Hematology

Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies, diagnoses, and treats diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs. Disorders in the functioning of organs such as blood cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the spleen fall within the scope of hematology. The Hematology Department at Koru Hospital ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses and undergo effective treatment processes with its advanced technological equipment and experienced specialist staff.

Scope of the Hematology Department

The hematology department provides services in a wide field covering all components of the blood. Any disorder related to red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets, and plasma proteins is within the expertise of this department. Furthermore, advanced treatments such as coagulation mechanisms, blood transfusion procedures, and bone marrow transplantation are also performed by hematology specialists.

The Koru Hospital Hematology Department adopts a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of both benign and malignant blood diseases. By working in coordination with the Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, and Radiology departments, it provides the most comprehensive healthcare services to patients.

Common Diseases in Hematology

The main diseases diagnosed and treated in the hematology department are as follows:

• Iron deficiency anemia: It is the most common blood disease. It occurs due to insufficient iron intake, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption. It manifests with symptoms such as fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
• Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency anemia: Also known as megaloblastic anemia, this condition causes the production of large and immature red blood cells. Neurological symptoms may also accompany it.
• Thalassemia: It is a genetically transmitted hemoglobin disorder. Also known as Mediterranean anemia, it is frequently seen in our country, especially in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Southeastern regions.
• Sickle cell anemia: It is a genetic disease characterized by red blood cells taking on a sickle shape due to a structural defect in hemoglobin.
• Leukemia (blood cancer): It is the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. There are four main types: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
• Lymphoma: It is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It is divided into two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Multiple myeloma: It is the malignancy of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It can cause bone pain, kidney failure, and recurrent infections.
• Thrombocytopenia: It is the decrease of the platelet count below normal levels. It leads to easy bruising and a tendency to bleed.
• Hemophilia: It is a genetically transmitted coagulation disorder. Prolonged bleeding occurs as a result of the blood not clotting sufficiently.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): It is the formation of a blood clot, usually in the leg veins. It requires emergency treatment due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
• Polycythemia vera: It is a chronic myeloproliferative disease in which the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of red blood cells.
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): It is a group of diseases characterized by the bone marrow's inability to produce healthy blood cells.

Diagnostic Methods in Hematology

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. The Koru Hospital Hematology Department ensures early and accurate detection of diseases by using the most up-to-date diagnostic methods:

• Complete blood count (hemogram): It is the basic laboratory test that evaluates the number, size, and distribution of blood cells. It is the primary screening tool for anemia, infection, and bleeding disorders.
• Peripheral smear: It is the examination of blood cells under a microscope. Morphological abnormalities and maturation defects of the cells are detected.
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: It is the pathological examination of samples taken from the bone marrow. It is necessary for the definitive diagnosis of diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
• Flow cytometry: It is an advanced laboratory technique that determines the subtypes of blood cancers by analyzing cell surface markers.
• Cytogenetic and molecular tests: Used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations. They are critical in treatment planning and prognosis assessment.
• Coagulation tests: The blood's clotting capacity is evaluated with tests such as PT, aPTT, fibrinogen level, and D-dimer.
• Serum protein electrophoresis: Used in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell diseases through the analysis of blood proteins.
• Imaging methods: Evaluation of lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow is performed with PET-CT, MRI, and ultrasonography.

Treatment Methods in Hematology

The Koru Hospital Hematology Department applies the most current protocols by creating treatment plans specific to each patient:

Chemotherapy: It is the most frequently used method in the treatment of blood cancers. Different chemotherapy regimens are applied depending on the type and stage of the disease. At Koru Hospital, chemotherapy procedures are performed in a comfortable environment accompanied by specialized hematology nurses.

Immunotherapy: It is a modern treatment approach that targets cancer cells by strengthening the immune system. Monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors are important components of this treatment group.

Targeted therapy: It involves the use of drugs directed at specific molecular targets in cancer cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in chronic myeloid leukemia are among the most successful examples of this treatment.

Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant: It is the replacement of diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. There are two main types: autologous transplant (the patient's own stem cells) and allogeneic transplant (stem cells taken from a suitable donor).

Blood transfusion: It is the transfusion of blood products performed in cases of red blood cell, platelet, or plasma deficiency. Meticulous blood type compatibility tests are performed for safe transfusion practices.

Anticoagulant therapy: It is the drug treatment used for blood coagulation disorders. It can be life-saving in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Iron and vitamin supplementation: In deficiency anemias, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid supplementation are provided orally or intravenously. Especially in severe iron deficiency anemia, intravenous iron infusion is preferred as a fast and effective treatment option.

CAR-T cell therapy: It is an innovative immunotherapy method that has been a breakthrough in the treatment of hematological cancers in recent years. It is based on genetically modifying the patient's own T lymphocytes and arming them against cancer cells. Promising results are being obtained, especially in relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Radiotherapy: It is a method used alone or in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of lymphomas. It provides high cure rates, especially in the early stages of Hodgkin lymphoma. Damage to surrounding tissues is minimized with modern radiotherapy techniques.

Preventive Approaches and Screening in Hematology

Regular health check-ups are of great importance for the early diagnosis and prevention of blood diseases. Having a complete blood count at least once a year allows for the early detection of anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukocyte disorders that have not yet shown symptoms. It is recommended that individuals with a family history of genetic blood diseases such as thalassemia, hemophilia, or sickle cell anemia receive genetic counseling and undergo carrier testing.

Thalassemia carrier screening in couples planning pregnancy is an important preventive health service that is legally mandatory in our country. Determining carrier couples through hemoglobin electrophoresis performed before marriage and providing genetic counseling plays a critical role in reducing the risk of having a baby with thalassemia major.

Raising awareness about blood donation is also among the social responsibilities of the hematology department. Regular blood donation is of vital importance in the treatment of patients in need of blood. Koru Hospital plays an active role in this regard by supporting safe blood donation processes.

When Should You Consult a Hematology Specialist?

It is recommended that you consult a hematology specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent and unexplained fatigue, tiredness, and paleness
• Easy bruising and prolonged bleeding
• Frequent recurrent infections and fever
• Swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin (enlarged lymph nodes)
• Unexplained weight loss and night sweats
• Bone pain and joint complaints
• Deviations from normal in blood values (anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia)
• Coagulation disorders or a family history of hemophilia
• Swelling, redness, and pain in the legs (suspicion of thrombosis)
• Enlargement of the spleen or liver

Why the Koru Hospital Hematology Department?

The Koru Hospital Hematology Department offers many advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases. Experienced hematology specialists evaluate each patient individually and create personalized treatment plans. Thanks to the modern laboratory infrastructure, flow cytometry, cytogenetic, and molecular diagnostic tests provide fast and reliable results.

Multidisciplinary tumor board meetings are held regularly at our hospital, and each patient is evaluated by taking the opinions of multiple specialists. Patients receiving treatment in a comfortable environment in the chemotherapy unit complete their treatment processes safely under the attentive care of the nursing team.

Through patient education programs, patients and their families are informed about the disease process, and treatment adherence and quality of life are increased. The emotional needs of patients are also met with psycho-oncology support.

The Koru Hospital Hematology Department also has an effective infrastructure for meeting the emergency blood needs of patients with its blood bank services. Thanks to advanced laboratory technologies, blood compatibility tests are concluded rapidly, and safe transfusion practices are carried out without interruption. Our department, which offers 24/7 specialist physician support in hematological emergencies, guarantees that patients receive professional care even in the most critical moments.

In the Koru Hospital Hematology department, our specialist physicians are by your side in the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases with the most up-to-date medical knowledge and technology. You can trust us for your health and contact us for detailed information and appointments.