expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Michael Carol Snyderman

Oncologist

Dr. Michael Snyderman is an oncologist practicing in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Snyderman specializes in the care and treatment of patients with cancer. As an oncologist, Dr. Snyderman manages and oversees the treatment of a cancer patient after he or she has been diagnosed with the disease. Oncologists will care for their patients throughout the course of the disease. Types of oncologists include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, pediatric oncologists and hematologist oncologists.
Dr. Michael Carol Snyderman
  • Buffalo, New York
  • Temple University
  • Accepting new patients

Does fibromyalgia make you ineligible to donate stem cells?

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome overlap quite a bit. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be caused by activation of viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus or Herpesvirus 6. Donating READ MORE
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome overlap quite a bit. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be caused by activation of viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus or Herpesvirus 6. Donating stem cells would also donate these viruses so yes, donating stem cells might be unwise.

Cancer Anxiety

You are in the lowest risk category possible. If you still are fearful, you might consider that a manifestation of an anxiety disorder that can and should be treated.

Can local anesthesia be used for a bone marrow biopsy?

When I did marrow biopsies I put in local anesthesia with lidocaine. I told patients it might help to take acetaminophen an hour prior. I myself had a marrow aspiration and a biopsy READ MORE
When I did marrow biopsies I put in local anesthesia with lidocaine. I told patients it might help to take acetaminophen an hour prior. I myself had a marrow aspiration and a biopsy without much of the above. There was only brief discomfort which was bearable and I was pleased it wasn't worse than that.

What sedation is used for bone marrow biopsy?

I have had both a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, one immediately after the other at the Cleveland Clinic. Although it wasn't recreational, it wasn't terrible and a good local READ MORE
I have had both a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, one immediately after the other at the Cleveland Clinic. Although it wasn't recreational, it wasn't terrible and a good local anesthetic and perhaps some acetaminophen prior should be adequate for most people.

What condition do I have?

Most of what you have posted could be explained by your immune system being overactive and probably causing excess inflammation. In other words, you may have a disorder in the READ MORE
Most of what you have posted could be explained by your immune system being overactive and probably causing excess inflammation. In other words, you may have a disorder in the same basic category as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis rather than a blood disease. The bleeding could be related to medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and antidepressants. What causes the underlying overactive immune system is the subject of ongoing research so there may be treatment in the near future.

I'm 75 With Lupus, Should I Get The Booster?

It is likely that the number of immune cells prepared to respond to an infection is less in people with autoimmune disorders such as Lupus. Some of the treatments reduce this number READ MORE
It is likely that the number of immune cells prepared to respond to an infection is less in people with autoimmune disorders such as Lupus. Some of the treatments reduce this number further. So yes, getting a booster could be lifesaving.

Please help re: metastatic disease?

HPV has been associated with cancer of the colon and rectum, but it is not common. HPV is not looked for except in cancer of the cervix and anus (not the rectum) and cancer of READ MORE
HPV has been associated with cancer of the colon and rectum, but it is not common. HPV is not looked for except in cancer of the cervix and anus (not the rectum) and cancer of the oral cavity. The original rectal cancer specimen could be tested for HPV but that would not be covered by insurance and would cost several hundred dollars. If HPV was proven to be present in the rectal cancer, unfortunately there would be a lot of skepticism that it caused the cancer.
Metastasis refers to the cancer being spread, not to the virus.

Does leukemia cause fatigue in children?

Your daughter may have Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF), which is a common problem. There are clinics for CRF at cancer centers, and some report partial improvement. Research as to READ MORE
Your daughter may have Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF), which is a common problem. There are clinics for CRF at cancer centers, and some report partial improvement. Research as to the cause of CRF is ongoing and hopefully this will lead to better treatment by the end of this year.

What causes lymphoma to develop in adults?

The virus that causes mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus, is known to cause some lymphoma and closely related viruses have also been implicated.

Stage 4 liver cancer?

If the liver cancer was caused by hepatitis C or hepatitis B, there may be some options. This is an area considered "experimental," but there is published data that shows antiviral READ MORE
If the liver cancer was caused by hepatitis C or hepatitis B, there may be some options. This is an area considered "experimental," but there is published data that shows antiviral drug treatment improves cancer outcomes.

Can HPV cause skin cancer?

It is accepted that HPV can cause squamous cell cancer of the vulvar area. There are reports in the literature that HPV can also be found in squamous cell cancer of the skin, basal READ MORE
It is accepted that HPV can cause squamous cell cancer of the vulvar area. There are reports in the literature that HPV can also be found in squamous cell cancer of the skin, basal cell cancer of the skin, and even in melanoma. The HPV subtypes here may not be the same as those that classically cause squamous cell cancer of the anogenital and oropharyngeal areas.

What can I do to control my persistent tiredness?

There is a name for what you are experiencing: Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF). The etiology appears to be a disturbance in multiple parts of the immune system with resulting inflammation READ MORE
There is a name for what you are experiencing: Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF). The etiology appears to be a disturbance in multiple parts of the immune system with resulting inflammation that spills over into the brain. As the cause of this immune disturbance isn't clear, there is no established treatment. Some people with CRF will benefit from s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) 400 mg twice a day. SAMe can shut down bad genes but doesn't work in everyone and is OTC and pricey. A prescription med that is also used in lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) 200 mg twice a day sometimes helps CRF. A retinal specialist has to OK this medication as there is a very small chance of retinal damage.

Can cancer cause short-term memory loss?

Cancer can be associated with "Cancer-Related Fatigue," which includes cognitive changes. This is worsened by chemotherapy and is then called "chemo-brain." There is ongoing research READ MORE
Cancer can be associated with "Cancer-Related Fatigue," which includes cognitive changes. This is worsened by chemotherapy and is then called "chemo-brain." There is ongoing research as to whether these problems are caused by viruses, because we have medications to fight viral infection. Additionally, a B12 deficiency is common in cancer patients and can surprisingly be a difficult diagnosis to make. The serum B12 level is unreliable and the physician has to test the levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, check the balance (Romberg sign) and examine the blood smear.

Should I take certain vitamins or supplements after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Which ones?

Vitamin D deficiency in epidemiological studies has worsened outcomes in cancer so it is reasonable to supplement it. 2000 u/day is safe, but clear this with your primary physician. READ MORE
Vitamin D deficiency in epidemiological studies has worsened outcomes in cancer so it is reasonable to supplement it. 2000 u/day is safe, but clear this with your primary physician. The other vitamins are problematical. In tissue culture, s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) shuts down cancer genes but although this is available as a supplement, it has never entered clinical trial so we don't know if it would work with cancer patients.