Hematology Oncology - An Overview

Introduction:

Various body functions can be hampered by blood-related disorders, which in turn leads to complications in the body. Hematology is one of the branches of internal medicine that is associated with research and treatment of blood-related problems. Numerous cancers and other blood-related diseases are treated by hematologists. They employ a range of testing and therapies in these patients. A few hematologists also achieve training in oncology, a branch of medicine that emphasizes mainly finding and treating cancer. This article will be on hematology-oncology in detail.

What Is Hematology?

The study of blood, hemopoiesis (formation of blood cells), and blood-related diseases and disorders is known as hematology.

• Blood plays crucial responsibilities in maintaining human health, including distributing essentials like oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, maintaining the body's acid-alkaline balance, and maintaining the body's defense mechanism.

• Various systems of the body are impacted by blood vessel disorders.

• The bone marrow, which is a spongy-type tissue, is located inside the concave (hollow) structures of the bone, and is where the body produces the majority of its blood cells; it might have issues that lead to blood diseases.

• Hematology seeks to comprehend these issues' causes, effects on a person's health, and methods of treatment.

• It focuses primarily on bone marrow and lymphatic systems and diagnosing irregularities in the blood cell count.

What Is Hematology-Oncology?

Hematology oncology is a field of medicine that deals with the combined practice of both hematology and oncology. The hematology-oncology specialists are trained to diagnose abnormalities of the blood, blood-related diseases, and blood cancer. They are also trained to treat and prevent these conditions. There are various types of blood malignancies (cancerous) that are life-threatening and prevalent in both adults and children. This field of medicine primarily focuses on restoring the quality of life and enhancing the standard of living in patients affected by blood malignancy disorder. Since these doctors are specialized and trained to treat these conditions, they are often contacted by other oncologists and physicians.

What Are the Common Conditions Treated by Hematology-Oncologists?

A patient may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hematology-oncology when they are suspected of a blood-related or blood cancer condition. The common blood cancer or blood-related conditions treated by hematology-oncologists are mentioned below.

1. Lymphoma: A type of cancer that usually impacts and damages the lymphatic system and the bone marrow. The lymphatic system involves the network of vessels, tissues, and organs that carry a fluid called the lymph, and it plays a major role in the body’s defense mechanism. They store and carry white blood cells throughout the body. This condition affects the lymphatic system, and there are two types of lymphoma.

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma (the type of cancer that originates from the immune cells called B-lymphocytes).

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (a rare type of lymphoma that originates from the B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes).

2. Leukemia: This type of cancer usually damages the white blood cells present in the bone marrow. Leukemias have varied types and classifications based on the white blood cells affected and the onset of the condition. The different types of leukemia are:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: This condition is cancer of blood and bone marrow that progresses quickly.

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: This a type of blood cancer and bone marrow cancer that progresses slowly over time.

• Acute promyelocytic Leukemia: This is a condition that results from a collection of undeveloped white blood cells in the bone marrow.

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: This is a rare type of bone marrow cancer.

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia: In this type of cancer, an abnormal collection of underdeveloped white blood cells develops in the blood and the bone marrow.

• Childhood Leukemia: This condition is a blood cancer that commonly targets and attacks children.

3. Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that usually affects the plasma cells (a class of white blood cells that has an important impact on the body’s immune system). The condition causes the accumulation of cancerous cells in the bone marrow and damages healthy blood cells. Contrary to producing antibodies these cancerous cells form proteins that result in various bodily complications.

What Happens While Visiting a Hematology-Oncologist?

When a patient is referred to a hematology oncologist, the doctor will assess the medical and family history of the patient. The physician will conduct a detailed physical examination of the patient. Hematology-Oncologists may perform various other investigations for the diagnosis and treatment plans for hematology and oncologic conditions.

• Routine blood tests.

• Bone marrow biopsy (a procedure performed to remove a sample of a solid part of bone marrow tissue to evaluate it under the microscope).

• Bone marrow aspiration.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) (an imaging technique that uses radioactive material to measure and visualize the metabolic activity of body tissues).

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) (an imaging technique that uses radioactive waves and magnetic fields for the evaluation of blood vessels).

What Are the Treatment Options for Hematology-Oncology Conditions?

The Treatment for Hematology-Oncology Conditions is based on the type of the condition and the underlying cause of it. The doctor determines a treatment plan based on the diagnostic procedures performed. General treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy: This type of treatment plan involves the use of anti-cancer drugs to slow down the growth and spread of cancerous cells. They are administered either through an injection, intravenously, by oral route, or through an implanted device. They may also be performed in combination with other therapies to reduce the size of the cancer cells or to alleviate the symptoms of the condition.

• Radiotherapy: This therapy involves the use of radioactive energy to destroy or shrink cancer cells. They are also performed to ease the patients of cancer-related symptoms.

• Blood Transfusion Therapy: A procedure performed for the restoration of blood. They are generally administered through the intravenous route. There are various types of procedures such as whole blood transfusion, red blood cell transfusion, and platelets transfusions.

• Bone Marrow Transplant: It is a process that deals with the infusion of nourishing and healthy blood-forming stem cells into the affected patient’s body. This procedure helps in replacing the damaged blood vessels and promotes blood production.

• Immunotherapy: This treatment involves various categories of therapies to boost and trigger the body’s own immune system to fight against cancer cells. They may be performed in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Conclusion:

Hematology oncology refers to the field of medicine that deals with blood-related disorders and blood cancer conditions. Hematology-oncologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancer conditions like lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Patients affected by such conditions are referred to hematology-oncologists. The affected patients work with these doctors throughout the entire treatment program. And with effective diagnosis, treatment, and routine follow-up the patient's life span is increased.