Hematology

Undoubtedly, oncological diseases present different levels of complexity. On the one hand, we find the organs that have been affected and their degree of involvement, while on the other hand, the type of cancer must be identified.

In particular, hematological cancer travels through the bloodstream; however, 3 major types of neoplasms are also identified:

Leukemia

First, this disease directly affects the white blood cells in the blood, causing an alteration that impacts the immune system.

Basically, white blood cells (leukocytes) are blood cells that reproduce in an organized manner to fight infections in the body; but in a leukemia patient, these cancerous leukocytes accumulate in the bone marrow and disrupt the production of healthy cells.

In the same way, there is no single type of leukemia; and although treatment in some cases is much more complex than in others, in general the chances of success are nowadays superior to other types of cancer.

While it is a fairly common type of hematologic cancer in children, adults and the elderly can also develop it.

Lymphoma

In particular, this type of blood cancer develops in the cells that make up the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, bone marrow, thymus and spleen. Likewise, the lymphatic system is part of the immune system; which, as we have already indicated, helps to prevent diseases.

Similarly, lymphoma has its own classification, which groups 2 main types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

On the other hand, lymphoma can occur in any part of the body where the lymph nodes extend; causing eventual inflammation in areas such as the armpit, groin or others.

Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells.

Basically, when lymphocytes respond to an infectious process; a type of cell that is part of them becomes plasma.

Later, the plasma cells that have become abnormal multiply uncontrollably, eventually affecting (in addition to the immune system) the kidneys and bones.

Likewise, their classification is broad and is based on the antibody they produce; it is possible to identify up to five types of heavy chains and two types of light chains.

A few years ago, the diagnosis of leukemia or any other type of hematological cancer may have been a cause for alarm and concern for both patients and specialists.

Certainly, the treatment alternatives available to hematology oncology some years ago were quite scarce; however, nowadays, a better understanding of the different types of blood cancers has led researchers to make great strides in this regard.

Consequently, by studying the behavior of cancer cells, it is now possible not only to destroy them, but also to stop the appearance of new abnormal cells before this happens.

Consequently, thanks to the onco-hematology service in Panama of our institution, patients can opt for the different treatment alternatives that set trends around the world, with high levels of effectiveness.

For patients with leukemias

Even though chemotherapy is still the main treatment scheme for this type of condition, radiation can be applied in very specific cases because it is a type of local therapy.

Similarly, biologic therapy and immunotherapy may offer benefits only in some previously selected patients.

There is also the option of bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, as one of the main curative therapies applied in some patients; which must have a previous preparation (chemotherapy), the appropriate donor and special isolation measures after its application.

The care of the patient with lymphoma

Despite having a very similar treatment to leukemia in terms of the alternatives available, in this case there are two elements that influence the approach that the specialist requires for each patient.

First of all, certain lymphomas develop very slowly, which is why the physician may suggest an active surveillance agreement, as long as the lymphoma does not progress and does not produce alterations in the patient's daily life.

On the other hand, when the lymphoma is localized in one organ and has not spread, radiotherapy is especially useful, even more so than the surgical option. It is also possible that in these cases surgery is performed only for diagnostic purposes (biopsy).

Treatment of myelomas

Basically, targeted therapy increases its leading role in this type of patients; who, despite receiving high doses of chemotherapy, nowadays have specific target drugs capable of eliminating cancer cells.

In addition to this, immunotherapy and corticosteroid treatment are often applied in these cases; while bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation is also a good alternative for those patients who are eligible.

Finally, radiotherapy can be used when there is tumor formation affecting a specific organ or bone (plasmacytoma).

In addition to the neoplastic problems studied by onco-hematology, our department has the necessary knowledge to treat other pathologies that occur in the blood. Due to the appearance of blood diseases or as a result of underlying pathologies; proportional imbalances in leukocytes, red blood cells or platelets are part of the daily work carried out in the area of Hematology.

For this reason, we are not only oriented to the care of oncology patients; we also provide the general population with a complete service, including all types of special blood studies, diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases.