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Non-Cancerous Blood Disorders
Non-cancerous blood disorders can significantly impact your daily life, requiring frequent attention, treatment and monitoring. These conditions deserve the utmost care and support.
At SCRI Oncology Partners, our dedicated team includes not only oncologists but also physicians and staff who are board-certified in hematology and internal medicine. Our award-winning and internationally-renowned hematologists in Nashville are committed to helping you manage your blood disorders, whether they are cancerous or not.
Blood disorders can affect various components of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. These conditions can influence how oxygen is transported throughout your body, how your body defends itself against infections and how your blood clots when you are injured. The good news is that with proper treatment, most blood disorders are manageable and not life-threatening. We are here to provide you with compassionate, comprehensive care to help you navigate these challenges.
At SCRI Oncology Partners, our dedicated team includes not only oncologists but also physicians and staff who are board-certified in hematology and internal medicine. Our award-winning and internationally-renowned hematologists in Nashville are committed to helping you manage your blood disorders, whether they are cancerous or not.
Blood disorders can affect various components of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. These conditions can influence how oxygen is transported throughout your body, how your body defends itself against infections and how your blood clots when you are injured. The good news is that with proper treatment, most blood disorders are manageable and not life-threatening. We are here to provide you with compassionate, comprehensive care to help you navigate these challenges.
Types of blood disorders
Non-cancerous blood disorders can be broken down into several types. The most common type of blood disorders is anemia, which affects the red blood cells and how they function. This includes pernicious anemia, iron-deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia.
Another common type is blood clotting disorders, or disorders that affect how your platelets function so that you develop blood clots more often than those without the disorder. This includes prothrombin gene mutation, antiphospholipid syndrome and Protein S deficiency.
Similarly, there are bleeding disorders, which cause you to bleed more than normal. Bleeding disorders include Von Willebrand disease, hemophilia and thrombocytopenia.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of non-cancerous blood disorders?
Each blood disorder comes with its own set of symptoms, but generally, non-cancerous blood disorders impact how different parts of your blood function within your body.
In the case of Factor V Leiden, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Swelling and pain in your legs
- Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath
For Hemophilia, symptoms include:
- Excessive bleeding, including frequent and excessive nosebleeds or cuts that bleed longer than 10 minutes.
- Bruising without cause
- Heavy periods
- Blood in your stool or urine
One of the most common types of non-cancerous blood disorders is anemia, which is a disorder that affects the red blood cells and how they carry oxygen through the body. This includes Aplastic anemia, Thalassemia and Sickle Cell anemia among others.
Symptoms of most types of anemia may include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive tiredness, weakness or dizziness
- Heart palpitations
Meanwhile, non-cancerous blood disorders that affect the white blood cells cause the immune system to malfunction, either by not properly defending against infections or by becoming over-active and attacking normal body tissues.
Symptoms of non-cancerous blood disorders that cause the immune system to not properly defend against the immune system include:
- Frequent infections, including in the lungs, ears or sinuses
- Mouth sores and skin abscesses
- Severe tooth and gum disease
Disorders that cause the immune system to attack normal body tissues are called autoimmune disorders, and symptoms of them include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Swollen glands
- Recurring fevers
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues
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How are non-cancerous blood disorders diagnosed?
If there’s a possibility that you have a blood disorder, it’s important to consult a hematologist for further testing and treatment. One of the initial tests you might undergo is a complete blood count (CBC). This test helps provide a general overview of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood, allowing your physician to identify any unusual counts.
Your hematologist will also perform a physical examination and gather detailed information about your medical history, symptoms and family history. This comprehensive approach helps ensure we understand your unique situation.
After the initial CBC, your hematologist may recommend additional tests to further evaluate how different components of your blood are functioning. This might include examining the hemoglobin levels and the shape of your red blood cells, as well as checking if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy red blood cells. For white blood cells, a more in-depth look at the different types and sub-types may be necessary. If platelets are a concern, your healthcare team might measure their average size or count in your blood.
To gain a clearer picture of your condition, your hematologist might order a peripheral blood smear (PBS) to closely examine your cells under a microscope. They may also request tests to measure specific enzymes and proteins in your blood.
Risk factors for non-cancerous blood disorders
Although blood disorders often have no single cause and can be inherited or develop randomly, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
These include:
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet: Focus on consuming foods high in vitamins and minerals, especially those rich in iron, such as eggs, turkey, lean beef and organ meats like liver and kidney. Incorporate legumes, leafy green vegetables and whole grains like brown rice to boost your iron intake.
- Staying physically active: Regular exercise supports your immune system and promotes healthy blood circulation, helping to prevent issues like blood clots.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Work with your healthcare provider to achieve and maintain a weight that is appropriate for you, as this can lower your risk of developing blood disorders.
- Preventing infections: Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly. Discuss with your healthcare provider the benefits of getting vaccinated against seasonal flu and other relevant illnesses.
- Scheduling regular checkups: If you have a blood disorder or are at risk of developing one, regular medical appointments are crucial for monitoring your overall health and may include blood tests to detect any changes.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can alter the surface of platelets, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. Quitting smoking can help reduce this risk.
- Managing stress: Keeping stress levels in check can help prevent conditions like high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for blood clots.
Certain disorders come with additional risk factors to consider. For instance, hemophilia is more commonly seen in men, but women may face a higher risk during and after pregnancy. Additionally, various medical conditions such as blood transfusions, infections, cancer, or bowel diseases can increase your likelihood of developing a blood disorder.
How can blood disorders be treated?
Blood disorders can be treated with a variety of options depending on the specific condition and its severity. Treatments range from dietary and nutritional changes, such as controlling anemia through diet, to more intensive interventions like blood and platelet transfusions, infusion therapy, medications and surgeries. For some individuals, a careful approach known as watchful waiting might be suitable if the disorder isn’t causing noticeable symptoms. This involves regular monitoring to keep an eye on any changes, ensuring that you receive timely care and support if needed.
In cases of severe anemia, blood transfusions can be a vital way to increase red blood cell levels, while platelet transfusions can help manage issues with blood clotting. To prevent excessive blood clotting, anticoagulant medications are available. Additionally, growth factor supplementation can encourage the bone marrow to produce more red and white blood cells. For autoimmune conditions such as hemolytic anemia, corticosteroids may be prescribed to help suppress the immune system.
In certain cases, you may qualify for a bone marrow transplant, also known as blood and marrow transplant or hematopoietic cell transplant. This procedure involves replacing diseased blood cells with healthy stem cells, which then grow new, healthy blood cells. Overall, these treatments aim to manage symptoms, improve energy levels and enhance your quality of life.
Blood disorder clinical trials
Today’s clinical trials are tomorrow’s treatment options. A clinical trial can help determine if a treatment, drug or procedure shows a better way of treating a particular cancer or condition. At SCRI Oncology Partners, we are committed to offering the latest clinical trials to improve your outcomes and ensure access to cutting-edge scientific advancements for our patients and the community.
If you are looking for a local oncologist in Nashville, Tennessee and are interested in participating in a clinical trial for blood disorders through our collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a global leader in oncology research, the first step is to talk to our healthcare team.
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Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.