Best Oncologist in India

An oncologist in India is a cancer specialist who diagnoses and treats cancer patients. They work with other specialists to design treatment plans and provide supportive care.

Common conditions treated by Oncologists are-

Carcinomas: Carcinomas are cancers of skin cells or the tissue lining the internal organs such as the kidneys and liver. Common types of carcinomas are-

• Basal cell Carcinoma

• Squamous Cell carcinoma

• Adenocarcinoma

• Ductal Carcinoma in-situ (DCIS)

• Renal cell Carcinoma

• Invasive ductal Carcinoma

Sarcomas: Sarcomas are cancers of soft tissue and bones. Common types of sarcomas are-

• Osteosarcoma - Cancer of bone cells

• Chondrosarcoma- Cancer of cartilage cells

• Liposarcoma- Cancer of fat cells

• Fibrosarcoma- Cancer of fibrous tissue

• Angiosarcoma- Cancer of blood vessels

• Synovial sarcoma- Cancer of cells of tendons and joints

Leukemias: Leukemias are cancers of blood cells. Common types of leukaemias are-

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL)

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of cells of the immune system. Common lymphomas are-

• Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Central Nervous System Cancer- Central nervous system cancers are cancers of the brain and spinal cord. Common central nervous system cancers are-

• Gliomas

• Astrocytomas

• Oligodendrogliomas

• Ependymomas

• Meningiomas

• Medulloblastomas

• Schwannomas

You need to see an Oncologist if you have symptoms such as-

• A persistent lump

• Unintended weight loss

• Overwhelming fatigue

• Unexplained pain 

If you are a cancer patient or suspected case of cancer, your physician will refer you to an Oncologist.

Your doctor will take note of your medical history, family history and personal history such as tobacco, gutka chewing etc. Your doctor may ask you to undergo the following tests that can help in the diagnosis of cancer.

• Blood tests

• Urine tests

• Blood sample for tumour markers

• CT Scan

• MRI

• PET scan

• Ultrasound

• Biopsy

There are three major types of cancer specialists

• Medical Oncologists: They treat cancer using medications and use modalities such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. 

• Radiation Oncologists: They use high-energy X-Ray beams to kill cancer cells.

• Surgical Oncologists: They perform surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. 

There are oncologists for each speciality. Some of the common cancer specialists are-

• Neuro-oncologists

• Pediatric oncologists

• Geriatric oncologists

• Hematologist-oncologists

• Thoracic oncologists

• Urologic oncologists

• Gynecologic oncologists

In the first appointment, your cancer specialist will perform a thorough examination. The doctor will take  your medical, personal and family history and ask you to undergo certain diagnostic tests.

A cancer doctor helps by-

• Confirming the initial diagnosis

• Explaining the stage of cancer and diagnosis in detail to patients.

• Preparing a personalized treatment plan 

• Overseeing during the entire treatment execution

• Managing symptoms

• Managing side effects of treatment