Dr. Manuel De La Puerta, MD

About Dr. Manuel De La Puerta, MD

Dr. Manuel De La Puerta, MD is a Hematology-Oncology physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at his Gainesville, FL clinic. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Puerta is deeply committed to his patients' well-being and actively participates in the cancer team at Shands at AGH and HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise. 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 currently welcoming new patients. Please call (352) 332-3900 to schedule an appointment.

With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Hemato-oncologic care, Dr. Puerta brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Complutense University Of Madrid in 1983 and completed an internship at Polyclinic Medical Center of Harrisburg. His advanced training includes a residency in Hematology-Oncology at Polyclinic Medical Center of Harrisburg (1992) and a fellowship at the University of Florida (1995), further solidifying his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He has held various roles, including internist and oncologist for the Veteran's Administration Hospitals in the Gainesville area, and has been with Gainesville Hematology Oncology Associates since 2001, before the practice merged with Florida Cancer Specialists in 2010. Recognized for his research in apoptosis, Dr. Puerta is Board Certified in Oncology and Hematology, and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. Dr. Puerta offers consultations in Spanish.

Hemato-Oncologic Conditions Addressed

Dr. Manuel Puerta addresses a wide range of Hemato-oncologic health concerns, including:

• Macroglobulinemia (incl. Waldenstrom: Macroglobulinemia is a condition where there's an abnormal increase in a type of protein in the blood, potentially affecting blood cell production and function.
• Liver Cancer: Liver cancer can be primary, originating in the liver, or secondary, spreading from another part of the body.
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma of Head: A soft tissue sarcoma in the head is a rare cancer that develops in the soft tissues of the head.
• Salivary Gland Cancer: Salivary gland cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the salivary glands, which produce saliva in your mouth.
• Anemia: Anemia is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
• Oral Cancer: Oral cancer refers to cancerous tumors that form in the tissues of the mouth and throat.
• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a type of cancer that can begin in the airways or the lung tissue itself.
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's defense system.
• Urinary Tract Cancer: Urinary tract cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the organs of your urinary system.
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder where your immune system mistakenly attacks substances in your blood, potentially leading to blood clots and other health problems.
• Pancytopenia: A pancytopenia diagnosis indicates a deficiency in your blood's red blood cells (carrying oxygen), white blood cells (fighting infection), and platelets (clotting blood).
• Coagulation Disorders: If you have a coagulation disorder, your blood may not clot as it should, leading to complications like internal bleeding or dangerous clot formation.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Manuel Puerta 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. Manuel Puerta offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This service helps identify and treat anemia and iron deficiency.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: To evaluate blood cell production and detect certain diseases, a bone marrow biopsy examines the marrow's cellular components.
• Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings aim to reduce cancer deaths by finding cancers early, when treatment is most effective.
• Erythropoietin Test: This test measures the amount of erythropoietin in your blood, helping your doctor assess your red blood cell production.
• Oral Cancer Screening: This service offers screenings to detect oral cancer in its early stages.
• Skin Screenings: Our skin screening service helps detect skin cancer early.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from around your lungs.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Manuel Puerta. 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. Manuel Puerta:

What is a Hematologist/Oncologist?

A hematologist/oncologist is a doctor specializing in both hematology (blood disorders) and oncology (cancer). They diagnose and treat various blood cancers, solid tumors, and non-cancerous blood disorders. Our team provides comprehensive care for patients with these conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Manuel Puerta?

Your first visit with Dr. Puerta 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 for the visit.

Does Dr. Manuel Puerta accept my insurance?

Dr. Puerta'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.

How is immunotherapy different from chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy directly targets and kills cancer cells, while immunotherapy is a newer approach that utilizes the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

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, usually from the back of the hip bone, is taken. This allows us to examine the cells under a microscope, helping us diagnose conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders.

Do you treat blood disorders that are not cancer?

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

What is the typical treatment for lymphoma?

Treatment for lymphoma varies greatly depending on the specific type and stage of the disease. Common approaches often include combinations of chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy, such as rituximab, and sometimes radiation therapy for localized disease. Your doctor will discuss the best course of action for your individual case.

What are the modern treatments for lung cancer?

Modern lung cancer treatments go beyond traditional chemotherapy. Molecular testing identifies patients eligible for targeted therapies and immunotherapies, significantly improving outcomes for many. These advancements allow for personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific genetic makeup of a patient's tumor.