Best Radiation Oncologists in Mumbai, India

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Questions Should I Ask a Radiation Oncologist?

Some essential questions to ask include:

• Will the treatment take place daily?
• What is the duration of the treatment?
• What are the side effects of the treatment?
• What diet should I take during the treatment?
• Can I continue with my routine activities and go to the office during treatment?
• Should I drive to the hospital for treatment or ask another person to drive?
• Will I lose hair?
• What precautions should I take during the treatment?

2. Do Radiation Oncologists in Mumbai Accept Mediclaim/Health Insurance?

Yes, many oncologists accept mediclaim/health insurance. Nanavati Max Hospital in Mumbai is the leading hospital for radiation therapy and other treatments. The hospital has tied up with leading health insurance companies. So if you have a mediclaim/health insurance policy, check with the hospital how you can avail of it and get first-class treatment.

3. Will I Need to Disclose My Medical History?

Before starting radiation therapy, your doctor will check your medical history and advise you to undergo a physical examination. This will help the doctor diagnose the problem and ascertain whether you will benefit from the therapy.

4. Will Oncologists Keep Their Patient’S Files Confidential?

Yes, oncologists keep their patient’s files and details confidential. But they may use it for study. To know more, have a frank discussion with your radiology oncologist at Nanavati Max Hospital.

5. Are There Side Effects to Oncology Treatment?

There are specific side effects associated with oncology treatment. Most of these side effects will go away a few months after the treatment. Some side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Skin issues like swelling, irritation, redness, etc.
• Weight loss
• Reduction in blood count levels.

6. How Much Do Oncologists Charge for an Initial Consultation?

A radiation oncologist may charge between Rs 1000 to Rs 2,500 or more. However, the fee may vary due to many factors like:

• The hospital’s reputation is where the oncologist is employed.
• The oncologist’s experience and expertise.

Contact Nanavati Max Hospital to get an idea of the oncologists’ initial consultation charge.

7. Do Radiation Oncologists Offer Home Visits?

Radiation therapy is usually done in a hospital. Top hospitals like Nanavati Max Hospital have a high-class medical infrastructure and the latest technologies. But you can also get certain types of treatment at home. As a part of your treatment, you may be prescribed certain medications, liquids, or ointments. These can be taken at home. In some instances, supportive therapy and supportive care may be done at home. The treatments mentioned above will be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional or nurse. You can search for a good radiation oncologist near you, but taking cancer treatment at home has its risks and may not be very safe. That is why it is necessary to avail of treatment at a leading hospital-like Nanavati Max Hospital.

8. What Procedures Do Radiation Oncologists Do?

A radiation oncologist may use external, internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), stereotactic radiosurgery or radiotherapy.

• External beam radiation therapy: With the aid of a machine, the radiation oncologist will target the cancerous area with high-energy X-rays
• Internal radiation therapy: An applicator is usually placed inside and the patient is treated. Radiation is delivered by a radioactive source.

9. Is Radiation Oncology Stressful?

Radiation therapy can cause stress due to the treatment and the side effects. But radiation is very beneficial as it lessens symptoms and prolongs the patient’s life in many cases.

10. Does a Radiation Oncologist Do Surgery?

A radiology oncologist does not perform scalpel surgeries. Instead, they treat cancer by using technologies like radiation therapy. In this therapy, cancer cells are destroyed with high-energy X-rays. They also perform stereotactic radiosurgery with fine beams of radiation. Surgical oncologists perform surgery. These specialized surgeons remove cancerous tumours and nearby tissues through surgery.

11. What is The Difference Between A Radiation Oncologist And A Radiologist?

A radiologist diagnoses and treats the disease with the help of medical imaging. Some technologies include MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, interventional radiology, etc. A radiation oncologist uses high-energy waves to treat cancer. The radiation oncologists destroy the cancer cells by aiming these waves at the cancerous area.

12. What to Expect From The Radiation Oncologist?

Before starting the treatment, a radiation oncologist will review your medical history, and undertake a physical examination. A simulation scan will be conducted to enable the team to identify the tumor’s location. Depending on your condition, you may be given either internal radiation therapy or external beam radiation therapy. During the treatment, you will lie down on a table, and the radiation will be administered with the aid of a machine. The treatment usually takes between 10 to 40 minutes. Once the treatment ends, ensure you regularly follow up with the doctor.