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Dr. Thomas Yang Sun, MD is a medical oncologist in Oakland, CA specializing in medical oncology, adult oncology and adult hematology. He graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 2017 and has 9 years of experience. Dr. Thomas Yang Sun, MD is affiliated with Sutter Health and Stanford Health Care.
Stanford Health Care
Autoimmune Diseases
An autoimmune disorder happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of its own body, causing symptoms of illness. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. While some are very rare, others are fairly common. Combined, autoimmune disorders are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, affecting approximately 24 million people.
A properly working immune system identifies foreign substances in the body that might cause illness, such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system then creates antibodies which attack the foreign substances, neutralizing them and keeping the body safe. In people with autoimmune disorders, something goes wrong with this process. For reasons that are not fully understand, the immune system creates antibodies to attack the patient's own tissues.
Symptoms of an autoimmune disorder depend on which tissue is being attacked by the immune system, but common symptoms of autoimmune disease include fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of just not being well. Autoimmune disorders are more common in women than in men, and they may run in families. Autoimmune disorders can affect various parts of the body such as blood vessels, connective tissue, endocrine glands, joints, muscles, red blood cells, skin, and many others.
It is common to have more than one autoimmune disorder at a time. Most are chronic, or life-long illnesses, although they may come and go in flares. Treatment for autoimmune disorders depends on which part of the body is being attacked. For example:
Many autoimmune disorders of all kinds are treated with immune-suppressing medications, such as corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) to reduce the effect of the immune system.
Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
Thrombocytopenia is a disorder where people have too few platelets. With too few platelets in the bloodstream, the blood is unable to properly clot. People with thrombocytopenia may experience prolonged external and internal bleeding. Large purple bruises (ecchymoses) and small red skin spots (petechiae) in the skin and mouth are common in those with thrombocytopenia. Other symptoms of the disorder include bleeding gums, blood in bodily fluids, and fatigue. Thrombocytopenia most often arises from a different condition or treatment, such as alcoholism, autoimmune disease, cancer treatments, viruses (such as Hepatitis C and HIV), bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia and aplastic anemia), enlarged spleen, and exposure to toxic chemicals. In rare cases, thrombocytopenia is inherited.
If a doctor suspects a patient has a thrombocytopenia, a complete blood count (CBC) or platelet count test helps determine the concentration of platelets in a person's blood at a given time. Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed by hematologists using advanced tests on platelet samples. Flow cytometry tests detect abnormalities by evaluating the characteristics of a platelet sample using targeted lasers and lights.
Treatments for low platelet counts include steroids like Prednisone, that can assist with platelet production. If a patient's low platelet count is caused by spleen problems, spleen removal (splenectomy) may be recommended. To treat the prolonged bleeding caused by thrombocytopenia, doctors frequently prescribe Dempressin, a hormone that promotes blood clotting. Antifibrinolytic medications such as tranexamic acid may also aid in the promotion of clotting and the prevention of bleeding. For patients with severe platelet disorders (either low platelet count and dysfunctional platelets), blood transfusions may be prescribed. Platelet blood transfusions deliver donated platelets to patients intravenously, replenishing the volume of functioning platelets.
Patients can also modify their lifestyle to better manage their disorder and minimize complications. Patients with low blood counts should avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and activities that could lead to injury. Many people with thrombocytopenia can live healthy and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and precautions.
Dr. Thomas Yang Sun, MD graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 2017. He completed residency at Stanford University Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology American Board of Internal Medicine, Hematology American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine and has a state license in California.
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine (2017)
Residency: Stanford University Medical Center
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology American Board of Internal Medicine, Hematology American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
Licensed In: California
Dr. Thomas Yang Sun, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Thomas Yang Sun, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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Dr. Thomas Yang Sun is a specialist in adult hematology, adult oncology, and medical oncology. He works in Pleasanton, CA and Oakland, CA. His areas of expertise include the following: bladder cancer, rectal cancer, and colon cancer. Before completing his residency at Stanford University Medical Center, Dr. Sun attended medical school at Yale School of Medicine. He has received professional recognition including the following: Adam Leroy Jones Prize, Columbia University; Best Research, Stanford Internal Medicine Residency Research Symposium; and Farr Scholarship, Yale University School of Medicine. In addition to English, Dr. Sun speaks Mandarin and Cantonese. His professional affiliations include Sutter Health and Stanford Health Care.
