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Hematology / Oncology
Hematology specialists work with patients who have blood-related diseases and disorders, such as anemia (a lack of healthy red blood cells), hemophilia (when blood doesn’t clot properly), leukemia (blood cancer), and lymphoma (cancer of the disease-fighting lymphatic system). Healthcare providers who specialize in oncology diagnose and treat cancer of all types. Often, medical professionals will specialize in both hematology and oncology.
At Consolidated Medical Practices of Memphis (CMPM), we offer patients high-quality, personalized hematology and oncology care.
Conditions Treated
If we were to list all possible blood disorders and cancer, the list would be very long. So, here are some of the most common hematology and oncology conditions CMPM specialty providers can treat:
| Hematology Conditions | Oncology Conditions |
| Anemia | Bladder cancer |
| Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) | Brain tumor |
| Hemophilia | Breast cancer |
| Leukemia | Head and neck cancer |
| Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s) | Leukemia |
| Sickle cell disease | Lung cancer |
| Melanoma | |
| Ovarian cancer | |
| Prostate cancer |
Why Do I Need a Hematologist or Oncologist?
If your primary care provider suspects a blood disorder or cancer, they may refer you to a specialist whose sole focus is hematology and oncology. These specialists can help in very particular ways, including:
- Early specialized care. Receiving medical care and attention by a hematologist / oncologist as early as possible can make all the difference when it comes to being able to successfully treat many serious hematology or oncology concerns.
- Ongoing treatments. Cancer treatment, for example, often doesn’t end with removal of the tumor. Because cancer – and many blood disorders – are complex diseases, your treatment and recovery requires ongoing monitoring by a specialist trained and experienced in how best to treat your condition. For example, radiation, chemotherapy, and other therapies may be necessary after a tumor is surgically removed to ensure the disease has been completely eradicated. Periodic imaging tests may be recommended to ensure your treatment has been effective.
- Expert, customized guidance. Hematologists / oncologists can provide expert guidance on all your treatment options, including if and when additional treatment approaches might be needed. Your next steps will depend on a number of factors unique to your situation, such as the location and stage of your disease, its spread, and your age and overall health.
Hematology / Oncology Treatments
While the treatment plan you and your provider decide upon will be dedicated to your specific situation, there is a wide assortment of potential treatments that may be included, such as:
An ablation procedure is designed to destroy target tissue. It is used to treat a large number of medical problems, including some hematology/oncology conditions.
Ablation therapy can be performed in a minimally invasive manner (using a special needle inserted through the skin, or via a catheter threaded through a blood vessel, usually beginning at the groin). It can also be delivered by energy beams directed to certain areas of the body.
A blood transfusion is when donated blood is placed in your body via an IV. Most often, this provides red blood cells, which carry oxygen and help to transport waste out of the body. Blood transfusions may be necessary for hemophiliacs, who can lose vast quantities of blood with an injury. Blood transfusions may also be done for those with anemia, sickle cell disease, or cancer.
Also called a stem cell transplant, this procedure infuses blood-producing stem cells to replace damaged bone marrow. This procedure may be used to help restore bone marrow after chemotherapy treatment. It may also be used to help destroy certain types of cancer.
There are numerous ways to treat cancer. Generally speaking, oncology treatments are classified into three separate types:
- Medical treatment – chemotherapy and other medications, such as immunotherapy
- Surgical treatment – biopsy and surgical removal of tumors
- Radiation therapy – used to shrink and destroy cancer cells
Hematology / Oncology Providers
Should you or a loved one need to consult a hematology/oncology specialist, look no further than Consolidated Medical Practices of Memphis. Call us to find out more or to schedule a consultation – you can do this by clicking on the provider name above or by visiting our Make an Appointment page.
