Best Oncologist in India

Choosing the right doctor for cancer treatment is a big relief for patients and their families.

In India, where we have already seen rapid advancements in medical oncology, some truly remarkable oncologists are improving patient care, research, and innovation in treating various types of cancer. 

So, if you want to learn about the best oncologists and the factors to consider when selecting a doctor, this article will benefit you, so read it carefully.

What is an oncologist?

An oncologist is also known as a cancer specialist, a healthcare provider specializing in oncology, a department of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating different stages of cancer.

However, a consultation with an oncologist allows you to talk with a specialized oncologist who understands the problem that you are going through. Additionally, they are also specialized in helping people deal with the stress and anxiety that a possible diagnosis can bring. 

Types of Oncologists

Cancer is a severe disease, and people with cancer usually require multiple oncologists in their healthcare team. This multidisciplinary method allows each specialist to focus on different parts of your treatment with a common goal.

Here are the types of Oncologists

Surgical oncologist

These healthcare providers will do surgery to remove a cancer that has not spread yet, and along with the tumor, they also remove surrounding tissues. Additionally, it also helps in pre-surgery and the healing process.

Medical oncologist

These medical oncologists treat cancer with the help of chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, immunotherapy, and other targeted treatments. People usually think that medical oncologists are their primary cancer doctors because they see them the most. Most of the medical oncologists specialize in treating hematology ( the treatment of blood disorders and blood cancers).

Radiation oncologist

These healthcare providers often use radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation can shrink the tumor and kill the remaining cancer cells before and after the surgery. You quite often have radiation as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies.
Other oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating different kinds of cancer:

Gynecological oncologist

These oncologists treat gynecologic cancers like cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Pediatric oncologists

These oncologists treat cancers that are more common in today's children than in adults, like childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Ewing sarcoma, and childhood brain tumors.

Neurological oncologist

These oncologists treat people who have brain tumors and cancers that affect the nervous system.

What does an Oncologist do?

• Do tests to diagnose cancer
• Give a second opinion on the previous diagnosis
• Recognize treatment options
• Talk over each option's benefits and side effects as well
• Overview of cancer treatment
• Manage aftercare treatment

Does consulting an oncologist mean I have cancer?

Consulting an oncologist doesn’t always mean that you have cancer. If you have symptoms of cancer, then an oncologist gets involved. If your healthcare provider refers you to an oncologist, then you don’t have to wait to schedule an appointment. The sooner you get the diagnosis, the better it is. However, cancers are more treatable in their early stages.

Common Types of Cancer Diagnosed and Treated by Oncologists

There are more than 100 types of cancer. Healthcare providers group them according to where they start in your body and the type of tissues they affect. There are three broad categories of cancer.

Solid cancers

This is the most common type of cancer, building up to 80% to 90% of all cases. This includes carcinoma that forms in epithelial tissues like the skin, breast, colon, and lungs. Sarcoma usually forms in bone and connective tissues.

Blood cancer

These cancers start in your blood cells and lymphatic system. Including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Mixed cancers

Cancers that involve two groups and subtypes. For example, Carcinosarcoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.

Top 5 Oncological Care that Cancer Doctors Recommend in India

Surgery

A surgical operation could be used to diagnose, stage, prevent, and treat cancer. For a diagnosis, the doctor takes out a biopsy to know what type of cancer the patient has and how far it has spread. When the cancer is not spread throughout the body, then surgery is most commonly used.

Chemotherapy

In this process, treatment involves the use of drugs to deal with cancer all around the body.

Chemo is advised for nearly all cancers, from solid to tumors to hematologic malignancies.

The doctors are responsible for examining what drugs and drug combinations to use. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, which is also known as radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of waves or particles to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor. At small doses, radiation is used in X-rays to see inside the body.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs and other substances to determine and attack cancer cells, targeting particular molecules many times and tracking the cancer cells that rely on growth and survival.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy for cancers uses your body’s immune system to find and destroy the cancerous cells. There are many immunotherapy types, but all immunotherapy works by training your immune system.

How to Select the Best Cancer Doctor?

Choosing the right oncologist is one of the most difficult decisions when it comes to cancer treatment. The skill of your oncologist could have an important impact on your treatment and overall prognosis. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to choose the best oncologist for cancer care, with a focus on finding top specialists.

India offers multiple compelling reasons for international patients seeking specialized medical oncology treatment.

Expertise in Medical Oncology

Indian hospitals are renowned for their highly skilled medical oncologists who have received training at reputable medical institutions globally.

Advanced Medical Facilities

Primary oncology centers in India are equipped with advanced technology, modern foundations, and specialized oncology units that can meet international standards.

Cost-effective treatment

Medical oncology treatment in India is remarkably more affordable compared to Western countries like the U.S.A. UK and Australia, which includes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, etc.

FAQs