An oncologist is basically a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care to patients who are diagnosed with cancer. He is also called a cancer specialist. The medical field of oncology has three major areas based on treatments: medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy) surgical oncology (removal of tumor and nearby tissue), and radiation oncology (radiation therapy).
If any person is diagnosed with cancer, it is essential to visit a cancer hospital in India and get advanced treatment from the best oncologist in India as they can manage patients of all ages throughout the course of the disease.
What does an Oncologist do?
An oncologist is one who takes special care of cancer patients by getting to know their family history and lifestyle. This further helps them to identify the type of cancer to deliver quality and comprehensive care in making a successful outcome. All these start with diagnosis and their role includes:
1. Recommending tests to determine if the person has cancer or not.
2. Explaining the cancer diagnosis including the stage and type of cancer.
3. Discuss all treatment options and your treatment choice.
4. Helping the patients to manage symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment.
Thus, by approaching a well-known cancer hospital in India like the VS Hospitals, the patient can get to know the treatment plan which may include more than one type of treatment, such as cancer medications, surgery, and/or radiation therapy. This means creating a patient’s overall treatment plan with a multidisciplinary team involving different types of best oncologist in India and healthcare providers to help them get the best care possible.
Reasons to See an Oncologist
Your family doctor or general practitioner may refer you to the best oncologist in India if they can’t determine a cancer diagnosis or want the opinion of an expert in a specific field. This intent is to narrow down and rule out the potential causes of issues related to cancer so that you get the best course of treatment possible.
Tests an Unusual Lump or Growth
Usually in a normal clinic or hospital, there won’t be advanced equipment to diagnose a cancerous tumor, so the doctor will refer you to an oncologist for further testing. Most suspected tumors are harmless or benign, but this referral helps the doctor:
- Makes sure you have peace of mind with a negative test.
- Rule out cancer from the cause of symptoms you are experiencing.
- Catch a potentially malignant or harmful tumor in its early stages to make successful treatment.
- Direct comprehensive care in the event of a positive test result.
Provides Cancer Treatment
If you are confirmed with a cancer diagnosis, you’ll be referred to the best oncologist in India who will review your case individually, and explain details regarding the treatment options to help you restore to a normal lifestyle.
Depending on the stage of cancer, and any potential health complications, the treatment plan provided at the cancer hospital in India could include:
- Radiation slows a tumor’s growth without affecting the healthy tissues.
- The surgical procedure to remove a tumor.
- Targeted therapy to limit the spreading of tumors to other areas of your body.
- Chemotherapy treatment to destroy cancer cells.
Diagnose and Treat Cancer Disorders
Many oncologists provide the best chance of cure after conducting screening tests for the patients. It is recommended by the best oncologist in India to decide the appropriate treatment plan for you. The cancer diagnosis includes:
- Physical exam.
- Laboratory tests.
- Imaging tests.
- Biopsy.
The goals of cancer treatment are to provide cutting-edge treatments with a reasonable cancer treatment cost in India. Besides that, cancer treatments are focused on:
- Cure to help patients live a normal life span.
- The primary treatment is to remove cancer from the body or destroy the cancer cells.
- Adjuvant treatment kills the cancer cells that remain after primary treatment.
- Palliative treatment to help relieve side effects of treatments or signs and symptoms caused by the cancer itself.
Does Seeing an Oncologist Mean I Have Cancer?
Not necessarily. Seeing an oncologist does not automatically mean that you have cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but they may also treat other conditions that are not cancer-related.
There are many reasons why a person might be referred to the best oncologist in India, including abnormal blood test results, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or other symptoms that could be related to cancer or other illnesses. Additionally, some people may have a family history of cancer and choose to see an oncologist as a precautionary measure or for genetic testing.
It is important to keep in mind that while cancer can be a serious and life-threatening condition, many people with cancer are able to receive effective treatment and go on to live long and healthy lives. Furthermore, seeing an oncologist does not necessarily mean that you have advanced or late-stage cancer, as cancer can often be detected and treated at an earlier stage, leading to better outcomes.
If you have been referred to an oncologist or are considering making an appointment, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider. Your oncologist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and helps you achieve the best possible outcome.
How do I select the best oncologist?
Selecting the best oncologist is a critical decision in your cancer treatment journey. Here are some points to consider:
1. Expertise and Experience: Look for an oncologist with specialized expertise and extensive experience in treating your specific type of cancer.
2. Credentials: Check the oncologist’s credentials, including board certification, training, and affiliations with reputable medical institutions.
3. Patient Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from other patients to gauge their experiences and satisfaction with the oncologist’s care.
4. Communication Skills: Choose an oncologist who communicates effectively, listens to your concerns, and involves you in decision-making about your treatment plan.
5. Comprehensive Care: Seek an oncologist who provides comprehensive care, including access to advanced treatment options, supportive care services, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
6. Location and Accessibility: Consider the location of the oncologist’s practice and the ease of access to appointments, treatments, and support services.
7. Personal Connection: Trust your instincts and choose an oncologist with whom you feel comfortable and confident in building a collaborative relationship.
Finding the best oncologist in India may involve researching multiple options, seeking referrals from trusted sources, and scheduling consultations to assess compatibility and expertise.
What Should I Expect During My First Visit to an Oncologist?
Your first visit to an oncologist can be overwhelming and intimidating, but it is an important step in understanding your condition and developing a treatment plan. Here are some things you can expect during your first visit to an oncologist:
1. Medical History and Physical Exam: Your oncologist will likely ask you about your medical history, including any symptoms you have been experiencing and any medications you are currently taking. They may also perform a physical exam to check for any signs of cancer or other health issues.
2. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your oncologist may order diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging scans (such as CT or MRI scans), or a biopsy to determine the cause of cancer.
3. Discussion of Treatment Options: If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist will discuss your treatment options with you. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Your oncologist will explain the benefits and potential side effects of each treatment option and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
4. Emotional Support: Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. Your oncologist and their team can provide emotional support and connect you with resources such as support groups, counseling services, or other support services that can help you and your loved ones cope with your diagnosis.
Remember, the best oncologist in India like Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian will help you understand your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and support you throughout your cancer journey. It is important to ask questions, voice your concerns, and take an active role in your treatment decisions.
The Best Oncologist in India
Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian (MBBS, MD – General Medicine, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology) is the Founder/Chairman of VS Hospitals, Kilpauk, Chennai. To know more about the best oncologist in India, you can look through his tremendous achievements in the field of medical oncology.
Achievements of Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian
In his extended and proficient career, the best oncologist in India – Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian has played a vital role in surgical excellence in India in treating patients both nationwide and globally.
This best oncologist in India has prominent accolades that include:
- Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian is the best medical oncologist in India of international acclaim who has brought nearly five decades of cancer-fighting experience to the medical institution.
- He is the senior-most practicing medical oncologist in India and even though we have half a million consultants spread over five decades, it is not a mean achievement compared to this one single individual.
- His vast experience in handling patients with compassion and care has set him the trademark and has made him the most popular and the best oncologist in India of our time.
- In a survey conducted by a popular television network, this wonderful clinician has been rated very highly both by his peers and patients which has made him listed as one of the top five oncologists in Tamil Nadu.
- He has also earned more awards besides being rewarded with a lifetime achievement award from the former Honor Governor Doctor K. Rossiah.
- This talented oncologist in India has also worked as a pediatric cancer doctor besides maximizing his proficiency skills in handling patients starting from young to old.
- He is a much-celebrated academician besides being an outstanding oncologist and also, and he has developed a highly skilled team of medical, surgical, and radical oncologists to utilize state-of-the-art techniques to handle patients with quality treatment providing successful outcomes.
- This best oncologist in India has performed millions of surgical treatment procedures in his specialized areas like cervical cancer treatment, liver cancer treatment, blood cancer treatment, breast cancer treatment, oral cancer treatment, throat cancer treatment, lung cancer treatment, immunotherapy cancer, chemotherapy, and much more.
- Moreover, he ensures that the patients who approach him should get prompt and comprehensive treatment making the cancer treatment cost in India economical for the patients compared to other cancer hospitals in India.
At VS Hospitals, Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian, the best oncologist in India along with his team of medical professionals works consistently throughout the surgical process to make the patients have a seamless experience as much as possible.
Diseases Treated by Oncologists
Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. They address diseases including:
- Breast Cancer: Malignant tumors in breast tissue.
- Lung Cancer: Abnormal cell growth in the lungs.
- Colorectal Cancer: Cancer affecting the colon or rectum.
- Prostate Cancer: Tumors in the prostate gland.
- Leukemia: Blood cancers affecting the bone marrow and blood.
- Lymphoma: Cancers involving the lymphatic system.
- Ovarian Cancer: Cancer in the ovaries.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Malignancies in the pancreas.
- Skin Cancer: Including melanoma and non-melanoma types.
- Brain Tumors: Abnormal growths in the brain or spinal cord.
Oncologists employ various treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, tailored to each patient’s specific cancer type and stage.
Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, can cause various side effects, such as:
- Fatigue: Persistent and overwhelming tiredness.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Common with chemotherapy.
- Hair Loss: Particularly associated with certain chemotherapy drugs.
- Weakened Immune System: Increased susceptibility to infections.
- Anemia: Decreased red blood cell levels, resulting in fatigue.
- Skin Changes: Dryness, rash, or increased sensitivity.
- Mouth and Throat Issues: Sores, dryness, or difficulty swallowing.
- Digestive Problems: Diarrhea, constipation, or appetite changes.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage causing tingling or numbness.
- Emotional and Cognitive Changes: Memory problems or mood swings.
Management strategies exist, and healthcare providers work to minimize these side effects while effectively treating cancer. Patients should communicate any concerns promptly to their medical team.
Conclusion
There are different surgical procedures to treat several types of cancer. All you have to do is consult with the best oncologist in India to identify the root cause of the cancer disease besides providing sophisticated care and reasonable cancer treatment cost in India. If you or your loved ones have any queries regarding cancer treatment, it is advisable to approach the best oncologist in India like Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian where you can expect an individualized treatment plan with comprehensive care to help you live happier and healthier.
Read also Oncologists in Chennai.