Treatment

The type of treatment patients receive depends on the type of disorder they are diagnosed with. Some patients may not need treatment initially and will be monitored by the haematology team.

For those that need treatment, factors such as other health conditions will also be taken into account. The treatment patients receive will be specific to their circumstances and will be agreed between the patient and their consultant.

Overview for some treatments offered for haematological disorders:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Bone Marrow Transplant
• Blood Transfusions

Chemotherapy for patients with a haematological disorder can be given in Antrim Area Hospital although some conditions may need an onward referral to the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital. Radiotherapy for all haematological disorders is given at the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital. Bone Marrow Transplants for patients with a haematological disorder are given at the Belfast City Hospital. Blood Transfusions can be given in Trust hospitals, or if appropriate, in the community.

Treatments for each haematological disorder is different.

For information on the treatment of cancerous haematological disorders visit:

• Leukaemia – Macmillan Cancer Support website
• Lymphoma – Lymphoma Action website
• Myeloma – Myeloma UK website

For information on the treatment of non-cancerous haematological disorders visit:

• Myeloproliferative disorders – MPN Voice website
• Myelodysplastic syndrome – Macmillan Cancer Support website

After treatment

After treatment is completed, patients will have regular check-ups. These are very important for the Haematology Team to monitor the patient’s progress. Follow-up appointments with the Haematology Team may continue for years.

Patients experiencing worrying symptoms that they think may be related to their haematology disorder should get in touch with their GP or Haematology Consultant as soon as possible.