Benign Hematology Treatments
Personalized care for managing your blood condition
Blood disorders like hemophilia, sickle cell disease, deep vein thrombosis, and Von Willebrand disease are complicated conditions. If managed well, you can live a long healthy life. Take charge of your health with help and support from our specially trained hematologists. The non-malignant blood disorder experts at Novant Health work closely with a team of specialists to develop an individualized hematology treatment plan based on your personal needs.
Understanding hematology
Hematologists are highly trained experts who diagnose and treat genetic blood conditions like anemia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia and hemophilia.
When you first meet with your hematologist, you will discuss your symptoms and likely undergo diagnostic tests before receiving a final diagnosis. At Novant Health, your hematologist works with an entire team of specialists to build a treatment plan that will help you manage your condition while also supporting your overall health.
Bleeding and clotting disorders
Blood-related illnesses can cause pain and fatigue, affecting your everyday activities. We’ll listen to your concerns to help determine the best way to treat your condition and manage your symptoms.
Imaging and laboratory tests help us provide you with an accurate diagnosis and path forward. Our team of experts crafts effective treatment regimens for the most common conditions as well as rare blood disorders. The conditions we treat include:
- Hemophilia: A noncancerous blood disorder where blood doesn't clot properly because of low levels of specific proteins.
- Von Willebrand disease: Similar to hemophilia, this condition results from blood clotting issues and is often inherited.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This happens when a blood clot blocks a deep vein, often in the leg.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): This condition occurs when a blood clot travels to the pulmonary artery blocking blood from your heart to the lung.
Hemoglobin disorders
Hemoglobin is the protein in your blood that carries oxygen through your body. If you have an inherited blood condition, it can affect the red blood cells in your body. Depending upon the type of disorder and its severity, you may or may not require medical treatment. The most common genetic blood conditions we treat include:
- Sickle Cell Disease: This inherited disorder, most prevalent in those of African descent, causes damage to the small blood vessels resulting in pain and other organ damage.
- Thalassemia: In this genetic condition, red blood cells do not survive normally because of abnormal hemoglobin.
Iron deficiencies
Your body needs the right amount of iron to function properly. When your iron levels are too low, you can experience symptoms including extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and irritability. Iron deficiency can be diet-related or caused by heavy menstrual bleeding. Depending upon its severity, you may or may not require medical treatment.
Hematology Treatments
You may benefit from medicines, lifestyle changes, and therapies after receiving a non-malignant blood disorder diagnosis. Our specialists consider the latest clinical research and severity of your disease when developing a treatment plan. More importantly, they listen to your concerns and work with you to come up with solutions to help you manage your condition with minimal disruption to your life.
Access Lifespan Blood Disorder Treatment
Managing a non-malignant blood condition is often a lifetime commitment. Receive compassionate care at a Novant Health from birth through adulthood in our CDC-designated Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTC) at Novant Health locations and St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. HTCs are multidisciplinary comprehensive clinics providing holistic care for bleeding disorders. Your team will include visits with a hematologist, social worker, pharmacist, and physical therapist.
Pre-Surgery Clearance
We coordinate your care.
Genetic blood conditions and noncancerous hematology disorders can affect unrelated procedures and health concerns. Your specialist will work closely with other experts like obstetricians, orthopedic, general surgery, and heart and vascular providers to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
Before any procedure, you'll be contacted by various Novant Health team members to help coordinate your surgery. You'll be asked about your health history. Based on that, you may require a consultation with an anesthesiologist.
You'll be informed in advance about arrival times, preparation, what clothes to wear, and what information to bring with you. If you have any questions, our care team is happy to answer them.