Childhood Hematology Disorders

Blood has many different parts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, proteins, plasma and more. There are disorders related to all of these, including some hematology disorders that can be brought on by cancer and its treatments. The childhood hematology disorders treated at MD Andersoninclude, but aren’t limited to, the following:

• Bone marrow failure disorders: Bone marrow is the material inside bones that makes the different type of blood cells. In some cases, the marrow produces too little of a specific kind of blood cell. There are different types of bone marrow failure disorders, including:
  • Fanconi anemia
  • Diamond-Blackfan anemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
  • Severe congenital neutropenia, also known as Kostmann’s syndrome
• Anemia: Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body and return carbon dioxide from these parts to the lungs. People with anemia do not have enough red blood cells. Some anemias are caused by bone marrow failure disorders. While cancer patients with sickle cell anemia are treated at MD Anderson, we do not typically manage patients with a primary diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.
  
• Neutropenia: White blood cells fight infections. Patients with neutropenia do not have enough white blood cells.
• Thrombocytopenia: Platelets are cells that help with blood clot formation. In patients with this condition, these cells are decreased, leaving the individual vulnerable to excessive bruising or bleeding.
• Hemoglobinopathies: Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that actually bonds with oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing them to be moved throughout the body. In patients with a hemoglobinopathy, there is a problem with the production or structure of hemoglobin molecules.
• Erythrocytosis: The opposite of anemia, erythrocytosis is the production of too many red blood cells, which can lead to blood clots and other problems.
• Histiocytic disorders: Patients with a histiocytic disorder have too many of a specific group of white blood cells called histiocytes. This can lead to organ damage and/or tumor formation. There are many types of histiocytic disorders, each of which is classified based on the type of histiocyte.
  
• Iron overload: Iron is an important component of blood. The body can have too much iron, though. This condition can occur naturally or can be caused by a patient receiving multiple blood transfusions.
• Clotting and other bleeding disorders
  

Some hematology disorders can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.

Learn more about childhood germ cell tumors:

• Childhood germ cell tumor symptoms
• Childhood germ cell tumor diagnosis
• Childhood germ cell tumor treatment

Why choose MD Anderson for your hematology disorder treatment?

At MD Anderson's Children's Cancer Hospital, we know your child's health and well being are your number one concern. Our renowned experts customize your child's care for hematology disorders, utilizing the most advanced treatments and techniques with the least impact on your child's growing body.

Treating patients with and without cancer

Our team of hematologists can treat a wide range of non-cancerous blood disorders. Sometimes these conditions care caused by cancer and its treatments. Other times they arise on their own. In both cases, patients will receive the care and attention that has made MD Anderson famous.

Customized care

A team of specially trained physicians follows your child throughout treatment, all the way to survivorship. They communicate closely with each other, and with you, to ensure comprehensive, personalized care. They are supported by full complement of health care professionals dedicated to your child's treatment, including nurses, physician assistants, therapists and others.

Treating the whole child

Children's Cancer Hospital is designed just for children, with a full range of services and amenities that help make the child and family's experience as comfortable as possible. We go beyond medical care to deliver a comprehensive experience that treats the whole child.

And, at Children's Cancer Hospital, your child benefits from the resources and expertise of one of the nation's top cancer centers.