Haemato-oncology
Dr Nahrwar considers haematology to be the fascinating "orphan" of both internal medicine and oncology. Oncology and haematology are closely related; due to the number of blood disorders that are related to cancer. Therefore, Dr Nahrwar has amassed a great deal of knowledge and experience in the area of haemato-oncology. He can expertly assist patients affected by these challenging disorders. Doctor Nahrwar strives to remain up-to-date on the latest research and innovative treatments and makes them available to his patients.
Stem cells in the bone marrow mature and develop into three types of blood cells: platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. Abnormal blood cells, or cancerous cells, affect the production of these components, preventing the blood from performing many of its functions, such as clotting or fighting off infections.
There are three main types of blood cancers:
- Leukaemia - a kind of cancer found in blood and bone marrow. When there's a rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, the body becomes overwhelmed. As a result, the body is unable to fight infection, and the ability of bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets is compromised.
- Lymphoma - this cancer affects lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, multiplying and collecting in the lymph nodes and other tissues impairing the immune system.
- Myeloma - Myeloma cells inhibit the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body's immune system weak and susceptible to infection.
The doctor can diagnose blood cancers using:
- A medical exam and a complete medical history
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy
- Lumbar puncture
- Imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound
The treatment for blood cancers depends on the type of cancer, the patient's age, how fast the disease is progressing, and where it has spread to. Some common blood cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell and bone marrow transplantation.