Here’s how to find out if your blood isn’t where it needs to be

By Laura Briedis

It is astonishing to think that every second, two to three million red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and released into the circulatory system to deliver oxygen to the tissues in your body. These are combined with nearly 100 billion white blood cells produced each day, which help your body fight infection.

It is no wonder that problems can arise. Whether inherited or acquired diseases, blood disorders affect millions of people, regardless of age, race, sex or socioeconomic status.

If you believe you may have a blood condition, talk to your primary care doctor or seek out a hematologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system.

“Some common symptoms of blood-related diseases are fevers, weight loss, fatigue, reoccurring infections and night sweats,” says Hussein Hamad, MD, a hematologist/oncologist at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, a Campus of UH Regional Hospitals.

There often is a misconception that hematologists mostly treat blood cancers, but there are many other blood disorders, including anemia, blood clots and infections.

“If patients have anemia related to iron deficiencies or other reasons, we can treat it with intravenous infusions or injections,” Dr. Hamad says. “If a patient has blood clotting disorders, we provide comprehensive testing, including genetic testing, to understand why the clots are happening so we can prescribe the best treatment, including blood thinners.

“There are also precancerous conditions that we monitor over time. One of the most common is MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance), in which the body makes an abnormal protein, which can be a precursor of myeloma.”

As a hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Hamad also treats blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as offering other general medical oncology.

“Cancer is no longer a death sentence, as you can live a full life with many conditions,” he says. “On the horizon are new and exciting developments, as oncology is a rapidly evolving field.”

For those diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy is often no longer the first treatment.

“Some patients hear about the side effects of chemotherapy and are hesitant about treatment, but today we have many alternative options that are just as effective,” says Dr. Hamad, who completed his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and his fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston before joining University Hospitals in 2019. “Depending on the type of cancer, oftentimes patients begin with anti-hormonal agents that lower hormone levels. We also have immunotherapy, targeted therapy, cellular therapy, as well as endocrine therapy, in which treatment can come in the form of injection or pills.”

“All of these treatments are available at UH Geauga Medical Center, making it convenient as high level of care is close to home,” he adds. “Plus, there are other forms of treatment, such as stem cell transplants and radiopharmaceutical therapy available at the downtown main campus.”

In addition to leading-edge technology, the physicians and staff at University Hospitals provide the highest level of care.

“A big part of our job is to be compassionate,” Dr. Hamad says. “We bridge science with compassionate care to treat our patients.

“Hematology and oncology are dear to my heart as I can build relationships with patients and make a difference in their lives,” he says. “So if I am able to make a small difference during a difficult time for patients, that is a calling for me.”

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is located at 13207 Ravenna Road in Chardon. For more information, call 440-629-4005 or visit UHHospitals.org/Geauga.