What Is the Meaning of Hematology?

Hematology, from the Greek word "haima", meaning blood, is a branch of internal medicine that is focused upon the study of blood, blood diseases, and blood-forming organs.

History

• Hematology was practiced in various forms throughout history. Ancient Egyptian society used blood-letting techniques in order to treat illnesses, which was the first recorded instance of hematological practices.

Physicians

• Physicians who specialize in hematology are known as hematologists or hematopathologists. Hematologists generally care and treat patients with hematological diseases. Hematopathologists work in hematology laboratories where they analyze blood samples and diagnose hematological diseases. Most times these two types of professionals work together to formulate a diagnosis and treatment options.

Hematological Diseases

• Hematological diseases are diseases that affect the production of blood and its various components. Various kinds of hematological diseases and disorders include hemophilia, lymphoma, leukemia and sickle cell anemia.

Treatment Options

• A physician may prescribe a treatment for a hematological disease such as a change in diet, prescription medicine, blood transfusion, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or anti-coagulation therapy.

Specializations

• Specializations that hematology physicians can focus on include the science of blood transfusion, bone marrow, stem cell transplantation, and hematological malignancies such as blood cancer.