Dr. Santiago Aparo, MD is an oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute in Miami, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive oncological care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, Dr. Aparo provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. This includes common cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (786) 345-7208.
Dr. Aparo, an oncologist/hematologist at Miami Cancer Institute, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in oncological care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Del Salvador Argentina in 2002, completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Montefiore Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Aparo's experience includes comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, and he offers consultations in Spanish. His commitment to patient-centered care, combined with the multidisciplinary approach at Miami Cancer Institute, ensures patients receive the most personalized and effective treatment plans.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Santiago Aparo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Aparo is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care tailored to each individual's unique needs. He expertly manages complex conditions like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, collaborating with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans that prioritize comfort and quality of life. His approach emphasizes understanding the patient's overall well-being and working closely with families to ensure a supportive and effective care experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Santiago Aparo can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
CareSource
Cigna
Community Health Choice
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Curative
Dimension Health
Fidelis Care
Global Excel Insurance
Health Net
HealthPlus
HealthPlus Amerigroup
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Husky Health
MagnaCare
Medica
Medicaid
Midwest Health Plan
Neighborhood Health Plan
Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP)
POMCO Group
Peach State Health Plan
Simply Healthcare Plans
Staywell (Wellcare)
Tricare
Wellcare of Georgia
inHealth
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna PPO
- AvMed HMO
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Care
- Blue Care HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- BlueDental Choice
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP)
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna PPO
- Coventry Health Care of Florida HMO
- Coventry Health Care of Florida PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Dimension Health POS
- Dimension Health PPO
- Elderplan
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- Fidelis Care HMO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HealthFirst
- Healthfirst
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- IN Total Health
- INTotal Health
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid HMO
- Medicare
- Medicare HMO
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) HMO
- NetworkBlue
- Open Access Plus
- PHCS Network
- PHCS Network PPO
- Prime
- Select
- Select HMO
- SelectHealth
- Selecthealth
- Standard
- TRICARE Extra
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Santiago Aparo 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:
- Melanoma: Melanoma develops in the skin's pigment cells and while it can be concerning, advancements in treatment mean many seniors live long and full lives after diagnosis.
- 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.
- Small Intestine Cancer: While small intestine cancer can be concerning, advancements in cancer care offer various approaches, including surgery to remove the tumor, which can improve outcomes and help seniors preserve their quality of life.
- Central Nervous System Lymphoma: If diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma, know that modern medicine offers various treatment options tailored to seniors, helping them to manage symptoms and live comfortably.
- Skin Cancer: While skin cancer can be concerning, modern treatments are effective in many cases, improving quality of life and minimizing disruption to daily routines for older adults.
- Duodenal Cancer: Duodenal cancer, a less common type of cancer, affects the beginning of the small intestine and may require surgery or other therapies to control the growth and reduce symptoms to ensure you remain as comfortable and mobile as possible.
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: PCNSL is a lymphoma affecting the brain and spinal cord, often treatable with targeted therapies to improve comfort and maintain independence for as long as possible.
- 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.
- Pineal Region Tumors: Depending on their size and location, pineal region tumors may require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to manage their growth and to help seniors remain as independent as possible.
- 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.
- Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: For seniors diagnosed with ALL, treatment aims to eliminate the cancerous cells while minimizing side effects to help maintain independence and a comfortable life, with ongoing monitoring for long-term health.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia: AML is a serious but treatable blood cancer that affects the production of healthy blood cells; with the right care plan, including targeted therapies and supportive care, seniors can manage symptoms and maintain their independence.
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. Santiago Aparo 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.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to target and destroy cancer cells, helping seniors manage their cancer and improve their quality of life.
- Breast Surgical Procedure: A breast surgical procedure is a crucial part of a senior's breast cancer treatment plan, aiming to remove the tumor and potentially prevent its spread.
- Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy where small radioactive seeds or implants are placed directly into or near a tumor to deliver a targeted dose of radiation, helping manage cancer without extensive external radiation.
- Excision of Testicular Lesion: Removing a suspicious growth in the testicle helps determine if it's cancerous and guides treatment decisions.
- Cancer Surgery: In the journey of treating cancer in older adults, surgical removal of cancerous tumors can be an effective treatment option to help prolong life and manage symptoms.
- Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy: This procedure uses ultrasound to guide the removal of a small tissue sample from the breast for accurate diagnosis, aiding in early detection and management of breast cancer in seniors.
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. Santiago Aparo 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:
- Following a melanoma diagnosis, a senior couple found peace of mind knowing their treatment plan was tailored to their needs, allowing them to resume their beloved weekly bridge games.
- After navigating a challenging pancreatic cancer diagnosis, a senior felt a renewed sense of security in their home, thanks to a tailored treatment plan that effectively managed symptoms and maintained their independence.
- After undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, a senior felt significantly less pain and was able to resume their favorite hobby of playing mahjong with friends, regaining a sense of normalcy and joy.
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. Santiago Aparo:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Santiago Aparo 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 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. Aparo will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. This is the first step in a partnership to discuss your diagnosis, 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. Aparo considers your overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining the best cancer treatment. He specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, adapting them 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 cancer at any stage, often alongside treatment to cure it. Hospice care is comfort care when curative treatment is stopped. Dr. Aparo's practice provides both types of care to best meet your needs.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, depending on the type of cancer and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are often well-tolerated. Dr. Aparo works with a multidisciplinary team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to 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 the body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells, unlike chemotherapy which directly kills cancer cells. It's a groundbreaking approach, often well-tolerated, that "unleashes" the immune system to do the work.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a major concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
8900 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 345-7208
Dr. Santiago Aparo, 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): 1407172497
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. Santiago Aparo 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.