Hematology Treatment in India

Types of Hematology India

Here are some types of treatments in Hematology:

Blood Transfusions

Blood transfusion is the type of treatment in which the blood is transferred to the patient’s body from a blood donor. This is often used to treat anemia, thrombocytopenia, and other conditions that involve low levels of blood in the body. This is one of the most common treatments in hematology.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy treatment is used to treat several types of blood cancers. In radiation therapy, the high energy rays are used to destroy the cancer cells. The radiation therapy can be given from outside the body or a radioactive material can be placed inside the tumor to treat cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is also used to treat different types of blood cancer. This treatment involves some medications that block the growth and attack the environment of cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy is used in combination with other treatments.

Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplantation is the treatment in which a diseased bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow for the production of new blood cells. This is usually used when there is a defect in the production of blood cells. Stem cell transplant is also known as bone marrow transplant.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is used to strengthen the natural defense mechanism of the body. In this way, the body can fight against the harmful substances present in the blood. This approach can be used to treat various blood cancers and infections.

Anticoagulant Therapy

Anticoagulant medications are used for the prevention of blood clot formation in the blood vessels. This treatment is usually used for the thinning of blood.

Iron Chelation Therapy

Iron chelation therapy is used in the treatment of conditions where excess iron accumulates in the body due to multiple blood transfusions. This treatment helps in removing excess iron in the body to prevent any complications.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is the advanced treatment in which the diseased gene is replaced with a healthy gene in advance. It can be used for many blood disorders that are genetically transferred.

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is the treatment that involves removing the liquid portion of blood from the body and replacing it with healthy plasma. This treatment can be used to manage conditions where the blood has harmful substances and chemicals.

Antibiotics and Antiviral Medications

Antibiotics and antiviral medications are used to treat many types of infection in the body. Infectious diseases of blood are also treated with these medications.

Palliative Care

Palliative care involves care and supportive treatment. In palliative care, the symptoms of the patient are managed like pain, vomiting and headache. This treatment is usually used when the blood disease cannot be cured completely or present at its last stage. 

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes are also the part of management of many diseases such as adopting a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain activities. This can improve the overall health in individuals with blood disorders.

Diagnosis of Hematology India

Some of the diagnostic tools that used in hematology are as follow:

Medical History and Physical Examination

The medical history involves the discussion of the patient's medical background, including any family history of hematological disorders. A thorough physical examination is performed to evaluate symptoms, signs of anemia, tendencies for bleeding, and other pertinent observations.

Blood Tests

Hematology diagnosis usually based on blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) measures blood cell numbers and types, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Changes in cell counts can be the sign of any hematologic disorder.

Peripheral Blood Smear

A blood smear test uses a blood sample under a microscope to analyze the shape, size, and appearance of blood cells. This helps in identifying any abnormality in the structure of blood cells such as sickle cells, irregular white blood cells, and more.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

In this test, a sample of bone marrow is extracted for examination. This procedure provides valuable information about blood cell production and development. It is often used to diagnose conditions where bone marrow is involved.

Coagulation Tests

Coagulation assessments examine blood clotting mechanisms. Tests like prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assist in diagnosing clotting disorders.

Genetic and Molecular Testing

Genetic tests reveal abnormal genes that are linked to blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. Molecular testing detects specific genetic markers connected with various hematological conditions.

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry tells about characteristics of each cell. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing leukemia and lymphoma by identifying abnormal cell populations.

Immunohistochemistry

This technique uses antibodies to identify particular proteins in tissue samples that helps in diagnosing cancer related to hematology.

Imaging Studies

X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used to see the clear picture of structure in which blood cells are present.

Cost of Hematology Treatment in India

The cost of hematology treatment in India ranges from 6000 USD to 21,000 USD. The cost can vary according to the condition of each patient at the time of diagnosis. The cost can also vary according to the facilities of the hospital and the experience of a surgeon.

Symptoms and Risk factors

Some of the symptoms related to blood diseases are as follow:

• Fatigue
• Pale skin color
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Easy bruising
• Excessive bleeding from minor cuts or injuries
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Small red or purple spots on the skin
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Swollen spleen
• Swollen liver
• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Feeling of numbness in arms and legs
• Changes in skin color 
• Difficulty concentrating or cognitive changes
• Abnormal clotting or excessive clotting
• Blood in urine or stool
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Swollen or painful gums
• Excessive thirst and urination

Risk Factors of Hematological Diseases

Some of the risk factors that are associated with blood disorders are as follow:

Genetic Factors

There are many diseases related to hematology that occur due to genetic factors. Presence of these genes can increase the risk of certain hematology disorders.

Age

Age can be a risk factor for several blood disorders. For example, leukemia is more common in children and older adults, while other diseases like multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes are more common in older age.

Family History

There is a positive correlation between family history of blood disorders and the development of disease in any stage of life.

Exposure to Radiation and Chemicals

Long exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation can increase the risk of blood diseases. Those who have occupations related to harmful chemicals are at risk of developing blood cancers.

Viral Infections

Some of the viral infections can cause hematologic disorders. For example, the virus that weakens the immune system can also be the risk factor of blood disorders.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders are the diseases in which the body's defense system attacks the body’s own cells mistakenly. Some blood disorders can also be due to the body's weak immune system.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

These treatments are used to treat cancer but they can also damage healthy blood forming cells and can lead to many blood disorders. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy also affects the bone marrow.

Smoking and Environmental Exposures

Smoking and certain harmful environmental chemicals have been associated with an increased risk of blood cancers.

Previous Blood Disorders

There are slightly greater chances of blood disorders in patients who have had other blood diseases before. Sometimes blood diseases do not cure properly and recurrence occurs.

Certain Medications

Some medications like chemotherapy drugs can affect blood clotting or blood cell production that can lead to various blood disorders. 

Obesity

Excess of weight can be the risk of many diseases in the body and obesity is also a major risk factor in the development of hematological disorders. 

Gender

Some hematological diseases are more common in men like hemophilia and others are more common in women.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly B12, folic acid, and iron, can lead to anemia and other blood-related issues.

High Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact the ability of bone marrow to produce blood cells and increase the risk of bleeding disorders.