A haematologist is a doctor who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. The specialist works with children and adults, using both traditional and modern methods. With their help, even hidden conditions that produce no pronounced symptoms can be detected.

What does a haematologist treat?

Anaemia – characterised by a reduced number of red blood cells and a lower haemoglobin level. As a rule, it is associated with weakness, general malaise, disturbed appetite and sleep, shortness of breath even on moderate exertion and poor concentration.

Lymphocytic leukaemia – a malignant disease characterised by the proliferation of atypical B lymphocytes, which accumulate in the bone marrow, spleen, liver and lymph nodes. The predisposition to the condition is hereditary, and its key signs are enlarged lymph nodes, increased sweating, weakness and sudden weight loss.

Multiple myeloma – a malignant condition characterised by the ability of tumour cells to synthesise homogeneous immunoglobulins or their fragments. The tumour forms mainly in the bone marrow and may be focal, diffuse or focal-diffuse.

Myeloid leukaemia – this form of leukaemia is characterised by rapid division of particular bone marrow cells and their accumulation in the blood. It is usually diagnosed only through clinical testing, as the condition often produces no symptoms. In some cases, patients report a slight rise in body temperature, weakened immunity and general malaise.

Lymphoma – characterised by enlarged lymph nodes. The primary tumour usually metastasises and spreads throughout the body. There are various forms of lymphoma, differing in symptoms and degree of malignancy.

Specialist consultation

The first aim is to take a medical history. The patient is asked about the symptoms of the disease. The doctor records when the signs first appeared, their intensity and other characteristics. The specialist also establishes any family predisposition to various diseases.

The doctor will assess the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. The examination may reveal symptoms of impaired blood formation, such as pale skin, a rash or bruising.

If the patient comes to the haematologist with blood test results already in hand, a diagnosis can be made straight away. In some cases, instrumental examinations are needed in addition to laboratory tests. The doctor will advise on all examinations.

A consultation with a doctor is advisable if the following signs of various conditions appear:

  • enlarged lymph nodes
  • weakness and lethargy
  • raised body temperature
  • weight loss
  • sleep disturbances
  • heavy sweating
  • pale skin
  • loss of appetite
  • bruising on the body without an apparent cause

Types of therapy

Antibacterial treatment – needed by patients with generally weakened immunity who are more susceptible than others to various infections.

Transfusion therapy – consists of transfusions of blood and blood components.

Supportive treatment – aimed at relieving the symptoms of the disease and improving the patient’s general wellbeing.

Chemotherapy – prescribed for disorders of cell growth and multiplication, and to bring about the death of malignant cells.

Drug treatment – given to replenish deficiencies of various elements, regulate the blood clotting system and speed up metabolic processes.

Radiotherapy – prescribed in combination with other treatments to fight cancer.

The best treatment in Switzerland

Swiss clinics use the newest, most modern equipment and technology. A strong culture of dialogue between doctor and patient remains Switzerland’s greatest strength. Comfortable patient rooms, fine food and attentive medical care all ensure that patients feel at ease and secure throughout their stay at the clinic.