Blood diseases include a large number of disorders and conditions. Many blood disorders are inherited, but blood conditions can also be acquired through an illness, use of certain medications or other causes. Some blood abnormalities are the sign of an underlying disease.
Careful diagnosis is extremely important to treating blood diseases. Treatments are highly tailored to individual patients. Patients need to be followed carefully by their medical team so therapies can be adjusted and modified as needed. The Benign Hematology Program includes hematologists with expertise in diagnosing and treating specific blood disorders.
Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia are marked by abnormal or excessive bleeding and/or bruising. These disorders include some rare diseases as well as some widespread conditions that are often undiagnosed. Learn more about the most common bleeding disorders and basic treatment approaches.
Clotting Disorders
Blood clots can lead to stroke, pulmonary emboli, loss of a limb or death if not identified or treated appropriately. Risk factors for blood clots can be inherited from one or both parents or acquired after surgery, trauma, medical disease, medication use or prolonged periods of decreased movement – such as during an international flight or hospitalizations. Learn more about clotting disorders and strategies for blood clot treatment and prevention.
Abnormal Blood Counts
Abnormal levels of red blood cells, white blood cells or blood platelets can cause several symptoms and health problems. In many cases, an abnormal blood count indicates an underlying disease. Learn more about abnormal blood counts, including symptoms, treatment options and related problems.
Pregnancy, Menstruation and Blood Disorders
Women face several blood-related health issues. Pregnancy increases the risk of some blood problems, and heavy menstruation can be caused by an underlying bleeding disorder. Learn more about pregnancy, menstruation and blood disorders.
Blood Disorder Surgical Concerns
Surgery and dental extraction can pose a risk for patients with bleeding or clotting disorders. For patients with significant problems, it is important to involve a hematologist in pre- and post-surgical care. Learn more about blood disorder surgical concerns.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. In the U.S., SCD affects about one out of every 400 African American births. Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of SCD and usually the most severe. Learn more about sickle cell disease, including symptoms, complications and treatments.
