Dr. Gershwin Blyden, MD

About Dr. Gershwin Blyden, MD

Dr. Gershwin Blyden, MD is a Hematology-Oncology physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancers and blood disorders, employing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other advanced therapies while prioritizing patient well-being and managing treatment side effects. He serves all ages, and is committed to providing compassionate care throughout the challenging journey of treatment. Currently, Dr. Blyden is not accepting new patients, but patients can call (305) 757-0113 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Gershwin Blyden, MD is a medical oncologist in Miami, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Yale University in 1979 and is affiliated with Memorial Hospital West. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Blyden is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the same organization. He is deeply committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for each patient. Dr. Blyden provides consultations primarily in English.

Hemato-Oncologic Conditions Addressed

Dr. Gershwin Blyden addresses a wide range of Hemato-oncologic health concerns, including:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: Squamous cell skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that starts in the squamous cells.
• Esophageal Cancer: Cancer in the esophagus can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and weight loss.
• Polycythemia Rubra Vera: This condition, polycythemia vera, involves the bone marrow producing an abnormally high number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Pleural Cancer: Pleural cancer is a type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
• Macroglobulinemia (incl. Waldenstrom: Macroglobulinemia is a condition where there's an abnormal increase in a type of protein in the blood.
• Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that slowly builds up in the blood and bone marrow.
• Uterine Cancer: Cancer that develops in the womb, the uterus, is called uterine cancer and may require treatment such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
• Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland, a small gland in the neck.
• Kaposi Sarcoma of Skin: Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer that can cause skin lesions.
• Tonsil Cancer: Tonsil cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tonsils.
• Gynecologic Cancer: Gynecologic cancer refers to cancers that affect the female reproductive organs.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Gershwin Blyden addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Hematology-Oncology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Hemato-Oncologic Services Provided

Dr. Gershwin Blyden offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy helps doctors diagnose blood disorders and cancers by looking at the cells in your bone marrow.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: This service provides detailed images of your heart and chest using a powerful magnet to help diagnose heart conditions.
• Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis helps improve conditions by removing excess proteins or antibodies from your blood that might be causing illness.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid buildup around your lungs.
• External Beam Radiotherapy: External beam radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment that involves aiming radiation at the tumor to shrink or eliminate it.
• Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant for Hematologic Malignancy: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a complex procedure where a patient receives healthy stem cells from a donor, aiming to replace cancerous bone marrow with healthy cells to achieve remission.
• Lab Service: We use lab results to detect cancer, assess its stage, and track your progress during treatment.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Gershwin Blyden. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Hematology-Oncology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Hematology-Oncology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Gershwin Blyden:

What is a Hematologist/Oncologist?

A hematologist/oncologist, like Dr. Blyden, is a physician specializing in both hematology (blood disorders) and oncology (cancer). They diagnose and treat various blood cancers, solid tumors, and non-cancerous blood disorders. Their expertise ensures comprehensive care for patients with these conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Gershwin Blyden?

Your first visit with Dr. Blyden will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss potential diagnoses and treatment options. Please bring all prior medical records, imaging reports, and pathology slides to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Gershwin Blyden accept my insurance?

Dr. Blyden's practice accepts many insurance plans. However, cancer and hematology care can be complex. Please contact our financial counselors or your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage for your specific treatments.

What is a bone marrow biopsy and why do I need one?

A bone marrow biopsy is a crucial diagnostic procedure where a small sample of bone marrow is taken, typically from the back of the hip bone. This allows the cells to be examined under a microscope, helping diagnose conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders.

What is palliative care and how is it different from hospice?

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illness, and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice is a type of palliative care specifically for patients nearing the end of life, when curative treatment is no longer pursued.

Do you treat blood disorders that are not cancer?

Dr. Blyden is a hematologist, and as such, he diagnoses and treats a wide range of non-cancerous blood conditions, including iron-deficiency anemia, sickle cell disease, and bleeding or clotting disorders like ITP or hemophilia.

How important is nutrition during my cancer treatment?

Good nutrition is a critical part of your cancer treatment plan. It helps you maintain strength, tolerate treatment better, and recover faster. Dr. Blyden works closely with registered dietitians to help manage your diet and any related symptoms.

What are the modern treatments for lung cancer?

Modern lung cancer treatment goes beyond traditional chemotherapy. Molecular testing identifies patients who may benefit from targeted therapies and immunotherapy, significantly improving outcomes for many. These advancements are crucial in tailoring treatment to individual tumor characteristics.