Hematology is the science of blood. Specialists in this field study the fluid that flows through the veins of people and animals. Unfortunately, this organ of our body can sometimes hurt. Therefore, there are doctors who are involved in identifying and treating blood diseases. As you may have guessed, this doctor is called a hematologist. Let's talk in more detail when you need to contact this specialist.

What does a hematologist treat?

A hematologist is a specialist whose responsibilities include identifying and selecting methods for treating blood pathologies. He works with serious illnesses, so this profession requires a high level of skill.

Blood diseases are not very common. They occupy only 8 percent of the total mass of diseases of other organs.

Hematology itself is the science of blood. There are only three subsections in this industry.

Types of hematology:

1. General hematology investigates the causes of diseases such as anemia, pancytopenia and other similar diseases. This type of hematology also deals with their treatment and identification.
2. Oncological hematology studies oncological diseases of the blood. Essentially, this medicine studies both oncology and hematology.
3. Theoretical hematology directly studies the composition of blood. She also deals with the processes of blood formation and transfusion.

A hematologist studies blood diseases in children and adults. This specialist may work in tandem with other doctors.

What diseases does a hematologist treat:

1. Lymphoma. This disease is also called blood cancer
2. Lysmpholecosis. Malignant disease. Characterized by the degeneration of lymph cells into cancer formations.
3. Anemia. This disease is a lack of hemoglobin in the blood.
4. Myeloid leukemia. This is a cancer of the blood.
5. Multiple myeloma. With this disease, malignant formations appear in the bone marrow, causing the appearance of diseased blood cells.
6. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia. During this disease, the lifespan of platelets is shortened.

These are just a number of the most serious diseases that a hematologist treats. Many of them pose a serious threat to life and require timely treatment.

When should you go to see a hematologist?

A hematologist treats serious illnesses that pose a serious threat to life. Therefore, it is very important to contact this specialist at the first signs of blood diseases.

It is especially important to monitor your blood condition during pregnancy. Anemia is a disease that many pregnant women face.

Symptoms of blood diseases immediately make themselves felt. However, they are not typical and are often similar in nature to ailments associated with organ disease.

Adults encounter negative factors in our world more often than children. Therefore, it is they who often have to consult a doctor called a hematologist.

Signals that indicate that it is time for an adult to see a hematologist:

• A strong increase in temperature for no apparent reason;
• Significant reduction in body volume;
• Excessive sweating caused by excessive work of the sebaceous glands;
• Pale skin and bruises under the eyes;
• A sharp and causeless decrease in appetite;
• Numbness and stabbing sensations in the toes and hands;
• The appearance of bruises, although there was no injury;
• Severe drop in hemoglobin in the blood;
• Enlarged cervical, inguinal and axillary lymph nodes;
• Hyperemia of the facial skin.

If you notice these symptoms, you should first visit your doctor. Perhaps he will refer you to a hematologist.

Also, blood diseases, although less common, still occur in children. Therefore, it is important to know what signs indicate that a child should be taken to a hematologist.

When should you take your child to see a hematologist:

• Unexpected nosebleeds;
• Pallor or yellowness of the skin;
• Severe pain in the back, joints, spine, stomach or head;
• Unreasonable appearance of bruises.

Of course, if a child has such symptoms, this does not mean that the cause is in the blood. Therefore, first of all, you need to contact your pediatrician. If necessary, the pediatrician will refer you to a hematologist.

Preparing for an appointment with a hematologist

An appointment with a hematologist is the same as visiting other doctors. First of all, the doctor will interview you for any complaints. Next, the skin will be examined and the lymph nodes will be palpated. Based on this, the specialist will be able to make his own assumptions, which he may not share with you until an accurate diagnosis is made.

After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe certain tests for you. Therefore, it is very important to properly prepare for an appointment with this specialist. This will save you time.

Preparing for an appointment with a hematologist:

1. Before seeing a hematologist, it is better to stop eating. There should be 12 hours between the last meal and the doctor's examination. You can only drink unsweetened tea.
2. The day before visiting your blood doctor, stop drinking alcohol and smoking. Traces of such substances in the blood can affect test results and therefore cause incorrect diagnosis.
3. It is advisable not to take any medications before visiting this doctor. However, if it is really necessary, then this rule can be broken. However, in this case, do not forget to warn your doctor about this.
4. Liquid intake will also have to be limited. You should not drink more than a liter of water during the day.

Following these rules will allow you to help the doctor quickly determine the diagnosis. In blood diseases, believe me, this is very important.

What blood tests does the doctor refer for?

After examining the patient, the doctor usually prescribes various tests and studies. Because often after the examination he still has questions. Such tests can be carried out in government agencies or private clinics.

Additional tests that a hematologist may prescribe:

1. X-ray of blood;
2. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and lymph nodes;
3. Biopsy and histology of lymphatic system nodes;
4. An analysis to determine the level of blood clotting;
5. General blood test;
6. Bone scintigraphy and CT scan of all organs of the body;
7. Study of the morphological function of the bone marrow.

These procedures will allow you to identify any blood pathology. Modern equipment is highly accurate, so with proper preparation, problems with diagnosing the cause of ailments usually do not arise.

What does a hematologist treat (video)

A hematologist is a doctor who treats and examines blood diseases. A timely visit to this specialist can save your life. Therefore, watch your health and do not be afraid to undergo examinations from doctors.

Hematologist is a doctor who specializes in blood diseases. He is also involved in the prevention, treatment and study of these diseases.

Its competence includes that part of medicine that is devoted to the peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the circulatory system, that is, the blood, its organs, the causes and methods of determining blood diseases, methods of preventing such diseases.

Hematology is a branch of medicine that studies the pathology of blood systems. The difficulty in diagnosing and treating these diseases is that their manifestations (symptoms) are not unique to these diseases and can occur in many other diseases. Only a hematologist can recognize them, and therefore provide qualified assistance in a timely manner.

What does a hematologist study?

What the doctor studies:

Obviously, for all these actions to be effective, the hematologist needs extensive knowledge of blood and everything connected with it.

A good hematologist must know:

• physiology, morphology and embryogenesis of the hematopoietic system and blood cells;
• characteristics and properties of blood serum and plasma;
• properties of the hematopoietic system in pathological blood diseases;
• basics of immunohematology;
• basics of hemostasiology;
• basics of hematology;
• medical examination system;
• methods for diagnosing blood and bone marrow pathologies;
• chemotherapy technique;
• deontology (basics of medical ethics).

This list clearly shows the connection between hematology and such medical specializations as oncology, gynecology, and surgery. Together with specialists in these and other fields of medicine, hematologists treat various diseases.

What diseases does a hematologist treat?

A hematologist treats the following diseases:

What symptoms should you consult a hematologist for?

Consultation with a hematologist may be necessary for the following symptoms:

What tests should you take when visiting a hematologist?

Before consulting a hematologist, it is necessary to follow the rules that help both the patient and the doctor more accurately determine the cause of the disease and correctly conduct analytical studies. As a rule, the attending physician who writes the referral indicates what tests need to be taken when contacting a hematologist; they can be as follows:

• CBC - complete blood count.
• Biochemical blood test.
• Blood test for RW.
• Blood test for HIV.
• Blood test for hepatitis.
• General urine analysis.

The hematologist also prescribes many types of blood tests that can be performed on the day of the doctor's visit, so the patient is required to follow these recommendations:

Of course, a visit to a hematologist requires an outpatient card or an extract from the medical history, a referral from the attending physician, as well as the results of previous studies, both laboratory and instrumental.

What diagnostic methods does a hematologist use?

Diagnosis of hematological diseases includes clinical, instrumental, laboratory and genetic research methods. The first appointment begins with a questioning of the patient, examination of the lymph nodes - neck, armpits, groin, elbows, knees, tonsils, spleen.

Further, to determine the cause of the disease, the most informative is a detailed blood test that determines the leukocyte formula, reticulocytes, platelets, and so on. Often, more detailed information is provided by a myelogram - bone marrow puncture and computed tomography.

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, lymph node biopsy, immunophenotyping, molecular tests (PCR), MRI, and positron emission tomography may be prescribed.

List of standard examinations for patients with hematological diseases:

• CBC and complete blood count.
• Analysis for hemochromatosis - glandular metabolism.
• An analysis that reveals forms of hemoglobin.
• An analysis that reveals pathology in the structure of red blood cells.
• Electrophoresis of protein fractions.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
• Ultrasound of peripheral lymph nodes.
• Chest X-ray.
• Computed tomography, MRI.
• Genetic research.
• Myelogram – bone marrow puncture.
• Bone marrow trepanobiopsy and histology.
• Biopsy and histology of lymph nodes.
• Immunophenotypogram.

Questions and answers on the topic "Hematologist"

Question:Hello, a 3-year-old boy, 3 weeks ago he was admitted to the hospital with trachyitis, otitis media, throat, on the fourth day in the hospital a little bruise appeared on his shin, they did an ultrasound and said erythema nodosum, what happens after a severe virus, they prescribed him to drink Nurofen and apply diclofinac, within a week it all went away, but after 3 days a smaller one appeared on the other leg, and on the elbow, we had rheumatic tests, urine and stool tests, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, x-ray of the lungs, ultrasound of the heart, according to the tests everything was fine, they referred us to a hematologist, but we will only get there on November 27, but before the 27 I will go crazy, help me, please tell me what it could be? Thanks in advance.

Answer: The causes of erythema nodosum in children are often infectious diseases (you have tracheitis and otitis), allergic reactions and gastrointestinal disorders.

Question:Hello, doctor! A 9-year-old girl has a small ball under her right ear and on her neck, a 0.1 mm cyst on the right lobe of the thyroid gland. We take l-thyroxine 50 1/2 tablet. A year ago, a brown spot of 0.4 mm appeared in my mouth on the roof of my mouth, the doctors said I had to wait until it grew or not, what it was and who to contact.

Answer: Changes in skin tone are associated with an increased concentration of melanin in human tissues. A dark spot in the mouth most often has clearly defined localization boundaries, is small in size, and has a single character. Such a spot is not accompanied by accompanying symptoms and does not cause discomfort to a person. This formation has the medical term - melanotic spot. The appearance is associated with injury or inflammation of the mouth area.

An integral part of the human body is liquid moving tissue - blood, which performs many functions: transporting oxygen and nutrients to the internal organs, regulating body temperature and connecting different parts of the body. The composition of blood is quite complex and the amount of all elements must be within acceptable limits for the human body to function normally and for the internal organs to properly perform their functions. If deviations are observed, this indicates the occurrence of pathological processes and requires immediate consultation and assistance from a specialist.

Profession doctor hematologist

A hematologist is a highly specialized specialist whose qualifications extend to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the blood and hematopoietic system. Sometimes consulting a doctor is necessary for other diseases to prevent possible complications.

Diseases that a hematologist specializes in

The competence of a hematologist includes diseases of the blood, blood-forming organs, spleen, as well as pathological changes in bone tissue. The doctor's specialization covers the following diseases:

• Anemia (anemia) - can be congenital or hereditary and is characterized by a low content of red blood cells.
• Coagulopathy is a disease in which there is a disorder of blood clotting.
• Myelodysplasia.
• Leukemia.
• Myeloma.
• Lymphomas.
• Hemophilia (blood clotting disorder, the disease is inherited).
• Changes in the quality and quantity of blood in the body, changes in its biochemical composition.
• Thrombophlebitis (formation of blood clots in blood vessels).
• Thrombocytopenia is a significant decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, which makes it difficult to stop bleeding.
• Hemoglobinuria is the presence of hemoglobin cells in the urine.
• Lymphocytic leukemia (malignant neoplasms in the blood).

In what cases should you contact a hematologist?

The diseases that a hematologist specializes in do not have any particular symptoms and are often perceived by other doctors as other diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a highly specialized specialist who, based on symptoms and test results, will be able to identify blood diseases and differentiate them from others.
Consultation with a hematologist is necessary if the following signs are detected:

• The appearance of bruises on the skin due to any injury or slight pressure.
• Frequent nosebleeds that do not go away for a long time.
• Prolonged bleeding with small cuts and minor injuries.
• Increased body temperature, chills, fever in the absence of symptoms of a cold or other infectious disease.
• Painful sensations in the area of ​​the lymph nodes, their enlargement.
• Severe itching, no rash or skin irritation that could cause it.
• Lack of appetite, fatigue.
• Pain in bones, joints.

Diagnostic methods used by a hematologist

An appointment with a hematologist begins with an examination of the patient, a thorough questioning about the symptoms and pathological processes that occur in the body. A specialist cannot accurately determine the type of disease without a blood test and other laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. To make a diagnosis, a hematologist may prescribe the following examinations:

• Taking a general blood test to determine the level of leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin.
• Biochemical blood test.
• Bone marrow examination.
• Differential diagnosis of blood pathologies.
• Ultrasound examination of internal organs and lymph nodes.
• Coagulogram (analysis of blood clotting rate).
• Computed tomography of the brain and internal organs.

It is extremely difficult to prevent the development of diseases, since sometimes it is impossible to establish the exact causes of their development. A hematologist advises periodically taking a blood test to monitor the level of leukocytes, red blood cells and hemoglobin; People with a high risk of developing a hereditary blood disease should regularly visit the doctor's office and undergo the necessary examinations. Lifestyle plays a big role in maintaining health, so you should give up bad habits, which often provoke the development of blood clots, you should walk in the fresh air more often and do simple physical exercises.

Hematopoiesis (hematopoiesis ) - This is the most important process occurring in the human body. A number of problems that arise during life can be associated with blood diseases. What, in fact, is what a doctor of a certain narrow specialization does - hematology.

Hematologist: what he treats and what his work is

What does he do directly? This:

• Study of the cause and course of diseases of the circulatory system. A hematologist will not be able to prescribe treatment without an accompanying history.
• Study of blood pathologies. These can be hereditary or acquired diseases associated with ecology or oncology.
• Also, a hematologist is a doctor who develops methods for the successful introduction of progressive drugs into the treatment process.
• Further prevention and the post-rehabilitation period of the patient depend on its indications.
• Also, collection of blood from the population cannot be done without his “verdict”. That is, a hematologist is present at the points where donor material is delivered, where he is directly involved in the process. He is responsible for the quality of incoming blood and makes sure that donors do not have diseases, conducting a detailed study of their tests.

Areas in contact with hematology

A hematologist is a specialist who is closely associated with other areas of medical practice. These are gynecology, oncology, surgery. There is such a profession as pediatric hematologist, it is closely related to pediatrics. In a word, all processes related to blood cannot be done without such a doctor. People whose lives, unfortunately, are already inextricably linked with consultations and tests, no longer ask the question of who a hematologist is. Although there is practically not a single person who has not donated their own blood for analysis at least once in their life, few have heard of such a medical profession. But surely everyone will agree that you need to know well the basic vital processes of your body and constantly monitor your health.

Qualification indicators

Before starting to practice, observing patients and prescribing them certain drugs and prescriptions, a good hematologist must have a considerable period of training behind him. Firstly, this is a higher medical education, and secondly, he must thoroughly understand the main processes of hematopoiesis and the occurrence of various pathologies, and have a complete understanding of radiation and general oncology courses. He should also have access to the concepts of chemotherapy, biopsy and other important aspects related to the study of the immune system. A consultation with a hematologist should be a speech that the patient can understand, because not everyone can understand medical terms, so any doctor’s specialization includes training in the skills of proper communication with the patient.

Doctor's appointment

The list of diseases of the circulatory system is extensive. First of all, the patient is prescribed tests by the therapist, which can be used to judge the diagnosis. Also, based on their results, the specialist decides whether to send a person to see a hematologist or not. No one immediately draws any conclusions or makes an immediate diagnosis - a professional doctor carefully studies the patient’s problem. Unfortunately, not all clinics in small cities have such a disease expert as a hematologist - this is mainly the prerogative of regional medical institutions. Therefore, in the same rural areas, the diagnosis and, accordingly, the treatment itself are sometimes delayed.

However, the specialist himself cannot accept the patient and qualitatively solve his problem without an appropriate medical history and indications for consultation. You should carefully prepare and collect a lot of accompanying documents provided by the therapist in order to avoid unnecessary fuss and trips to authorities.

Hematologist: what he treats, and for what diseases his consultation is needed

• Anemia - it can be multiple - aplastic, hemolytic, deficient in terms of iron and folic acid. A hematologist treats almost all diseases of the circulatory system and is well aware of their varieties.
• Oncological indications, suspicions of such diseases or existing ones - leukemia, sarcoma, deformation of lymph nodes.
• Hemophilia, diseases of the spleen and liver, that is, hepatitis.

The list of problems associated with blood is far from complete. To accurately determine your own condition, you need to at least visit a doctor at your place of residence and describe your symptoms and concerns, if any.

What may be associated with the causes and pathologies of disruption of the process of “production” of blood

• Profuse sweating.
• General weakness.
• Persistent fever, even after taking medications.
• Apathy and weakness in a child are unusual for them, unless there are other reasons. A pediatric hematologist is a separate specialist who solves the problem from a pediatric perspective.
• Purple color of the skin without any dermatological indications.
• It is necessary to consult a doctor for pregnant women or those planning a child, as well as residents of unfavorable areas in terms of background radiation.
• Chronic fatigue for no reason and headache.
• HIV carriers should undergo tests as regularly as prescribed by their doctor.
• Also, analyzes of people who previously suffered from hepatitis, spleen diseases and other chronic infections are subject to detailed consideration. The hematologist should find out all this by studying the patient’s medical record.

Blood tests before contacting a hematologist

In order for the biomaterial to be examined in detail, it must be submitted to the clinic’s reception point, and through laboratory tests the presence of specific blood-related diseases in the patient must be confirmed or refuted. The results will then be sent to determine whether the patient needs to see a hematologist. In this case, the patient’s complaints or existing diagnosed viruses will be taken into account. The hematologist will also take this into account and, after his own examination, will prescribe a course of treatment. What is included in the list of tests:

• A general blood test is taken from a finger, familiar to everyone since childhood.
• RW, HIV, hepatitis (blood from a vein) - to exclude or determine the presence of such diseases. Pregnant women should be tested at least once every three months. And people registered with a hematologist do so even more often.
• Urine tests are done to identify the blood cells present there and study them.
• Puncture and biopsy - usually this concerns cancer.
• and the lymph node system, which allows monitoring the condition of internal organs.
• Studies should also be carried out using high-precision diagnostic devices - MRI, X-ray.
• Tests are also necessary as a result of relapse of the disease.

Appointment with a blood specialist

You should not think that the office of a specialist such as a hematologist, where he receives patients referred to him, contains all the necessary equipment. Any technical details and capabilities are handled by other doctors, and special rooms are equipped for this. A hematologist can only listen to the patient’s complaints, visually and tactilely examine his lymph nodes, decipher the brought tests, conclusions and instructions of the general practitioner, draw preliminary conclusions and write out directions for appropriate studies.

• Stop eating at least 12 hours before the procedure.
• Alcohol and tobacco directly affect the composition of the blood. A hematologist who treats diseases of the circulatory system, and therefore will see the molecular composition of the tests, will recognize instantly if the patient has “used” - so there is no point in deceiving and it is better to take them seriously.
• Warn about taking vitamin or other medications.
• Reduce the amount of fluid consumed during the day.

Following the rules before taking tests will help you more accurately identify the problem and prescribe effective treatment.

Global performance in hematology

As WHO studies show, disorders in the inhabitants of the Earth are steadily growing and developing. There are many reasons for this: poor ecology, the spread of untreatable infections, low standards of living and medical care in certain regions. Also, technological progress provides a stable predisposition to injuries, diseases and other physiological problems. Heredity also plays an important role. A hematologist deals with the consequences of the factors described above, who directly treats blood diseases and gives recommendations to help avoid irreversible consequences in the future. The international connection of specialists in this field helps to make discoveries, the use of which helps in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the hematopoietic system.

The role of Russia in the global medical community

It is worth noting that domestic hematologists are among the best representatives of this medical field in the world. And their colleagues from Asia, Africa and even Europe quite often come to consult with them. At the moment, Russia, like the entire progressive world, is looking for a vaccine against And a significant role in this work is assigned to hematologists, who work closely with virologists.

Hematology as the hope of bone marrow transplantation

• There are not enough blood specialists. A good hematologist is a rarity these days.
• Lack of advanced equipment and transportation of materials to places where they are needed most of all.
• Lack of healthy donors. Many diseases of the “hosts” of the material make transplantation impossible; express tests in this case cannot provide complete reliable information.
• Lack of proper attention from the authorities to the problem associated with the field of organ transplantation in principle. In particular, the spread of hematology centers is only in the capital and regional regions; towns and rural areas are practically not served in this regard.
• Religious beliefs and problems of society itself. This is perhaps the most widespread ignorance that slows down medicine in general.
• There are a small number of blood and bone marrow banks, and the existence of those already created is in question due to insufficient funding and the legislative framework of some states.

Conclusion

Hematology is an important aspect of healthcare for people in all countries. Doctors who receive such specialization in educational institutions go there out of their own desire. Their work is too important to be accepted as a means of their own livelihood. Hundreds of people regularly receive the right to life from the timely, and most importantly, correct actions of hematologists, so it is difficult to overestimate the effect of the work of doctors in this field.

And in order to make your own life of the highest quality in terms of health and avoid problems in the future, you need to take a look at blood tests and, without delaying matters, consult the nearest hematologist, even if you have to go to him far away. This may save the patient's life. Be healthy!

Content

Blood is the most important biological fluid in the human body. A hematologist studies the structure and functions of blood, the functioning of the hematopoietic organs and the detection of diseases of the blood system. It is noteworthy that there are no specific symptoms for such diseases, so the hematologist faces a difficult task. Only after a bone marrow puncture or an extensive blood test can the doctor judge the presence of pathology.

Who is a hematologist

A doctor who treats blood must have a higher medical education, specialize in processes related to hematopoiesis, and have extensive knowledge about the etiology and pathogenesis of the blood system. His responsibilities include:

1. Interpretation of analyzes of varying complexity. This includes not only hematological tests, but also studies of the hematopoietic organs, which include red bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen.
2. Identification of pathology. Based on the test results, the doctor draws conclusions about the hereditary or acquired nature of the pathology and makes an accurate diagnosis.
3. Prescribing treatment and monitoring the patient. This includes prevention, which involves timely diagnosis and treatment of pathologies associated with the blood system.
4. Collection of blood samples from the population. A hematologist is present during the donation of blood, monitors the presence of diseases or any abnormalities in donors, participates in the work of blood banks and directly during the transfusion process.
5. Research part. Development and implementation of new ways to combat pathologies. Study of the effects of radiation components, toxic drugs, and drugs on the blood.
6. Collaboration with other areas of medicine related to hematology in their specificity, which include oncology, transplantology, immunology.
7. Diagnostics. This includes biochemical, radiological, immunological, cytological research methods, puncture, organ biopsy, etc.

What cures

A hematologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats the following diseases:

1. Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin per unit of blood, almost always a drop in the number of red blood cells, and, as a result, a poor supply of oxygen to many organs. Anemia is not an independent disease, but a symptom of a wide range of pathological conditions (tuberculosis, HIV). There are many types of anemia, which are differentiated according to several criteria: for example, iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body or a violation of its absorption. Accompanied by malaise, weakness, breathing problems with minor exertion, and loss of appetite.
2. Myeloid leukemia is a serious oncological disease that is caused by damage to stem cells (myeloid), which leads to their uncontrolled proliferation (division). In myeloid leukemia, chromosomes 21 and 22 are modified. Cells not only mutate, but also create clones, which are carried throughout the body by the bloodstream. Signs: pale skin, malaise, anemia, enlarged spleen, low-grade body temperature, gout.
3. Lymphoma is a group of cancer diseases of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for immunity, in which uncontrolled proliferation of lymphocytes occurs, the spread of their clones throughout the body and accumulation in organs. At the same time, the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, groin, and then other organs increase in size. There are Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Symptoms depend on the type of pathology, but the primary symptoms in every third patient are similar - temperature disturbances, sweating, enlarged lymph nodes, pain in joints and bones, weight loss.
4. Lymphocytic leukemia is an oncological disease caused by the proliferation of atypical B-lymphocytes. As with myeloid leukemia, the cells create clones, which in the chronic phase are concentrated in the bone marrow, blood, lymph nodes, liver and spleen. This disease is inherited, common among representatives of the Caucasian race, but hematologists have not yet figured out what type of cells create clones. The patient may complain of weight loss, sweating, chronic fatigue, causeless bleeding, dizziness; there is an enlargement of the liver and spleen, the appearance of red and purple spots on the skin.
5. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Hematologists classify it as a bone marrow tumor. The disease is characterized by the pathological division of B lymphocytes, which rapidly produce the high molecular weight protein M-globulin. Blood viscosity increases, which leads to the formation of blood clots; In this case, bleeding is possible due to the enveloping of platelets by globulin. Symptoms: weakness, low-grade fever, loss of appetite. The main signs of macroglobulinemia are frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
6. Hematologists call multiple myeloma a malignant formation in the bone marrow that arises from the division of B-lymphocytes, which produce a nonspecific protein that is not normally found. These may be immunoglobulins or their fragments. When too many of these paraproteins accumulate, organ pathologies begin to develop - bone destruction, kidney failure. The primary symptoms of myeloma are weakness, dizziness, bone pain, and respiratory tract infections, but an accurate diagnosis is made only on the basis of laboratory tests.
7. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia is a disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own platelets (clotting cells). This happens in the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver. Signs of thrombocytopenia are nonspecific: frequent continuous bleeding (heavy menstruation in women), blood in the stool and urine, hemorrhagic rashes on the lower extremities.
8. Hemophilia is a hereditary disorder of hemostasis caused by the absence or insufficient synthesis of one of the twelve coagulation proteins. Only men suffer from this disease; women are the “transmitters” of the mutation. Hemophilia is characterized by heavy bleeding, hemorrhages in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs. The hematologist makes a diagnosis based on a coagulogram and data from diagnostic studies of organs prone to bleeding (for example, for retroperitoneal hematomas, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is performed).

Pediatric hematologist

Pediatrics is closely related to hematology, since a significant number of blood diseases manifest themselves at a young age, so parents should be attentive to the following symptoms in their child:

• complaints of pain in the head, spine, joints;
• loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, irritability;
• weak blood vessels, bruising due to minor injuries;
• pale skin, sometimes jaundice;
• bleeding of various types;
• enlarged lymph nodes (without other manifestations of the presence of infection or virus in the child’s body).

If these symptoms occur, parents should promptly bring the child to see a therapist, he will prescribe the necessary tests and, based on their results, write a referral to see a hematologist. In the Russian Federation, children registered with a hematologist are required to visit the clinic weekly. A blood specialist monitors their health until adulthood.

During pregnancy

Blood diseases make up 8-9% of all human diseases (50% of them are inherited), so it is extremely important for future parents, when planning a pregnancy, to visit a hematologist to conduct genetic tests and calculate the likelihood of a particular hematological abnormality. This is especially true if blood pathologies are traced in the family (directly among the parents).

During gestation, the mother's body produces the hormone progesterone in excess, which promotes the production of erythropoietin, which helps form red blood cells. There should normally be a lot of the latter to supply the fetus with oxygen, but this may result in a decrease in hemoglobin in the mother. In addition, the female body synthesizes large quantities of leukocytes and fibrinogen, which are responsible for clotting, the blood becomes thick - the risk of blood clots increases. There is a high probability of hemostasis pathology in patients who have previously lost a pregnancy.

During gestation, the body “prepares” for childbirth in advance and produces the necessary substances, which can be seen in the results of hematological studies. In case of any deviations from the norm, consultation with a hematologist is necessary. The most common problem is iron deficiency anemia, but it is not difficult to cope with - you need to follow the course of treatment prescribed by your doctor and be observed by a hematologist until delivery.

When to see a hematologist

It is necessary to make an appointment with a hematologist if the following symptoms are observed:

• severe pallor of the skin or redness of the face;
• numbness, tingling of the fingers;
• low-grade body temperature without visible pathological processes;
• headaches, dizziness;
• excessive sweating;
• uncontrolled bleeding;
• frequent appearance of bruises;
• enlarged lymph nodes without signs of acute or chronic diseases;
• loss of appetite and weight loss;
• chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances;
• itching in the absence of irritation or rash on the skin.

Preparation

To conduct a quality examination by a hematologist and make a correct diagnosis, the patient needs to undergo certain tests, so before visiting the doctor you should:

• refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol for several days;
• limit the amount of fluid consumed in 24 hours;
• exclude taking all medications (if this is not possible, be sure to inform the hematologist about the medications you are taking);
• stop eating 12 hours in advance.

Blood tests before treatment

If alarming symptoms are detected, the patient visits the local therapist, describes the clinical picture and is sent for tests, based on the results of which a decision will be made about the need to consult a hematologist. Such preliminary studies include:

• general blood test with calculation of the number of reticulocytes - “young” red blood cells; using this parameter, you can evaluate the rate of red blood cell production in the bone marrow - the higher the number of reticulocytes, the better the functioning of the hematopoietic system;
• blood tests for RW, hepatitis, HIV;
• the percentage of saturation of transferrin, a protein that binds to iron and distributes it throughout the body;
• analysis for ferritin - a protein that stores iron in cells;
• determination of iron-binding capacity of blood.

Doctor's appointment

First of all, the hematologist studies the patient’s previous history, examines the external integument, and palpates the lymph nodes. Then the doctor writes a referral for the necessary diagnostic measures:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, lymph nodes;
• sternal puncture with subsequent study of the morphological structure of the bone marrow;
• x-ray blood test;
• computed tomogram of internal organs;
• biopsy and histological examination of lymph nodes;
• coagulogram, i.e. coagulation system analysis;
• scintigraphy of the bones of the musculoskeletal system.

Where does a hematologist see

In most cases, blood specialists do not conduct appointments in district clinics. You can make an appointment with a hematologist in large regional and national hospitals, medical centers, oncology clinics or central maternity hospitals. Sometimes hematologists work in oncology research institutes or specialized hematology laboratories.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.