Dr. Vikas Malhotra, MD is an Oncology specialist deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Spring Hill, FL, and is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Malhotra is dedicated to helping older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, recognizing the unique needs and considerations that accompany this challenging experience. He works collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each patient.
A general oncologist, Dr. Malhotra provides expert medical care for older adults with common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. His approach prioritizes personalized treatment strategies, tailored to address the specific needs of each patient. Dr. Malhotra has been caring for cancer patients for over a decade, building upon a strong foundation in internal medicine. His rigorous medical training includes a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology, and he's Board Certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (352) 596-1926 for scheduling. Dr. Malhotra also offers consultations in Hindi.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Vikas Malhotra is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Malhotra is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care for conditions like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to create personalized treatment plans, focusing on understanding individual needs and goals, while prioritizing comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Vikas Malhotra can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
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
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred
- Preferred PPO
- Select
- Select HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Vikas Malhotra 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:
- Marginal Zone Lymphoma: While a diagnosis of marginal zone lymphoma can be concerning, many seniors find that treatment options are available to help them stay comfortable and active for many years.
- Skin Cancer: Regular skin checks and prompt treatment of suspicious spots can prevent skin cancer from becoming a serious health problem, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Endometrial Cancer: Treatment for endometrial cancer is tailored to the individual's health and the stage of the cancer; the goal is to control the disease and maximize comfort and quality of life in later years.
- Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in the plasma cells in your bone marrow, and while it can be serious, treatments like medication and supportive care help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the brain or spinal cord, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help manage symptoms and extend life.
- Lymphosarcoma: This blood cancer, called lymphosarcoma, can be managed through various treatments that aim to reduce symptoms and enhance overall health, contributing to a better quality of life for older adults.
- Male Breast Cancer: Similar to breast cancer in women, male breast cancer involves the growth of abnormal cells in the breast, and tailored treatment plans help manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life for older men.
- Testicular Cancer: While less common in seniors, testicular cancer is treatable, and focusing on early detection through regular checkups with your doctor can help ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Mature T and NK-Cell Cancer: Mature T and NK-cell lymphomas are uncommon blood cancers that may be managed with therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination, to help seniors maintain independence and comfort.
- Esophageal Cancer: If you've been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, know that various treatments such as surgery, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy are available to reduce the size of the tumor, alleviate symptoms like difficulty swallowing, and help you live as comfortably as possible.
- Cancer of Cerebral Meninges: Cancer of the cerebral meninges, or meningioma, is a tumor arising from the protective layers surrounding the brain; treatment options like surgery, radiation, or observation may help manage symptoms and preserve your independence.
- Throat Cancer (Nasopharyngeal): Nasopharyngeal cancer, a cancer in the upper throat area, may require treatments such as radiation therapy or surgery to control the cancer and help maintain your ability to eat and breathe comfortably.
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. Vikas Malhotra 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: As part of your overall cancer care, a bone marrow biopsy provides valuable information about the health of your blood-forming tissues, informing decisions about treatment and ongoing monitoring.
- 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.
- Liver Biopsy: For seniors with suspected liver involvement from cancer or liver disease, a liver biopsy offers valuable diagnostic information to guide treatment decisions.
- Prostate Cancer Treatment: Understanding prostate cancer treatment options is a crucial step in creating a personalized care plan tailored to a senior's specific needs and health status.
- Proctectomy: To help diagnose and treat rectal cancers, surgeons may perform a proctectomy to remove the affected area and assess its extent.
- Mammotome® Breast Biopsy: This less invasive breast biopsy helps doctors accurately diagnose breast abnormalities, potentially avoiding unnecessary surgery and helping seniors feel more confident in their care journey.
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. Vikas Malhotra 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 was able to continue enjoying their beloved book club meetings, a cherished social activity, despite their marginal zone lymphoma. The treatment plan helped manage symptoms, allowing the patient to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
- Regular skin checks and prompt treatment of suspicious spots allowed a senior to confidently enjoy their daily walks in the park, a cherished activity, without worry.
- With personalized treatment for endometrial cancer, a senior woman regained her energy and was able to enjoy her favorite hobby of knitting again, bringing comfort and joy to her 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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Vikas Malhotra:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Malhotra 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 the best possible treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Malhotra will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather all relevant information. Dr. Malhotra will explain your diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, beginning a partnership to develop a plan for your care.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Malhotra considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining the best cancer treatment. He specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, which are adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" the immune system to do the work. This approach is often well-tolerated and groundbreaking in cancer care.
- 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, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- 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 generally well-tolerated. Dr. Malhotra works with a team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- 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 effectively managed with many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today, enabling a good quality of life during treatment.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving cancer symptoms and stress, and can be given alongside treatment at any stage of illness. Hospice care is comfort care provided when curative treatment is stopped. Dr. Malhotra's practice provides both types of care to best meet patient needs.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
7154 Medical Center Dr
Spring Hill FL 34608
Phone: (352) 596-1926
Dr. Vikas Malhotra, 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): 1821058496
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. Vikas Malhotra 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.