Malignant benign hematology

Abstract

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?.