Haemato Oncology - Blood Cancer

Haemato-oncology is a specialised field of medicines that focuses on blood cancers. Multiple myeloma, myeloid leukaemia, lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoma are the type of cancers treated by a haemato-oncologist

Haemato-oncological conditions and symptoms

Haemato-oncology deals with various types of blood cancers. At Gleneagles Hospitals, we have a specialised team of Haemato-ocologists who are committed to providing the best levels of care and support to patients.

Various conditions covered under this specialised medical branch include:

• Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Chronic myeloid Leukaemia and related diseases
• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and related diseases
• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
• Acute myeloid leukaemia
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Multiple myeloma

Common symptoms of blood cancer and related disorders include:

• Fever and chills
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent coughing
• Changes in appetite
• Pain in chest
• Constant feeling of malaise, fatigue
• Night sweats
• Skin rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nausea

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is important to get yourself diagnosed by your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis and screening for haemato-oncological conditions

Diagnostic procedures for blood cancers include blood screens, bone marrow tests, imagings, etc. These include:

• PET scans
• MRI scans to understand the stage of lymphomas and myelomas
• Molecular tests to check for mutations
• Immunophenotyping
• Cytogenetics to check chromosomal changes in malignant cells
• Histopathology and biopsies

Treatment options for haemato-oncological conditions

Treatment options for haemato-oncological issues vary from one patient to the other.

1. Intensive treatments

   These are stronger treatments and include:

   • High dose chemotherapies
   • Standard dose chemotherapies
   • Stem cell transplantation
   • Radiotherapy
   • Surgeries
2. Non-intensive treatment

   These treatments are gentler on the body and have fewer side effects. They might not be effective in killing the cancer cells but are directed towards keeping the cells in remission.

   These include:

   • Low dose chemotherapy
   • Immunotherapy or biotherapy
   • Curative and non-curative treatment
   • Supportive care
   • Palliative care
   • Follow-up care

Various other treatment options include bone marrow transplantation, cytotoxic chemotherapy, the use of enzyme inhibiting drugs (these work by blocking specific enzymes that malignant cells are dependent on).

Haemato-oncologists at Gleneagles Hospitals

At Gleneagles, the team of accredited haemato-oncologists are experienced and skilled in diagnosis and management of blood cancers. You may rest assured that your care is in good hands as the haemato-oncologists are at the forefront of training, bringing together advanced care practices and outstanding outcomes to you.

Related article:

Lymphoma