Dr. Don Luong, MD is a dedicated Oncology physician practicing at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Largo, FL. He is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive oncological care specifically tailored to the needs of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. Dr. Luong is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, he provides expert medical care for older adults with common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He is fluent in Spanish and also offers consultations in Vietnamese.
Dr. Luong's extensive training and experience equip him to effectively address the unique health considerations of seniors. He earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and completed an internship at the University of South Florida. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Oncology at the University of South Florida, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Hematology and Oncology at the H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, deepening his expertise in this specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He believes in a patient-centered approach, ensuring that every interaction focuses on the patient's experience and well-being.
Dr. Luong is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 683-2900 to schedule an appointment. His choice to practice oncology stems from the field's constant evolution of new therapies, allowing him to personalize care for each patient. He understands the importance of supportive care alongside medical treatment, aiming to minimize disruption to daily life. At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Dr. Luong and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional and personalized care for all forms of cancer and blood disorders, ensuring access to the newest and most advanced treatments available.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Don Luong is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Luong is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors facing cancer. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists, ensuring a holistic approach that considers each patient's unique needs and goals. His expertise in managing common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, combined with his dedication to creating personalized treatment plans, makes him a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of senior health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Don Luong can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna HMO
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- PacifiCare
- Preferred
- Preferred PPO
- Select
- Select HMO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Don Luong 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:
- Illeum Cancer: Developing cancer in the ileum, the end section of your small intestine, can be concerning, but treatments like surgery and targeted therapies aim to control the cancer and improve your quality of life.
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen throughout your body, often leading to fatigue and weakness, but it can be managed with medication or dietary changes to improve your energy levels.
- Reticulosarcoma: Reticulosarcoma is a less common form of lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, and with proper medical care, many individuals can experience a good quality of life.
- Pleura Cancer: Understanding pleural cancer and its treatment is vital for seniors and their families. A multidisciplinary approach, including pain management and supportive care, helps maintain independence and comfort.
- Thyroid Cancer: Treatment for thyroid cancer typically involves surgery, sometimes followed by radioactive iodine therapy or medication, all aimed at removing the cancer and minimizing disruption to your daily routines.
- Colorectal Cancer: While a colorectal cancer diagnosis can be challenging, modern medicine offers various treatment options designed to improve a senior's comfort, extend their life, and support their overall well-being.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer treatment can vary, but it focuses on slowing or stopping the cancer's growth, which can help manage symptoms like fatigue and breathing difficulties and maintain overall wellbeing.
- Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: Receiving a diagnosis of ALL can be upsetting, but with a skilled medical team dedicated to geriatric oncology, seniors and their families can work together to create a tailored treatment plan focused on managing the disease and maintaining the highest quality of life.
- Nose Cancer: Nose cancer, also known as nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer, is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the nose or sinuses, and treatment, such as surgery or radiation, aims to remove the cancer and improve breathing and quality of life.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: This common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, usually responds well to treatment, such as surgery or topical creams, helping you stay comfortable and active.
- Prostate Cancer: If prostate cancer is detected early, various treatmentslike surgery, radiation, or hormone therapycan help to control it and minimize disruption to daily life.
- Sickle Cell Hemoglobin SS Disease: In Sickle Cell Hemoglobin SS Disease, the abnormal shape of red blood cells reduces oxygen flow throughout the body, resulting in various health issues, but treatments aim to prevent complications and maximize comfort and mobility.
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. Don Luong offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy helps doctors understand the extent of certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma, allowing for more precise treatment planning and better management of your condition.
- Cancer Screening: Through various screening methods, healthcare providers can identify early signs of several cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
- Cryoablation of Prostate: For seniors with prostate cancer, cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that freezes and destroys cancerous tissue, potentially avoiding more extensive surgery.
- Blood Product Transfusion: Blood transfusions can support seniors with cancer by replacing lost blood during surgery or managing anemia caused by chemotherapy.
- Percutaneous Tumor Ablation of Liver: This procedure offers an alternative to major liver surgery for seniors with liver cancer, helping them avoid the risks and recovery time associated with more invasive options.
- Cystectomy: For seniors with bladder cancer, a cystectomy can be a crucial step in managing the disease and improving their quality of life.
- Total Salpingectomy With Robotic Assistance: Total salpingectomy with robotic assistance is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove both fallopian tubes, sometimes performed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with a high risk.
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. Don Luong 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 the oncology's guidance, a senior felt a renewed sense of security in their home, as treatments effectively managed the symptoms of ileum cancer. They were able to resume their beloved hobby of knitting, a source of comfort and joy.
- With the guidance of a medical professional, a senior felt a noticeable improvement in energy levels, allowing them to once again enjoy their favorite pastime of playing cards with friends.
- With the oncology's guidance, a senior with reticulosarcoma felt empowered to resume their beloved watercolor painting, a cherished hobby that had been sidelined by the illness. The family felt a profound sense of relief as symptoms lessened, and their loved one regained a vital part of their 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 (Hematology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Don Luong:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Luong is a medical oncologist, a doctor specializing in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other specialists, like surgical and radiation oncologists, may also be part of your care team, working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Luong will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. This will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Luong will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Luong considers your overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining your cancer treatment plan. 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.
- 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 frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Luong works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard way to manage slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with PSA blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment, to avoid treatment side effects for cancers that may not cause harm.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Side effects are a major concern, but common ones like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss can be effectively managed with today's medications and supportive care strategies, maintaining quality of life during treatment.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care, provided by Dr. Luong's team, focuses on relieving cancer-related symptoms and stress, and can be given at any point during treatment. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care for when curative treatment is stopped.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is a powerful, advanced 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, making it a groundbreaking and often well-tolerated approach to cancer care.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
100 Highland Ave N
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 683-2900
Dr. Don Luong, 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): 1992904379
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. Don Luong 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.