Oncology specialists also take care of patients who have blood diseases. These diseases may include problems with the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone marrow, blood vessels, lymph nodes, or the spleen. Care may also extend to problems with the proteins that impact bleeding and clotting.
Why Certain Blood Disorders Develop
Various health factors can lead to blood disorders. For instance, it is not uncommon for patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy to develop a blood disorder in response to the chemicals that are being used to treat them. Therefore, oncology hematology doctors often care for patients with bone marrow illnesses or cancers that trigger disorders of the blood.
In addition, the overuse of certain recreational drugs or chemical exposures can lead to disorders. In some instances, viral infections, pregnancy complications, heredity, or chromosomal issues can be linked to blood abnormalities. According to hematology specialists, almost 50% of all blood disorders cannot be connected to a specific cause.
How Blood Disorders Can Affect People
People who are affected by bloods disorder may suffer from the following ailments:
- Anemia in various forms, including iron-deficient anemia, pernicious anemia, aplastic anemia, or sickle cell anemia
- Hemophilia
- Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma
Symptomatology
A blood disorder may be defined by several symptoms, some of which are cleared up through treatment and others which tend to linger. These symptoms may include the following:
- Anemia
- Bleeding gums
- Bone or joint pain, including unexplained fractures
- Abdominal pain or distress
- Easy bruising
- Nose bleeds
- Ongoing weight loss
- Recurring infections
- Swelling at sites such as the underarm, groin, or neck
- Weakness, breathlessness, or fatigue
Where to Obtain Further Information
Facilities such as this one provide informational resources and care for people who are diagnosed with a variety of cancers, and they can provide details about the latest in innovative therapies.
