Dr. Robert Morgan MD

Oncologist | Medical Oncology

1500 E Duarte Rd Duarte CA, 91010 Show map

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About

Dr. Robert Morgan is an oncologist practicing in Duarte, CA. Dr. Morgan specializes in the care and treatment of patients with cancer. As an oncologist, Dr. Morgan 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.

Education and Training

Univ of Il Coll of Med, Chicago Il 1981

University of Illinois College of Medicine 1981

Board Certification

Hematology (Internal Medicine)

Hospice and Palliative Care (Internal Medicine)

Medical Oncology (Internal Medicine)

Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM

Provider Details

MaleEnglish

Dr. Robert Morgan MD

Dr. Robert Morgan MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

What could this lump be besides lymphoma?
Hello, You are right to be concerned about an unexplained lump on your body. However, your family worry about lymphoma is mind boggling. The chance of this being lymphoma in a young woman, particularly in an uncommon place in the body, is very low. The more likely diagnosis is a popliteal cyst or a sebaceous cyst, which are quite common in young people. Truthfully, the only way to know for sure is for a physician to perform a biopsy so that a pathologist can examine the tissue. I would suggest that you consult your physician who can examine your leg and give you advice on possible consultations for further evaluation. Good luck. READ MORE
Steroids?
Hello. Your concerns about the ingestion of steroids are very reasonable. However, this is a question that must be asked to the physician who is caring for your husband and who is prescribing the chemotherapy. I am not sure which chemotherapy is being prescribed, but it is very possible that the regimen contains a platinum compound. Combinations (more than one drug) often contain a platinum drug to treat this illness. Most chemotherapies have side effects associated with them. Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects. It is necessary to give anti nausea medicine to allow the chemotherapy to be safely tolerated. Steroids, including prednisone, are among the most effective anti-nausea medications. Steroids also have beneficial effects on lung function. I suspect that the prednisone, about which you are concerned, is being prescribed as part of the anti nausea medications being given with the chemotherapy. My suggestion is that this question be asked to the prescribing physician. Until then, it is best to take the medication as prescribed. READ MORE
Pain in lower left side of stomach?
Hello, The symptoms that you are having may either be caused by a serious condition or something that is not serious but needs to be treated for your comfort. Your history includes two episodes of cancer, kidney and bladder cancers. However, not enough information is included about these conditions. Your concern is certainly understandable and you are worried that one of these cancers may be recurring. However, the pain syndrome may also be caused by reactions that are occurring due to previous treatments or surgery that you might have undergone. It is important that your oncologist know about your symptoms. Then this person can diagnose the cause and recommend treatments. It is possible that a CT scan of your abdomen could be done to understand the cause of your symptoms. I would suggest that you make an appointment with your oncologist to discuss your symptoms and obtain any necessary tests to diagnose your condition. Good luck. READ MORE
Mesothelioma?
Hello. You are a 50’s year old woman who has a father who passed from mesothelioma. You are asking if your exposure to your fathers workplace in your preteen years can result in mesothelioma developing in you. For excellent information I would recommend looking at the website www.asbestos.com. This essay has excellent explanations of the causes of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor which develops following exposure to asbestos. Patients often worked in factories making insulation. Asbestos fibers were often blown around the factories without regard for the safety of asbestos exposure. After the causes of mesothelioma were determined guidelines were implemented regulating the presence of asbestos fibers in factories. Mesothelioma, however, was and is a rare illness. It most often develops in tissues surrounding the lungs, heart, and within the abdomen. Secondary exposure to asbestos fibers can occur in family members from asbestos fibers on the clothing of family members who may bring it home on their clothes. The tumors can occur decades after exposure. I am presuming that your father worked in an industry that used asbestos in manufacturing. Except for routine medical care, there is no proven measures to prevent previous exposures to eventually result in the development of this tumor. Symptoms may occur and depend on where they arise. I would suggest routine medical followup with an investigation of any symptoms that may arise. Diagnosis is by way of a biopsy (removing a bit of tissue) which allows a pathologist to examine the tissue for a diagnosis. Good luck and I wish you the best in medical followup. Be certain that your physician knows about your family history. READ MORE
Breast cancer?
Hello. The reasons for the treatment of breast cancer depend on the histology (cell type) of the cancer and the stage. DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is an early cancer that has not spread beyond the area where it arose. However it is necessary to excise this lesion as it may become invasively malignant in the future. X-rays including mammograms and MRI scans are clinically important in making decisions regarding recommendations for the best treatment. Mammograms are often recommended for screening asymptomatic women for early stage breast cancer. Recently MRI scans have been compared with mammograms for evaluation of breast cancer. The studies suggest that MRI scans are as effective as mammograms in this evaluation. An important study has been published. One can find this via a google search asking the question “MRI versus mammography in DCIS”. The reference is Jeeyan Lee et al, the efficacy of breast MRI versus mammography in surgical decision in patients with breast cancer: ductile carcinoma in situ and invasive ducal carcinoma BMC Cancer 2020 20:934. Other studies support these findings. There must be a reason that the surgeon is asking for a repeat mammogram. It might be possible that the X-rays were reviewed by another radiologist and something was found in the other breast that wasn’t seen on the MRI scan. One needs to show this article to the surgeon and ask this question. There is likely a more complete explanation for this recommendation that is readily apparent. READ MORE
Fatty hard tumor in buttocks?
Hello You have a common problem with a difficult, underlying condition. The pain syndrome has been ongoing for nine years and it would be good for you if a solution was found. I am not sure of your meaning of “led off.” I am presuming that your treatment for HIV was effective and that the virus is no longer detectable. READ MORE
How long do side effects typically last with chemotherapy?
One of the most feared effects of chemotherapy is the presence and appearance of side effects. The most common are hair loss, nausea and vomiting, and decreased blood counts potentially causing infections. There is a website published by the American Cancer Society which reviews side effects and treatments that can help prevent them. (Www.cancer.org). Search on Chemotherapy side effects. Interestingly every chemotherapeutic agent has its own effectiveness and list of side effects. The three effects listed above generally resolve in a short time. Other side effects however, can be prolonged. Effects on the nerves can last indefinitely. Many times drugs are prescribed with chemotherapy to prevent or treat them. It is important to discuss these effects with the prescribing oncologist who may need to adjust the pre-medications. For most cancer treatments it is important to receive the drugs on time. Any questions you may have should be discussed with your doctor. Good luck. READ MORE
What are the most common cancers in children?
Hello, You are asking a question that is prevalent in our society. One place to obtain information is on a website published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (seer.cancer.gov) (Cancer.gov). The most common types of cancer in children and young adults are leukemias, brain and other central nervous system tumors, and lymphomas. Symptoms occur depending on where the tumor arises. I suggest that anyone having a child who develops unusual symptoms consult a pediatrician for an opinion. Cancers, while serious, are uncommon in children and young adults, and other disorders must be considered in order to understand the source of the symptoms. READ MORE
Where does lymphoma usually start?
Hello, Lymphoma is a cancer (malignancy) of lymphatic tissue. There are several types of lymphoma, which are defined by a pathologist examining a biopsy of abnormal tissue. However, lymph nodes are a sentinel of multiple insults to the body. Lymphatic tissue will swell and enlarge in response to many infections particularly viral infections. Lymphomas are on the lists of causes for swollen lymph nodes, but are less likely than day to day infections. Tiredness also goes along with viral illnesses. If you are concerned about your health, I encourage you to consult your physician for an examination. That person can give you a recommendation for a lymph node biopsy to be performed if necessary. Good luck on this trail! READ MORE
How common is leukemia in children?
Hello, Your question is quite common whenever a large group of people are diagnosed with a rare illness in a particular area. Please be assured that these illnesses are not contagious and cannot be passed from one patient to another. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society have an excellent website, www.lls.org which has information on the incidence of leukemias and lymphomas. They quote that 38.7% of all pediatric cancers are these types and account for 24.7% of all cancers in young adults <20 years of age. The overall incidence of these is however rare. The numbers quoted are 7.2 diagnoses per 100000 subjects, 4.6 for leukemias and 2.6 per lymphomas. Again, they have not been shown to be contagious. Looking at the above website should be reassuring. Thanks. READ MORE
Mouth sores with chemotherapy?
Hello.... Chemotherapy can cause several side effects. Some of those you mentioned in your question include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, or decreased blood counts. Another side effect is due to the effect of chemotherapy or radiation on rapidly replicating cells in the body which includes the cells lining the mouth and digestive tract. Mouth soreness is common and the amount and symptoms depend on the administered chemotherapy. The effects include pain, decreased oral intake and may also result in an infection. One place to learn more about this complication is the website: oralcancerfoudation.org. It is important to try to prevent or treat this complication. The above website gives suggestions for this treatment and prevention of this complication or its effects. One excellent suggestion is good mouthwashes which might need to be performed every four hours or after eating or drinking.. Some regimens are suggested in the above article. It is a good idea to discuss these concerns with the patient’s doctor as various medications can be prescribed or doses or drugs may need to be adjusted. Good luck. READ MORE
LDH levels CBC?
Hello, LDH (lactic dehydrogenase) is an enzyme that is found in almost every cell in the body. There are generally five subtypes that can be measured (1-5). The normal range varies by the lab that is doing the assay, but the numbers are from 140-280, but lower in cerebral spinal fluid. The test is, however, very non-specific. There are multiple reasons for an elevation. Elevation can indicate inflammation or tissue damage. Testing this enzyme following vigorous exercise can result in elevated measured levels. If the blood tube is handled roughly following collection, the measured level can be elevated. READ MORE
Is constipation normal with chemotherapy?
Hello. You are asking an important question. Many times there are symptoms (side effects) that occur with chemotherapy. Some drugs are known to slow down the bowels and cause constipation. However there are other reasons that constipation may occur and it is important to discuss this symptom with her prescribing oncologist. It is important that she eats well during the chemotherapy regimen. It may be necessary for her to take stool softeners and laxatives to keep the bowels moving regularly. Sometimes suppositories and/or enemas need to be employed to encourage bowel movements. Her oncologist can prescribe regimens that are effective. I would recommend checking with the constipation solutions in the local drug store and starting with one that might be effective. READ MORE
Why does lung cancer develop in non-smokers?
Hello. You are asking questions that have even investigated by researchers for many years...what causes lung cancer in non-smokers. There is a great website published by the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Search on “What causes lung cancer?” Most lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking or exposure to second hand smoke. these amount to about 80 percent of lung cancers. Other exposures have been associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer. These include exposure to radon (radiation), air pollution or “other” factors which are unknown at present. Rarely there are inherited genetic changes that are associated with lung cancers. Genetic evaluation is recommended. These changes usually occur in younger individuals. The lungs are one of the organ systems that are most commonly the site of metastases from cancers of other organs. I am presuming that your oncologist has performed the necessary tests to rule out the lungs as a site of metastasis. Good luck with your treatment. READ MORE
What are the side effects of radiation for bladder cancer?
Hello. You are asking very perceptive questions. What are the side effects of radiation for bladder cancer. Radiation therapy is given for two different reasons. 1. To treat the primary tumor in the bladder, and 2. To treat adjuvantly to decrease the chances of the cancer recurring. This is usually administered following surgery. It can be given with or without chemotherapy. The side effects depend on the radiation fields and the doses that are administered. Radiation side effect are usually related to the skin and organs within the fields of radiation. A good article available online is published by the American Cancer Society. (Cancer.org) Search on bladder cancer. Skin rashes (much like sunburn) can occur. Pain with urination from inflammation of your bladder can occur. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood counts and fatigue are common. Blood in the urine can occur. These side effects usually go away as the radiation is given and after completion of the radiation. When these occur it is important to let the radiation oncologist know as measures can be taken to decrease these side effects. Rarely, long term side effects can occur. Incontinence, radiation cystitis, and erection problems can occur later and be long term issues, but these are uncommon. Good luck with your treatment. READ MORE
What causes a child to develop leukemia?
Hello. You are asking a very important question. All of us who are parents fear when our children develop serious illnesses. Many times, all that can be done is to consult an expert physician and understand and take their advice regarding treatment. Pediatric leukemia is a cancer of the blood-producing organs in which abnormal clones of these cells overgrow the blood producing bone marrow material. Some forms grow abnormally in lymph nodes or other organs in the body and produce symptoms related to abnormal functions of the involved organs. I am assuming that you have consulted an expert pediatric hematologist for consultation and advice. Good references available online include the Guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN.org). Look under guidelines for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (adult and pediatric) and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. The discussion published at the end of the guidelines provides much information, much of which is medical in nature. Another article online is authored by Martin Belson. (Https://dci.org/10.1289/wha.9023). This is data from the Center For Disease Control (CEDC) and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health in Atlanta, GA. The article in entitled “Risk Factors for Acute Leukemia in Childhood: A Review. January, 2007. This article is a review of data looking at various risk factors for leukemia development in children and young adults. Of many risk factors, only exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation has been implicated. Other risk factors have not been found to be statistically valid. READ MORE
Why do I have to flush the toilet twice after chemotherapy?
Hello. Your question involves activities that should be undertaken by a person who is receiving chemotherapy. Specifically, the question is why should a person flush the toilet twice after using a toilet. Chemotherapy drugs are given either orally or intravenously. Each of these medications are treated by the body as any ingested medication or foodstuff. Ones body must dispose of the drug. Each type of drug, including chemotherapy, undergoes a specific type of metabolism designed to make that substance non-toxic to the rest of the body. Each of these metabolites must be excreted from the body. Some chemotherapeutic agents are excreted unchanged by the body and are present in wast materials, either urine or feces (excrement). These materials can be toxic for the patient or any other users of the toilets. Your doctor is being quite cautious in instructing you to flush twice after chemotherapy administration. This should make it less likely that either you or another person can be exposed to drugs or metabolites present in your waste materials. The usual recommendation is to continue this practice for seven days following reception of chemotherapy. A good reference on behavior following chemotherapy administration appears online. The reference is present following a search on “chemotherapy flushing toilets”. It is present on a “livebetterwith” website. This article also has other recommendations to ensure safety. READ MORE
Weight loss associated with neuroendocrine cancerous tumors?
Hello. Neuroendocrine tumors can cause many symptoms due to their secretion of hormones. It sounds as if yours are being expertly managed. Neuroendocrine tumors can cause both weight gain or loss. Much of their management is for control of symptoms. The change in your medicine is concerning enough to investigate if the new medicine is causing a side effect. It sounds like your doctor is managing the tumor well. If the weight loss is due to a side effect of the lanreotide it might be best to put you back on sandostatin for tumor management. It would be best to discuss your concerns with your doctor and ask for their opinion regarding the causes. READ MORE
How do you read a pathology report for prostate cancer?
Hello, Pathology reports from prostate biopsies are difficult to interpret. In general a physician familiar with the treatment and diagnosis of prostate cancer needs to carefully read the report prior to making treatment recommendations. My suggestion would be to consult the guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer network (NCCN.org). These guidelines are updated at least annually and more often as needed. My suspicion is that your physician was performing screening Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and that you had a prostate biopsy. The guidelines subdivide patients with prostate cancer into several groups and make treatment decisions based on tumor characteristics and the subgroup into which one falls. The pathology report is necessary to make these risk group determinations. Further molecular characterization can then be carried out if necessary. It is recommended that your physician be consulted and questions about the pathology be asked of that person. Good luck. READ MORE
What are the first signs of cancer in kids?
Hello, Your questions are those that all parents encounter at some point when raising children. The symptoms are very non-specific and can be from many abnormalities. These can include cancer, but this is an uncommon cause. My recommendation is that the patient be taken to a good general pediatrician who will perform a general history and physical examination to figure out the source of the symptoms and examine the lump on his head that you have discovered. If you don’t have a good general pediatrician, my suggestion would be to identify a large regional children’s hospital and call them for an appointment. This would be the best route to take at present. Good luck with this. READ MORE