Hematology (blood diseases)

Blood helps the body function properly. Hematology is the branch of medicine that treats cancerous and noncancerous conditions that affect the blood cells, platelets and bone marrow. You might need hematology services if you experience heavy bleeding or dizziness, or if you bruise easily.

Hematologists are doctors who specialize in treating blood disorders in children and adults. They often work with cancer specialists to treat cancers of the blood. PeaceHealth offers a full range of treatments to support your needs.

Hematology at PeaceHealth

Convenient care

The specialists at PeaceHealth provide care close to home. With convenient locations, easy scheduling and specialties under one roof, you don’t have to go far to receive quality care. PeaceHealth also provides testing and diagnostics and advanced technologies to treat your condition. On-site infusion suites provide a safe and comfortable place for your treatment.

Seamless, integrated care

Hematology providers at PeaceHealth work with specialists from many areas to design a treatment plan for your needs. They’re part of the cancer care program [Link to Cancer Care page], and work closely with pathology [Link to Pathology page], home care services [Link to Home Care Services] and others, so you can benefit from a dedicated, integrated care team.

Personal attention

At PeaceHealth, your care team draws from many therapies to tailor treatment to your needs. The specialists at PeaceHealth, work together to give you comprehensive care.

Conditions We Treat

Anemia

This is a condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. There are several types of anemia, including:

Iron deficiency anemia
Aplastic anemia
Hemolytic anemia

Bleeding and clotting disorders (hemophilia)

Bleeding and clotting disorders are caused when the blood isn’t able to clot normally. In the case of hemophilia, the blood lacks proteins that help it clot, which makes bleeding hard to stop. In thrombosis, blood will clot in veins.

Blood cancers

Many blood cancers affect the body’s ability to produce blood cells. Some blood cancers include:

Leukemia – Cancer of blood-producing tissues
Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymphatic system
Multiple myeloma – Cancer of plasma cells
Myelodysplastic syndrome – Conditions which cause abnormal bone marrow cells

Bone marrow failure syndromes

Several rare, often inherited diseases limit the body’s ability to produce blood cells in the bone marrow. These include:

Faconi anemia – Limits the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
Diamond Blackfan anemia – Limits red blood cell production
Schwachman-Diamond syndrome – When the body cannot properly produce white blood cells

Inherited blood disorders

Several blood disorders can be inherited. Sickle cell disease occurs when the red blood cells aren’t shaped normally and don’t function properly. Thalassemia results when blood cells don’t have proper hemoglobin or the protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

Myeloproliferative disorders

These types of cancer grow slowly and occur when the body produces abnormal blood cells that build up over time.

Platelet disorders

A platelet is a type of blood cell that’s important in clotting to stop bleeding. Thrombocytopenia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) occur when there are not enough platelets in the blood. Thrombocytosis results when there are too many platelets in the blood.

Treatments Provided

Anticoagulation management (hematology): PeaceHealth offers an anticoagulation management program. It monitors the medicines for patients who take clot-reducing anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
Blood transfusions (hematology): If your blood has missing elements, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion. During this procedure, you’ll be given donated blood through an IV.
Bone marrow biopsy: Your doctor may do a bone marrow biopsy to test the health of your bone marrow and diagnose blood disease.
Diagnostics and imaging (hematology): Your care starts with diagnostics. Your doctor may do lab tests and genetic testing for certain conditions. Based on your condition, your doctor may suggest imaging, such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans.
Infusion therapy (hematology): To treat your condition, your doctor may recommend intravenous medicines such as chemotherapy or hormones. This therapy can be provided on-site or in your home.
Marrow transplant (hematology): During this transplant, healthy marrow from a donor replaces unhealthy bone marrow.
Medicine management (hematology): This service makes it safer and easier to take medicines. A pharmacist or nurse will review your medicine list to make sure it’s safe and that there are no harmful interactions. Based on your condition, your doctor may recommend oral or injected medicines, such as anticoagulants, to prevent blood clots or bleeding.
Nutritional counseling (hematology): Dietitians help to make sure you’re eating healthy and getting the nutrients you need.