Best Oncologists in Bangalore

The oncologist definition specifies a doctor with specialisation in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Since cancer treatment consists of diverse therapies and procedures, one may need to consult different types of cancer specialists for treatment.

The types of cancer doctors include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, paediatric oncologists, etc. Seeking medical care from qualified oncologists can help receive accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.  

Becoming an Oncologist in Bengaluru 

Oncology refers to the study of diagnosing and treating cancer. Oncologists undergo rigorous education and training to treat cancer. To ensure that you are going to the best oncologist, make sure they have the following qualifications:

1. Completion of a 5½-year MBBS degree from a recognised medical institution in India.

2. To become an Oncology specialist, one must hold a master's degree (MD or MS) in Internal medicine or General surgery. 

3. After completing an MD or MS, specialisation in Oncology through super-specialty courses like DM or MCh.

How to Choose the Best Oncologist in Bengaluru? 

A city like Bengaluru is known for its excellent healthcare facilities and many qualified cancer specialists. However, one needs to be sure that the doctor they finalise should meet their criteria. The following points can help you in finding the best oncologists in Bengaluru: 

      1.  Referrals: Seek recommendations from reliable sources, such as your primary care physician or friends who've had positive experiences with oncologists. Personal referrals often lead to well-vetted choices.

      2.  Credentials: Verify the oncologist's qualifications, ensuring they are board-certified and have specialised training in your specific cancer type.

      3.  Patient Reviews: Reading testimonials allows one to evaluate patient satisfaction and the oncologist's bedside manner. These can provide valuable insights into patient-doctor relationships.

      4.  Insurance: Confirm that the oncologist accepts your health insurance plan to minimise financial burdens during treatment.

      5.  Treatment Approach: Discuss the oncologist's approach to the treatment. Ensure they involve you in decision-making, offer comprehensive treatment options, and consider your individual preferences and needs.

      6.  Oncologist Team: Evaluate the strength of the oncologist's medical team, including surgeons, nurses, and support staff, as they play a pivotal role in your care.

      7.  Success Rate: Inquire about the oncologist's outcomes for your specific cancer type, though remember that each patient's situation is unique.

      8.  Hospital Quality: Assess the quality and reputation of the hospital or medical facility where the oncologist practices, as it impacts the overall standard of care you receive.

When to See an Oncologist in Bengaluru? 

Timely diagnosis and treatment are the most effective ways to control and manage cancer. Therefore, anyone experiencing symptoms must visit an oncologist at the earliest. You must see an oncologist in cases of: 

1. Cancer Diagnosis: If your primary care physician suspects or is confident you have cancer, they will likely refer you to an oncologist for specialised cancer treatment.

       2. Advanced Symptoms: Meet oncologists if there are constant and unexplained symptoms that could be cancer-indicative. These symptoms can be unexplained weight loss, lumps, bleeding, or other concerning changes in your health.

       3. Second Opinion: One must always get a second opinion from an oncologist to be sure about the diagnosis or treatment plan or if they wish to explore different treatment options.

Common Diseases Treated by Oncologists in Bengaluru 

Cancer is a diverse, extremely complex illness with many subtypes. It is caused by unchecked cell growth, and depending on the exact form of cancer, the organ impacted, the developmental stage, and the individual's genetic composition, it can behave quite differently. Some of the most common types of cancers treated by oncologists in Bengaluru include:

1. Breast Cancer develops in breast tissue. This cancer most commonly affects women but also occurs in men. Some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer include change in the breasts size, nipple discharge, lump formations, pain, rashes, etc.

       2. Gastrointestinal Cancer is the cancer of the digestive system. This includes colorectal, stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancer.

       3. Gynaecological Cancer refers to the cancers of the female reproductive system. Parts, such as the ovary, cervical, and uterine, can be categorised under this form of cancer.

       4. Head and Neck Cancer is a  group of cancers that affect areas like the mouth, throat, and nasal passages.

       5. Carcinomas start in the skin or tissues lining organs and are the most common type of cancer.

       6. Leukaemias are blood cancers primarily affecting the bone marrow and blood cells. Some of the most common symptoms of leukaemia include pain in bones, excessive sweating at night, swollen lymph nodes, excessive weight loss, fever, etc. 

       7. Lymphomas develop in the lymphatic system, which is the body's germ-fighting network. There are two types of lymphomas, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 

       8. Central Nervous System Cancer includes brain and spinal cord tumours, which can be benign or malignant and affect the central nervous system.

Types of Tests Recommended by Oncologists in Bengaluru 

The field of oncology is constantly evolving to understand the complexities of cancer. Tests are an effective way to understand the type of cancer and customise care to the patient's needs. Some of the most common types of tests recommended by the oncologists in Bengaluru include: 

1. Blood Chemistry Test: Measures various blood components. These components include electrolytes, sugar, proteins, etc.  It helps evaluate a patient's overall health and identify potential signs of cancer, such as abnormal levels of certain markers.

       2. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Examines the blood for abnormalities, like anaemia or unusual white blood cell counts. These can indicate the presence of cancer or its effects on the body.

       3. Tumour Marker Tests: Measure substances produced by tumours in the blood or other bodily fluids. It aids in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and assessing treatment response.

       4. Urinalysis: Screens urine for abnormalities, such as blood or proteins. This may indicate the presence of certain cancers, including bladder or kidney cancer.

       5. Imaging Tests: Techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans are used to obtain detailed images of the body. It helps in cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response.

       6. Biopsy: Involves removing a sample of tissues, fluid or cells for examination under a microscope to confirm cancer diagnosis. This process determines its type and assesses its characteristics, guiding treatment decisions.

       7. Cytogenetic Analysis: Assesses the genetic makeup of cells to detect chromosomal abnormalities associated with certain cancers. It aids in diagnosis and treatment planning.

       8. Immunophenotyping: Aids in identifying specific markers on the surface of cells. This can help differentiate between normal and cancerous cells and determine the type of cancer.

       9. Liquid Biopsy: Detects cancer-related genetic mutations or fragments of tumour DNA in the bloodstream. This offers a non-invasive way to monitor cancer presence and assess treatment effectiveness.

     10. Sputum Cytology: This test evaluates mucous from the respiratory tract to identify abnormal cells, which is particularly useful for detecting lung cancer.

     11. Urine Cytology: Examines urine under a microscope to identify abnormal cells, especially useful for diagnosing bladder and urinary tract cancers.

Common Oncology Surgery Procedures Available in Bengaluru 

Oncology surgery encompasses various procedures tailored to the type, stage, and location of tumours, as well as the patient's health and preferences. Oncologists perform many types of cancer surgeries to meet the specific needs of the patients. Some of the common ones include:

1. Laparoscopy: It is a minimally invasive method. It involves using a camera and surgical tools to remove tumours and adjacent tissue through small incisions.

      2. Laser Surgery: This technique employs high-intensity light to eliminate or eradicate tumours, offering precise and controlled treatment.

      3. Cryosurgery: Using extreme cold, this procedure freezes and eliminates abnormal cells, making it effective for specific cancer cases.

      4. HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion): After tumour is removed, HIPEC is used. HIPEC delivers concentrated chemotherapy, targeting any remaining cancer cells.

      5. Neuroendoport Surgery: An endoscopic approach accesses and removes deep brain tumours through a small opening, minimising invasive procedures

      6. Robotic Whipple Surgery: This minimally invasive technique, employing robotic arms and small incisions, facilitates the removal of pancreatic, gallbladder, bile duct, and intestinal sections for cancer treatment

Is Oncology Treatment in Bengaluru a Good Treatment to Consider?

Yes, opting for oncology surgery and treatment in Bengaluru proves to be a wise decision. The city has numerous private hospitals and those accredited by NABH, guaranteeing top-notch care and stringent safety measures. Bengaluru is known highly for its proficient oncologists and cutting-edge medical infrastructure.

Patients can make the most of medical care, an extensive array of treatment choices, and the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams. All of these factors significantly elevate the overall quality of healthcare services available in the field of oncology in Bengaluru.

Takeaway 

Oncologists are cancer doctors specialising in treating multiple cancer forms. Their extensive qualifications provide them with in-depth knowledge of various cancer types, staging, and treatment options. They offer a wide range of treatment modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, ensuring a comprehensive approach to cancer care.

To find the best oncologists in Bengaluru and for the best treatment option, get in touch with our expert team at Hexahealth today.