Dr. Amit Shah, MD is an oncologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. He practices at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Sebring, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). A general oncologist, Dr. Shah provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with their primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This includes common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (863) 385-1244 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Shah's extensive experience and commitment to senior care stem from over 35 years of dedicated practice in Sebring, Florida. His approach emphasizes the crucial role of family members in supportive care, helping patients and their families understand the benefits of healthy lifestyle changes, especially during and after cancer treatment. Dr. Shah is a Board Certified Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology physician, with a medical degree from B. J. Medical College and fellowships in Oncology at the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania Medical Center. He is fluent in Gujarati and Hindi, offering consultations in both languages. His personalized approach, combined with the expertise of the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute team, ensures that patients receive the most advanced and compassionate cancer care possible, close to home.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Amit Shah is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Amit Shah is a compassionate and dedicated oncologist, partnering with seniors to navigate the complexities of cancer care. He provides comprehensive oncological care for a range of common cancers, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and specialists to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize the individual needs and goals of each patient. His approach emphasizes not just treating the disease but also supporting the patient's overall well-being and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Amit Shah can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Amit Shah provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Jejunum Cancer: Developing cancer in the jejunum, a middle section of your small intestine, can be challenging, but treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, managing the disease, and, where possible, preserving or improving your quality of life and allowing you to remain active.
- Vulvar Cancer: Developing vulvar cancer can be concerning, but with advancements in medical care, including surgery and other therapies, many women can experience a good quality of life after diagnosis and treatment.
- Tonsil Cancer: While a tonsil cancer diagnosis can be concerning, it's important to remember that effective treatments exist to help seniors manage symptoms and preserve their ability to eat, speak, and interact with others.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer affects the tissues of the mouth, but with early detection and appropriate treatment such as surgery, radiation, or medication many seniors can successfully manage this condition and continue enjoying their daily activities.
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of blood cancer where cancerous cells grow rapidly in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, but with effective treatments, many seniors can experience remission and maintain a good quality of life.
- Throat Cancer (Nasopharyngeal): Nasopharyngeal cancer, a cancer affecting the upper throat, is treatable through various methods including surgery and radiation, often improving breathing, swallowing, and overall well-being for seniors.
- Skin Cancer: Regular skin checks and prompt treatment of suspicious spots can prevent skin cancer from becoming a serious health problem, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: If you've been diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, know that there are treatment options available, such as targeted therapies, to help control symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being, enabling you to remain active in your daily life.
- Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkins Lymphoma: Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer where specific immune cells grow abnormally, but with proper treatment like chemotherapy or radiation, many seniors can achieve remission and maintain a good quality of life.
- Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the bladder, and treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can help control it and improve your comfort.
- Stomach and Small Intestine Cancer: Stomach and small intestine cancers are diseases where abnormal cells grow and form tumors in these digestive organs, and treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, aims to remove the tumors and improve your comfort and overall well-being.
- Brain Cancer: Developing a brain tumor can be frightening, but many effective treatments are available, focusing on relieving symptoms, extending lifespan, and preserving the person's overall wellbeing.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Amit Shah offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy of Breast: To ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of any breast abnormalities, a biopsy helps doctors determine if a suspicious lump or area is cancerous.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors check for signs of blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, guiding treatment decisions and ensuring the best possible care plan for you.
- Liver Biopsy: To get a clearer picture of your liver health and determine the best treatment plan for any detected cancers or diseases, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy.
- Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection Robotic Assist: For seniors with lung cancer, a thoracoscopic wedge resection with robotic assistance is a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove a small portion of lung tissue containing a tumor, improving their quality of life.
- Parathyroidectomy: Parathyroidectomy helps diagnose and treat a specific cause of hypercalcemia, sometimes seen with cancer; by removing the affected parathyroid glands, it can effectively manage this imbalance.
- Brain Cancer Treatment: Diagnosing brain cancer in seniors involves various treatment options tailored to address the specific type and stage of the cancer.
- Colon and Rectal Surgery: For seniors diagnosed with colorectal cancer, colon and rectal surgery offers a chance to surgically remove the cancer, improving their quality of life and potentially extending their lifespan.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Amit Shah is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With expert guidance, a senior with jejunum cancer experienced a significant reduction in abdominal discomfort, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of knitting, a cherished source of comfort and connection.
- Following treatment for vulvar cancer, a woman felt empowered to resume her favorite hobby of knitting, a cherished activity that brought her joy and a sense of accomplishment. Her family was relieved to see her regain her spirit and zest for life.
- With the oncology's guidance, a senior was able to resume enjoying their favorite hobby, singing in the local choir, after undergoing treatment for tonsil cancer. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was able to maintain a good quality of life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Amit Shah:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Shah is a medical oncologist, a doctor specializing in cancer treatment using medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other cancer specialists, such as surgical and radiation oncologists, may also be involved in your care, working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Shah will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Shah will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, marking the beginning of a partnership.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Shah considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more critical when determining the best course of treatment. He specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, which may be adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illnesses like cancer, and can be given alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care is comfort care for when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance means your prostate cancer is slow-growing and low-risk, so we monitor it closely with regular blood tests and biopsies instead of immediate treatment. This approach avoids potential side effects from treatment for a cancer that may never cause problems. It's a safe and standard way to manage this type of prostate cancer.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the work. It's a groundbreaking approach, often well-tolerated, and can be a valuable treatment option.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the specific type of cancer and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are generally well-tolerated. Dr. Shah works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
1396 Whisper Cir
Sebring FL 33870
Phone: (863) 385-1244
Dr. Amit Shah, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1407850449
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Oncology like Dr. Amit Shah are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.