General Questions
Does Hematology-Oncology Associates, P.C. treat patients of any age?
No. Hematology-Oncology Associates, P.C. treats only patients 18 years of age and older. Pediatric hematology oncology
patients are referred to the University of New Mexico Pediatric Hematology Oncology program.
Does Hematology-Oncology Associates, P.C. treat gynecologic cancer patients?
In general, no. These patients are primarily treated by physicians who specialize in this field, such as Southwest
Gynecology & Oncology, or at the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
What is hematology?
Hematology is the branch of medical practice concerned with conditions of the blood. Many blood disorders are not
malignant.
Why does my physician need to know all the medications I'm taking?
It's important for your physician to know exactly what medications you are taking, including herbs and vitamins, as some
medications may interact with one another or with chemotherapy drugs and could potentially affect your treatment outcome.
What is the difference between the terms "benign" and "malignant"?
A benign tumor is a noncancerous growth that does not invade other tissues and generally has a favorable prognosis. A
malignant tumor is cancerous and can invade and destroy nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (called
metastasis). A malignant condition may be associated with an unfavorable prognosis.
What if I want a 2nd opinion from another hematology/oncology physician?
All of our physicians welcome and encourage 2nd opinions, if desired, prior to pursuing any treatment. It's very important
that patients are well informed prior to making decisions regarding their diagnosis and treatment options.
