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Malignant benign hematology
Author(s) -
Sholzberg Michelle
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2475-0379
DOI - 10.1002/rth2.12170
Subject(s) - hematologist , misnomer , hematology , medicine , intensive care medicine , blood disorder , oncology , disease , philosophy , theology
When faced with a life‐threatening non‐cancerous blood disorder, the term “benign” is a misnomer. Devastating diseases like catastrophic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, acquired hemophilia, and severe immune thrombocytopenia present a challenge to the hematologist. They are often difficult to treat and lack appropriately powered, unbiased evidence to support management. Moreover, the label “benign” does a disservice as it subconsciously triggers discrepancies in prioritization for the care provider, the system, the patient and his/her family. Despite our progressive advances in non‐malignant hematology, there remain many knowledge and care gaps that can be effectively addressed by more international collaboration, more clinical and research infrastructure and more expertly trained clinicians. To highlight the need, is it time to reconsider the term “benign” hematology?