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Benign Hematologic Conditions

Hematology has to do with the way blood works in your body. Benign hematologic conditions are blood disorders that can cause either temporary or lifelong symptoms. They do not lead to cancer.

Some of these conditions are inherited, meaning that they’re passed down through families, and others are acquired.

Types

• Anemia
  
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Vitamin deficiency anemia
• Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
• Bleeding disorders
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Easy bruising
• Factor V Leiden
• Hemophilia (Factor VIII or IX deficiency)
• Hemochromatosis
• Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Leukocytosis
• Low blood counts due to a drug reaction, such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
• Low blood counts related to other medical conditions
• Lymphocytosis
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
  
• Thalassemia
  
• Pulmonary embolism
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thrombophlebitis
• Thrombocytopenia
• Von Willebrand disease

Diagnosis

The most common test to find this type of condition is a complete blood count (CBC), which checks:

• The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
• The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells
• The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells

A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood conditions. A hematologist uses a physical exam, medical history and lab tests to check for blood disorders.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hematologic disorders vary. For example, anemia causes fatigue, dizziness and loss of concentration. Thrombocytopenia can cause:

• bruising
• nosebleeds
• bleeding from the gums

Leukopenia can cause multiple bacterial infections.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending upon the type of condition. Doctors often begin treatment by looking for an underlying cause.

Related Links

Vanderbilt Hematology