Warning Signs of Hematologic Malignancies in the Primary Care Setting

Eunice Wang, MD, Chief of the Leukemia Service at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers guidance on what red flags may indicate a hematologic cancer in your patients to help you identify these complex and often difficult-to-treat cancers as early as possible.

March 22, 2021

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

1

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in identifying early signs of hematologic malignancies in patients.
2

Common warning signs include low platelets, severe anemia, and frequent infections indicating immune system compromise.
3

A complete blood cell count is essential for diagnosing hematologic malignancies, particularly abnormal white blood cell and platelet counts.
4

Patients with severe anemia or pancytopenia should be referred for further evaluation and potential bone marrow assessment.
5

Genetic predisposition to hematologic cancers should be considered, especially in individuals under 40 with family history.