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A hematologist is a physician who has been specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood. These diseases may include blood cell cancers, hemophilia, sickle-cell disease, lymphoma, or leukemia. This medical specialist is also trained in the study of oncology (cancer).
When a Referral Is Made
When your primary care physician diagnoses a hematological disease, he generally refers you to a doctor who specializes in a specific cancer or hematological condition that requires therapy. Because a hematologist is also trained in oncology, he covers a combined specialty area. Therefore, not everyone who has a problem with their blood needs a doctor experienced in hematology. Likewise, not everyone who has a blood disorder needs to see an oncologist.
While some people may see a hematologist to address a blood clot in the leg, others may visit an oncologist specializing in cancerous hematology. In this case, you may have to see this type of physician to address conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.
Provide a Complete Medical and Family History
Once a referral is made, make sure you provide the specialist with a complete and accurate version of your medical and family history. If cancer is diagnosed, this is especially important as about 15% of cancers are due to genetic causes.
What Happens During an Appointment
Visiting a specialist is similar to visiting your primary care physician. During this visit, the doctor will inquire about your medical history, perform a physical exam, or order more blood work. A bone marrow biopsy may be performed as well. The specialist will speak to both you and your primary care doctor on how to progress with your plan of care.
Types of Treatments or Therapies
Depending on your condition, the plan may include treatments such as biotherapy, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Contact Cancer Center of Kansas and Memorial Park for more information. You can also follow them on Google+ for more information.