The spectrum of disorders that affect the blood is quite large and hematologists are the specialized physicians that diagnose and treat these patients. Many of these disorders are ‘benign' in that their cause is not based on a malignant clone of cells, which will in turn affect other varied parts of the body. Because the blood is affected by all other body systems, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient is usually the first step in diagnosing and eventually treating patients who manifest alterations of the blood components.

Blood disorders such as leukemias and myelomas are other diseases that have truly malignant growth characteristics and whose treatment usually includes aggressive interventions such as chemotherapy.

Because of the diverse nature of illnesses that can affect the blood and the blood-forming organ, the bone marrow, this field of hematology can be a daunting discipline. In the United States, as well as most areas around the world, physicians who see and treat blood disorders are usually also trained in the field of cancer medicine as well – so called Hematologist/Oncologist.

The gamut of blood disorders include diagnosis such as anemia which is often not a disease itself but rather a manifestation of another systemic disorder or a sign of an altered production or destruction of red blood cells. An alteration of another blood cell, the platelet, leads to conditions where there is an increase or decrease in these cells that help in blood clotting, and this is called thrombocytosis or thrombocytopenia. Disorders of white blood cells are very frequently (although not universally) considered malignant diseases because of their clinical behavior.

The physicians of AMS see patients with blood disorders and malignant diseases. The precise diagnosis and treatment of these clinical conditions is an essential component of our specialty and we strive to achieve this goal in a professional and intellectual capacity.