Hematologic Oncology
Hematology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diseases related to the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and other blood-producing organs. Hematologic oncology, a subfield of hematology, deals with blood cancers and the treatment of these cancers. The conditions and treatments addressed in this field include:
Areas of Hematologic Oncology:
- Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency, which affects the production and function of blood cells, can lead to anemia.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: A genetic disorder, sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to take on an abnormal shape, reducing their oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Trauma-Induced Anemia: Management of blood loss and anemia caused by trauma.
- Myelofibrosis: A condition characterized by fibrosis (an increase in connective tissue) in the bone marrow.
- Leukemia: Known as blood and bone marrow cancer, leukemia causes abnormal proliferation of blood cells.
- Blood Transfusion: Transfusions are performed to replace lost blood and treat anemia.
- Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation: Procedures involving the transplantation of bone marrow or stem cells to repair damaged tissues due to disease.
Hematologic oncology utilizes various methods and approaches to diagnose, treat, and manage blood cancers and disorders. Hematologists determine appropriate treatment plans based on the type and stage of cancer and monitor patients’ overall health.
