Hematology/Oncology in Florida

Overview

Each year thousands of patients suffering from any of more than 200 kinds of cancer seek treatment at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Oncologists in the Division of Hematology/Oncology work closely with physicians from virtually every specialty at Mayo in the care of patients with cancer.

Division staff work in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, which has been designated by the National Cancer Institute as one of the top tier of cancer centers in the United States for cancer research, patient treatment and education.

New drug, immunologic and gene therapies are being studied intensively within the division to determine their potential for treating cancers. This clinical expertise aligns strongly with the research programs of the Mayo's Cancer Center, making it possible for patients to enroll in cutting-edge clinical cancer research studies, receive the most advanced treatments and learn about their illness so that they can actively participate in decisions about their treatment.

The most common cancers seen at Mayo Clinic are cancer of the colon, breast, prostate and lung. However, oncologists have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of every kind of cancer, including brain tumors, sarcomas, melanoma, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatoma, biliary cancer, pancreatic cancer and neuroendocrine cancers.

Hematologists evaluate and treat patients with anemia, thrombocytopenia, enlarged lymph nodes or spleen, bleeding and clotting disorders and other abnormalities of the blood, and they manage chemotherapy for treating cancers involving the blood. Division hematologists provide stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. They prescribe the administration of blood products and the removal of excess blood components as needed for a variety of blood disorders. Hematologists also prescribe immunosuppressive, growth factor and biological therapy for benign and malignant blood disorders.

The Division of Hematology/Oncology includes more than 20 physicians and allied health professionals. Members of the department work closely with colleagues in the Department of Radiation Oncology to provide each patient with accurate diagnosis, treatment using one or more types of cancer-killing therapies and individualized care. They also collaborate with physicians and allied health professionals in related medical and psychosocial specialties — surgery, anesthesiology and psychology — to ensure that cancer patients and their families have access to total care for their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs. Innovative and advanced cancer care is available at Mayo Clinic through state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff.

Patients and their families can learn more about cancer and find information about local resources in the Cancer Resource Room on the 8th floor of the Davis Building.