Reasons for a Visit to a Blood Cancer Specialist

A blood cancer specialist is a doctor with specific training in lymphatic system, blood, and bone marrow disorders. These doctors may work in clinics, hospitals, or blood banks. These healthcare professionals can help you with your current symptoms, and they can also offer tests to rule out this type of cancer. Here are the details if you want to find out why you should see a blood cancer specialist.

When seeing a blood cancer specialist is necessary

Some people do not know if they need to see a doctor for blood issues. It often takes a checkup with a general physician to see if the patient needs to set an appointment with this type of specialist. The physician may detect an ailment beyond the scope of the practice. Knowing that the patient may need more detailed treatments for blood-related disorders is more than enough reason to refer the patient to a blood cancer specialist.

The reasons for seeing a blood cancer specialist

Discovering that the patient has disorders or diseases related to blood can be a difficult situation. Seeing a healthcare provider with training, knowledge, and experience in this area can help them establish an appropriate treatment plan. Here are the major reasons for visiting a blood cancer specialist.

Sickle cell disease

Warning signs of sickle cell disease include fatigue and jaundice. Swelling in the hands and feet is also a telling sign. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease and is common among those with Hispanic and African lineages. A person with a family history of sickle cell disease should see a blood cancer specialist right away.

Lymphoma and leukemia

Lymphoma affects white blood cells and is a type of blood cancer that originates in the lymphocytes, or white blood cells that fight infection. Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing are symptoms of this disease. Seeing the specialist right away is crucial for the patient’s health.

Leukemia is a type of disorder where there is excessive production of white blood cells. This results in ineffective clotting and tissue oxygenation. The patient tends to experience fatigue, sudden weight loss, and vision problems. A blood cancer specialist can help improve the patient’s health.

Deep vein thrombosis

This condition happens when a blood clot does not disappear. This clot may form in the leg veins. It may also start somewhere else and then lodge in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis is a painful disorder. Affected areas are starved of oxygen, resulting in severe pain.

These blood clots may also dislodge and cause damage to the areas they enter, such as the heart or lungs. Red skin and unusual warmth are common signs. A blood cancer specialist may prescribe the use of blood thinners to dissolve the clot. Compression stockings can also relieve discomfort.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia often comes from a platelet deficiency, stopping or slowing down blood clotting. Common symptoms are nosebleeds and gum bleeding. Prolonged bleeding from injuries and joint swelling are also symptoms to watch out for. A blood cancer specialist will know how to treat this condition. Clotting medications and hormones can help the patient manage this condition.

The procedures and tests from a blood cancer specialist

The blood cancer specialist will test the patient’s blood. After confirming the patient’s condition, the doctor will start the treatments. Knowing the extent of the condition can help target the treatment. Here are the tests and procedures that a patient can expect from this specialist:

• Thromboplastin and prothrombin tests can look for clotting and bleeding disorders and check if the treatments are taking effect
• A complete blood count can help the specialist diagnose and keep an eye on the patient’s condition; the doctor will order a blood extraction from the patient’s finger or vein, and the sample will be enough to check the traits and levels of the blood cell types
• Chemotherapy infuses the body with chemicals that kill cancerous cells
• Blood transfusion replaces the blood that the patient lost in an illness, surgery, or accident
• Ablation therapy uses chemicals, laser, heat, or cold to eliminate the damaged tissues
• Bone marrow transplant replaces the diseased stem cells (from the marrow or spongy part of the bone) with healthy ones from a healthy donor or other healthy parts of the body

Visiting a blood cancer specialist can help manage the symptoms of blood cancers

Blood cancers are serious ailments. These diseases can spread all over the body through blood circulation. Knowing when to seek help can prevent symptoms from worsening. Working with your blood cancer specialist can help you deal with the necessary tests and procedures.

Get more information about Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center in Marlton at https://lindenbergcancer.com.

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