Hematology

Hematology is the branch of medicine focused on disorders of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, including anemia, clotting disorders, and blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. It covers both the diagnosis of abnormal blood cell counts and the ongoing management of chronic blood conditions.

Certain viral infections can also affect the blood, most notably HIV, which targets the immune system’s blood cells and is monitored through regular blood tests as part of long-term management. Patients are commonly referred to this branch for symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, or abnormal results on a routine blood test.

Diagnosis typically starts with a complete blood count and, when needed, a closer examination of bone marrow to determine how blood cells are being produced. Because blood disorders range from easily managed conditions like iron-deficiency anemia to more serious blood cancers, treatment approaches vary widely and are guided by the specific diagnosis.