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Top 10 Radiation Oncologists in Chennai

Best Radiation Oncologist in Chennai
Table of Contents

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.

Best Radiation Oncologist in Chennai | VS Hospitals

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.

10 Best Radiation Oncologists in Chennai

Here’s a list of the top 10 radiation oncologists who are experts in providing radiation therapy in Chennai. 

Dr. S. Gurumurthy

MBBS., DMRT., FCIP., MRSH., (London)

Dr. S. Gurumurthy Sr. Consultant Radiation Oncologist in vs hospitals

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 Consultant Radiation Oncologist in vs hospitals

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 MBBS., DMRT Consultant Radiation Oncologist in vs hospitals

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 Consultant Radiation Oncologist in vs hospitals

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. 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.

Dr. K. R. Prasanna Kumar

MBBS, DNB – Radiotherapy

Dr. K. R. Prasanna Kumar is currently associated with Rela MS Hospital. He is the best radiation oncologist in Chennai to provide comprehensive radiation therapy in Chennai using Primus, cyber knife, true beam, gamma med plus, etc. 

Moreover, he has vast experience in various external beam radiotherapy techniques like 2D Conventional Radiotherapy, IMRT, IGRT, and Brachytherapy Techniques like Intraluminal, Intracavitary, and Interstitial HDR Brachytherapy.

What does a radiation oncologist do? 

A radiation oncologist is a medical specialist who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation therapy involves using high-energy radiation, such as X-rays or proton beams, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The best radiation oncologist in Chennai works with a team of healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. 

They evaluate the patient’s medical history, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and collaborate with other specialists to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. They also monitor patients throughout their treatment, manage any side effects, and make adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary.

What are the benefits of radiation therapy? 

Radiation therapy has several benefits in the treatment of cancer:

Kills Cancer Cells: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, to kill cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body.

Shrinks Tumors: Radiation therapy can also be used to shrink tumors before surgery, making it easier to remove them. It is also used after surgery for killing the remaining cancer cells.

Pain Relief: Radiation therapy can help alleviate pain caused by cancer. It can be used to shrink tumors that are pressing on nerves or other organs, reducing pain and discomfort.

Improves Quality of Life: Radiation therapy can improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and difficulty breathing. It can also help patients maintain their ability to eat, speak, and perform other daily activities.

Non-Invasive: Unlike surgery, radiation therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require incisions or anesthesia. This means there is less risk of complications and patients can typically resume their normal activities sooner.

Personalized Treatment: Radiation therapy can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs, based on the type, location, and stage of their cancer. This personalized approach can improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.

How long is a course of radiation therapy?  

The length of a course of radiation therapy depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Typically, a course of radiation therapy lasts between 2 and 8 weeks, with treatments given daily or several times a week. 

Each treatment session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and patients may receive between 5 and 40 treatments in total. The best radiation oncologist in Chennai will work with the patient to determine the optimal treatment plan, taking into account the goals of treatment, potential side effects, and other individual factors.

What are the different types of radiotherapy used? 

There are several different types of radiation therapy used in the treatment of cancer:

External Beam Radiation Therapy: This involves using a machine to deliver high-energy radiation beams to the cancerous area from outside the body.

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): This involves placing radioactive material directly into or near the tumor, allowing for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): This is a type of external beam radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to a small area in fewer treatment sessions.

Proton Therapy: This is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses proton beams to target cancer cells with less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT): This involves delivering a single, high dose of radiation to the tumor site during surgery.

The choice of radiation therapy will depend on the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as other individual factors. The radiation oncologist will work with the patient to determine the most appropriate type of radiation therapy for their specific situation.

Is Radiotherapy a primary or a secondary option treatment for cancer?

Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing and multiplying. Whether radiotherapy is a primary or secondary option for cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the location of the cancer, and the overall health of the patient.

In some cases, radiotherapy may be the primary treatment for cancer, particularly if the cancer is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body. For example, radiotherapy may be used as a primary treatment for early-stage prostate cancer or non-melanoma skin cancer. In these cases, radiotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.

In other cases, radiotherapy may be used as a secondary option for cancer treatment, either in combination with other treatments or after the initial treatment has failed. For example, radiotherapy may be used after surgery to remove a tumor to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are destroyed. It may also be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat advanced or metastatic cancers.

The decision to use radiotherapy as a primary or secondary option for cancer treatment is typically made by a team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, radiation therapists, and other specialists. The best radiation oncologist in Chennai will take into account factors such as the patient’s overall health, the type and stage of cancer, and the potential risks and benefits of various treatment options.

Do I lose weight when undergoing radiation therapy?

Weight loss is a possible side effect of radiation therapy, but it is not a guaranteed outcome for all patients. The extent of weight loss can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cancer being treated, the location of the cancer, and the individual patient’s overall health status.

Radiation therapy can cause weight loss through several mechanisms. First, it can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can decrease appetite and make it difficult to maintain a normal diet. Additionally, radiation therapy can damage the lining of the digestive tract, which can make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food.

Other factors that can contribute to weight loss during radiation therapy include fatigue, changes in taste and smell, and anxiety or depression.

However, it is important to note that not all patients undergoing radiation therapy will experience weight loss, and some patients may even experience weight gain due to changes in appetite or activity levels. Maintaining proper nutrition and a healthy diet during radiation therapy is important to help minimize potential weight loss and maintain overall health and energy levels.

If you are undergoing radiation therapy and are experiencing significant weight loss or other concerning symptoms, it is important to discuss these issues with the best radiation oncologist in Chennai as he/she may be able to provide recommendations for managing side effects and help you maintain a healthy diet during treatment.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

The best radiation oncologist in Chennai usually suggests the patients undergo radiation treatments on a daily basis, or 5 days a week for about 5 – 8 weeks. Each session would take about 10 – 30 minutes, and it can be beneficial for patients, especially those with more advanced cancers to overcome pain or symptoms associated with it.

On the first day of consultation with the best radiation oncologist in Chennai, the patient will have to give all their medical records and pathology reports. This will be easy for the doctor to conduct a physical exam for the patient, and provide information regarding the type of cancer and the radiation treatment choices, possible side effects, and treatment consent.

The best radiation oncologist in Chennai will inform the patients about the harmful effects of radiation before starting the treatment. The most harmful effects of radiation are loss of hair, the functioning of the heart is affected, certain parts like the thyroid gland may be affected, the cause of immune problems, and the cells of the reproductive tract are prone to be affected.

Despite the complications or side effects, radiotherapy can be a highly effective treatment for cancer. 4/10 cancer cures include radiotherapy as part of the treatment option. However, the best radiation oncologist in Chennai has stated that radiotherapy does not cause cancerous tumors to shrink immediately but it takes some time for the beneficial effects to become apparent.

Seeing a radiation oncologist offers specialized expertise in cancer treatment involving radiation therapy. Benefits include precise targeting of cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues, and tailored treatment plans based on cancer type and stage. Radiation oncologists work collaboratively with other specialists, ensuring comprehensive cancer care. Their expertise enhances treatment efficacy, reduces side effects, and contributes to improved outcomes for patients undergoing radiation therapy.