Dr. Vishal Rao US

Dr Vishal Rao US is a highly experienced Surgical Oncologist and Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon with 24 years of clinical experience in head and neck surgical oncology, robotic surgery, laser surgery, and ENT oncology.

He currently serves as Group Director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery and Dean at HCG Cancer Centre, K R Road, Bangalore.

Dr Vishal Rao US is the innovator behind the Aum Voice Prosthesis, a one-dollar speaking device for throat cancer patients, recognised among 100 global social innovations by BBC, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes.

He holds over 18 patents in medical devices, software, drugs, and techniques, has authored over 100 national and international publications, and serves as Editor of the Journal of Precision Oncology.

He has managed over 10,000 head and neck cancer cases and serves as Visiting Scholar at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Visiting Faculty at Johns Hopkins University, Director of the Cancer Prevention and Tobacco Control Project with the World Health Organisation, and Advisor to the World Health Organisation.

Area of Expertise

Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

He provides expert surgical management of benign and malignant tumours of the oral cavity, thyroid, neck, voice box, parotid, and salivary glands, including radical and modified neck dissections, carotid body tumour surgery, vascular tumour surgery, and parapharyngeal space tumour management.

Robotic and Laser Surgery

Dr Vishal Rao US performs advanced minimally invasive head and neck cancer surgeries using robotic surgical platforms and laser surgery techniques, enabling precise cancer removal with reduced surgical trauma and faster patient recovery.

Medical Innovation and Cancer Rehabilitation

He is the inventor of the Aum Voice Prosthesis and holds over 18 patents including the Hydrophobic Tracheotomy Tube and other healthcare innovations such as Dr VR, Glove Talk, ANS Explorer, and Snap Health, contributing significantly to cancer rehabilitation and affordable healthcare solutions.

Cancer Prevention and Tobacco Control

He is actively engaged in cancer prevention and tobacco control programmes as Director of the Cancer Prevention and Tobacco Control Project with WHO Tobacco Free Initiatives, and serves as Medical Advisor to Allen Carr's Easyway, contributing to broader cancer awareness and early detection efforts.

Hospital Associations

• Currently associated as Group Director, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at HCG Cancer Centre, K R Road, Bangalore
• Previously associated as Consultant at BGS Global Hospital, Bangalore
• Previously associated as Consultant at HCG Curie Centre of Oncology, Koramangala, Bangalore
• Previously associated as Consultant at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru
• Previously associated as Senior Consultant at HealthCare Global Cancer Centre

Education and Qualifications

• MBBS – Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, 2002
• MS ENT – Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, 2005
• Fellowship in Head and Neck Onco Surgery – Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, 2008
• FRCS – Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow
• FACS – USA
• Karnataka Medical Council – Registration No. 64434, 2002

Memberships

• Action Council Against Tobacco, India
• State Association of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Karnataka
• Union for International Control Globalink
• State Committee on Tobacco
• Indian Medical Association

Languages

• English
• Hindi
• Kannada

Awards and Recognitions

• Kempegowda Award – Highest Civil Award conferred by the Bengaluru Corporation
• Varshada Kannadiga Award – Kannadiga of the Year, 2018
• Rotary Vocational Training Award, 2016

Publications

• Subash A, Rao VUS, Bylapudi BP, Sinha P, Thakur S, Tazeen S. The Impact and Prognostic Significance of Extra-Nodal Extension in Clinically N0 Oral Cancer: A Prospective Clinical Study. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. 2023
• Majumdar KS, Rao VUS, Prasad R, Ramaswamy V, Sinha P, Subash A. Incidence of Micrometastasis and Isolated Tumour Cells in Clinicopathologically Node-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery. 2020;19(1):131–135
• Rao VS, Patil P, Rajaram BV. Management of the Neck in Early Oral Cancers: Is the Verdict Out. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics. 2016;12(3):1114

Book an Appointment with Dr Vishal Rao US, Surgical Oncologist in Bangalore

To consult Dr Vishal Rao US for head and neck cancer surgery, robotic surgery, laser surgery, or cancer prevention guidance, visit HCG Cancer Centre, K R Road, Bangalore. Check his contact details and availability through HexaHealth today.