Hematology is the medical field that involves blood study, the respective developing organs, and the related conditions. It also entails hematology treatments of all sorts of disorders that normally alter production of blood in the body and its elements. These elements include hemoglobin, blood cells, bone marrow, blood proteins, blood vessels, spleen, platelets, and coagulation mechanisms.
Hematology Conditions
Some of the prevalent hematology conditions are;
Hemophilia
This is a bleeding problem that involves the failure of the blood to clot due to insufficient blood clotting proteins. A person with this issue usually bleeds for a more extended period before the blood finally clots.
In case of an injury or open wound, the blood platelets normally coagulate together, making a clot. The clotting proteins/ factors work together to develop a plug in the injured part. Therefore, with low or insufficient clotting factors, the bleeding won’t easily stop.
Minor injuries and small cuts don’t have much impact. However, if you have a clotting protein deficiency, then there are high risks of severe bleeding inside the body. This often affects the regions around the ankles, elbows, and knees. Such internal bleeding can harm body tissues and organs. In severe cases, it may lead to death.
Hemophilia can also be a genetic condition. The most effective cure is a regular replacement of the reduced clotting proteins or factors.
Signs and symptoms
- Blood in the urine and stool
- Deep, comprehensive, and unusual bruises
- Bleeding of the gums
- Excess bleeding
- Stiff and painful joints
- Nosebleeds
- Irritation in children
Hemophilia Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose hemophilia is through a blood test. The hematologist does this by taking a sample of the blood from the vein and conducting tests to determine the amount and the presence of the clotting factor. This test also helps determine the intensity of the deficiency.
Treatment Options
Luckily, hemophilia is a treatable condition. The most effective medication is the desmopressin hormone which can be directly injected into the vein. It helps trigger the factors that aid the blood clotting process.
Other forms of treatment include;
- Physical therapy
- Clot preserving drugs
- Fibrin sealants
- Vaccinations
Blood Cancer
Cancer is a medical problem that entails the growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells develop and uncontrollable multiply and alter or destroy the blood and normal tissues of the body. This also means that cancer can spread throughout the body.
Countless cases of cancer have been recorded over the past few years. This makes it one of the leading causes of death across the universe. But due to technological advancements and enhancement in cancer treatment and screening, survival rates have gradually improved.
The types of blood cancer include;
- Leukemia
Leukemia is a blood cancer that affects the blood-creating tissues such as the lymphatic system and the bone marrow. There are various types of leukemia, and some are acute, while others are chronic. Also, some are common among children, and others usually affect adults.
This condition mainly affects white blood cells. The white blood cells play a very vital role in the body, including fighting infections and diseases. They also develop and multiply depending on the needs of the body. However, for the people who have leukemia, their bone marrow tends to release unusual white blood cells that cause malfunctions.
Signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue and body weakness
- Recurrent infections
- Headaches
- Bones and joints pain
- Bleeding and bruising easily
- Vomiting
- Night sweats
- Loss of weight
- Seizure
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis
In case you have some of these signs or symptoms, then there are high chances that you may have leukemia. The hematologist will first conduct some physical and historical tests on you. After that, he/ she will do some blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies to find out the main issue.
Treatment
Leukemia treatment usually depends on the type, stage, and other related factors. However, it may be a bit complicated as some may require hematology surgery. The best medical specialist who can handle the leukemia issue is the hematologist-oncologist. This is a doctor who particularizes in cancer and blood disorders.
The typical treatment involves;
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Stem cell transplant
- Immune therapy
- Lymphoma
This is a type of lymphatic system cancer. Lymphatic structure is the bacteria or infection-fighting network. It consists of the lymph glands/ lymph nodes, thymus gland, bone marrow, and the spleen. Lymphoma usually impacts these lymphatic areas and other organs within the body.
There are several forms of lymphoma, but these are the major subcategories;
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Symptoms
- Lymph nodes in the neck, groin, armpit, stomach, and chest
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Abnormal itching
- Pain when taking alcohol
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
Diagnosis
To diagnose this medical issue, the doctor often opts for biopsy. This procedure entails the removal of cells from the lymph nodes. After that, he/she conducts tests on the cells to find out if there are any lymphoma cells and the specific type.
In case the cells are detected, further examination is done to identify the extent of cancer. These tests involve blood testing, tissues, and lymph nodes testing, and x-ray. Imaging scans can also be used to identify the enlarged lymph nodes or tumors.
Treatment
Lymphoma treatment varies basing on the type and stage, the general health, and other related factors. The therapy aims to kill and prevent the development of the cancer cells. Some of the significant treatments include;
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surveillance
- Bone marrow transplant
- Hematology therapy
- Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which is a category of white blood cells. The crucial function of the plasma cells usually involves fighting all kinds of infections by producing antibodies that can identify and destroy germs causing infections.
So with multiple myeloma, the cancerous plasma cells build up in the bone marrow and alter the blood cells. As a result, the blood cells won’t produce any significant antibodies. Instead, the cancerous cells release unhealthy proteins that are harmful and could cause severe complications.
Symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bone pain
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Mental confusion
- Extreme thirst
Diagnosis
It’s possible to detect multiple myeloma even before you experience any symptoms. Blood, physical, and urine tests can help diagnose this condition in its early stages. If the hematologist identifies some signs without any symptoms, then more tests will be required. With these tests, it becomes easy for the doctor to check the progress and tell if you need any treatment.
Treatment
The truth is there is no exact cure for this cancer. But various types of treatments can help reduce complications, pain, and minimize the spread of the disease. These treatments only apply if the situation worsens.
The treatment alternatives include;
- Chemotherapy
- Immune therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Stem cell transplantation
- Corticosteroids
- Radiation therapy
- Alternative medicine
Anemia
This condition involves insufficient red blood cells to transport enough oxygen. There are various classes of anemia, some are short term, and others can last for a longer period. It can also range from acute to severe conditions.
The major causes of anemia include blood loss due to severe bleeding, reduced and red blood cells damage, and insufficient creation of the red blood cells. The types of anemia include;
- Sickle cell anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Thalassemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
Symptoms
- General body weakness
- Tiredness
- Unusual and rapid heartbeats
- Yellowish or pale skin
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Diagnosis
Anemia can be determined in various distinctive ways. However, the prevalent technique of hematology diagnosis is the blood test that is also referred to as the complete blood count. This method reveals the outcome of various elements such as the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit and red blood cell count.
Also, a complete blood count shows the general state of health and helps the hematologists to determine the type of anemia.
Treatment
There are various ways of curing anemia; however, it all depends on the category and similar factors. The main objective is to increase the level and production of red blood cells. In the end, the oxygen in the blood also increases.
Overall, these are the common forms of treatment;
- Consumption of dietary and iron supplements
- Folic acid supplements
- Blood transfusion
- Bone marrow transplant
- Pain relief medication
- Oxygen therapy
- Intravenous fluid
- Antibiotics
- Diet (iron-rich foods)
Conclusion
Hematology is all about the study of blood-related conditions, the cause, and the treatment. There are various hematological disorders that affect most people from time to time.
At CloudHospital, there is a team of specialized hematologists who work together to give you the best care. You can also get diagnosis and hematology treatments abroad services on all the blood-related conditions. This is regardless of the type and intensity.