Who is a hematologist? Let's learn about this!

Have you ever heard of a `( hematologist )`? Maybe your family doctor referred you to see such a specialist. When you hear that, some people feel a little scared and nervous, thinking, "Oh, I don't know if I have some serious disease." But is a `(Hematologist)` really someone who always looks at serious diseases like cancer? Let's talk about all this clearly.

Who is this `(Hematologist)`? To be precise...

Simply put, a ``Hematologist'' is a doctor who specializes in diseases related to our blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system . This is another subspecialty within the broader field of medicine called ``Internal medicine.'' Just as there are separate doctors who specialize in different systems in our body, this is the specialist for everything related to blood.

What does a `(Hematologist)` do?

These specialists help diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of diseases that affect our blood cells. Some of these blood diseases can be benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Some can also be malignant.

Think about it, some blood diseases can disrupt our blood circulation, for example, blood clots can occur. Some other diseases can also cause bleeding more than normal. Although these blood-related diseases and blood cancers sometimes show very minor symptoms, some are serious conditions that can even be life-threatening. That is why the help of a specialist like this is necessary.

Are a ``Hematologist'' and a ``Oncologist'' the same thing?

This is a question that many people have. No, these two are not always the same person. However, a ``Hematologist`` can also be a cancer specialist ``Oncologist``.

Simply put:

• A cancer specialist (`( An oncologist is a person who diagnoses and treats all types of cancer.
• A hematologist mainly focuses on problems that affect our blood and the parts of the body that help produce blood (such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system).

However, there is a natural connection between these two fields. Because most blood cancers start in the blood cells in our bone marrow and the lymphatic system, some doctors have specialized training in both fields (`(Hematology/Oncology)`).

Does seeing a hematologist mean you have cancer?

No, not at all! This is something to keep in mind. Just because you've been referred to see a hematologist doesn't mean you have cancer .

Hematologists treat all types of blood disorders. Your family doctor may refer you to a hematologist if you have any unusual blood test results. For example, if you have a change in your blood cell count or coagulation levels. Keep in mind that these basic blood test results are not always a sign of a serious illness.

When should I see a Hematologist?

Your primary care doctor will usually refer you to a hematologist if they feel that your blood test results need further specialist advice. As mentioned earlier, basic blood test results alone cannot diagnose a serious condition. This is why further testing and specialist advice are needed.

What are the most common blood diseases?

Blood is essential for the survival of our bodies. Think about it:

• Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues of our body and provide energy.
• White blood cells help our immune system fight infections.
• Platelets help to reduce and stop bleeding.
• Plasma is the liquid that holds these blood cells together.

So, if you have a blood disorder, it means that one or more parts of your blood are not working properly. Some blood disorders are not cancerous, but they can be serious.

Non-cancerous (Benign) blood diseases/conditions

These are not cancers, but diseases that affect the blood. Let's look at some examples:

• Anemia : This occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. There are many types of anemia, but the most common type is iron-deficiency anemia. This can cause you to feel tired all the time and may even feel dizzy.
• Von Willebrand Disease : This is the most common bleeding disorder in the United States.
• Hemophilia : This is a hereditary blood disorder. This affects the ability of the blood to clot. Even a small injury can cause significant bleeding.
• Sickle cell anemia : This is also a hereditary disease. In this, the red blood cells are shaped like a sickle.
• Thalassemias : Thalassemia is also an inherited blood disorder. It affects the body's ability to produce hemoglobin and healthy red blood cells.

Common types of blood cancer

There are many types of blood cancer. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the three most common types of blood cancer are:

• Leukemia : This is the most common blood cancer in the United States. It is also the most common type of cancer among children and young adults. The good news is that the five-year survival rate for people who recover from this disease has quadrupled in the past 40 years.
• Lymphoma : Lymphoma is a cancer of your lymphatic system. The survival rate for people who recover from this disease has doubled in the last 40 years.
• Myeloma : Myeloma is a cancer that starts in your bone marrow and affects the plasma cells. More than half of people diagnosed with myeloma live five years after diagnosis.

There are many other subtypes of each of these blood cancers.

What kind of education is required to become a ``(Hematologist)``?

Every doctor must study for four years in medical school to earn a medical degree. To become a ``Hematologist'', you must undergo additional training:

• Three years of residency training (`(Residency)`) : This is medical training after graduation. This training is done by working with patients. Most `(Hematologist)` doctors complete this residency training in either `(Internal Medicine)` or `(Pediatrics`.
• Fellowship: This is a three to five year period of specialized training in a specific area of ​​medicine. During this time, doctors receive specialized training in Hematology, or blood diseases. Some doctors also do Oncology training along with Hematology.

Types of Hematology Specialist Training

Doctors can specialize in various areas of the field of ``Hematology``:

• Adult hematology specialist : This training qualifies you to treat blood diseases, bone marrow diseases, and diseases of the lymphatic system that affect adults.
• Pediatric hematology : As the name suggests, this training is to treat children with blood diseases.
• Coagulation Specialist (`(Coagulation)`) : This department specializes in diseases that affect blood clotting.
• Specialist in blood diseases and blood cancer (`(Hematology/oncology)`) : This training qualifies you to treat blood diseases as well as blood cancers.

After completing this specialty training, physicians are eligible to obtain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. (Pediatric hematologists are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.) In addition, every physician must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination and obtain a license from the state in which they practice. In Sri Lanka, specialists are created through a similar recognized system.

What should you expect when you go to see a ``(Hematologist)``?

You are seeing a hematologist because your blood tests show something related to your blood cells. Your hematologist may have also recommended additional tests to find out more about your blood. When you see the doctor, he or she will do the following:

• Ask about your overall health .
• Ask about recent changes in your body and symptoms (which may be signs of a blood disease).
• I will review your blood test results with you.
• He explains what he thinks is the reason for those results.
• They will discuss what other tests you may need .
• If he can make a diagnosis, he will explain the disease and recommend treatment .

What are the most common blood tests?

Our blood has many components. Doctors may test the blood as a whole, or they may test different components of the blood separately. Here are some common tests that a hematologist may order to diagnose a blood disorder or blood cancer:

• Complete blood count (CBC) : This is a basic blood test. It counts your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Blood differential test : This checks the number of each type of white blood cell. This can be done at the same time as the CBC.
• Prothrombin time test (PTT) : This tests how quickly your blood clots.
• Reticulocyte count : This measures the number of young, immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your blood.
• Peripheral blood smear (PBS) : In this procedure, doctors examine your red and white blood cells and platelets under a microscope.

What are the blood tests for cancer?

Blood tests for cancer are just one of many tools that doctors use to diagnose and manage cancer. A hematologist may use blood tests to:

• Check your blood for chemicals and proteins that indicate cancer.
• Check blood cell levels .
• Assess your overall health .

If you have blood cancer, you will need to have additional blood tests. Your doctor (hematologist) will use these test results to:

• Staging cancer helps determine the stage of the cancer . When doctors stage a cancer, they look at the size and location of the tumor. They use that information to place the cancer into a specific category, or stage, labeled with numbers and letters. Staging cancer sets the stage for cancer treatment.
• Decides on cancer treatment options .
• It examines whether the disease gets better or worse over time and/or with treatment.
• Determines whether the cancer has come back (`(recurrence)`) .

What questions should I ask my hematologist?

You are seeing a hematologist because blood tests have shown that something is wrong with your blood. So you have a lot of questions. Here are some questions you can consider:

• What did my blood tests show?
• What do those results mean?
• What is my situation?
• Is this situation serious?
• What is the reason for this situation?
• What symptoms should I look out for?
• What should I do if I see those symptoms?
• Will I need to have more blood tests or other tests?
• What do you hope to find from these tests?
• When will I receive the test results?
• Will I have to do more tests later?
• What treatment do you recommend for me? Why?
• When do I start treatment? How long will it last?
• What should I know about the medication you are prescribing?
• Are there any side effects?
• What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?
• Are there other treatment options?

You are seeing a hematologist because tests show that your blood cells, bone marrow, or lymph system are not working properly. You may feel nervous when you see a doctor who specializes in blood disorders, including blood cancers. If you have questions about your test results, ask your hematologist about them and what he is doing to find out what is causing them. He or she will be happy to answer your questions and explain what to do next. Don't be afraid to ask anything that comes to your mind. It is your right.

Take-Home Message

A ``Hematologist`` is a doctor who specializes in blood-related diseases, from anemia to blood cancer. Being referred to a ``Hematologist`` does not always mean you have cancer. Often, the results of a basic blood test will be further explained.

The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor and ask any questions you have. Having a good understanding of your health condition is very important for the success of your treatment. So don't be afraid, get the information you need.

` Blood diseases, hematologists, blood cancers, anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, blood tests