nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding into joints, and excessive bleeding following surgery.

Is it true that bleeding disorders are more common in men than women?

It’s true that hemophilia, for instance, is considered a “man’s bleeding disorder,” but women can also have it, along with other bleeding disorders. A more common bleeding disorder in women is von Willebrand disease—about 1% of the U.S. population has it. Symptoms include nosebleeds, easy bruising, and heavy and prolonged menstrual periods that last longer than a week.

Expect an environment that is as welcoming and relaxing as possible. We know that blood work can make people nervous, especially when you were waiting to get to the bottom of the underlying cause of illness. We do our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the process. After your visit, expect thorough consultation, and effective treatment plants designed to help you feel better.