Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that is a vital component of a multidisciplinary cancer treatment strategy. It is used to treat the brain, chest, breast, head and neck, rectum, pelvis, abdomen, and stomach.
If you have any symptoms such as hair loss, neck discomfort, or skin disorders, you have to seek medical advice from the best radiation oncologist in Chennai.
Overview
A medical professional who specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer is known as a radiation oncologist. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as radiation therapists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists, to design and implement treatment plans that deliver the optimal radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
They are responsible for determining the appropriate type and amount of radiation therapy needed for each patient based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. The best radiation oncologist in Chennai also monitors the patient’s progress throughout treatment, adjusts the treatment plan as necessary, and manages any side effects that may occur using various techniques.
Also, they use advanced technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and proton therapy, to target cancer with greater precision and accuracy. Moreover, they are also involved in research and clinical trials to develop new treatments and improve the effectiveness and safety of radiation therapy to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients.
What is a Radiation Oncologist?
A radiation oncologist is a physician specializing in the use of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. This type of therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop and deliver individualized treatment plans for patients with various types of cancer.
Treatment Procedures Handled by Radiation Oncologists
The best radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer in various parts of the body. The treatment aims to destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. The radiation oncologist determines the type and amount of radiation therapy needed for each patient, based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy involves high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells from outside the body. The radiation oncologist determines the exact location and angle of the radiation beams to deliver the optimal dose to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
- Internal Radiation Therapy, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing a small amount of radioactive material inside the body, directly into or near the cancerous tumor. The radiation oncologist uses specialized imaging techniques to guide the placement of the radioactive material, ensuring that it targets the cancerous cells with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Systemic Radiation Therapy involves injecting a radioactive substance into the bloodstream, which travels throughout the body to kill cancer cells. This type of therapy is typically used to treat cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
- Advanced Technologies are used by the best radiation oncologist in Chennai to deliver radiation therapy with greater precision and accuracy. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) uses computer-controlled X-ray beams to deliver radiation to the tumor from multiple angles, allowing for greater control of the radiation dose. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) uses imaging technology to precisely target the tumor and adjust the radiation dose as needed.
- Proton Therapy is another advanced technology used by radiation oncologists. It uses protons, which are positively charged particles, to deliver radiation to the tumor. Proton therapy has the advantage of delivering a more targeted dose of radiation while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
12 Best Radiation Oncologist in Chennai
Here’s a list of the top 12 radiation oncologists who are experts in providing radiation therapy in Chennai.
Dr. S. Gurumurthy
MBBS., DMRT., FCIP., MRSH., (London)
Dr. S. Gurumurthy is a renowned senior radiation oncologist at VS Hospitals. He is a highly skilled and qualified medical practitioner to provide advanced radiation therapy in Chennai by utilizing state-of-the-art techniques. He is specialized in treating brain tumors with interstitial brain implants.
Moreover, he is one of the few doctors in India who has performed implant brachytherapy from head to foot. He aims to handle cancer patients in all forms of radiotherapy – external, internal, and interstitial radiotherapy and target chemotherapy from head to toe with an affordable radiation therapy cost in Chennai.
Dr. M. Balu David
MD, FRO (USA), DMRT
Dr. M. Balu David is the best radiation oncologist in Chennai. He is currently associated with VS Hospitals holding more than two decades of experience in the field. He is highly appreciated and perfectly capable of handling obscure health issues and providing high success rates in providing comprehensive treatments to patients.
Also, he is specifically trained in high-precision radiotherapy in the USA and is an expert to use ionizing radiation such as megavoltage X-rays/ radionuclides in cancer treatment such as head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, breast, and gynecologic cancer.
Dr. S. Usha
MBBS., DMRT
Dr. S. Usha is a radiation oncologist at VS Hospitals. She is highly qualified in radiation therapy in Chennai and has handled a greater number of patients with compassion and care besides providing modern treatments.
In the medical field, she ensures to make use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer patients. She is also specialized in brachytherapy and developed an enthusiasm to learn more about the latest advancements in the field of radiation oncology.
Dr. R. Ramya
MD, DMRT
Dr. R. Ramya is currently working at VS Hospitals as a radiation oncologist. This best radiation oncologist in Chennai ensures to provide radiation treatments as a curative modality either alone or by combining surgery and/or chemotherapy.
She uses ionizing radiation such as radionuclides or megavoltage X-rays in the treatment of cancer such as breast cancer and gynec cancer, head and neck cancer, and colorectal cancer. Also, she motivates herself to learn the latest advancements in the field of radiation oncology.
Dr. Siva Subramanian
MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), DM (Medical Oncology)
Dr. Siva Subramanian is a distinguished medical professional with over a decade of experience in radiation and medical oncology. Holding an MBBS, MD in Radiation Oncology, and a DM in Medical Oncology, Dr. Subramanian is highly knowledgeable in the most recent advancements and techniques in cancer treatment. His expertise and compassionate approach make him a sought-after physician, recognized as the Best Radiation Oncologist in Chennai. Dr. Subramanian is committed to providing personalized care and effective treatment plans to his patients.
Dr. Jyotish
MBBS, MD (Radiotherapy)
Dr. Jyotish is a highly skilled Radiation Oncologist at Rela MS Hospital, specializing in radiotherapy. With an MBBS and MD in Radiotherapy, he has extensive knowledge and experience in treating various types of cancer using radiation techniques. His unwavering dedication to patient care and relentless pursuit of excellence have garnered him recognition as one of the Best Radiation Oncologists in Chennai. Dr. Jyotish is known for his meticulous approach and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Ponkodi
MBBS, MD (Radiotherapy)
Dr. Ponkodi is a proficient Radiation Oncologist based at Rela MS Hospital. She holds an MBBS and MD in Radiotherapy and is well-known for her expertise in the field. Dr. Ponkodi’s compassionate care and focus on innovative treatment methods have made her a trusted name among patients. As one of the Best Radiation Oncologists in Chennai, she is dedicated to delivering high-quality care and improving the lives of those battling cancer. Dr. Ponkodi’s patient-centric approach and expertise ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Dr. SVS Bala
MBBS, MD – Radiotherapy, Diploma in Dermatology
Dr. SVS Bala has 30 years of experience and is associated with Billroth Hospital. She handles all types of medical illnesses besides providing assistance in developing the radiotherapy department including installation and planning of the therapy machines.
Besides that, the best radiation oncologist in Chennai is an expert in handling chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and implants and also uses 3D, IMRT, and IGRT techniques to treat all types of cancer.
Dr. P. Krishna Kumar
MBBS, DMRT, MD – Radiotherapy
Dr. P. Krishna Kumar is an esteemed radiation oncologist who ensures to treat cancer patients with a reasonable radiation therapy cost in Chennai. He works at Dr. Kamashi Memorial Hospital and has 39 years of experience in the medical field.
Also, he uses radiotherapy, IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy), TACE (Trans Arterial Chemo Embolization), and other sophisticated procedures to provide comprehensive medical treatment for every patient.
Dr. Rajni Gupta
MBBS, DMRT, DNB – Radiotherapy
Dr. Rajni Gupta from Fortis Malar Hospital is the best radiation oncologist in Chennai who has about three decades of experience in the field. She ensures to handle all the cancer patients using her cutting-edge treatments.
The services provided by her include brachytherapy, breast cancer management, SRT, SRS proton therapy, etc. at a reasonable radiation therapy cost in Chennai.
Dr. P. Mahadev
MBBS, MD – Radiotherapy
Dr. P. Mahadev is associated with Apollo Cancer Hospital. He holds a special interest in head and neck cancer treatments, radiation oncology, radiosurgery, uro gynecological cancer treatments, and cyberknife radiosurgery.
Also, the best radiation oncologist in Chennai provides the best treatments for metastatic tumors, adrenal cancer, and anal cancer with advanced radiation therapy in Chennai.
Dr. Saritha Damodaran
MBBS, DMRT, MD – Radiotherapy
Dr. Saritha Damodaran has a good clinical experience in cancer treatments and radiation therapy in Chennai. She is associated with Billroth Hospital and palliative care to the patients who approach her.
Also, she is specialized in brachytherapy, precision beam therapy, and all other contemporary techniques like IGRT, IMRT, SBRT, ARC, SRS & SRT, and VMAT/RAPID.
What does a radiation oncologist do?
A radiation oncologist is a specialist who treats cancer using radiation therapy. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and monitor treatment. Their role includes determining the appropriate type and dosage of radiation, managing side effects, and ensuring the therapy targets cancer cells effectively while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
What are the benefits of radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy offers several benefits in cancer treatment, including shrinking tumors, relieving symptoms, and preventing cancer from spreading. It is a non-invasive option that can be used alone or combined with surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the case. It targets cancer cells with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
How long is a course of radiation therapy?
The duration of a radiation therapy course varies based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment plan. Typically, it lasts from 2 to 8 weeks, with sessions administered daily, five days a week. Each session usually takes around 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the treatment.
What are the different types of radiotherapy used?
Radiotherapy includes external beam radiation, internal radiation (brachytherapy), and systemic radiation therapy. External beam radiation uses a machine to target the cancer externally, while brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body near the tumor. Systemic radiation therapy involves swallowing or injecting radioactive substances to treat cancer throughout the body.
Is Radiotherapy a primary or a secondary option treatment for cancer?
Radiotherapy can be both a primary and secondary treatment for cancer. As a primary treatment, it directly targets and destroys cancer cells. As a secondary option, it is often used alongside surgery or chemotherapy to enhance overall treatment effectiveness, shrink tumors before surgery, or relieve symptoms in advanced stages.
Do I lose weight when undergoing radiation therapy?
Weight loss during radiation therapy can occur, especially if the treatment affects the digestive tract, mouth, or throat, making it difficult to eat. Fatigue, loss of appetite, and treatment side effects may also contribute to weight loss. However, maintaining a healthy diet and consulting with a nutritionist can help manage weight during treatment.
Services Offered by Radiation Oncologists
Radiation oncologists provide comprehensive cancer care, including:
Consultation and Diagnosis
- Initial Consultation: Evaluate medical history and diagnostic tests.
- Diagnosis: Confirm cancer type and stage via imaging and biopsies.
Treatment Planning
- Simulation: Map treatment areas using CT scans, MRI, or PET scans.
- Treatment Design: Customize plans based on cancer specifics.
Radiation Therapy Delivery
- EBRT: External radiation.
- Brachytherapy: Internal radiation.
- SRS and SBRT: Precise, high-dose treatments.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Treatment Monitoring: Assess and adjust as needed.
- Side Effect Management: Support for managing side effects.
- Follow-Up Care: Monitor for recurrence.
Palliative Care
- Symptom Management: Relieve symptoms in advanced cancer.
Patient Education and Support
- Information Sessions and Support Services: Educate and coordinate comprehensive care.
Conclusion
Thus, the best radiation oncologist will review your medical records and x-rays, and conduct a physical exam to decide what treatment plan to choose for you along with the radiation therapy in Chennai to help you lead an active lifestyle.
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