Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Hematology is the branch of science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases related to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. This field focuses on both congenital and acquired diseases, including conditions that cause low and high blood levels, blood clots, vascular occlusions, blood and bone marrow cancers, immune system diseases, and benign or cancerous conditions affecting lymph nodes and the spleen.

Diagnostic methods in hematology include complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, biochemistry tests, bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, genetic tests, and imaging methods. In recent years, significant advances in hematology have enabled more personalized treatments based on the genetic characteristics of patients, increasing treatment success compared to traditional methods.

Main Hematological Diseases

• Anemia: Nutritional anemias like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, as well as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemolytic anemia.
• Immune Disorders: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HS).
• Bleeding Disorders: Hemophilias, Von Willebrand Disease, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Bernard-Soulier Syndrome.
• Coagulation Disorders
• Bone Marrow Failure
• Leukemias: Acute leukemias (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and chronic leukemias (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia).
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome
• Chronic Myeloproliferative Diseases: Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocytosis, Myelofibrosis.
• Multiple Myeloma
• Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Lymphoma

The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and the thymus gland and plays a vital role in our immune system. Lymphoma, a cancer originating from the lymphatic system, affects organs throughout the body. It is mainly categorized into two groups: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with several subtypes under each.

Symptoms: Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, shortness of breath, early satiety, and itching.

Lymphoma is highly treatable, and the treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation, tailored to the patient's condition and the disease stage.

Polycythemia

Polycythemia refers to elevated red blood cells (erythrocytes) in blood tests, characterized by Hemoglobin >16 g/dl or Hematocrit >48% in women, and Hemoglobin >16.5 g/dl or Hematocrit >48.5% in men.

Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, skin itching, excessive sweating, burning sensations in hands and feet, bruising, and bleeding. Increased blood pressure and enlarged liver or spleen may be observed during examination.

Enlargement of Lymph Nodes

Lymph node enlargement can signal various conditions such as infections, rheumatic diseases, or cancers. Appropriate tests including physical examination, laboratory tests, peripheral blood smears, and imaging are essential for diagnosis.

Symptoms: Persistent swelling not resolving within 2-3 weeks, fever, weight loss, weakness, or night sweats. Consultation with a hematologist is recommended for evaluation.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a slowly progressing form of blood cancer characterized by an excessive number of immature white blood cells in the blood, bone marrow, and spleen.

Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, bone pain, abdominal fullness, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Symptoms generally develop gradually over time.