An Oncologist in Tarzana, CA Treating Cancer and Blood Disorders Close to Home

Persistent anemia or low hemoglobin is typically evaluated by a hematologist, a physician who specializes in blood conditions. At Wellness Oncology & Hematology, the same physicians who treat cancer are also hematologists, so they can investigate the cause and manage treatment. On-site blood testing helps identify what is behind the low counts.

Persistently high, low, or unexplained blood counts may warrant a hematology evaluation, especially when the abnormality continues on repeat testing or appears with symptoms such as fatigue, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or frequent infections. Whether a hematologist is needed depends on the type and degree of the abnormality, symptoms, medical history, medications, and other findings.

Finding the cause of anemia usually starts with blood tests that look at red blood cell size, iron levels, vitamin levels, and other markers, sometimes followed by additional testing. Anemia can stem from nutritional deficiencies, chronic conditions, blood loss, or bone marrow issues. Identifying the underlying reason is what guides the right treatment.

Possible signs of leukemia in adults include persistent fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can have many causes, so they are not proof of leukemia. Bloodwork and, when needed, a bone marrow evaluation help clarify what is going on.

All three are blood cancers, but they affect different cells. Leukemia generally arises in the blood and bone marrow, lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, and multiple myeloma involves plasma cells in the bone marrow. Each is diagnosed and treated differently, which is why an accurate hematologic workup matters.

Evaluating multiple myeloma commonly involves blood and urine tests, imaging, and bone marrow testing. These studies help confirm the diagnosis and assess the amount and features of disease. Multiple myeloma staging also uses specific blood-test findings, including beta-2-microglobulin and albumin levels. The results are considered together when the stage and treatment plan are determined.

Colon cancer treatment is guided closely by stage, tumor features, overall health, and whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is a main treatment for many localized colon cancers. Chemotherapy is commonly used in stage III disease and selected higher-risk situations, while targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or other approaches may be used in certain cases. The treatment combination depends on the individual diagnosis.

The choice depends on the cancer type, its stage, and specific features found through testing of the tumor. Chemotherapy works broadly against rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy acts on particular molecular changes, and immunotherapy helps the immune system attack the cancer. Often these are combined, and the plan is personalized to each patient.

Biomarker testing looks for genes, proteins, or other features of a cancer that may help guide treatment. In some cancers, the results can help identify targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or clinical trials that may be appropriate. Biomarker testing is not needed for every cancer, and finding a particular biomarker does not guarantee that a treatment will work. Your oncologist can explain whether this testing is relevant to your diagnosis.

A second opinion can be considered whenever you want another specialist to review the diagnosis or treatment plan, particularly with a rare or complex cancer or when several treatment options are available. Another oncologist may confirm the original recommendation or discuss a different approach. Ask the offices involved which pathology reports, imaging, laboratory results, and other records should be provided for the review.

The Tarzana office treats a wide range of cancers, including lung, colon, breast, prostate, and multiple myeloma, along with leukemia, lymphoma, and others. On the hematology side, the team cares for anemia, coagulation disorders, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/myelodysplasia, among other blood conditions. On-site infusions, chemotherapy, testing, and a specialty pharmacy support that care.

Yes. Dr. Shaye, Dr. Lashkari, and Dr. Ho all practice medical oncology and hematology at the Tarzana office. Dr. Shaye is certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, while Dr. Lashkari and Dr. Ho are certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. Depending on the diagnosis, the same physician may be able to address related oncology and hematology concerns, with other specialists involved when needed.

Bring a photo ID and insurance card, a list of your current medications, and any relevant records, such as recent bloodwork, imaging, pathology reports, or a referral if you have one. It also helps to write down your questions and, if you like, bring a family member. The office can help request records you are missing.

A first visit may include a detailed review of your medical history, symptoms, medications, and available test results, along with a physical exam or blood testing when appropriate. Your physician can discuss what the available findings mean, answer questions, and explain possible next steps. Additional testing, pathology review, imaging, or consultation with another specialist may be recommended before a treatment plan is finalized.

An oncology or hematology consultation may be appropriate after a new cancer diagnosis, a suspicious finding, persistent or unexplained blood-count abnormalities, or a referral from another clinician. Wellness Oncology & Hematology is welcoming new patients. Appointment timing depends on availability, the reason for referral, and which records are needed for review, so call the Tarzana office to ask about the next available consultation.