Hematology & Blood Disorders

Understanding Blood Disorders

Blood is the life force of your body, carrying oxygen, fighting infection, and clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Hematology is the study of blood in health and disease, and a hematologist is a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating blood disorders.

What Does a Hematologist Treat?

Hematologists manage a wide range of conditions affecting your blood and blood-forming organs:

• Red blood cells: These carry oxygen throughout your body. Problems can include anemia (low red blood cell count) or sickle cell disease.
• White blood cells: These fight infection. Issues can involve low white blood cell counts or leukemias (cancers of the blood cells).
• Platelets: These help blood clot. Problems can include low platelet counts or excessive clotting disorders.
• Blood vessels: Inflammation or weakness in blood vessels can lead to conditions like vasculitis.
• Bone marrow: This is where your blood cells are produced. Diseases can affect bone marrow function.
• Lymph nodes, spleen, and clotting proteins: These play a role in your immune system and blood clotting. Problems can include lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) or hemophilia (a bleeding disorder).

Blood Cancers and Advanced Treatment Options

Medical oncologists also treat blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Fortunately, significant advancements have been made in treating these conditions. Your oncologist will be the best source of information on your specific situation.

Specialized Care Our Anticoagulation Clinic

Our practice offers an anticoagulation clinic, often called a Coumadin clinic, for patients who need long-term blood thinners.