Genetic Counseling in Hematology: Understanding Your Risk
Genetic counseling helps individuals and families understand the genetic basis of blood disorders. In hematology, it guides decisions about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and family risk. A hematologist works with a genetic counselor to provide comprehensive support.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Expert in Hematology and BMT
Dr. Nishad Dhakate specializes in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He manages inherited and acquired red, white, and platelet disorders, as well as immunodeficiency disorders, providing individualized care.
Symptoms and When to Consider Genetic Counseling
- Family History: Blood disorders or cancers like Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, or Myeloproliferative Disorders in the family.
- Diagnosis of a Genetic Blood Disorder: Conditions like Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, or inherited coagulation disorders benefit from counseling to explain inheritance and family risk.
- Pre- and Post-Transplant: Genetic testing helps find a matched donor before a bone marrow transplant and monitor changes afterward.
- Evaluating Cancer Risk: Inherited mutations can increase the risk of blood cancers; counseling guides personalized screening and prevention.
The Procedure: What Happens During a Session
- Information Gathering: Detailed family and medical history to identify patterns of disease.
- Risk Assessment: Explaining genetic concepts and assessing individual/family risk.
- Testing: If recommended, genetic testing via blood, bone marrow, or saliva is explained in detail.
- Counseling: Guidance on medical, emotional, and family implications, including discussion of treatments like CAR-T therapy or bone marrow transplant.
Genetic counseling empowers patients and families to make informed decisions about health and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is a genetic counselor a hematologist?A. No. A genetic counselor is a specialized professional who works with a hematologist to provide genetic information and support. Que. Can genetic counseling find a match for a bone marrow transplant?
A. Counselors explain genetic markers used in matching and the likelihood of finding a match among family members, but they do not perform the matching. Que. Does a genetic diagnosis mean I will get the disease?
A. Not necessarily. Some mutations only increase risk; a counselor explains the difference between a risk factor and a definitive diagnosis. Que. Is genetic counseling part of cancer treatment?
A. Yes. It informs decisions on therapies like targeted therapy and prepares patients/families for procedures like Ablation Therapy and bone marrow transplant. Que. Can genetic counseling help with a Bleeding Disorder or Deep Vein Thrombosis?
A. Yes. Some coagulation disorders with a genetic basis can be diagnosed and family risk explained through counseling.
