The session was moderated by Dr Magda Cordeiro, Coordinator of the Oncology Department at Grupo HPA Saúde, and featured contributions from Dr Ana Montalvão, Clinical Haematologist at Grupo HPA Saúde, and Dr Joana Martins, also a Clinical Haematologist at the same institution.

Dr Ana Montalvão clarified the concept of onco‑haematological diseases, explaining that they include neoplasms originating in blood cells and the lymphatic system. She highlighted that, unlike solid tumours, these conditions rarely present as localised masses. Instead, they are characterised by the involvement of circulating cells and early systemic dissemination, often being detected through analytical abnormalities. She also emphasised the main warning signs and discussed risk factors, noting that the cause is often unknown, though it may be associated with age, specific environmental exposures or, in some cases, genetic predisposition.

Dr Joana Martins explained that the diagnosis of haematological diseases initially relies on blood tests, often complemented by bone marrow studies, which allow for increasingly precise disease characterisation. In some cases, imaging exams such as CT scans are also used. She highlighted the role of bone marrow transplantation in selected situations, including certain leukaemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma, noting that it may involve the use of the patient’s own cells or those from a donor. As a final message, she reinforced that many of these diseases are now treatable and, in some cases, curable, stressing the importance of early diagnosis, specialised follow‑up and confidence in scientific advances that continue to transform the prognosis of these conditions.

Don’t miss this episode, where the specialists share valuable insights to help better understand these diseases and highlight the importance of information and appropriate follow‑up in improving health outcomes.