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Hematology

Hematology is the medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and disorders. Hematologists treat conditions within the red and white blood cells, platelets, lymph nodes, bone marrow, blood vessels, and the spleen. Blood conditions can be benign or malignant.

Blood Disorders

Anemia is the most common type of blood disorder we treat. Anemia occurs when your body has a deficiency of oxygen-rich red blood cells or when your red blood cells do not function properly. A low level of hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that carries the oxygen in red blood cells, is a telltale sign. Anemia can be chronic or a temporary condition caused by other health issues. It frequently remains undiagnosed because it is an underlying condition of other health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anemia caused by nutritional or vitamin deficiencies can be treated by small changes in your diet or taking vitamin supplements. In many cases, the symptoms are temporary with no long-term effects.

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder in which red blood cells are sticky and crescent-shaped instead of round. They can block blood flow, causing pain and organ damage. It is an inherited, lifelong disease.

Aplastic anemia, also known as bone marrow failure, is a blood disorder where the body’s bone marrow does not create enough new blood cells. Aplastic anemia can be acquired or inherited; however, the cause is not known for many who are diagnosed with this condition. While it can be associated with cancer or cancer treatments, aplastic anemia itself is not a cancer. A small number of those diagnosed with aplastic anemia may also develop leukemia. Symptoms of aplastic anemia include fatigue, frequent infections, abnormal bruising, or abnormal bleeding. Aplastic anemia can be treated with blood transfusions, blood and marrow stem cell transplants, and medications. If caught at an early stage and treated properly, many diagnosed with aplastic anemia can be successfully treated.

Hemophilia is a rare, typically inherited blood disorder where the blood does not properly clot. Patients may suffer from internal bleeding, which can cause damage to organs, joints and tissues. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. While there is no cure, we have several advanced treatment techniques which can significantly improve your quality of life.

Hematologists also treat thrombosis and hemostasis – conditions related to the proteins that trigger bleeding and clotting. Thrombosis refers to the formation of abnormal blood clots that become embedded in a major vein or artery, blocking blood circulation. Blood clots can cause pain, swelling, or warmth in the affected area, and can be life-threatening. Hemostasis is the process of controlling bleeding.

Comprehensive anticoagulation and thrombosis management include outpatient and in-hospital management of anticoagulant medications, as well as comprehensive outpatient treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and evaluation and management of patients with thrombotic disorders. Most patients with deep vein thrombosis can be evaluated and treated in our office setting without needing a hospital admission.

Pediatric Hematology

Pediatric hematologists focus on treating blood disorders in children under 18. We provide specialized pediatric hematology services at Texas Oncology–Medical City Dallas Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.

Our program has all the resources needed to provide care for your child. Our physicians will connect you and your family with the supportive services for the educational, emotional, and financial challenges you may face.

Texas Oncology is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a National Cancer Institute-sponsored cooperative research group. Through this program, children have access to promising new medications and therapies. Texas Oncology–Medical City Dallas Pediatric Hematology-Oncology is also a member of Be the Match (formerly the National Bone Marrow Donor Program), which affords patients without family members who can serve as donors access to potentially lifesaving transplants from alternative stem cell sources.