At UF, we are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate and evidence-based care to patients with cancer and blood disorders.

Hematology and oncology are two closely related branches of medicine that are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancers, respectively. We understand the gravity of a cancer diagnosis, and our team of experienced physicians, nurses and support staff is here to support you throughout your journey. At UF Health, our team works closely with you and your family to develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

Our team of specialists includes experts in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology. And it’s this multidisciplinary approach that allows us to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care that is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.

In addition to providing state-of-the-art cancer treatments, we also offer a range of support services to help our patients and their families navigate the challenges of cancer treatment. These services include counseling, nutrition support and pain management, among others.

At UF Health, we are committed to advancing the field of cancer care through research and innovation. Our team of researchers and clinicians are actively involved in clinical trials and other research studies aimed at developing new, more effective treatments for cancer and blood disorders.

We are proud to be a part of the UF Health family, and we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care and service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the UF Health difference.

Hematology and oncology explained

Hematology is the study of blood and blood disorders. This includes conditions such as anemia, bleeding disorders and blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Hematologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. They use a variety of tools, including blood tests, bone marrow biopsies and imaging studies, to diagnose and monitor blood disorders.

Oncology, on the other hand, is the study of cancer. This includes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all types of cancer, including solid tumors and blood cancers. Oncologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They use a variety of tools, including imaging studies, biopsies and laboratory tests, to diagnose and monitor cancer.

Both hematology and oncology are highly specialized fields that require extensive training and experience. Hematologists and oncologists work closely together to provide the best possible care for patients with blood disorders and cancer. They use a variety of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, to treat these conditions.

In addition to treating patients, hematologists and oncologists are also involved in research aimed at developing new and more effective treatments for blood disorders and cancer. They work closely with other medical professionals, including pathologists, radiologists and surgeons, to provide comprehensive care to patients.

Overall, hematology and oncology are two critical branches of medicine that play an essential role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of blood disorders and cancer. They are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with these conditions through research, education and compassionate care.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I be referred to hematology and oncology?

There are many reasons why someone might be referred to a hematology oncology specialist. Following are some of the most common reasons for a referral to a hematology oncology specialist:

• Cancer diagnosis: If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your primary care doctor or other healthcare provider may refer you to a hematology oncology specialist for further evaluation, treatment and management.
• Abnormal blood test results: If you have abnormal results on blood tests, such as a low or high white blood cell count, your doctor may refer you to a hematology oncology specialist for further testing and evaluation.
• Blood disorders: If you have a blood disorder, such as anemia, bleeding disorders, or clotting disorders, your doctor may refer you to a hematology oncology specialist for evaluation and management.
• Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments: If you are undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, a hematology oncology specialist may be involved in your care to help manage side effects and monitor your progress.
• Family history of cancer: If you have a family history of cancer, your doctor may refer you to a hematology oncology specialist for genetic testing and counseling.
• Follow-up care: If you have completed treatment for cancer, a hematology oncology specialist may provide follow-up care to monitor for any signs of recurrence or manage long-term side effects of treatment.

What is a hematologist oncologist?

A hematologist oncologist is a medical specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat blood disorders and cancers. This medical field is a combination of two related specialties: hematology, which deals with blood disorders, and oncology, which deals with cancer.

A hematologist oncologist is responsible for managing the care of patients with cancer and blood disorders, including diagnosing their condition, creating a treatment plan and monitoring their progress. They may also work with other medical professionals, such as radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists, to provide a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment.

Some of the common responsibilities of a hematologist oncologist include:

• Diagnosing and staging cancers
• Determining the best treatment plan for each patient, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy or immunotherapy
• Managing the side effects of cancer treatment
• Monitoring the patient's response to treatment and adjusting the treatment plan as necessary
• Providing supportive care to improve the patient's quality of life during and after treatment
• Conducting research to improve the understanding and treatment of cancer and blood disorders.

In summary, hematologist oncologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancers, and they work closely with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.

Does a hematologist provide chemotherapy?

Hematologists can provide chemotherapy treatment to their patients, but this depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the specific treatment plan that has been recommended by the hematologist and the multidisciplinary team.

Hematologists may work closely with medical oncologists who specialize in the treatment of solid tumors and are trained to manage chemotherapy regimens for those types of cancers. In some cases, both hematologists and medical oncologists may collaborate to treat patients with certain types of blood cancers, such as lymphoma, where chemotherapy may be a primary treatment.

The specific treatment plan will depend on the type of cancer and the patient's individual needs and may involve collaboration with other specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What cancers fall under hematology?

Hematology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood and blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes. While not all cancers related to blood and blood-forming tissues are considered hematology cancers, the following cancers are generally classified under the category of hematologic malignancies:

• Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system, and results in the production of abnormal white blood cells.
• Lymphoma: A cancer that affects the lymphatic system and results in the uncontrolled growth of abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
• Multiple myeloma: A cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
• Myelodysplastic syndromes: A group of cancers that affect blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, leading to abnormal production of blood cells.
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms: A group of disorders that cause the bone marrow to produce too many blood cells.

Overall, these types of cancer are sometimes collectively referred to as blood cancers or hematologic cancers.