Hemato-oncology in South Africa

Who is a hemato-oncologist?

This is a medical doctor whose specialty is the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of blood disorders and cancer. Hemato-oncology is a branch of medicine that combines oncology and hematology to treat malignancies that involve the blood and cancer. Hemato-oncologists usually specialize in treating blood cancers, such as leukemia, whereby a bone marrow transplant can be used to treat cancer.

Why do I need to see a hemato-oncologist?

Most times a visit to a hemato-oncologist comes after a visit to the general practitioner. Laboratory tests may be ordered, which include blood testing and urinalysis. If the results are alarming to the general practitioner he/she may refer you to the specialist. The specialist may then order for more tests to further help in making a diagnosis. Various types of blood conditions that require making an appointment with this specialist include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Hemophilia
• Sickle-cell disease
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma
• General blood clots
• Thalassemias

What does the study involve?

After completing medical school, the doctor goes through a residency that lasts between 2 and 4 years. The residency involves both inpatient and outpatient rotations. Hematology-oncology involves the two specialties, which intersect in the understanding of blood disorders and cancers and how to provide integrated care.

Bone marrow transplant

This procedure is also called stem cell transplantation. A stem cell transplant involves the infusion of new healthy stem cells into a patient’s body. These healthy stem cells then make new healthy blood cells. This type of procedure decreases the risk of serious bleeding, infections, and anemia. Stem cell transplantation can be divided into two:

Autologous stem cell transplantation: In this case, stem cells are taken from the patient before treatment. After treatment, which may involve chemotherapy and/or radiation, the stem cells are replaced.

Allogenic stem cell transplantation: This is done by matching the stem cells of the patient with ones from a donor. The donor may be a relative or non-relative.

Infusion

This procedure involves injecting special nutrients or medications through a tube into your body. To allow the body to absorb the fluid, they are injected a little at a time.

Blood Transfusions

This involves receiving blood products intravenously.

Depending on the type of disorder, treatment procedures may vary. Treatments can last for 2-8 hours and some need to be repeated every few days or weeks. In addition, some therapies may be in the research stages or clinical trials.

Connection to other branches of medicine

Hematologist-oncologists often consult with other medical professionals with different specialties such as:

• Infectious diseases
• Pain medication and management
• Psychology
• Radiology
• Surgery