We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Pediatric Hematology?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,045
References
Share

Pediatric hematology is the area of study, diagnosis, and treatment of children and adolescents involving blood and diseases that affect the blood. Doctors 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 into this category include sickle cell disease, leukemia, and lymphoma. Any questions or concerns about pediatric hematology or whether a hematologist should be consulted in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Blood disorders affecting red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets fall into 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 number of white blood cells, resulting in insufficient oxygen in the various tissues of the body. Lymphocytopenia occurs when the number of lymphocytes, special types of white blood cells, are too low, resulting in a lowered immune response to infection.

Abnormal platelet levels often result in bleeding disorders that are grouped into the category of pediatric hematology. Too many platelets are likely to cause the development of blood clots, while too few can cause excess bleeding, both internally and externally. The treatment for blood disorders depends on the exact cause and may involve the use of prescription medications, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

Some forms of cancer are particularly common among children and adolescents, and the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers are a part of the study of pediatric hematology. Leukemia affects both the blood and the 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 the lymphocytes, the type of white blood cells that helps the body to 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 severe diseases, such as cancer, may involve the use of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical intervention. The doctor will help the patient and any caregivers to decide on an appropriate treatment plan in each individual situation.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-pediatric-hematology.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.