Hematology
Whether you are dealing with anemia, blood clotting disorders, or more complex conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma, the hematologists at the Puls Dedinje Hospital for Internal Medicine are here to provide an accurate diagnosis and optimal therapy. Our hematology service utilizes the most advanced laboratory tests and diagnostic methods to create the most precise treatment plan for you.
Hematology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with congenital and acquired blood disorders, clotting disorders, and diseases of the lymphatic system, including the spleen and lymph nodes. Hematologists play a key role in identifying and treating blood diseases, as well as monitoring patients with chronic conditions affecting blood components.
When should you see a hematologist?
If you have certain symptoms that may indicate a blood disorder, it is essential to consult a hematologist. Some of the most common symptoms suggesting the need for a hematology consultation include:
- Chronic fatigue – a persistent feeling of exhaustion that does not go away with rest and is not linked to physical activity.
- Paleness of the skin – noticeable paleness can be a sign of anemia or other blood disorders.
- Unexplained weight loss – sudden weight loss without an apparent reason may be a symptom of blood malignancies, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Frequent bleeding or bruising – bleeding from the gums, frequent nosebleeds, or bruising without injury may indicate a clotting disorder or platelet deficiency.
- Joint or bone pain – this symptom may be associated with certain types of leukemia.
- Enlarged lymph nodes – tenderness or swelling in lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin, may signal lymphomas or other blood disorders.
- Frequent infections – weak immunity and a tendency toward recurrent infections may indicate a disorder in the function of white blood cells.
- Difficulty breathing – anemia, particularly severe anemia, can cause a feeling of shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal physical activity.
Reasons your general physician or specialist may refer you to a hematologist
Your general physician or specialist may refer you to hematology and a hematologist for various reasons:
- Abnormal blood test results – If your blood test results show abnormalities, such as too many or too few white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, your doctor may suspect a condition like anemia or other blood disorders. A hematologist will analyze these findings, help you understand the causes, and suggest appropriate treatment.
- Suspected hematologic diseases – If you have symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, a tendency to form blood clots, frequent infections, persistent fatigue, weakness, bone pain, enlarged lymph nodes, or spleen, your doctor may suspect blood diseases and refer you to a hematologist.
- Fertility issues in women – In the case of repeated miscarriages or fertility problems, your gynecologist may suspect thrombophilia and refer you to a hematologist for further diagnosis and treatment.
- Preparation for surgery – Before surgical procedures, your doctor may require an assessment of blood counts and clotting to ensure there is no risk of complications during the procedure.
- Genetic disorders – If there is suspicion of genetic blood diseases, the hematologist will refer you for necessary tests and help you understand hereditary factors, as well as make informed decisions about treatment and monitoring.
- Monitoring chronic conditions – If you have a diagnosed chronic condition such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or other blood disorders, a hematologist will monitor your condition, provide treatment, and advise you on maintaining quality of life.
A hematologist will conduct a thorough examination and refer you to necessary diagnostic tests. Based on the diagnosis, they will develop a treatment plan and support you throughout the process. It is important to note that hematologists often collaborate with experts from other medical fields, such as oncologists, cardiologists, immunologists, and many others, to provide you with a comprehensive and individualized treatment approach.
What diseases and conditions does a hematologist treat?
A hematologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and organs responsible for producing blood cells. These diseases can be serious and complex, as blood plays a key role in carrying oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells throughout the body. Here are some of the most common conditions and diseases that hematologists treat:
Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body lacks enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Hematologists treat various types of anemia, including those caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, and anemia resulting from red blood cell breakdown.
Leukemia
This is a type of blood cancer where the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells, disrupting normal blood function. Hematologists provide treatment that may include chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is also cancer but affects the lymphatic system, part of the immune system that helps fight infections. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Myeloma
Myeloma is cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are located in the bone marrow, and when they multiply uncontrollably, they can cause severe problems in the blood and bones.
•Clotting disorders
Hematologists treat conditions such as hemophilia, where the blood cannot clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding, or thrombocytopenia, which occurs when the body has too few platelets, the cells responsible for clotting.
Thrombophilia
These are conditions that cause the blood to clot excessively, which can increase the risk of blood clots and lead to serious complications like strokes or heart attacks.
Sideropenia
Chronic iron deficiency in the blood can weaken the immune system, cause fatigue, and lead to other health issues.
Hemoglobinopathies
These are genetic disorders affecting hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The most well-known examples are sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which cause abnormally shaped red blood cells and can lead to painful crises and other complications.
Hematologists play a vital role in treating these complex diseases and often work in collaboration with other specialists to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
What does a hematologist’s examination look like?
The first visit to a hematologist begins with a discussion of the patient’s symptoms, as well as their medical and family history. The hematologist will ask questions to better understand whether there are any past illnesses, genetic predispositions, or other risk factors for blood disorders. This is followed by a physical examination, during which the doctor will pay attention to changes in skin color, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
After the initial examination, the hematologist usually decides to conduct laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count, coagulation tests, or specific genetic analyses. Depending on the symptoms, the hematologist may recommend additional diagnostic procedures, such as a bone marrow biopsy or imaging (e.g., ultrasound or CT scan). Based on the results, the hematologist will make a diagnosis and begin treatment.
Hematologist Consultation at PULS
The Puls hematology team, led by Assoc. Dr. Marijana Virijević, provides a high level of expertise and care for patients with various blood disorders. The hematology consultation is conducted thoroughly and comprehensively, using the most advanced diagnostic methods. Our hematologists are dedicated to providing complete care, from diagnosis to treatment, with an individualized approach to each patient.
To schedule a hematologist consultation, call 011 755 5000 and ensure you receive the highest level of blood health care.