Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies, diagnoses, treats, and prevents various diseases related to blood and its components, such as white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. Health conditions that affect blood and its components are referred to as hematology-related diseases or simply blood diseases. These diseases could be benign or malignant. Benign conditions include anemia, bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, and more. Malignant, or hematology-oncology, diseases include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, which are collectively referred to as blood cancer.
Hematological diseases are diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and modern imaging methods to detect blood-related disorders. The treatments for hematological disorders include medications, bone marrow transplants, and blood transfusions.
Hematology tests are important for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various hematological conditions. They analyze various blood components, including platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. These tests determine hemoglobin levels and hematocrit.
Hematological tests assist hematologists in diagnosing various hematological conditions, such as infections, anemia, clotting disorders, blood cancers, immune system diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammation. Regular hematology tests are essential for tracking chronic blood diseases, monitoring the treatment efficacy, and evaluating overall health.
Hematologists recommend these tests to diagnose diseases, plan treatment, and ensure early management. These tests help improve overall outcomes in various hematological conditions.
Some of the common clinical hematology tests are:
As a leading hematology hospital in India, HCG offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions for a wide range of hematological diseases with a specialized focus on quality of life.
Benign hematological disorders refer to illnesses related to blood. However, they are not cancerous and do not cause the blood cells to divide uncontrollably.
That said, these disorders can cause serious complications and therefore need prompt medical attention.
The key function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen. Disorders that affect these cells are called red blood cell disorders. Sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, and thalassemia are common red blood cell disorders.
Treatment options available for RBC disorders include blood transfusions, medications, lifestyle modifications, and bone marrow transplants.
The key function of WBC is to regulate the body’s immune system. WBC disorders are caused by abnormal white blood cells, also known as leukocytes. WBC disorders are characterized by either very high or very low WBC numbers. Neutropenia and MDS are two major white blood cell diseases.
Treatment options for WBC disorders include antibiotic/antiviral/antiparasitic medications, steroids, blood transfusions, immunosuppressants, and bone marrow transplants.
Platelets' primary function is to support wound healing. Platelet disorders are characterized by either very high or very low platelet numbers. ITP and dengue are two important platelet disorders.
Treatment options available for platelet disorders include platelet transfusion, plasma transfusion, medications, and bone marrow transplants.
Multiple factors can cause bleeding disorders. When an injury occurs, the blood does not clot, which can lead to a multitude of health complications. Hemophilia is one type of bleeding disorder.
Treatment approaches available for bleeding disorders include medications, transfusions, gene therapy, and bone marrow transplants (in some cases only).
Clotting disorders happen when blood clots unexpectedly in the veins and arteries. This affects the blood flow and functioning of the organs. Deep vein thrombosis refers to clots forming in the legs, and pulmonary embolism refers to clots forming in the lungs.
Treatment options include blood thinners, clot-dissolving medications, and surgical procedures to remove the clot.
Malignant hematological disorders refer to cancerous conditions where immature blood cells tend to divide uncontrollably and cause various complications, including death.
Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow starts producing abnormal white blood cells in excess. These abnormal cells later enter the bloodstream. Important leukemia types include Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), And Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Different treatment options available for leukemia include watchful waiting (active monitoring), chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Lymphoma starts in infection-fighting cells and primarily occurs in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. Lymphoma is broadly classified into Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). Under NHL, there are about 60 subtypes. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplant are the different lymphoma treatment options.
Myeloma is a type of blood malignancy that arises from plasma cells. This cancer largely affects and damages the bones, immune system, kidneys, and red blood cells. Multiple myeloma is the most common type of myeloma. Different treatment options available for multiple myeloma include corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplants. Early symptom identification, timely diagnosis, and treatment are crucial in successfully managing blood malignancies. It is critical to diagnose and classify the disease correctly with the help of high-end, specific tests. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation are the common treatment methods used to treat blood cancers. However, bone marrow transplantation is largely preferred as a curative option when the patient is at a high risk of relapse.
HCG Cancer Centre is a leading hospital for cancer treatment in India, offering a wide range of oncology services, including comprehensive hematology solutions. The hospital is equipped to perform advanced hematology tests and treatments, which allow doctors to diagnose various hematological conditions, including blood cancers, accurately. We, at HCG, have some of the finest hematologists in India as part of our expert team, and they specialize in providing personalized care for multiple conditions, such as leukemia, anemia, and various blood-clotting disorders.
