Dr Paul Ferguson Haematologist Private Haematology Consultations

Nuffield North Staffordshire Hospital,

Clayton Road,

Newcastle-under-Lyme,

Stoke-on-Trent,

ST5 4DB

Conditions that I Investigate and Treat

Abnormalities of the blood and blood tests

One of the most basic investigations doctors perform are blood tests which can analyse the various different blood cells in your circulation, your blood clotting or antibody levels. These can sometimes highlight abnormalities that may or may not indicate a more serious underlying problem. This can include anaemia, high or low individual blood cell counts, increased "thickness" of the blood, problems with blood clotting or raised antibody levels. As a consultant Haematologist I specialise in the diagnosis and management of a number of benign and malignant conditions that can affect the blood and immune systems. I will review any abnormal results, interpret them and order additional tests if required to investigate things further. Often these investigations will alllow me to provide reassurance and where there is a more serious underlying health issue we can identify it and manage it accordingly.

Vague symptoms/Lumps and bumps

Sometimes patients with underlying problems affecting their blood or immune system can present with vauge symptoms which they find difficult to explain. These include unexplained weightloss, drenching night sweats, recurrent fevers, new swellings or "lumps and bumps" or abnormal bruising and bleeding. These sometimes need further investigation to ensure there are no sinister underlying causes and again this often results in reassurance for the patient.

Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Spleen

Lymph nodes are glands which form part of our immune system and we have hundreds all over our bodies. Your spleen is a similar organ within your abdomen. Patients can present with either a single or multiple swollen glands, often in the neck, arm pit, or groin where they are easier to feel. As a Haematoloist I specialise in investigating and treating patients with disorders affecting the lymph nodes. These disorders range from benign inflammatory causes and infections to a form of blood cancer called lymphoma which can result in enlarged lymph nodes.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer affecting the lymph nodes which are glands present throughout our bodies. There are many differentt forms of lymphoma. Patients can present with a single enlarged lymph node or mutiple enlarged lymph nodes. They may also experience symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats and recurrent fevers. Depending on the type and stage of the lymphoma some patients can avoid treatment and be monitored clinically while others require treatment with chemotherapy in the form of either tablets, intravenous medication or injections into the skin.

Myeloma

Myeloma is a form of blood cancer which affects the antibody producing cells within the immune system. This results in the over production of anitbody protein which can be detected in the blood. Patients can also experience low blood counts such as anaemia and low platelet counts. Furthermore Myeloma can affect the bones resulting in fractures, increased calcium levels in the blood and impair the function of the kidneys. Depending on the clinical picture some Myeloma patients simply need to be monitored and others require treatment with chemotherapy.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia refers to a form of blood cancer that affects the circulating white blood cells and results in an increased number of white blood cells within a person's blood. There are different types of leukaemia which can affect people. Some do not require treatment but simple clinical monitoring and others require treatment in the form of chemotherapy. Depending on the type of leukaemia these can be treated either with oral tablets, intravenous chemotherapy or chemotherapy injections.

Investigations you may undergo

Blood test

Ultrasound imaging

CT/MRI scanning

I may request additional blood tests to further investigate your condition. These may include routine blood, liver, kidney and bone profiles along with other more specialised tests of your immune system or genetic analysis to aid diagnosis.

CT/MRI scanning

Ultrasound imaging

CT/MRI scanning

Depending on the condition that I am investigating you may require a CT or MRI scan to gain detailed images of your body. CT guided biopsies can sometimes be used to accurately biopsy tissue that is deep within the body or difficult to reach by other means.

Ultrasound imaging

Bone Marrow Examination

Ultrasound imaging can be helpful in assessing individual organs, enlarged lymph nodes or unusal lumps or bumps. Ultrasound can also be used to guide biopsies of these tissues to aid diagnosis.

Bone Marrow Examination

If your tests suggest that you may have a condition affecting your bone marrow cells which are responsible for manufacturing your blood cells then you may require a bone marrow biopsy. This is a minor procedure, performed under local anaesthetic and you will be fully counselled prior to the procedure.

Genetic Analysis

Bone Marrow Examination

Genetic Analysis

As part of your diagnostic work up I may request specific gene mutation analysis. Certain gene mutations are associated with particular haematological conditions and these can be tested for using either a blood sample or a sample of bone marrow taken at biopsy.

Booking an Appointment

Dr Ferguson offers face to face, telephone and video consultations.

He holds private haematology consultations for patients from across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.

Clink the link below stating whether you would prefer a telephone, video or face to face consultation along with any relevent information.

Alternatively contact clinic bookings at Nuffield North Staffordshire Hospital

Telephone

01782 382520

Dr Paul Ferguson Haematologist Private Haematology Consultations

Conditions that I Investigate and Treat

Abnormalities of the blood and blood tests

Vague symptoms/Lumps and bumps

Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Spleen

Lymphoma

Myeloma

Leukaemia

Investigations you may undergo

Blood test

Ultrasound imaging

CT/MRI scanning

CT/MRI scanning

Ultrasound imaging

CT/MRI scanning

Ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound imaging

Bone Marrow Examination

Bone Marrow Examination

Bone Marrow Examination

Bone Marrow Examination

Genetic Analysis

Bone Marrow Examination

Genetic Analysis

Booking an Appointment

Dr Ferguson offers face to face, telephone and video consultations.

Request a private appointment