Best Oncologists in Mumbai, India

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is an Oncologist?

Oncology is a field of medicine that specialises in the study of cancer. An oncologist treats and diagnoses cancer.

2. Who is a Cancer Specialist?

A cancer specialist also called an oncologist, is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer.

3. What does an Oncologist Do?

Oncologists are well-qualified to diagnose symptoms of cancer in patients. On the basis of pathology reports, the oncologist determines the type of treatment or therapy the patient needs.

4. When to Visit an Oncologist

If you have any complications, you will see your primary doctor. The doctor will conduct tests to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment. If your doctor finds any symptoms or signs of cancer, they will ask you to consult a medical oncologist.

5. What Questions Should One Ask Their Oncologist?

Some important questions that you need to ask are:

• What type of cancer has been diagnosed?
• What treatment would cancer specialist recommend?
• What are the risks and benefits of the treatment?
• Are there any side effects?
• How long will it take to recover?
• Is a second opinion required?

6. How to Choose The Right Oncologist?

Choosing the best oncologist in Mumbai for your cancer treatment is imperative. Here are some tips that you need to follow:

• Check the oncologist’s credentials
• Check the oncologist’s experience.
• Do a thorough background check of the hospital where the oncologist works.
• Ask your primary doctor to recommend a good oncologist.
• Read other people’s reviews.

7. How Can a Patient Find an Oncologist?

• Ask your doctor for referrals.
• If you know someone in your family or friend circle who has had cancer treatment, you can ask for details about the oncologist who treated them.
• Hospitals like Nanavati Max Hospital employ the best oncologists with varied experience.

8. What Tests are Done by Oncologists to Diagnose Cancer?

A cancer doctor in Mumbai or other parts of the country may perform various tests.

• During a physical exam, the doctor may look for lumps or abnormalities that indicate cancer.
• Urine and blood tests
• CT scan, bone scan, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray etc.
• Biopsy: During the biopsy, a sample of the patient’s cells is collected. The sample is tested in the laboratory to determine the presence of cancer.

9. What Should You Talk to Your Oncologist About?

You can talk to your oncologist about the type of cancer you have, how far has it spread, the type of treatment needed, the cause of cancer, risks and side effects associated with the treatment, benefits of the treatment, etc.

10. What are The Different Types of Oncologists?

• Medical oncologists treat cancer with chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
• Radiation oncologists treat cancer with radiation therapy. In this procedure, high-energy X-rays are directed at the cancerous cells to target and destroy them.
• Surgical oncologists remove the tumour through surgery.
• Other sub-specialities include gynecologic oncologists, geriatric oncologists, haematology-oncologists, neuro-oncologists, pediatric oncologists, and thoracic oncologists.

11. What is a Cancer Care Team?

A cancer care team comprises medical specialists who diagnose and treat cancer. Some specialists you will meet during the treatment include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, psychiatrists, dieticians and others.

12. When Should I Call The Nurse or Doctor About My Cancer?

If you experience any side effects during cancer treatment, you should contact your doctor or nurse.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Skin discolouration
• Confusion
• Difficulty in breathing
• Bleeding
• Extreme diarrhoea

13. Why is Nanavati Max Hospital Chosen for The Best Oncologists in Mumbai?

Nanavati Max Hospital has the best cancer specialists in Mumbai and India. The medical infrastructure and technologies used at the hospital are at par with international standards. Proper care is given at affordable rates.

14. What is The Difference Between a Clinical Oncologist and a Medical Oncologist?

• A medical oncologist uses drug treatments like hormone therapy, chemotherapy and biological agents to treat cancer.
• A clinical oncologist uses drug treatments and radiotherapy.

15. Does Being Referred to an Oncologist Mean You Have Cancer?

If your primary doctor suspects there is a possibility of cancer, they will refer you to an oncologist. But there is no certainty at this stage of the existence of cancer.

16. Does Insurance Cover Oncology Services?

Many insurance policies cover critical illnesses like cancer. Contact Nanavati Max Hospital to know more about the insurance coverage for oncology services.

17. What is The Cost of Different Cancer Treatments in India?

The cost of cancer treatment in India varies according to multiple factors. To get a detailed cost breakdown of the different cancer treatments, contact Nanavati Max Hospital.

18. What are The Common Types of Cancer Treated by Cancer Specialists?

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Skin cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer