Hematology

Hematology, a subspecialty of internal medicine, means “the science of blood” and deals with blood-forming tissues such as the spleen and bone marrow and the diseases that arise in them. Blood, made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, helps sustain life by carrying oxygen, hormones, antibodies and various nutrients to the tissues of the body.

While decreases and increases in blood values are regarded as signs of different disorders, many different tests, above all the complete blood count, are performed to diagnose hematological diseases. When necessary, hematologists decide on the best diagnostic and treatment approach together with pathologists and specialists in internal medicine, biochemistry, immunology, pediatrics and laboratory medicine.

The Hematology Department of Hisar Hospital Intercontinental provides services at international standards with its expert team and up-to-date medical technology. In our hospital, designed with patient care and comfort in mind, all processes are carried out with a multidisciplinary approach, and patients with malignant and benign diseases are offered the most attentive care and treatment options.

Our department consists of:

• The Outpatient Clinic, where the findings of the disease are evaluated and the treatment protocol is decided

• HLA Typing Laboratory

• Hemapheresis Laboratory

• Cryopreservation

• Stem Cell Processing Laboratory

• Intensive Care Units, where patients are cared for and monitored after transplantation

• The Inpatient Ward.

Diseases treated by Hematology, which deals with disorders of the bone marrow, blood and lymphatic system:

• Lymphoma

• Multiple Myeloma

• Acute and chronic leukemia

• Anemia (low blood count)

• Leukopenia (a decrease in white blood cells)

• Thrombocytopenia (a low number of platelets in the blood)

• Bleeding and clotting disorders

• Immune-related diseases

What Is Hematology?

Hematology deals with the formation, composition, functions and diseases of blood and related tissues, which have a major impact on human health. Blood components such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and plasma are among the elements studied by hematologists. These analyses are often of critical importance for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. One of the main focuses of hematology is cancer-related hematological diseases. Understanding, treating and preventing malignant hematological diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma fall within the expertise of hematologists. Understanding the effects of various factors such as genetics, environmental influences and lifestyle changes on hematological health is also an important part of this field.

Which Diseases Does the Hematology Department Deal With?

The hematology department is a branch of medicine that studies diseases of the blood and related tissues. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various hematological diseases. Some of these diseases are as follows:

• Blood Cancers (Hematological Malignancies): Blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are an important focus of hematology. The early diagnosis and effective treatment of these diseases fall within the expertise of hematologists.

• Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions such as hemophilia, thrombophilia and clotting factor deficiencies are another important group of diseases the hematology department deals with. These diseases involve disorders of the normal blood clotting process.

• Anemia and Other Blood Diseases: Conditions such as Mediterranean anemia (thalassemia), iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiencies and genetic blood disorders are diseases routinely managed by the hematology department.

• Immune System–Related Diseases: Hematology also covers diseases closely related to the immune system. These include autoimmune diseases and lymphocyte disorders.

What Are the Symptoms of Hematological Diseases?

Hematological diseases can cause different symptoms in the body. These symptoms may vary depending on the type of disease. Some of the symptoms caused by hematological diseases are as follows:

• Clotting Symptoms: Clotting-related symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, bruising on the body, and pain and swelling in the legs may occur.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Diseases such as lymphoma often cause the lymph nodes to enlarge.

• High Fever: Recurrent episodes of high fever may occur due to lymphocyte disorders.

• Weakened Immune System: Frequent infections in the body may indicate problems with the immune system.

• Symptoms of Anemia: Symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, pale skin, dizziness and weakness may occur.

The symptoms of hematological diseases can develop due to multiple factors. It is therefore very important to consult a healthcare professional and undergo a detailed evaluation.

What Are the Common Hematological Diseases?

Hematological diseases can include many different health problems. Some of these health problems are as follows:

• Leukemia: A type of cancer in which blood cells multiply abnormally. Symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, frequent infections, swelling in the body and weight loss may be seen in leukemia. Symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, high fever, weight loss and night sweats may also occur.

• Lymphoma: A type of cancer in which cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally.

• Myeloma: Characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Symptoms such as bone pain, fractures, weakness and recurrent infections may point to myeloma.

• Hemophilia: A genetic disease in which problems occur in the normal blood clotting process. Hemophilia can cause symptoms such as a tendency to bleed excessively, joint swelling and easy bruising.

• Anemia: Anemia, also known as low blood count, is a health problem characterized by a hemoglobin level below normal. Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, dizziness and shortness of breath.

The symptoms and treatments of such diseases may vary depending on the type of disease. A detailed evaluation by a hematologist is therefore important for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

What Are Blood Diseases?

Blood diseases refer to various health problems affecting the hematopoietic system. Hematology plays an important role in understanding, diagnosing and treating these diseases. Some blood diseases are as follows:

• Anemia: A condition in which the body cannot produce enough healthy blood cells. There are various types, such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia.

• Thalassemia: An anemic condition caused by a genetic disorder in hemoglobin production.

• Leukemias: Types of cancer caused by the abnormal proliferation of blood cells. Types include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

• Lymphomas: Types of cancer caused by abnormal growth in the lymph nodes and in cells called lymphocytes. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are examples of this category.

• Thrombocytopenia: A condition that affects the blood’s ability to clot. In this condition, the body cannot produce enough platelets and the clotting capacity of the blood decreases.

• Hemophilia: A genetic disease involving a disorder of the normal blood clotting process. There are different types: hemophilia A, B and C.

• Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Characterized by disorders in cell production in the bone marrow. In advanced stages, this condition can turn into cancer.

• Thrombophilia: A genetic or acquired condition in which the blood has a greater tendency to clot than normal. This condition can increase the risk of thromboembolic events.

These blood diseases can develop due to various causes such as genetic factors, environmental factors or immune system disorders.

How Are Blood Diseases Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis of blood diseases usually involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and imaging studies. During this process, the hematologist carries out a detailed evaluation taking into account the symptoms, the patient’s medical history and specific test results. Some of the methods used to diagnose blood diseases are as follows:

• Clinical Evaluation: To diagnose blood diseases, the patient’s general health, symptoms, family history and other medical history are first reviewed. The physical examination includes checking organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen and liver.

• Blood Tests: The hemogram includes a series of tests measuring basic blood parameters such as blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) and hemoglobin. Biochemical tests, a coagulation profile and bone marrow biopsy may also contribute to the diagnostic process.

• Genetic Tests: Blood diseases can arise from genetic factors. Genetic tests play an important role in diagnosis by detecting disease-specific genetic mutations.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: The bone marrow, where blood cells are produced, is very important in diagnosing some blood diseases. A bone marrow biopsy involves a detailed examination of a sample taken from this area.

• Immunophenotyping and Flow Cytometry: By analyzing specific proteins on the surface of blood cells, these techniques can help diagnose diseases, particularly leukemia and lymphoma.

• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies of the organs and lymph nodes using methods such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) are used to assess the spread of the disease.

The treatment of blood diseases may vary depending on the diagnosis. These treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, drug therapies and special treatments such as apheresis or plasmapheresis.

What Is Stem Cell Transplantation?

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a medical procedure in which stem cells derived from blood or bone marrow are transferred to a recipient. This procedure is generally used to treat conditions such as bone marrow damage, blood cancers or genetic disorders. Stem cell transplantation involves transplanting hematopoietic stem cells into the recipient to replace them with healthy cells. Having stem cell therapy managed by a professional healthcare team is very important for the effectiveness of the treatment. Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, which plays a pioneering role in the treatment of hematological diseases, has a healthcare unit with expert teams performing more than 400 transplants a year.

What Is Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation?

Autologous stem cell transplantation is a transplant procedure that uses stem cells taken from the patient’s own body. This method involves freezing and storing the patient’s previously collected healthy stem cells. After the patient receives high-dose treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the frozen stem cells are given back. Autologous stem cell transplantation is used particularly in the treatment of some types of blood cancer, such as lymphoma and myeloma, and immune system diseases. Because cells taken from the patient’s own body are used, this method minimizes the risk of tissue rejection.

What Is Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation?

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a transplant procedure in which stem cells taken from another individual of the same species, such as a half-matched sibling or a genetically suitable donor, are transferred to the patient. This method is preferred when using the patient’s own stem cells is not suitable. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation aims to rebuild the immune system. For this reason, it is used particularly in the treatment of hematological diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and aplastic anemia.

What Is Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation?

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation is a transplant procedure that uses stem cells taken from a genetically half-matched first-degree relative. This method is generally preferred when no fully matched donor is available or in urgent situations. Because of its effect on the immune system, haploidentical stem cell transplantation is used particularly in the treatment of hematological cancers and other blood diseases.

What Is Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplantation?

Unrelated donor stem cell transplantation is a transplant procedure performed with stem cells taken from a suitable donor when the stem cells of a genetically matched relative cannot be used for the patient. This method is generally used in conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma or aplastic anemia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Hematology? What Are the Symptoms of Hematological Diseases?

Hematology is a branch of medicine that studies diseases of the blood and related tissues. Doctors specializing in this field examine the biological structure, functions and components of blood to identify and treat various blood diseases. Hematological problems usually present with symptoms such as fatigue, a tendency to bleed, swollen lymph nodes, infections, bone pain and jaundice. In this context, the Special HEPA-Filtered Hematology Inpatient Floor of Hisar Hospital Intercontinental is one of the leading units in this field of expertise.

Which Diseases Does Hematology Treat?

The hematology department diagnoses and treats blood diseases by examining blood components such as blood cells, platelets, leukocytes and plasma. The special HEPA-filtered hematology inpatient floor of Hisar Hospital Intercontinental plays a pioneering role in the management of diseases such as anemia, thalassemia and leukemia. This unit holds a leading position in tackling blood diseases such as anemia, thalassemia and leukemia. With its experienced team, it performs more than 400 transplants a year, offering patients the highest level of healthcare.

Consulting a hematologist is highly effective in treating hematological health problems. If you would also like more detailed information about hematological diseases, you can fill in the form below or make an appointment to get in touch with our specialist physicians.

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