Hematology
A hematologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in diseases that affect your blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. Hematology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine.
Our physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases that affect your blood cells. Blood diseases may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some diseases keep your blood from flowing (blood clots) while others make you bleed more than normal. Blood disorders may have mild symptoms or be life-threatening.
Hematologist can assist your primary care provider by offering their opinion after reviewing your blood test results.
Your blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
Red blood cells – give our body energy by carrying oxygen to tissues throughout our bodies.
White blood cells – help our immune system fight infection.
Platelets – help slow and stop bleeding.
Plasma – is the liquid that holds your blood cells together.
Examples of benign blood disorders:
- Anemia
- Hemophilia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Von Willebrand Disease
Examples of blood cancers:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
Some common lab tests to diagnose blood disorders:
- Blood differential test
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Peripheral blood smear (PBS)
- Prothrombin time test (PTT)
- Reticulocyte count