Blood Disorders

Blood disorders affect millions of Americans, disrupting blood function and causing severe health complications. At Cancer Care Institute, esteemed oncologist and hematologist Youram Nassir, MD, provides comprehensive care for blood disorders at his office in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. You can manage your blood disorder and enjoy the highest quality of life with the proper, targeted treatment. Book your appointment by calling the office or requesting one online today. 

What are blood disorders?

Blood disorders encompass a range of conditions wherein blood cells exhibit abnormal functionality or a state of disease. These disorders can impact one or more components of the blood, including:

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells are responsible for the transport of oxygen to tissues throughout the body.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells are crucial to the immune response; these cells combat infections and other foreign invaders.

Platelets

Platelets are essential for hemostasis; they facilitate blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.

The clinical manifestations of blood disorders vary significantly, depending on which type of blood cell is compromised.

What are the different blood disorders?

Blood disorders are diverse in their presentation and causes. Some of the most frequently encountered include:

Anemia

The most prevalent blood disorder, anemia, is characterized by an insufficient number of dysfunctional red blood cells, which impairs the body’s ability to deliver oxygen effectively.

Hemophilia

A genetic condition that leads to a deficiency of clotting factors, resulting in an increased risk of prolonged bleeding. Hemophilia predominantly affects males due to its X-linked inheritance pattern.

Thrombotic Disorders

Blood clots form to prevent blood loss after an injury; however, clots can also arise spontaneously, obstructing blood flow within vessels and potentially precipitating severe events like myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accidents.

While most blood disorders are non-malignant, it is important to note that there are over 100 recognized types of blood cancers, including those classified under leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

How are blood disorders diagnosed?

At Cancer Care Institute, a comprehensive assessment is the cornerstone of diagnosing blood disorders. This includes a detailed analysis of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and family history, often supplemented by a thorough physical examination.

Laboratory diagnostics, particularly a complete blood count (CBC), are fundamental in evaluating blood disorders. Additional tests such as partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and prothrombin time (PT) may be employed to assess coagulation, while platelet function can be evaluated with specific aggregation studies. In certain cases, specialized procedures might be necessary to determine bleeding time following an injury. Depending on the clinical presentation, further diagnostic workup may be warranted to exclude hematologic malignancies or other differential diagnoses.

How are blood disorders treated?

Management strategies for blood disorders are tailored to the specific condition and its severity. At Cancer Care Institute, Dr. Nassir, a distinguished hematologist, employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating both conventional and cutting-edge therapies.

Common treatment modalities include pharmacologic interventions, factor replacement therapy, and platelet transfusions. In selected cases, particularly those involving milder disorders, a strategy of vigilant monitoring may be advised. For rare or complex blood disorders necessitating specialized care, Dr. Nassir collaborates with a network of experts to ensure access to the most advanced treatments available, including clinical trials and novel therapeutic options.

At Cancer Care Institute, patients are assured of receiving the most individualized and compassionate care within a supportive and patient-centered environment. To schedule a consultation, please call the office or request one online today.