A. Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on cancer, a group of more than 100 different diseases marked by uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth. Usually these cells form a lump or mass called a tumor. Cancers such as leukemia can also form in the blood without creating a tumor.  Dr. Ray Peters diagnoses and treats nearly all types of cancer — tumors located in any organ in the body, as well as cancers of the blood. They use biopsies, endoscopy, imaging, nuclear medicine and blood tests to diagnose cancer. To treat the disease, our doctors customize each patient’s care, relying on tools such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow/stem cell transplant and surgery.

A. Hematology is the branch of internal medicine, physiology, pathology, clinical laboratory work, and pediatrics that is concerned with the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. Hematology includes the study of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of blood diseases. ''Blood diseases'' affect the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, hemoglobin, blood proteins, the mechanism of coagulation, etc.

Dr. Ray Peter’s uses sophisticated laboratory tests and imaging to diagnose blood disorders, create a treatment plan tailored for your need, and provide ongoing management of your condition. 

• Abnormal bleeding (for example, hemophilia) and clotting
• Benign and malignant disorders of the blood cells, a broad spectrum of diseases ranging from anemia to leukemia
• Other hematologic malignancies such as Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma

A. The list of common cancer types below includes cancers that are diagnosed with the greatest frequency in the United States.

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colon and Rectal Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Melanoma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

A. Dr. Peters has privileges at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC).

Hematology and Oncology Services at PBRMC have provided patients with the highest quality care for more than 25 years. Our skilled oncology specialists utilize the latest cancer treatments and individualized therapies, providing a full range of cancer treatment options. Our mission is to help every patient deal with the complexities of cancer, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. We offer the latest in cancer care without our patients enduring lengthy travel times for frequent treatments.

Learn more about Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center's oncology services by calling (573) 778-9598. Trust Poplar Bluff Regional Cancer Center. Because we care.