Dr. Stephen Makoni, MD is an Oncology specialist practicing at his clinic in Lake Worth, 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). He is a trusted partner in the health journeys of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, offering expert medical care for common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. A general oncologist, Dr. Makoni works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (772) 271-4447 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Stephen Makoni, MD is a medical oncologist in Lake Worth, FL, and brings over 45 years of experience in the medical field to his practice. He earned his medical degree from University Of Virginia in 1987, following an internship at Camp Hill Hospital in 1980. His extensive training includes a residency in Oncology at University Of Virginia, culminating in 1990. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he is deeply committed to providing the best possible outcomes for his patients and their families. Dr. Makoni is Board Certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida JFK Hospital, and provides consultations primarily in English.
Dr. Makoni's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His commitment to his patients and their well-being is evident in his dedication to their comprehensive care.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Stephen Makoni is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Makoni is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to manage complex conditions like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, ensuring a holistic approach that prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each older adult patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Makoni can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
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 PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred
- Preferred PPO
- Select
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Makoni 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:
- Adult T-Cell Lymphoma: Adult T-cell lymphoma is a less common form of blood cancer impacting the immune system; doctors work to manage the disease and help alleviate symptoms so that you can focus on your quality of life and maintain your daily routines.
- Melanoma: Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is treatable, and with the right care, including surgery, medication, or radiation, you can remain comfortable and independent.
- Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia: Acute myelomonocytic leukemia affects the production of white blood cells, leading to a higher risk of infections and other complications; fortunately, treatments aim to restore normal blood cell production, enabling seniors to feel stronger and more comfortable while maintaining their independence as much as possible.
- Prolymphocytic Leukemia: This rare form of leukemia, called prolymphocytic leukemia, involves an overgrowth of abnormal white blood cells. Treatment plans, tailored to each person's health, may involve medication to manage symptoms and improve well-being.
- Spinal Cord Tumor: While a spinal cord tumor can present unique challenges, advancements in oncology and supportive care ensure that seniors can receive the best possible treatment, manage symptoms, and maintain their dignity and independence.
- Colorectal Cancer: If a senior is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a personalized treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation, or medication, helps to manage the condition and improve their quality of life.
- Stomach Cancer: Stomach cancer involves the growth of abnormal cells in the stomach, but many effective treatments are available, focused on removing the tumor or slowing its growth, allowing seniors to live as fully as possible.
- Vulvar Cancer: Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that affects the vulva, the outer part of a woman's genitals, and treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can help manage the disease and improve comfort.
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: While ALCL can present challenges, many seniors respond well to treatments that help minimize symptoms and maintain their daily routines, ensuring they can continue enjoying their lives.
- 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.
- Biliary Tract Cancer: For older adults diagnosed with biliary tract cancer, located in the system that drains the liver, treatment plans are tailored to their overall health and aim to improve their comfort and well-being, enhancing quality of life.
- Laryngeal Cancer: If you've been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, know that various treatments are available to target the cancer while aiming to minimize disruption to your daily life and 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. Stephen Makoni offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis is a procedure that helps remove harmful substances from your blood, improving your comfort and possibly helping manage certain cancer-related complications.
- Cervical Lymph Node Dissection: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, cervical lymph node dissection helps doctors stage the cancer, meaning to determine its extent and guide the most suitable approach.
- Tumor Resection: Tumor resection is a surgical procedure to remove a cancerous tumor, helping seniors manage their cancer and improve their chances of recovery.
- Kidney Surgery, Robotic-Assisted: For seniors diagnosed with kidney cancer, robotic-assisted surgery provides a less invasive option for tumor removal, aiming for quicker healing and reduced complications.
- Cholecystectomy with Robotic Assist: Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, which may be necessary if gallstones are causing complications or if cancer is suspected.
- Excision of Breast Tumor: For seniors diagnosed with breast cancer, removing the tumor surgically can significantly reduce the cancer's size and help determine the most effective treatment strategy going forward.
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. Stephen Makoni 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 guidance of a caring oncology team, a senior was able to maintain their active lifestyle by managing the symptoms of Adult T-cell lymphoma and continue their beloved hobby of painting.
- After receiving expert guidance for melanoma, a senior felt more secure in their home environment and regained the ability to enjoy outdoor activities with their family.
- With the guidance of a supportive care team, a senior with acute myelomonocytic leukemia felt a renewed sense of energy and strength, enabling them to return to their beloved hobby of painting.
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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Stephen Makoni:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Makoni and other oncologists are medical doctors specializing in cancer. Medical oncologists, like Dr. Makoni, treat cancer with medications. Surgical oncologists remove tumors, and radiation oncologists use radiation. These specialists often work together to create the best treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Makoni will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Makoni will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you to create a plan that works best for your needs.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is considered, Dr. Makoni's practice prioritizes a patient's overall health, fitness, and personal goals when determining the best cancer treatment plan. Personalized plans are tailored to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care, offered by Dr. Makoni's practice, focuses on relieving cancer symptoms and stress at any stage of illness, even while pursuing curative treatment. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care provided when curative treatment is stopped.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, depending on the specific cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Makoni works with a team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- 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" the immune system to do the work. It's a groundbreaking approach to cancer care, often well-tolerated.
- 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 are often manageable with excellent medications and supportive care strategies to maintain quality of life.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with blood tests and biopsies, avoiding immediate treatment. This approach is appropriate when the cancer is unlikely to cause problems, minimizing potential side effects of treatment.
3450 Lantana Rd Ste 100
Lake Worth FL 33462
Phone: (772) 271-4447
Dr. Stephen Makoni, 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): 1073544532
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. Stephen Makoni 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.