A hematologist is a specialist who does more than just treat blood problems

Indeed, what is hematology?

Hematology is a term that has its roots in Greek, viz haima and logos . Haima means blood, while logos is learning or knowledge. So, hematology is the study of blood and its components and all its problems.

Doctors who focus on this branch of knowledge are called hematologists or hematologists. In the medical world, hematology plays an important role in every diagnosis process to a treatment plan that suits the patient's condition.

A hematologist's role is to diagnose, treat, and prevent various blood-related diseases. This includes cancerous and non-cancerous diseases that affect blood components (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets) and / or blood-producing organs (such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen).

Some of the diseases that can be handled by a hematologist are:

Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
Blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma
Genetic blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or purpura
Obstructive disorders such as deep vein thrombosis and arterial thromboembolism
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid vasculitis or thalassemia
Systemic blood infections such as sepsis or septic shock

Apart from those already mentioned above, a hematologist is usually involved in all conditions requiring bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.

The difference between hematologist vs oncologist

Many people think that a hematologist is the same as an oncologist, that is, a specialist doctor who focuses on cancer.

In some cases, oncologists and hematologists can work together to help diagnose and determine the right treatment for blood cancer patients. The two of them can also coordinate with other specialists, such as radiologists, surgeons, genetics, or rheumatologists, for examinations related to blood cancer.

Even so, these two specialists actually have the responsibility to diagnose and treat different scopes of disease.

So if you are referred by a general practitioner or other specialist to a hematologist, it does not mean that you have cancer. You may be suspected of having certain conditions related to blood disorders.

Various hematology examinations you need to know

Hematological examination plays an important role in observing a patient's overall health condition. There are many types of hematology tests that doctors can perform.

One of the most common is a complete blood count test (complete blood count test / CBC). This test analyzes the three main components of blood, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Apart from being part of a routine medical checkup, this test can also be done by doctors to diagnose anemia, inflammation, infection, or even to detect cancer. Lengkao blood test can also be used to see your condition before blood donation or blood transfusion.

A hematologist may also advise his patient to perform tests Prothrombin Time (PT), Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), and International Normalized Ratio (INR). The three types of tests are usually performed by doctors to analyze blood clotting disorders and monitor the medications that the patient has been taking, especially medications that affect blood cells in the body.

A spinal cord biopsy is also a common test that is often performed by hematologists. This examination requires the doctor to take a cell sample from the spinal cord to determine the type of disease the patient is experiencing.

When to see a hematologist?

There are many factors that can cause a person to experience blood disorders. Apart from disease, a person can also experience blood disorders due to side effects of drugs, deficiencies of certain nutrients, to genetic history. Well, the best way to find out whether you are a person who has blood disorders or not is to consult a hematologist.

However, before finally a person is recommended to consult a hematologist, there are several stages of examination that must be undertaken. In the early stages, a patient will first undergo an examination at a general practitioner. If at this stage the general practitioner finds some symptoms leading to blood disorders that require further examination, the general practitioner will refer the patient to a hematologist. The same thing can happen if you check with other specialists.

Later, a specialist in hematology will carry out further tests to confirm the initial diagnosis made by a general practitioner or specialist. To confirm the diagnosis, a hematologist will usually perform a physical examination and laboratory tests such as blood tests. If needed, the doctor may also perform other supporting examinations.

The results of examinations performed by a hematologist can provide additional information to the general practitioner or specialist who provides a referral to a hematologist.

Preparation prior to the hematologist

Likewise, when you want to consult with other specialist doctors, it is important for you to find as much information as possible regarding the hematologist you will choose.

You can start by looking for information from your regular doctor, at website trusted hospitals, reading patient testimonials from forums on the internet, or even digging up info from nurses or employees at the hospital where the doctor practices.

Apart from that, also consider looking second opinion , aka the second opinion of family, relatives, friends, who may have or are currently consulting this specialist.

Well, s After you have determined which doctor to choose, make an appointment to come for a consultation first. Bring your medical records and also include referral documents from a general practitioner or other specialist if necessary.

When consulting, ask all the things you really want to be asked about, from health conditions, disease progression, to possible treatment options that you will receive. An experienced professional doctor will be able to explain well.