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Dr. Steven Ketchel, M.D.

Hematologist-Oncologist

Dr. Steven Ketchel M.D. is a top Hematologist-Oncologist in Tucson, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Steven Ketchel M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Steven Ketchel M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Steven Ketchel M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Tucson, AZ, Dr. Steven Ketchel M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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53 years Experience
Dr. Steven Ketchel, M.D.
  • Tucson, AZ
  • Univ of Az Coll of Med, Tucson Az
  • Accepting new patients

At what age are most pediatric blood disorders diagnosed?

I am not a pediatrician but believe most pediatric blood disorders are diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 6.

What is the success rate of treatment for pediatric leukemia?

I am not a pediatrician, but I believe the cure rate for pediatric ALL is about 90% and for AML about 65%. It depends on the subtype of leukemia, the child's age, and underlying READ MORE
I am not a pediatrician, but I believe the cure rate for pediatric ALL is about 90% and for AML about 65%. It depends on the subtype of leukemia, the child's age, and underlying health.

What causes a 2 year old child to develop leukemia?

The cause is usually due to genetic changes. Thankfully, treatment is often successful. 


LDH levels CBC?

Your LDH test is not associated with lymphocytes unless you have lymphoma, which is not likely given your state of health. Rising LDH may be a sign of tissue damage and if your READ MORE
Your LDH test is not associated with lymphocytes unless you have lymphoma, which is not likely given your state of health. Rising LDH may be a sign of tissue damage and if your LDH continues to rise, a test of LDH isoenzymes may tell your physician with what organ that damage is associated.

Is anesthesia dangerous for anemic patients?

If you feel well, you probably have a mild anemia and could safely undergo anesthesia.


Is anemia a dangerous blood disorder?

Anemia is not a dangerous blood disorder unless it is severe in nature. Severe anemia usually causes fatigue. Menstruating women often are mildly anemic.

What causes a child to develop leukemia?

Acute leukemia in a child happens because of genetic mutations. Hopefully she will do well with treatment.

Abnormal CBC?

I am not a pediatrician, but I believe it is unlikely for adolescents to get P Vera. It depends how high the RBC is. If it is significantly high and the kidney function is normal, READ MORE
I am not a pediatrician, but I believe it is unlikely for adolescents to get P Vera. It depends how high the RBC is. If it is significantly high and the kidney function is normal, I would have him see a pediatric hematologist. 

Can adults develop leukemia?

Yes, adults can develop both acute and chronic leukemias.

What type of scan do you need to diagnose a blood disorder?

Scans are not usually used in blood disorders. Some blood disorders cause an increase in the size of the spleen and thus a study of the spleen size may be undertaken. 

Does a blood disorder affect the blood flow to your teeth and gums?

Blood normally flows to the gums and a bleeding disorder which causes difficulty with blood coagulation may cause bleeding from the gums as well as other places.

How long does it take for blood samples to be processed?

It depends on what type of sample it is. Routine samples such as a Complete Blood Count or a Complete Metabolic Panel should be available in less than twenty-four hours. Other READ MORE
It depends on what type of sample it is. Routine samples such as a Complete Blood Count or a Complete Metabolic Panel should be available in less than twenty-four hours. Other tests may take two days or a week.

What causes leukocytopenia?

Leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow. There are many possible causes for leukcytopenia. A hematologist could help you make the correct diagnosis if the problem is significant. READ MORE
Leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow. There are many possible causes for leukcytopenia. A hematologist could help you make the correct diagnosis if the problem is significant.

Can low red blood cells trigger a heart attack?

Red Blood Cells carry oxygen and a number less than 50% 0f normal might lead to a heart attack but usually a person feels very tired and unable to run before they reach that level. READ MORE
Red Blood Cells carry oxygen and a number less than 50% 0f normal might lead to a heart attack but usually a person feels very tired and unable to run before they reach that level.

How common is lymphoma in children?

Statistics I found suggest about 2 in every 1 million children develop lymphoma.

Does pediatric leukemia treatment always involve radiation?

I am not a pediatrician. As far as I know, radiation is not a usual treatment for leukemia.

Thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis can be primary - a bone marrow condition or secondary to diseases such as cancers. Thrombocytosis can lead to the formation of clots and a clot in the brain can READ MORE
Thrombocytosis can be primary - a bone marrow condition or secondary to diseases such as cancers. Thrombocytosis can lead to the formation of clots and a clot in the brain can cause a headache and vomiting. I would discuss these problems with your primary care physician or if she/he is not comfortable handling them then have her/him refer you to a hematologist.

Will my child have low red blood cells if I do?

Unless you have a genetic reason for your anemia, your child will not have anemia

Follicular non-Hodgkin's?

Follicular lymphoma is a good prognosis lymphoma. Lymphoma is a disease affecting lymph nodes and can be found in the bone marrow and leukemia is a disease of the bone marrow.

Levels of B21 and folate?

This is a slightly high B12 but is not dangerous. You can continue your supplement and see if the level continues to rise or get additional blood tests to answer the question. READ MORE
This is a slightly high B12 but is not dangerous. You can continue your supplement and see if the level continues to rise or get additional blood tests to answer the question.