What is hematology and oncology?
A hematologist-oncologist is an experienced physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of blood diseases and cancers. They typically don’t treat operable cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, but some hematologist-oncologists do specialize in treating solid tumors.
At Physicians Medical Group of San Jose, the hematology and oncology team works with patients of all ages, including pediatric cancer patients.
Which conditions can a hematologist-oncologist treat?
A hematologist-oncologist treats any type of blood disorder or cancer, including:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Sickle-cell anemia
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Hemophilia
- Plasma cell myeloma
- Von Willebrand disease
- Too many platelets/not enough platelets
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Early intervention is key in treating blood disorders, so it’s important to contact Physicians Medical Group of San Jose right away if you suspect something is wrong.
What is a blood disorder?
The blood in your body consists of plasma — a liquid that contains water, salt, and protein — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While white blood cells help fight off infections, red blood cells deliver oxygen to your organs and other tissues.
Meanwhile, platelets help your blood form clots. Your bone marrow — the sponge-like material inside your bones — creates new blood cells.
If you have any type of ongoing problem with your red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, you may have a blood disorder.
What are the symptoms of blood disorders?
If you have a blood disorder, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle weakness
- Slow-healing sores or cuts
- Weight loss
- Trouble concentrating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Easily bruised skin
- Bleeding gums
- Frequent nosebleeds
Another less common symptom of a blood disorder is bleeding that simply won’t stop after an injury. This often indicates that your blood isn’t clotting as it should.
How do hematologists-oncologists diagnose blood disorders?
A hematologist-oncologist starts by asking questions regarding your symptoms, medical history, and family history to determine whether you’re at risk of developing certain blood disorders. Next, they may recommend one or more of the following tests.
Blood test
A blood test allows your doctor to see the number and types of cells in your blood, as well as their size, shape, and volume.
Bone marrow test
Because your bone marrow creates blood cells, removing a small amount of marrow from inside your bones gives your doctor vital information about the health of your blood.
Imaging test
In addition to a blood and bone marrow test, your hematology and oncology specialist at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose may order a series of imaging tests, such as an ultrasound scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose provider today to learn more about hematology and oncology.
