Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, MD is an Oncology specialist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive oncological care for older adults. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in the health journeys of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. As a general oncologist, she provides expert medical care for common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans and manage complex conditions. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (305) 243-5302 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rodriguez, a triple board-certified hematologist and oncologist, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in oncological care to her practice. Her expertise extends to the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. She earned her medical degree from State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate College of Medicine and completed her residency at Columbia University's New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Further specializing in hematology and oncology, she completed a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Rodriguez's commitment to patient-centered care is evident in her collaborative approach, working as part of a multidisciplinary team at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is fluent in Spanish and welcomes consultations in this language. Her career highlights include a Master's degree in Public Health, co-authored publications, and recognition for her teaching excellence.
Dr. Rodriguez's care philosophy centers on providing personalized, compassionate, and comprehensive oncological care tailored to the specific needs of older adults. She recognizes the unique challenges older adults face and strives to create a supportive environment for both patients and their families. Her expertise, coupled with her deep understanding of the interplay between aging and cancer, makes her a valuable partner in navigating the complexities of cancer treatment for seniors. She is committed to ongoing learning and stays updated on the latest advancements in oncology, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and evidence-based care.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors facing cancer. She excels in managing complex conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create individualized treatment plans. Her approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring a supportive and informed partnership throughout their health journey, focusing on quality of life and symptom management.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez 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:
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML is a specific blood cancer that's treated with targeted therapies to control the abnormal blood cells, enabling seniors to focus on enjoying their lives and activities.
- Gallbladder Cancer: If you or a loved one is diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, a cancer in the organ that helps digest fats, it's important to know that treatments are available to manage symptoms and extend quality of life.
- Malignant Pituitary Gland Tumor: The pituitary gland, which regulates hormones, can develop cancerous tumors requiring treatment to manage hormone imbalances and control the tumor's growth; modern treatments often allow seniors to live comfortably and actively despite this diagnosis.
- Nodular Lymphoma: For seniors diagnosed with nodular lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting lymphocytes (white blood cells) that may present as lumps, treatments like targeted therapies or chemotherapy work to control the cancer's growth and minimize any disruption to daily living, allowing for comfortable aging.
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma: This slow-growing or aggressive blood cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, affects the white blood cells and may be managed with medication, helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Anal and Rectal Cancer: Anal and rectal cancer refers to the development of tumors in the anus or rectum, and while it can be challenging, modern treatments aim to control the cancer and improve quality of life for seniors.
- Mycosis Fungoides: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mycosis fungoides, know that it's a manageable skin cancer with treatments available to help improve skin health and daily life.
- Urinary Tract Cancer: Developing urinary tract cancer can be concerning, but treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation aim to control the cancer and improve your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities.
- Salivary Gland Cancer: Treatment for salivary gland cancer varies depending on the specific case, but focuses on effective cancer removal or control while minimizing any impact on speech, swallowing, or overall well-being, ensuring the best possible quality of life for the senior.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer: Metastatic breast cancer means the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, but with treatment, we can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas, a vital organ for digestion, and although diagnosis can be difficult, treatment plans such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy aim to alleviate symptoms and help maintain independence for as long as possible.
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Dealing with ALCL, a fast-growing type of lymphoma, involves a team approach with medical professionals who customize treatment plans to ease side effects and enhance your comfort, helping you live more fully.
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. Estelamari Rodriguez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to determine if cancer cells are present, helping doctors tailor your cancer treatment and monitor its effectiveness.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screening tests help find cancer early, often before you have any symptoms, improving treatment chances.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Axillary lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure used to check for the presence of cancer cells in lymph nodes under the arm, influencing treatment choices for seniors with breast cancer.
- Facial Trauma Reconstruction: Facial trauma reconstruction helps restore the face's appearance and function after an injury, improving a senior's quality of life and self-esteem.
- Brachytherapy: As part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan, brachytherapy may be used to deliver highly precise radiation directly to a tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues in seniors.
- Partial Lobectomy with Robotic Assist: To help manage lung cancer in seniors, this specialized surgery helps to precisely remove only the affected part of a lung, leaving the rest of the lung healthy and functional.
- Parathyroidectomy: This surgery, a parathyroidectomy, targets overactive parathyroid glands which might be contributing to high calcium levels related to the patient's cancer, assisting in overall symptom management.
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. Estelamari Rodriguez 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 targeted therapies effectively managing her Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a senior felt confident enough to resume her beloved watercolor painting hobby, a cherished part of her life.
- Following a personalized treatment plan, a patient with gallbladder cancer experienced a significant reduction in pain and discomfort, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of quilting.
- A senior woman, diagnosed with a malignant pituitary gland tumor, experienced a significant reduction in hormone-related fatigue, allowing her to return to her beloved painting hobby. Her family felt immense relief knowing she could once again enjoy her creative pursuits.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez 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, also play vital roles in a comprehensive cancer care team, working together to create the most effective treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Rodriguez will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Rodriguez will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you throughout the process.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Rodriguez considers a patient's overall health, fitness, and personal goals as more important. Personalized treatment plans are created to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, while sparing 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 that is often well-tolerated.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care, offered by Dr. Rodriguez's practice, focuses on symptom relief and stress reduction for serious illnesses like cancer, and can be provided at any stage of illness, even alongside curative treatment. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care focused on quality of life when curative treatment is no longer desired.
- 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 closely monitoring the cancer with regular PSA blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate surgery or radiation. This approach avoids treatment side effects for cancers that may never cause problems.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, depending on the cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are often well-tolerated. Dr. Rodriguez works with a multidisciplinary team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
1475 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-5302
Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, 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): 1194887034
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. Estelamari Rodriguez 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.