Haematology

Haematology

Clinical Haematology is a branch of clinical medicine which deals with diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders from conditions such as iron deficiency through to leukaemia.To put it simply, haematology is the study of blood, the organs that are involved in its formation, and the diseases associated with it. Haematology covers the diseases and treatment of all the organs and components that are responsible for the production of blood in your body. They include the blood cells (WBC and RBC), bone marrow, haemoglobin, the proteins available in blood, spleen, blood vessels, and platelets.

Haematology Department at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Offers a wide range of services ranging from outpatient clinic, inpatient daycare facility, laboratory, blood bank under one roof. In addition, we also have advanced blood banking services with platelet aphaeresis, leukodepletion, irradiation facilities etc. - essential for high end complete haematological services.

Narayana Health Hematology department treats a wide spectrum of conditions related to hematology:

• Acute Leukaemia

  The word “acute” in acute leukaemia comes from the fact that the condition progresses rapidly and are immature blood cells rather than mature cells called as blasts.Blasts can be of 2 types lymphoid and myeloid depending upon the lineage of origin.

• Chronic Leukaemia

  Chronic Leukaemia progresses very slow as compared to the rapid proliferation of Acute Leukaemia. It takes time to progress and mostly affects people over the age of 60. Hardly people in their 40 get affected with this form of cancer.

• Plasma Cell disorders

  Plasma cell disorders are a wide spectrum of disorders in which clones of malignant plasma cells over-produce and release into the bloodstream.

• Lymphoma – Hodgkin / Non Hodgkin

  Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Cancer begins in the infection-fighting cells and can occur in the lymph nodes, thymus, bone marrow, spleen and other parts of the body.

• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

  Myeloproliferative Neoplasms refers to cancer caused due to the uncontrollable increase of red or white blood cells or platelets. It is a group of rare blood cancers. It leads to various complications like anemia, pancytopenia, thrombosis, etc.

• Thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies

  The genetic diseases of haemoglobin cause Thalassemia and other structural haemoglobin variants. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Haemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders of globin, the protein component of haemoglobin.

• All types of coagulation and thrombotic disorders

  Coagulation refers to the blood’s inability to form clots which can lead to bleeding diathesis. Thrombosis, on the other hand, refers to the formation of blood clots that obstruct the blood flow of the circulatory system.

• Haemoglobin and platelet disorders

  Various platelets disorders both acquires and hereditary can lead to decrease platelets count known as thrombocytopenia whereas, increased platelets counts are known as thrombocytosis.

Who is at the risk of blood cancer?

The risk factors for blood cancer are not fully understood, but it is known that blood cancers are often a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Smoking, exposure to chemicals, radiation exposure, etc. have been linked to the risk of some types of blood cancers. Getting infected with viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, and human T-cell lymphoma/leukemia is also linked to developing lymphomas and leukemias.

What are the symptoms of blood cancer?

Symptoms of blood cancer vary by disease but may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Bone and joint pain
• Weight loss
• Swelling of lymph nodes, liver and spleen
• Anemia
• Excess bleeding, menorrhagia in females

Diagnosis of Haematological Diseases: What to expect?

Your primary physician can refer you to a haematologist or a haematology hospital if he/she finds you at risk of any blood-related conditions. Blood disorders have an impact on all regions of the human body. Considering this, haematologists mostly work along with other medical specialists. Depending on the symptoms and severity of the condition, the doctor can recommend one or more of these procedures for diagnosis:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This is the most commonly recommended blood test to monitor the count of haemoglobin, platelets, red and white blood cells and hematocrit. A CBC test is also recommended to help manage other diseases that can have a direct or indirect impact on one’s blood count. For instance, dengue fever can affect platelet count.

2. Bone marrow biopsy

If your primary care physician or haematologist doubts or observes reduced blood cell generation then they can recommend a bone marrow biopsy. A sample of your bone marrow is extracted to examine the condition and for further diagnosis.

3. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

This test is suggested if you’re having unjustified bleeding instances like nose bleeds, pink urine, heavy periods or even if you bruise too easy. The test estimates how long it takes for the blood to clot and if the reason is an underlying blood disorder.

After diagnosis, a specialist chooses from treatment and therapy options based on the type and severity of the disorder. Few of the treatments include:

• Blood transfusions
• Stell-cell or bone marrow transplant
• Immunotherapy
• Ablation therapy
• Chemotherapy

What do haematologists do?

Haematologists are medical doctors who have a specialization in the diagnosis and Hematology treatment of all diseases associated with the blood and related structures, such as the bone marrow. Some of the tests and procedures that a haematologist may perform are as follows:

• Complete blood cell count: A haematologist may conduct this test to diagnose anaemia, blood cancer and any inflammatory diseases. It may also be used to monitor blood loss and infection.
• Platelet count: This test is used to diagnose and monitor bleeding disorders.
• Blood enzyme tests: These tests can be of several types and can be used to diagnose cardiovascular conditions, including heart attack.
• Bone marrow biopsy: This procedure involves testing a sample tissue from the bone marrow to diagnose and monitor anaemia, thrombocytopenia (a condition in which one has low platelet count), and some cancers.
• Blood transfusions: In this process, a body is given healthy blood intravenously (through an IV).

Why NH?

Narayana Multispeciality’s Hematologist in India uses a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat blood cancer. Our experienced and dedicated team of doctors are a team of Oncologists, hematologists, pathologists, radiologists, and radiation oncologists to ensure that diagnosis and treatment go hand in hand. We offer world-class cancer care through our cutting-edge technologies and treatment approaches.

At every step, the aim remains to give comprehensive care and support to the patients.

Haematology FAQ's