Hematology

Hematologists treat anemia, iron deficiency, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and bone marrow failure conditions.

See a hematologist if you have persistent anemia not responding to iron supplements, abnormal blood counts, unexplained bruising or bleeding, blood clots, enlarged lymph nodes, or if your doctor suspects a blood cancer or inherited blood disorder.

Hematology focuses on all blood disorders including non-cancerous conditions like anemia and clotting problems. Oncology focuses on cancer treatment. Many specialists practice hematology-oncology together, treating blood cancers while also managing benign blood conditions.

Common tests include complete blood count with differential, peripheral blood smear, iron studies, coagulation panel, bone marrow biopsy, hemoglobin electrophoresis, flow cytometry for blood cancers, and genetic testing for inherited blood disorders.

Yes, many blood disorders are inherited including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and hereditary spherocytosis. Genetic counseling may be recommended for affected families to understand inheritance patterns and risks.