EXPERT
Samuel Friedman
Hematologist-Oncologist | Hematology & Oncology
Dr. Samuel Friedman is a hematologist oncologist practicing in Tamuning, Guam. Dr. Friedman specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of blood diseases such as anemia, hemophilia, sickle-cell disease, leukemia and lymphoma. Hematologist Oncologists are also trained in the study of cancer and its attack on other organs.
59 years
Experience
Samuel Friedman
- Tamuning, Guam
- University of British Columbia
- Accepting new patients
People Behaving Badly, Or Why There Is a Medical Crisis in Guam
Originally published in The Guam Daily Post, Letter to the Editor (Part 1/Part 2)Oh, the poor folks hate the rich folksAnd the rich folks hate the poor folks. All of my folks hate...
For Shame, Guam!
Uruguay is a small, democratic country on the east coast of South America atop Argentina. Unlike many of its co-continental nations, it has distinguished itself as a viable, true,...
Truth in Medical Advertising or "Fake News"
Originally published in The Guam Daily Post, Letter to the EditorI read an interesting article in a medical journal recently from the Department of Medical Ethics at New York University...
A Swing Too Far
It has been difficult to avoid the news this past year or so—with the ongoing opioid epidemic in the USA and the hysterical swings authorities, of various stripes, have been taking...
How does a 12 year old check their insulin levels?
One doesn't check insulin but the result if insulin use, the glucose level, and determines the dose of insulin necessary on the glucose levels at various times if the day.
How common is sickle cell disease in children?
Sickle cell disease is genetic and hence the same frequency in children as adults. The risk would depend on the genetic makeup of the two parents. If only one is affected, then READ MORE
Sickle cell disease is genetic and hence the same frequency in children as adults. The risk would depend on the genetic makeup of the two parents. If only one is affected, then the risk for a significant disease in a child is low although the chid may carry one of he genes for this disease which would only become manifest if mated with another of similar makeup.
Can I drive after radiation treatment?
Should not be a problem.
Is hemophilia curable?
At the present time, no, but with gene therapy just starting to be used to transplant into patients to produce the necessary clotting factors that are absent, this should be possible READ MORE
At the present time, no, but with gene therapy just starting to be used to transplant into patients to produce the necessary clotting factors that are absent, this should be possible in the very near future.
What is the best treatment for Gaucher’s disease?
Cerezyme is the specific enzyme to replace what is lacking. This must be given every 2 or 3 weeks by infusion. There is also an oral drug that may be able to be used instead in READ MORE
Cerezyme is the specific enzyme to replace what is lacking. This must be given every 2 or 3 weeks by infusion. There is also an oral drug that may be able to be used instead in some patients depending on the severity of disease and how they respond to it.
Are blood disorders genetically passed on?
Yes, many are indeed genetically transmitted.
What are the symptoms of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes?
The symptoms of bone marrow failure whether inherited or otherwise would be similar and depend upon which cell series of the bone marrow is mainly affected. If the white cells, READ MORE
The symptoms of bone marrow failure whether inherited or otherwise would be similar and depend upon which cell series of the bone marrow is mainly affected. If the white cells, infection would be most prominent, if the platelets, increased bleeding tendency and if the red cell, then anemia. Usually, all three lines are affected simultaneously, but one or other may initially prevail.
What diseases cause high white blood cell count?
WBC elevation may be due to a bone marrow problem such as leukemia or secondary to any inflammation, infection or occasionally a malignancy.
Why are certain children born with blood disorders?
More than likely inherited from one of both f parents depending on the disease. But may be spontaneous without hereditary concerns. Ask your hematologist.
How to handle leukemia diagnosis?
1) Get your daughter to a good center
2) Treat the child normally
3) Most childhood leukemia is curable with proper care
4) Get with a support group for similar parents. There READ MORE
1) Get your daughter to a good center
2) Treat the child normally
3) Most childhood leukemia is curable with proper care
4) Get with a support group for similar parents. There may be one in your area
2) Treat the child normally
3) Most childhood leukemia is curable with proper care
4) Get with a support group for similar parents. There may be one in your area
Can swine flu be detected by a blood test?
Yes, by finding antibodies against the virus in the patient's blood.
Which blood donor is the universal donor?
"O" is universal donor especially if Rh-negative.
Is low white blood count serious?
There are many causes of low white blood cells and the seriousness would depend on the extent and cell type involved (there are several different white blood cells). You should READ MORE
There are many causes of low white blood cells and the seriousness would depend on the extent and cell type involved (there are several different white blood cells). You should see a hematologist for a full evaluation.
How is a hemoglobin test performed?
Venous blood is drawn and analyzed by a machine to tell the hemoglobin content.
How long does a hemoglobin test take?
Once the specimen gets to the lab, it takes only a few minutes if it's for a hemoglobin concentration. If, however, it is a more complicated test such as determining the specific READ MORE
Once the specimen gets to the lab, it takes only a few minutes if it's for a hemoglobin concentration. If, however, it is a more complicated test such as determining the specific type of hemoglobin, etc., this may take considerably longer.
What causes your platelets to be high?
One of two possibilities: 1) it is a primary bone marrow problem and platelets are being overproduced or 2) it is secondary to some inflammatory or malignant cause elsewhere in READ MORE
One of two possibilities: 1) it is a primary bone marrow problem and platelets are being overproduced or 2) it is secondary to some inflammatory or malignant cause elsewhere in the body. Either way, have it assessed by a skilled physician such as a hematologist.
How can you raise your blood count?
I assume you mean red cell count and not white cell or platelet count. If you are anemic (low red cell count) the treatment would depend upon the cause. If due to iron deficiency READ MORE
I assume you mean red cell count and not white cell or platelet count. If you are anemic (low red cell count) the treatment would depend upon the cause. If due to iron deficiency in a male, cause is almost always bleeding in the western world where diet is not a factor. You may have a genetic abnormality called thalassemia minor if you are Asian or from the Mediterranean area.
What could be the cause of high hemoglobin?
Either you have a relative lack of oxygen for some cause, including sleep apnea, renal disease, high altitudes, pulmonary disease, etc., or you are a smoker and have a contracted READ MORE
Either you have a relative lack of oxygen for some cause, including sleep apnea, renal disease, high altitudes, pulmonary disease, etc., or you are a smoker and have a contracted plasma volume or you have a primary bone marrow problem producing too many red cells. You need to see a hematologist.
What are the treatment options for anemia?
Treatment entirely depends on the cause. If you are a young, menstruating female with heavy periods and a low intake of iron, e.g., red meats, the chances are that you are simply READ MORE
Treatment entirely depends on the cause. If you are a young, menstruating female with heavy periods and a low intake of iron, e.g., red meats, the chances are that you are simply iron deficient. and need iron supplementation, easily obtained without Rx at any phramacy. However, if periods are very heavy, oral supplementation may not be sufficient or the anemia may be due to an entirely different cause.
What are the treatment options for lymphoma?
Many types of lymphoma...treatment depends on type and severity....from watchful waiting to aggressive chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy.
