expert type icon EXPERT

Irene M. Hutchins

Hematologist-Oncologist

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<p><span style="caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Dr. Irene May-Ling Hutchins joined the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center in 2018 as a specialist in Hematology/Medical Oncology.&nbsp; She acquired her Doctor of Medicine from University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, California in 2012 and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at UC Davis in 2015.&nbsp; Dr. Hutchins completed her fellowship in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Scripps/MD Anderson Cancer Center in La Jolla, California in 2018.&nbsp; She is a member of the Amercian Society of Hematology and the Americal Society of Clinical Oncology.&nbsp; She has been awarded the Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society's 2018 Woman of the Year title for her philanthropic work in support of blood cancer research, and she is an active member of the Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society's Board of Trustees.&nbsp; Dr. Hutchins specializes in benign and malignant hematology with emphasis on Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and related conditions.&nbsp; Dr. Hutchins sees patients at Desert Regional Medical Center's main Comprehensive Cancer Center in Palm Springs, and at the Cancer Center's sattelite in La Quinta, CA.&nbsp;</span></p>
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16 years Experience
Irene M. Hutchins
  • La Quinta, CA
  • Scripps / MD Anderson
  • Accepting new patients

What are the treatment options for anemia?

First order of business is to identify the cause of anemia. Treatment of anemia requires addressing the underlying cause. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia among young READ MORE
First order of business is to identify the cause of anemia. Treatment of anemia requires addressing the underlying cause. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia among young women, however I recommend thorough evaluation including testing iron and B12 levels prior to starting any treatment.

Is chemotherapy effective for blood cancers?

There are numerous different types of blood cancers. Yes, chemotherapy is effective for many blood cancers. Some blood cancers are better managed with targeted therapies and/or READ MORE
There are numerous different types of blood cancers. Yes, chemotherapy is effective for many blood cancers. Some blood cancers are better managed with targeted therapies and/or immunotherapies. Lots of possibilities!

How long does a total blood test take?

In an ideal circumstance where blood is drawn and immediately processed, the results should be available about 15-20 minutes after the blood is drawn. Every lab has their own READ MORE
In an ideal circumstance where blood is drawn and immediately processed, the results should be available about 15-20 minutes after the blood is drawn. Every lab has their own protocol regarding how quickly the blood is processed and the time/manner in which results are released to the ordering physician and the patient. In my clinic, I typically can tell my patients their test results less than 30 minutes after the blood is drawn.

Can adults get leukemia?

Yes. All of the leukemia patients in my practice are adults. Pediatric leukemia is a separate subspecialty.

Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD

Which blood donor is the universal donor?

O negative is the universal donor blood type.

Is low white blood count serious?

It depends! There are many causes of low white blood cells, many of which are benign, and some of which are serious. It also depends on which subtype of white blood cells are READ MORE
It depends! There are many causes of low white blood cells, many of which are benign, and some of which are serious. It also depends on which subtype of white blood cells are affected, to what extent, and in what context. If this is a persistent concern, I recommend a consultation with a Hematologist.

How long does a hemoglobin test take?

It takes about 10 minutes to run the test on the machine. The time-limiting factors have to do with the staff, procedures, and policies at the testing facility. At my office, READ MORE
It takes about 10 minutes to run the test on the machine. The time-limiting factors have to do with the staff, procedures, and policies at the testing facility. At my office, we can typically provide complete blood count results to the patients within 20 minutes after the blood is drawn.

How can you raise your blood count?

There are many potential ways to raise a persons blood count, however it is very important to understand WHY the blood count is low in order to decide how best to raise it! Very READ MORE
There are many potential ways to raise a persons blood count, however it is very important to understand WHY the blood count is low in order to decide how best to raise it! Very importantly, DO NOT take iron supplements unless you are iron deficient, as excess iron can be harmful. It is also important not try to achieve a higher than normal blood count, as this can also be dangerous. If you are anemic, talk to your doctor about what tests are required to determine the cause of anemia, and treatment recommendations can be given accordingly. If the cause of anemia is unclear, you may require a hematology consultation.

Is leukemia common in children under 13?

Leukemia is uncommon in children. Among childhood malignancies (all of which are uncommon), leukemia is more common than the others. My practice is solely adult hematology/oncology. READ MORE
Leukemia is uncommon in children. Among childhood malignancies (all of which are uncommon), leukemia is more common than the others. My practice is solely adult hematology/oncology.

Can unexplained bruising be a sign of leukemia?

There are many possible causes of easy bruising, most of which are benign. Leukemia would be a rare cause, but more common causes include use of aspirin, fish oil supplements, READ MORE
There are many possible causes of easy bruising, most of which are benign. Leukemia would be a rare cause, but more common causes include use of aspirin, fish oil supplements, or benign disorders that increase bleeding propensity. A thorough hematology evaluation would help determine the cause of bruising and whether any treatment is needed.