Our Cancer Team
Our oncology services team consists of board-certified physicians and specially trained oncology nurses who are here to help you in all phases of cancer care. Whether you’re undergoing screenings, diagnosis, treatment or ongoing care, we are dedicated to making your cancer journey easier. We even have an experienced Oncology Patient Navigator on staff to provide extra support for patients, families and caregivers.
Medical Director of Medical Oncology
Mahdi Taha, DO, FACOI, FACP, Board Certified Medical Oncologist, Medical Director of Medical Oncology.
Dr. Taha specializes in Head and Neck Cancers including Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, Hypopharynx, Salivary Gland Carcinomas and Thyroid. He also specializes in Skin Cancers including Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Genitourinary Carcinomas including Prostate, Bladder, Renal Pelvis, Testicular and Renal Cell.
As Medical Director of Medical Oncology for Delray Medical Center, Dr. Taha works in collaboration with medical peers, colleagues and hospital leadership - serving as a liaison to medical staff committees; identifying current and future technology requirements; advising on the modifications of existing programs and the development of new programs or services; and establishing methods to improve overall efficiency. He also develops medical education programs for the medical staff, nursing and ancillary personnel of the hospital.
Prior to joining Delray Medical Center, Dr. Taha worked for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Newnan, Georgia, as the Lead Medical Oncologist for Head and Neck, Genitourinary, Melanoma and Salivary Gland Carcinomas. He also served as CTCA’s Vice President of Quality Chairman. Prior to that role, he was an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Taha completed an observership in Genitourinary Oncology and Head and Neck Thoracic Oncology at MD Andersen.
Dr. Taha earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, OK, he was awarded a Fellowship at Cancer Treatment Centers of America through Oklahoma State University, where he was named Medical Oncology Chief Fellow. He received his received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Kean University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Dr. Taha is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists (2016), a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (2018), a 2017 Castle and Connelly Atlanta Top Doctor-Oncologist Award Recipient, a 2019 Castle and Connelly Atlanta Top Doctor-Oncologist Award Recipient and a 2019 Georgia Trend Magazine “Top 40 Under 40” Recipient.
Dr. Taha has a strong interest in research with a focus in Genitourinary Carcinomas including Prostate, Renal Cell, Bladder and Testicular; and Head and Neck, Melanoma and Lung Cancers. He has served on various research committees and participated as principal investigator during several clinical trial studies. Dr. Taha has given presentations at conferences including the ACOI National Convention Case Presentation in San Antonio, Texas, which won the First Place National Award, and serves as a medical consultant for Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, CBS – “Atlanta Plugged In,” Genentech BioOncology and Merck Pharmaceutical Inc.
Dr. Taha is affiliated with Florida Cancer Specialists. His office will be located at 5130 Linton Blvd Suite B-4, in Delray Beach.
Find an Oncologist
White Blood Cell Count: What You Need to Know
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help protect the body against infections, bacteria, viruses and diseases. These essential part of the immune system are produced in the bone marrow and are present in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells (WBC) come in different types, and the blood normally contains a certain percentage for each type. This is what doctors check when they request tests that measure a person’s WBC count.
Why Do Doctors Check Your WBC Count?
The WBC count is usually included in a test that measures your complete blood count (CBC). A low white blood cell count or a high blood cell count may indicate an infection or an undiagnosed condition such as a blood disorder, an autoimmune diseases or an immune deficiency. The WBC count can help doctors detect and provide treatment for these potential conditions as well as help monitor the effectiveness of radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer patients.
What Is the Normal WBC Count?
People’s WBC count may vary depending on their age. Infants usually have a higher WBC count which gradually decreases as they get older. The table below shows the normal WBC ranges per microliter of blood (mcL).
| Age range | WBC count (per mcL of blood) |
|---|---|
| Newborns | 9,000 to 30,000 |
| Children below 2 years old | 6,200 to 17,000 |
| Children over 2 years old and adults | 5,000 to 10,000 |
Symptoms of an Abnormal WBC Count
An abnormal WBC count may either be lower or higher than the normal range. The common symptoms of a low WBC, also known as leukopenia, include body aches, chills, fever and headaches. If you have these symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your doctor and he/she may recommend a WBC count.
On the other hand, a high WBC count, also known as leukocytosis, usually doesn’t cause symptoms, although the underlying condition that’s causing it may show its own signs.
Risk Factors of an Abnormal WBC Count
A low WBC count may be triggered by the following factors or conditions:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bone marrow damage or disorder
- Certain medications (i.e., antibiotics)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Liver and spleen diseases
- Lupus
- Lymphoma
- Radiation therapy
- Severe infections
Meanwhile, a high WBC count may be triggered by the following factors or conditions:
- Asthma
- Certain allergies
- Certain infections (i.e., tuberculosis)
- Certain medications (i.e., corticosteroids)
- Exercise
- Inflammatory conditions (i.e., arthritis and bowel disease)
- Leukemia
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Stress
- Tissue damage
- Tumors in the bone marrow
How to Prepare for a WBC Count
First, you have to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get a test request and then schedule an appointment with the laboratory for blood extraction. Certain medications may either lower or increase your WBC count, so please let your physician know if you’re under medication. Some of the drugs that may interfere with your WBC count results are as follows:
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antihistamines
- Chemotherapy medication
- Clozapine
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics
- Heparin
- Quinidine
- Sulfonamides
Final Thoughts
If your laboratory test results show that you either have a low or high WBC count, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan and may also recheck your WBCs from time to time. But if your WBCs are within the normal range, great. Just keep doing things that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy, such as eating fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, limiting your sugar intake, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels and staying hydrated. Have a great day ahead!
Sources:
National Cancer Institute
Healthline