A hematologist is a specialized type of doctor who deals specifically with disorders that affect the blood and the tissues that actually make blood. These would include bone marrow and the spleen. There are a number of types of disorders that involve the blood, so hematologists are also experts in both vascular problems and issues with clotting. These doctors are not only involved in diagnosing and treating diseases, but also in helping patients prevent them.

Because of some of the specific diseases related to the blood and blood-making organs, many hematologists are also oncologists with expertise in treating various cancers. The main types of hematologic diseases include hemoglobinopathies, which are congenital problems with hemoglobin; anemias, which involve a shortage of hemoglobin or red blood cells; hematological malignancies, which might require the oncology background; and coagulopathies, which are disorders relating to bleeding and the coagulation of the blood.

In order to treat these diseases and disorders, a hematologist may use a variety of approaches. In some cases, the patient may be able to control the problem with relatively simple changes to his or her diet. In other cases, blood transfusions, or even bone marrow transplants may be necessary. From treatment with vitamin injections to chemotherapy, the hematologist will be able to offer numerous treatment options in order to find the one that fits the individual patient best.

A patient might need to see a hematologist to treat certain illnesses, such as:

    * AIDS
    * Malaria
    * Magaloblastic Anemia
    * Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
    * Agranulocytosis
    * Lymphoma
    * Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
    * Myelomas
    * Leukemia
    * Hemophilia
    * Sickle-Cell Disease
    * Thalassemia
    * Infectious Mononucleosis
    * Lupus Erythematosus