Dr. Viralkumar Bhanderi, MD is an Oncology specialist practicing at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Tallahassee, FL. He is 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). As a general oncologist, Dr. Bhanderi provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans. His focus includes common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (850) 877-8166 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Bhanderi is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with extensive experience and training. He earned his medical degree from LSU at Shreveport School of Medicine, followed by an internship at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed a residency in Oncology and a fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. Dr. Bhanderi is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His commitment to research is evident in his work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he conducted DNA research, and his keen interest in lymphoma. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Society of Hematology (ASH), and American College of Physicians. His consultations are primarily in English.
At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Dr. Bhanderi's care philosophy aligns with the institute's commitment to providing exceptional, personalized care for all forms of cancer and blood disorders. He is dedicated to minimizing disruption to patients' daily lives, offering expert guidance and support at every stage of their cancer journey. Dr. Bhanderi's experience, combined with the institute's commitment to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials, positions him as a trusted partner in the health journeys of older adults facing cancer diagnoses.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Viralkumar Bhanderi is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Bhanderi is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors facing cancer. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs and goals of each patient, focusing on managing complex conditions while prioritizing comfort and independence. His expertise encompasses a wide range of common cancers, ensuring seniors receive the best possible care throughout their journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Viralkumar Bhanderi can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care PPO
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna PPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Viralkumar Bhanderi 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:
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Mantle cell lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system's white blood cells; treatments, which may include chemotherapy or targeted therapies, aim to control the disease and minimize symptoms.
- Pancreatic Cancer: While pancreatic cancer presents significant challenges, modern medicine provides various treatment options to control symptoms and improve comfort, enabling seniors to live more fulfilling lives despite their diagnosis and supporting their independence.
- Malignant Mediastinal Tumor: Developing in the chest's central area, a malignant mediastinal tumor is a cancer that necessitates careful medical management. Depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the patient's health, effective treatments are available to control the cancer, manage symptoms, and maintain comfort and well-being.
- Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: While NLPHL involves abnormal white blood cells accumulating in lymph nodes, treatments like radiation or chemotherapy can often effectively control the disease and minimize disruptions to your life.
- 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.
- Lymphocytic-Rich Hodgkins Lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma, in its lymphocytic-rich variation, involves an overgrowth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Treatment plans, designed with older adults in mind, focus on controlling the cancer and improving your overall well-being.
- Bladder Cancer: If you've been diagnosed with bladder cancer, know that there are effective ways to manage it. Treatments tailored to your individual needs can help you feel better and live more comfortably.
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: DLBCL is a fast-growing cancer affecting the lymphatic system, but modern treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are often successful in controlling the disease and allowing seniors to live comfortably.
- Follicular Lymphoma Grade 3: Even though follicular lymphoma grade 3 is a faster-growing type of blood cancer, effective treatments are available to help seniors manage their condition, minimizing disruption to their daily routines and relationships.
- Metastatic Respiratory System Cancer: When lung cancer or another respiratory cancer spreads, it's called metastatic respiratory system cancer. Treatment focuses on slowing the cancer's growth, easing symptoms, and helping you maintain your comfort and independence for as long as possible.
- Gallbladder Cancer: Gallbladder cancer is a disease where cancerous cells grow in the gallbladder, a small organ that helps digest fats, and treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy, focuses on removing the cancer and improving your comfort.
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Peripheral T-cell lymphoma is a cancer affecting a specific type of white blood cell; with proper treatment including radiation or medication, many individuals can experience long periods of remission and maintain a good quality of life.
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. Viralkumar Bhanderi 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.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings help manage your cancer risk by identifying precancerous cells or early-stage cancers, making timely interventions possible.
- Vascular Transcatheter Embolization: This procedure uses catheters to block blood vessels supplying tumors, often used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for seniors with liver cancer or other cancers involving blood vessels.
- Biopsy of Affected Tissue: This simple procedure helps your medical team understand the characteristics of your cancer, supporting personalized care tailored to your specific needs.
- Head and Neck Reconstruction Surgery: Head and neck reconstruction surgery addresses the physical consequences of head and neck cancers, improving appearance, swallowing, and speech for seniors.
- Breast Needle Localization: As part of a comprehensive breast cancer care plan, needle localization helps ensure that the suspicious area is accurately targeted for removal during a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: To support a senior's fight against breast cancer, a modified radical mastectomy works by removing the breast and some underarm lymph nodes to help manage the disease.
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. Viralkumar Bhanderi 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 experiencing Mantle Cell Lymphoma was able to return to a fulfilling routine and enjoy time with loved ones, feeling more secure in their home environment.
- With careful symptom management, a senior with pancreatic cancer found renewed energy to enjoy their beloved hobby of painting, a cherished activity that brought them great joy. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could continue to pursue their passions.
- A senior with a malignant mediastinal tumor found comfort and relief from symptoms, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy their favorite hobbies again. The family felt a sense of peace knowing effective treatments were available to manage the cancer and improve their quality of 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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Viralkumar Bhanderi:
- What is an Oncologist?
- An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. There are different types, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. These specialists often work together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Bhanderi will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather a complete picture of your health. This is the first step in a collaborative partnership where Dr. Bhanderi will explain your diagnosis, discuss 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. Bhanderi considers your overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more crucial in determining the best treatment plan. His practice specializes in creating personalized plans for seniors, adapting treatments to be effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- 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 can be effectively managed with today's medications and supportive care strategies, preserving quality of life during treatment.
- 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.
- 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 blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment. This approach avoids potential side effects of treatment for cancers that may not cause problems.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illness, like cancer, and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care is comfort care when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering 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. Bhanderi works with a team to develop the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
2351 Phillips Rd
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 877-8166
Dr. Viralkumar Bhanderi, 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): 1265518377
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. Viralkumar Bhanderi 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.