Haematology

Medical Conditions

Any abnormality of the blood, including the blood cells (red, white or platelets) and coagulation abnormalities.
Some examples include:

• Anaemia
• Thrombocytopaenia
• Leukopaenia
• Pancytopaenia
• Polycythaemia
• Thrombocytosis
• Leukocytosis
• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Coagulopathies
• Warfarinisation (Warfarin Therapy)
• Haemophilia
• Von Willebrands disease
• Pro-Coagulant disorders

Specialty Areas of Interest

• Haematological malignancy (cancers of the blood)
• Coagulopathies and procoagulant conditions (problems with bleeding and blood clotting)

Associated Tests

• Blood tests
• Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies

Procedures

• Treatment depends on the condition.
• It may involve medications, blood transfusion, chemotherapy or even bone marrow transplantation.

What to expect

History

Your haematologist will begin by asking about your current problem: your symptoms, their duration, severity, relieving and exacerbating factors; previous tests and treatments.
They will also ask about past medical problems, medications, allergies, social and family history.

Examination

Your haematologist will begin by looking generally. A great deal can be learned by simple observation of the nails, hands, skin, hair, eyes and mouth. They will then feel for lymph nodes (commonly known as glands) in your neck, armpits and groin. Next they are likely to feel you abdomen, specifically feeling for your liver, spleen and any enlarged lymph nodes that may be present.
After this they will need to order some investigations (tests) - usually blood tests.

Training and Qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Haematologist
• Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand
• British Society for Haematology
• American Society of Hematology*
• Wikipedia – Hematology*

* Hematology – American spelling for Haematology.