Pediatric hematology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of blood disorders and cancers affecting children and adolescents. This includes anemia, lymphocytopenia, bleeding disorders, leukemia, and lymphoma. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may involve medication, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Pediatric hematology is the area of studying, diagnosing and treating children and adolescents involving blood and diseases affecting the blood. Physicians who specialize in pediatric hematology are referred to as pediatric hematologists. This form of hematology typically focuses on blood disorders and cancers that affect the blood. Some of the possible blood disorders that fall under this category include sickle cell disease, leukemia, and lymphoma. Any questions or concerns about pediatric hematology or the need to consult a hematologist in an individual situation should be discussed with a physician or other medical professional.
Blood disorders that affect red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets fall under the category of pediatric hematology. These disorders may include anemia, lymphocytopenia, or bleeding disorders caused by an abnormal number of platelets. Anemia is a term used to describe a low white blood cell count, resulting in oxygen starvation in various body tissues. Lymphocytopenia occurs when the number of lymphocytes, special types of white blood cells, is too low, resulting in a reduced immune response to infection.
Abnormal levels of platelets often result in bleeding disorders which are grouped under the category of pediatric hematology. Too many platelets can cause blood clots to develop, while too few can cause excessive bleeding, both internally and externally. Treatment for blood disorders depends on the exact cause and may involve the use of prescribed medications, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Some forms of cancer are especially common among children and adolescents, and the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers are part of the study of pediatric hematology. Leukemia affects both the blood and bone marrow and often involves an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the body. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects lymphocytes, the type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.
Treatment for the various diseases and disorders involved in pediatric hematology depends on the individual diagnosis. For example, anemia can usually be treated successfully with an iron supplement. Some blood disorders can be treated at home, while others require close medical supervision in a hospital setting. More serious illnesses, such as cancer, may involve the use of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. The doctor will help the patient and any caregiver decide on an appropriate treatment plan in each individual situation.
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