Clinical Hematology

A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders. They help manage both cancerous (like leukemia) and non-cancerous (like anemia or low platelets) conditions.

To become a hematologist in India, a doctor must:

• Complete an MBBS
• Then do MD in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics
• Followed by a DM (Doctorate in Medicine) in Clinical Hematology

It takes years of specialized study and training.

Hematologists treat:

• Anemia (low hemoglobin)
• Thalassemia and sickle cell disease
• Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma
• Hemophilia and bleeding disorders
• Platelet disorders
• Bone marrow failure
• Blood clotting problems
• Iron overload or deficiency

You should consult a hematologist if:

• You have low hemoglobin (anemia)
• Your white or red blood cell or platelet counts are abnormal
• You bruise or bleed easily
• You have swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or frequent infections
• You have been diagnosed with a blood cancer

Not exactly. While oncologists treat all cancers, hematologists focus on blood cancers and blood disorders. Many are trained as hemato-oncologists who manage both.

Common tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Coagulation profile
• Iron studies
• Flow cytometry
• Blood smear
• Genetic & molecular tests

Dr. Vinod Patil is one of the most reputed hematologists in Maharashtra. He is well-trained in bedside procedures, chemotherapy administration, and managing complex hematological diseases. He also has several national and international publications to his credit.

Yes, hematologists are trained in giving chemotherapy for blood cancers. They also help manage side effects and ensure treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

Many blood disorders are curable (like iron deficiency anemia), while others (like blood cancers) are treatable and manageable with medications, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant.

Yes, fatigue could be due to anemia or other blood conditions. A hematologist can identify the root cause with a simple blood test.

Yes, they are trained in bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, which helps diagnose blood cancers and marrow-related conditions.

While it depends on the hospital, in many cases, you can book a direct appointment with a hematologist.

Anemia is a general term for low hemoglobin. Thalassemia is a genetic form of anemia that affects how hemoglobin is produced.

Yes. Pediatric hematologists specialize in treating blood disorders in children.

They are less common than some other cancers, but early diagnosis and treatment can lead to very good outcomes.

Yes. If you have frequent clots or bleeding, a hematologist can check your clotting factors and recommend proper treatment.

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. It is treated by hematologists with special clotting factor medications.

Yes. They can find the cause and treat conditions like ITP (immune thrombocytopenia) or bone marrow issues.

It is a procedure where damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy cells. Hematologists are key members of the transplant team.

It depends on the disease. Common conditions like anemia are inexpensive to treat. Cancer or transplant-related care can be costlier but may be supported by insurance or government schemes.

Yes. Conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or hemophilia can be inherited. Testing and counseling are available.

Not always. Some conditions are curable, while others require long-term management.

Yes. Many hematologists helped manage COVID-associated coagulopathy and blood clot complications during the pandemic.

Absolutely. Getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Yes. They guide when blood or platelet transfusions are needed and monitor reactions and responses.

It happens when there's too much iron in the body, often due to repeated transfusions. Hematologists treat it with medications that remove excess iron.

Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, regular exercise, and following your doctor’s instructions are very helpful.

If the infections are due to low white blood cells or bone marrow issues, then yes, a hematologist is the right doctor to consult.

Dr. Vinod Patil practices at Onco-Life Cancer Centre, where he consults on all kinds of blood disorders, including blood cancers, anemia, and clotting conditions.