Diagnosis.Treatment.Care. — Dr. Farideh Akbari
Adult Hematology and Medical Oncology Subspecialist Tabriz
From a blood test result to treatment and follow-up, with clear explanations and support throughout.
First understand what happened, then decide together.
Dr. Farideh Akbari is an adult hematology and medical oncology subspecialist in Tabriz. Patients who arrive with an abnormal blood test, an enlarged lymph node, a clot or a new cancer diagnosis get plain answers here. Many referrals are not cancer, and some conditions only need follow-up. Whatever is needed is explained step by step.
More about the doctorFive areas most patients come with.
Every patient has their own plan. Many referrals are not cancer, and some conditions only need follow-up.
Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
Blood cancers start in blood cells, the bone marrow or the lymphatic system. On this page you can read what these diseases are, how they are identified, and why not all of them need treatment right away.
Read moreAnemia and iron deficiency
Anemia means there are too few healthy red blood cells. The cause is sometimes simple, such as low iron, and sometimes needs a closer look. Here you can read about symptoms, finding the cause and the usual path of treatment.
Read moreClots and bleeding
Sometimes blood clots too much and sometimes too little. On this page you can learn about clots in the leg and lung, low platelets and bleeding disorders, and which symptoms need quick action.
Read moreSolid tumors
If a lump or cancer has been reported in your test, imaging or biopsy result, here you can read how the diagnosis is confirmed, what staging means and where the treatment plan starts.
Read moreChemotherapy and medicine-based treatments
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy are the four medicine-based ways to treat cancer. Here you can read in plain language how they differ, how they are given and what their common side effects are.
Read more
From the first conversation to follow-up
Five steps, one after another. At each one you know what comes next and why.
- Step 1 of 5.
Listening and assessment
At the first visit your story, test results and records are reviewed. Ask anything you like.
- Step 2 of 5.
Blood tests, pathology and imaging
If needed, more blood tests, pathology or imaging are requested. Sometimes these checks show the problem is not serious.
- Step 3 of 5.
Diagnosis and treatment plan
All the results are looked at together and the proposed plan is talked through with you. Some patients need no active treatment, only regular follow-up.
- Step 4 of 5.
Treatment and side-effect care
If treatment is needed, the method, the schedule and the possible side effects are explained, and side effects are watched throughout.
- Step 5 of 5.
Follow-up
Regular tests and visits are planned so progress can be seen and any change is raised early.
You are not alone on this path.
Someone who has tests again and again gets tired quickly. From blood sampling at home and result follow-up to imaging, medicines and care at home, the support team coordinates the details.
Lab tests and blood sampling at home
Quick appointments and results for lab tests, blood sampling at your home or workplace (free), result follow-up and reminders for periodic tests.
Imaging and fast results
Quick appointments and results for CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET, plus bone scan coordination. Transfer is free for CT, MRI and ultrasound.
Pharmacy and specialty medicines
Support in getting specialty medicines. You write the pharmacy you prefer on the support form.
Fast referral to specialists
If you need another doctor or specialty, the support staff arrange the appointment and referral.
Rehabilitation and wellbeing
Quick appointments and referral to rehabilitation and health specialists, with free transfer to physiotherapy at Vali-e-Asr Hospital.
Treatment and rehabilitation at home
When getting out is hard, part of the specialist treatment and rehabilitation services comes to you.
Items marked "free" are provided at no cost.
An abnormal blood test is not always a serious disease.
Most patients are referred for one of these reasons. Tap yours for a plain explanation. Many referrals are not cancer.
- Low hemoglobin
- Iron deficiency
- Low or high platelets
- Abnormal white cell count
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- A clot in the leg or lung
- Enlarged lymph node
- A new cancer diagnosis
Fever during chemotherapy, heavy bleeding and sudden shortness of breath are not for an office visit. They are emergencies. Call emergency services (115 in Iran) or your treatment center. When to call right away
Simple answers to the first questions.
Why was I sent to this doctor? Does it mean I have cancer?
Not necessarily. Most referrals are to look into an abnormal blood test, such as low hemoglobin or a platelet or white cell count that is too low or too high. The same result has many common, low-risk causes. Finding the cause is exactly what a hematologist is for. Some conditions only need follow-up. A firm answer can be given only after reviewing these tests and examining you, not before.
What does this blood test result mean?
A number alone means little. The normal range differs a little between laboratories and has to be read together with your age, symptoms and history. The patient guide explains how to read a blood test, but the final interpretation belongs to your doctor.
What should I bring to the first visit?
All earlier test results, imaging reports and images or discs, the pathology report if you have one, a summary of earlier treatment, a list of the medicines you take (the boxes or photos of the labels), your insurance booklet and ID. If something is missing, come anyway; support can help you get it.
How many sessions is treatment, and how long does it take?
It depends on the condition and the type of treatment. Some patients need only periodic tests and follow-up, and others a plan of several months. Your doctor sets your plan after a full review, so any number before that is a guess.
What are the side effects? Will I lose my hair?
Side effects depend on the treatment. Some treatments cause hair loss or tiredness and some do not. Before starting, the doctor explains the likely side effects of your treatment and how to reduce them. Tell your care team about any new symptom.
What should I eat during treatment? What if I get a fever?
Ask your care team about food, because it depends on your treatment and tests. A fever during chemotherapy is not for an office visit; call right away the emergency number your care team gave you, or emergency services (115 in Iran). The guide "When to call right away" has the details.
Do you work with insurance?
The list of insurers will be announced soon.
These answers are general and do not replace your doctor's advice for your situation. Never stop or change a medicine without your doctor.
The first step, a calm conversation.
Book an appointment or talk to support. Either way, we are with you.
Support number