What is Hematology?
Hematology is the branch of medicine in charge of studying, diagnosing and treating blood diseases, also referred to as hematologic disorders.
What is a hematologist?
Hematologists are physicians who have been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases. In general, these are clinicians who have already completed their training in Internal Medicine and have decided to pursue additional sub-specialization and training through an accredited hematology fellowship program. The American Board of Internal Medicine offers certification in Hematology to those clinicians that meet specific requirements.
What are some of the hematologic conditions treated by hematologists?
These conditions are divided into two main categories: malignant hematologic disorders (cancers of the blood system) and benign hematologic disorders. The first category includes mostly leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma.
In terms of benign diseases, common conditions that we diagnose and treat include:
- Anemia (Iron deficiency, Pernicious Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Aplastic Anemia, Anemia of Renal Disease)
- Leukopenia (low white cell count)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia
- Thrombocytosis (elevated platelet count)
- Erythrocytosis (elevated Red Cell count) and Polycythemia Vera
- Myelofibrosis and other myeloproliferative disorders
- Myelodysplasia
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
- Coagulation disorders, including Hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease
- Thrombophilia, including Factor V Leiden anomaly and other hypercoagulable states
- Iron overload syndromes, such as Hereditary Hemochromatosis and Porphyrias
What are the patient’s ages?
At M. D. Anderson – Orlando we see adults and pediatric patients. In addition, we provide consultative services to other specialties and to pregnant patients that may have newly diagnosed or pre-existent hematological disorders that increase their pregnancy risk.
Our Team of Experts
For more information or to schedule a consulation, please call 321.841.1055.