Hematology has made significant progress in improving the quality of life of patients and controlling hematological diseases with developing treatment methods and drugs. Treatment methods such as bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy and immunotherapy play an important role in the management of hematological diseases. In this context, hematological evaluations such as regular blood tests, bone marrow biopsies and imaging studies are critical for early diagnosis and treatment. Hematology is a branch of medicine that focuses on a wide range of diseases and requires a multidisciplinary approach because these diseases can often affect many organ systems.
What is hematology?
Hematology is a branch of medicine that deals with the structure, function, diseases and treatment of blood and blood-forming organs (bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen). Hematologists diagnose and treat hematological diseases by examining the components of blood, the production and circulation of these components.
This branch of medicine not only understands the structure of blood, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, plasma, and other blood components, but also covers the functions of the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and spleen where these cells are produced. Hematologists often work with blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, imaging studies, and other diagnostic methods used to diagnose and treat diseases.
What are hematological diseases?
Hematological diseases are diseases that involve problems with the blood, blood cells, or bone marrow. These diseases can affect the production, function, or number of blood cells. Hematological diseases can be benign or malignant. Benign hematological diseases are not cancerous and can usually be cured with treatment. Malignant hematological diseases are cancerous and require treatment. Some common examples of hematological diseases include:
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number or quality of blood cells. Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and dizziness.
- Leukemia: Leukemia is a type of cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of blood cells. Leukemia can be acute or chronic. Acute leukemia is a rapidly developing disease. Chronic leukemia is a slower-developing disease.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system. Lymphoma is divided into two main groups: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Myeloma: Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells play an important role in the immune system. Myeloma can cause symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, and decreased resistance to infections.
- Thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets. Platelets are small blood cells that help blood clot. Thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding.
- Hemophilia: Hemophilia is a hereditary disease characterized by the deficiency or dysfunction of factors that enable blood clotting. Hemophilia can cause bleeding in joints, muscles and internal organs.
What are the general symptoms of blood diseases?
Blood diseases are diseases that cause a problem in the function of the blood, blood cells, or bone marrow. Blood diseases can be benign or malignant. Hematology symptoms include:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anorexia
- Pallor
- bleeding
- Decreased resistance to infections
Hematology symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the blood disease. For example, in cases of anemia such as anemia, symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness are observed. In cases of blood cancer such as leukemia, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, decreased resistance to infections and bleeding are observed. Diagnosis of blood diseases is made using blood tests, bone marrow biopsy and other tests. Treatment of blood diseases varies depending on the type and severity of the disease. Treatment may often include medication, radiation therapy, or surgery.