Dr. Noor Merchant, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. He practices at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Sebastian, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Merchant is deeply committed to the unique needs of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. He provides expert medical care for 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. His extensive experience, honed through rigorous training and a long career, ensures patients receive the highest quality and most tailored care possible.
Dr. Merchant's dedication to senior care stems from his extensive medical training. He completed an internship at Civil Hospital, followed by a residency in Oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This thorough training, combined with his board certifications in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology from the American Board of Internal Medicine, positions him to offer the most advanced and evidence-based care. He has been practicing in Sebastian, FL and Vero Beach, FL since 1985, and is a respected physician leader at Sebastian River Medical Center. Active in clinical research, he has been published and presented at meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR). Dr. Merchant is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (772) 589-0879 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Gujarati.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Noor Merchant is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Noor Merchant is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive oncological care for a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each individual, and ensuring a supportive and comfortable experience for both the patient and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Noor Merchant can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Noor Merchant 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:
- 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.
- Colorectal Cancer: Developing colorectal cancer can be concerning, but today's treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, aim to control the disease and minimize disruptions to daily life for seniors.
- Malignant Mediastinal Tumor: Located in the central chest area, a malignant mediastinal tumor is a type of cancer that may cause symptoms like coughing or chest pain, but with appropriate medical care, such as targeted therapies, individuals can maintain a good quality of life.
- Ovarian Cancer: Even with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, there's hope. Treatments aim to shrink tumors, manage symptoms, and extend life, allowing seniors to enjoy meaningful time with loved ones and maintain their independence as much as possible.
- 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.
- Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer affecting the blood-forming cells, and while it can be challenging, modern treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies aim to control the disease and improve your quality of life.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer affects the lungs and may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, but various treatments including targeted therapies can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Urinary Tract Cancer: Urinary tract cancer treatment plans are tailored to each individual's needs, taking into account age and overall health, with a goal of relieving symptoms and extending life expectancy.
- Stomach Cancer: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, know that many treatment options exist to improve symptoms, such as nausea and pain, and enhance your overall comfort and well-being while prioritizing your independence.
- Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer affects the uterus, and while it can be concerning, effective treatment plansincluding surgery, radiation, or medicationoften lead to improved health and a better quality of life.
- 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.
- Lobular Carcinoma: Lobular carcinoma, a form of breast cancer affecting the lobules of the breast, is treatable, with many options to improve your well-being and allow you to continue enjoying life's activities.
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. Noor Merchant offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy of Breast: This procedure is an important step in managing breast health concerns, providing valuable insights into whether further treatment is needed.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: To assess the health of your blood and bone marrow, a bone marrow biopsy can help diagnose various blood disorders and cancers, assisting in creating a personalized treatment strategy.
- Cancer Screening: Regular cancer screenings are a key part of a proactive healthcare plan for seniors, allowing for early detection and management of potential cancers.
- Liver Biopsy: For seniors with suspected liver involvement from cancer or liver disease, a liver biopsy offers valuable diagnostic information to guide treatment decisions.
- Plasmapheresis: For some seniors with specific blood cancers or complications from cancer treatments, plasmapheresis can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Robotic-Assisted Liver Resection: For seniors diagnosed with liver cancer, robotic-assisted liver resection helps manage the disease by precisely targeting and removing cancerous tissue.
- Adrenalectomy with Robotic Assist: As part of a senior's cancer care, robotic-assisted adrenalectomy may be used to remove tumors that have spread to the adrenal glands, potentially extending their life and improving their quality of life.
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. Noor Merchant 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:
- After treatment for salivary gland cancer, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with their family again, a cherished activity that had been difficult to perform before. The treatment plan had successfully minimized the impact on their swallowing function, restoring their ability to eat comfortably and socialize.
- With the oncology's guidance, a senior and their family experienced significant relief from colorectal cancer symptoms, allowing the patient to resume their beloved hobby of playing bridge with friends.
- With targeted therapies and compassionate care, a senior couple found relief from the persistent coughing associated with their malignant mediastinal tumor, allowing them to reconnect with their cherished hobby of attending weekly book club meetings.
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. Noor Merchant:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Noor Merchant is a medical oncologist, a doctor specializing in cancer treatment. Medical oncologists use medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play important roles in cancer care, often working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Noor Merchant will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather important information and begin forming a personalized plan. Dr. Merchant will explain your 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 considered, Dr. Noor Merchant prioritizes a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals when determining the best cancer treatment. Her specialized approach creates personalized plans for seniors, adapting treatments to be 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, depending on the cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Noor Merchant works with a team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- At Dr. Noor Merchant's practice, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illness, like cancer, at any stage of the illness, while still pursuing curative treatment. Hospice care is comfort care when curative treatment is stopped.
- 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, meaning it only affects the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to getting 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 to cancer care, often well-tolerated.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for managing slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with PSA tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment, to avoid potential side effects if the cancer is unlikely to cause problems.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
13060 US Highway 1 Ste A
Sebastian FL 32958
Phone: (772) 589-0879
Dr. Noor Merchant, 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): 1346227352
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. Noor Merchant 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.