about hematology

Department of Clinical Hematology

Hematology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the blood and blood-forming organs. We offer treatment for a wide range of conditions, including anemia, leukemia, platelet disorders, lymphoma, bleeding disorders, and blood clotting disorders. Our hematologists specialize in providing comprehensive care with their valuable expertise for patients with these conditions, utilizing world class diagnostic techniques and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Department of Haematology at Sohana Hospital is a leading institution for treating all diseases and disorders related to the blood with a full-fledged outpatient department, 400 bedded Inpatient wards & ICUs, NABL Accredited Pathology & Laboratory Haematology and a 24x7 available blood bank.

Scope of Services:

Acute & Chronic Leukemia -

Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

AML is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells in abnormal quantities in the body.


Who is at Risk?

  • People who smoke
  • Someone who has undergone chemotherapy previously
  • Someone exposed to radiation.

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Tiredness & listlessness
  • Easy wound development

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

ALL is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow produces white blood cells called lymphocytes in abnormal amounts in the body.


Who is at Risk?

  • Previous chemotherapy patients
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Patients with ALL may develop high fever, feel tired, bruise easily and bleed excessively.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

CML is a disease in which the bone marrow produces white blood cells in excessive and abnormal quantities in the body.
Patients with CML may experience excessive and unexplained weight loss and fatigue.


Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

CLL is a type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Patients with CLL may develop symptoms of swelling in their lymph nodes and unexplained fatigue.

Lymphomas

Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL)

Cancer of the lymphatic system which controls the immunity is called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This type of cancer reduces the ability of the body to fight off infection. Patients previously infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (herpes) or have a close relative with HL may be susceptible to this type of cancer.
Patients may experience fever, chills and fatigue along with visible swelling in their lymph nodes, neck, armpits and the groin.
Treatment for this type of Cancer as suggested by a Cancer Specialist may be chemotherapy, targeted therapies and or radiation therapies.


Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

NHL is a disease in which cancer cells form in the lymph system that helps fight off infection in the body. This form of high grade NHL tends to spread aggressively and fast. Having a weakened immune system can increase the risk of getting the non-Hodgkin lymphoma disease.

Symptoms include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Tiredness & fatigue.

Multiple Myeloma

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

MDS are a group of cancers in which the blood cells within the bone marrow do not mature. Age, exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may increase the risk of getting myelodysplastic syndrome.
Patients with symptoms of MDS may include Shortness of breath and tiredness.


Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

MPNs are rare blood cancers that occur when your body produces abnormal quantities of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets.

Types of MPNs:

  • Essential Thrombocythemia (excessive production of platelets)
  • Myelofibrosis (abnormal buildup of blood cells and fibers in the bone marrow)
  • Polycythemia Vera (abnormal production of red blood cells in the bone marrow)

Bone Marrow Treatment

Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome

It is a disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce adequate platelets, red blood cells and/or white blood cells.

Symptoms include:

  • Bleeding
  • Easy bruising
  • Tiredness & fatigue

Bone Marrow Testing

Bone marrow biopsy is a test to collect bone marrow. It is used to detect bone marrow/blood cancers and fevers of unexplained origin.
In a bone marrow biopsy, a needle is used to draw a sample of the bone marrow. In bone marrow biopsy.

What to expect during a Bone Marrow biopsy?

  • The biopsy site will be made sterile with an antiseptic solution.
  • A needle with local anesthesia will be injected to numb the area.
  • The needle for biopsy will be inserted into the bone marrow.
  • A blood specialist or a trained nurse will use a syringe to draw a small quantity of liquid from the bone marrow cells. Patients may experience a little pain or discomfort during the fluid withdrawal.
  • Afterwards, a sterile bandage will be dressed on the site of withdrawal and your sample will be sent to the lab for further testing under the care of your hematologist.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

In a bone marrow transplant, healthy blood stem cells are infused into the body to stimulate the production of healthy blood cells. A bone marrow transplant is also known as a stem cell transplant.
It is an advanced Bone therapy for patients with blood cancers, bone marrow cancers, aplastic anemia, immune deficiency disorders, and some solid cancers.

Blood Cancer Treatments

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted Therapies

Anaemias

Aplastic Anemia

A rare condition in which the body stops producing enough new blood cells.
At birth damage, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy and toxic chemicals may cause this condition.
Symptoms may include Fatigue, lacking the ability to resist infections, fast heart rate and unexplained bleeding.

Platelet Disorders

An excessive presence of platelets in the body is called having a platelet disorder. Too many platelets in the body increases the risk of formation of blood clots which can adversely affect the flow of blood throughout the body. Similarly, a low platelet count may also adversely affect health and this condition is called thrombocytopenia.

Bleeding/Coagulation Disorders

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is the inability for the blood to clot properly. This can lead to excessive bleeding (internal and external) during injuries or surgery. This is a rare blood disorder and its symptoms may include bruises, joint pains and hematuria or blood in stool.

Von Willebrand disease

Low levels of clotting proteins in the blood is indicative of Von Willebrand disease. It is an inherited disorder with symptoms like frequent episodes of nosebleeds (epistaxis), gum bleeds and excessive menstrual flow.

Thalassemia Syndrome

Inadequate production of Hemoglobin in the body causes Thalassemia. This is an inherited red blood cell disorder.
Patients diagnosed with mild thalassemia may not need treatment, however, a severe type of this disease may require clinical testing, treatment and management through blood transfusions.

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

DVT is a formation of blood clots in the peripheral area of the body (usually the legs). This condition can be life threatening as these blood clots may embolize and construct the flow of blood to the essential organs causing pulmonary embolism, cyanosis, heart attack or stroke.
Primary symptoms include leg pain, swelling in the leg and bluish skin on the legs.

Genetic Counseling

A field of gene study in which a thorough investigation is conducted to understand the risk of developing genetic disorders and understanding its implications on daily life through personal and health history.

Diagnostic Testing:

Our state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with the latest technology for accurate and timely diagnosis of blood disorders. Our Department of Hematology in complete synergy with NABL Accredited Laboratory & Pathology run tests including a complete blood count, ESR parameters to check inflammation in the body, reticulocyte count to check if the bone marrow is producing enough red blood cells, and various other tests related to the functioning of the bone marrow.

Treatment Options:

Our team of hematologists collaborates closely with other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Hemato-oncology is a separate branch of Cancer medicine that helps in the treatment of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD) and Multiple Myeloma. Clinical Hematology then utilizes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplantation for treatment of Cancer.

Supportive Care:

We understand that living with a hematologic disorder can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. That's why we offer comprehensive supportive care services, including counseling, nutritional support, pain management, and palliative care, to help patients and their families navigate the complexities of their condition with compassion and dignity.

Our EXPERT TEAM

Richa
Dr. Mukesh Chawla

Consultant Clinical Haematology

View Profile