Medical Speciality
Oncology
Comprehensive cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted molecular therapy.
Common Conditions
Warning Symptoms — See a Doctor If You Have:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Unusual lumps or swellings
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Prolonged cough or hoarseness
- Unexplained bleeding
- Non-healing wounds
Common Procedures & Tests
Oncology: Cancer Care in India
India has emerged as a global hub for oncology, combining internationally trained specialists, advanced technology (proton therapy, PET-CT, robotic surgery), and costs 70–80% lower than Western countries.
Multi-Disciplinary Tumour Boards
At leading Indian cancer centres, every patient’s case is reviewed by a tumour board — ensuring the expertise of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists informs every treatment decision.
Key Sub-Specialities
- Medical Oncology — Drug-based treatment protocols
- Radiation Oncology — IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, Gamma Knife, CyberKnife
- Surgical Oncology — Tumour resection; robotic-assisted cancer surgery
- Haematological Oncology — Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, bone marrow transplant
- Gynaecological Oncology — Cervical, ovarian, uterine cancers
- Paediatric Oncology — Childhood cancers with age-appropriate protocols
FAQ
Oncology — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a medical oncologist vs surgical oncologist?
Medical oncologists specialise in drug-based cancer treatments (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy). Surgical oncologists perform tumour removal operations. Most patients are managed by a multi-disciplinary team including both, plus radiation oncologists.
Is cancer curable in India?
Many cancers are curable, particularly breast, cervical, thyroid, and early-stage colorectal cancers. India's leading cancer centres have outcomes comparable to global benchmarks with significantly lower treatment costs.