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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.
52 years Experience
Dr. Steven Ketchel, M.D.
  • Tucson, AZ
  • Univ of Az Coll of Med, Tucson Az
  • Accepting new patients

My hemoglobin level is 7.4 what can I do so I want have to have a blood transfusion?

Try increasing your iron consumption by one pill daily. The cause may be because of menstruation, and if iron doesn't help, you may need a hysterectomy. See a hematologist first READ MORE
Try increasing your iron consumption by one pill daily. The cause may be because of menstruation, and if iron doesn't help, you may need a hysterectomy. See a hematologist first to rule out other etiologies.

Why Is O the universal blood donor?

Because it does not have proteins to which other blood types would react.

How effective is sclerotherapy for varicose veins?

This is outside of my area of expertise but I believe sclerotherapy is effective.

What anesthesia is used for bone marrow biopsy?

Different anesthesiologists use different medications. I suggest you talk to your physician before the procedure and ask her/him that question. I only used Lidocaine as anesthesia READ MORE
Different anesthesiologists use different medications. I suggest you talk to your physician before the procedure and ask her/him that question. I only used Lidocaine as anesthesia before my bone marrow biopsies. 


Blood cancer?

It is fine as long as your neutrophil count is not very high. If it is you need to see a hematologist.

Iron based anemia vs something else?

If you are still menstruationg your anemia could be secondary to heavy flows and be an iron deficiency anemia. Thallesemia minor does not ususallly cause anemia but it may be READ MORE
If you are still menstruationg your anemia could be secondary to heavy flows and be an iron deficiency anemia. Thallesemia minor does not ususallly cause anemia but it may be confused with iron deficiency anemia Being at a higher altitude, such as Denver, will cause more erythropoietin production and more hemoglobin production. If your anemia does snot improve with iron supplementation I would suggest a consultation with a hematologist.

What is the best schedule for a child with anemia?

I am not a pediatrician but i think the first question is what is causing the anemia. I assume you are referring to an exercise schedule. Anemia leads to fatigue with exercise READ MORE
I am not a pediatrician but i think the first question is what is causing the anemia. I assume you are referring to an exercise schedule. Anemia leads to fatigue with exercise and she should slowly increase exercise until fatigued and then keep trying to minimally increase the amount of exercise.

How long is treatment for lymphoma?

There are standard treatment regimens for pediatric lymphoma and you should discuss the regimen and the length of it with the treating medical oncologist.

What could this lump be besides lymphoma?

It could be lymphoma, but those nodes are generally soft. It could be a foreign body such as a thorn. Without tenderness it is not likely an infection. It is not likely to be lymphoma, READ MORE
It could be lymphoma, but those nodes are generally soft. It could be a foreign body such as a thorn. Without tenderness it is not likely an infection. It is not likely to be lymphoma, but if it persists, it should be removed. 


CBC result?

It is unclear what this test shows. It suggests that your cholesterol level is elevated. It also suggests your lymphocyte level is elevated. I would talk to your physician about READ MORE
It is unclear what this test shows. It suggests that your cholesterol level is elevated. It also suggests your lymphocyte level is elevated. I would talk to your physician about both. Hopefully both are minimally elevated and will require no treatment.

Hemoglobin levels?

It would be highly unlikely without a red blood cell transfusion or being severely dehydrated. One of those numbers was probably in error.

How long can blood transfusions be stored for?

Red blood cells can usually be stored for 42 days, but are usually transfused within 18 days.


How long after radiation therapy do you start to feel better?

It depends on how much radiation you received and to what parts of the body it was administered. Generally you should be over the acute effects in another two to three weeks. READ MORE
It depends on how much radiation you received and to what parts of the body it was administered. Generally you should be over the acute effects in another two to three weeks. Make sure you drink enough liquids and eat a healthy diet.

Causes of normal TSH, low T4, and lower T3?

This may be hypopituitarism, which may be tested by testing for ACTH and female hormones. If your physician is not familiar with this have her/him refer you to an endocrinologist. READ MORE
This may be hypopituitarism, which may be tested by testing for ACTH and female hormones. If your physician is not familiar with this have her/him refer you to an endocrinologist.

How long does anemia last in a child?

I am not a pediatrician, but anemia in a child is usually nutritional. If his pediatrician cannot find the cause, he may need a referral to a hematologist. As he matures, the anemia READ MORE
I am not a pediatrician, but anemia in a child is usually nutritional. If his pediatrician cannot find the cause, he may need a referral to a hematologist. As he matures, the anemia should resolve. 


What blood types are the hardest to get a transfusion for?

AB negative and O negative are some of the least common blood types and therefore less people with these blood types donate blood.

Does my child need antibiotics for a blood infection?

For a bacterial infection, yes. If it is a viral infection, not necessarily. 

How does having a blood disorder affect your heart?

Mild blood disorders do not damage the heart. Moderate anemia could cause the heart to not get enough oxygen and thus work harder than it should. Serious disorders such as leukemia READ MORE
Mild blood disorders do not damage the heart. Moderate anemia could cause the heart to not get enough oxygen and thus work harder than it should. Serious disorders such as leukemia might be treated with medications that cause damage to the heart muscle.

What chemo works best for leukemia?

It depends on the age of the patient and the type of leukemia. You can consult with a local hematologist/oncologist to get more information.  


Why would a baby need a blood transfusion?

A baby would need a blood transfusion because they are anemic (too low red blood cell count). You need to ask the physician why the baby needs the transfusion and if the physician READ MORE
A baby would need a blood transfusion because they are anemic (too low red blood cell count). You need to ask the physician why the baby needs the transfusion and if the physician has looked for reasons that the baby is anemic. If the physician has not looked for reasons, you should be referred to a pediatric hematologist.