What does a hematologist-oncologist do?
A hematologist-oncologist is a doctor that is specialized in the treatment of medical conditions that primarily affect the blood. This portion of their job is known as “hematology.” The “oncology” portion of the specialty is included because many of the medical conditions that affect the blood are forms of cancer. While many hematologist-oncologists choose to treat a small number of conditions, they are each trained in all elements of the specialty.
Why would my doctor refer me to a hematologist-oncologist?
You would be referred to a hematologist-oncologist if you have signs of a medical condition that is primarily related to the blood. Most of these referrals result from abnormalities that are found on lab tests. Some of these abnormalities are:
- Elevation in white blood cell counts without symptoms of an infection
- Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- Signs of a blood clotting disorder
- Certain rare genetic diseases
- Symptoms that are worrying for blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma
What happens at your first hematologist-oncologist appointment?
Hematologist-oncologist appointments are largely identical to a regular doctor's visit with your primary care doctor. They will discuss your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order multiple specialized blood tests. They may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and discuss specialized procedures that are used to diagnose blood conditions or cancers.
What conditions would be treated by a hematologist-oncologist?
There are many blood-related conditions that are treated by hematologist-oncologists. Some of the most common are:
- Anemia
- Sickle cell disease
- Clotting disorders (hemophilia)
- Factor V Leiden
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
Does a hematologist-oncologist do surgery?
No, hematologist-oncologists do not perform surgery. They are considered medical specialists; they primarily prescribe medications and monitor the results of these treatments with lab tests and office visits. The closest most hematologist-oncologists come to surgery is performing bone marrow biopsies. These biopsies require a needle to be pushed into a bone to sample the bone marrow, the substance that creates the blood cells. A bone marrow biopsy is considered a procedure as opposed to surgery because it does not require general anesthesia (being put to sleep) or cutting open a large area of the skin.
Are all oncologists also hematologists?
No, not all oncologists are hematologists. An oncologist treats “solid tumors” such as lung, liver, pancreatic, and bone cancers. A hematologist treats cancers that come from the bone marrow such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. While both oncologists and hematologists use treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, they are unique specialties that have very different training.
