Oncology Hospital in Ahmedabad
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, the first advice is usually “see an oncologist”. But there are several kinds of oncologist, and finding the right one for your cancer is the first step to good treatment. This page explains how to find the best oncologist in Ahmedabad for your type of cancer, how the different oncologists work together, and how Dr. Vishal Choksi – a surgical oncologist (onco surgeon) trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – treats patients with head and neck cancer.
Diagnosed with a cancer of the mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid or salivary gland? Call +91 97277 03693.
What Does an Oncologist Do?
An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating cancer. The three main types are:
Type of oncologist | What they do | When you need them |
Surgical oncologist (onco surgeon) | Removes tumors and lymph nodes, and plans reconstruction | When the cancer can be removed with an operation – the main treatment for most mouth, thyroid and salivary cancers |
Radiation oncologist | Plans and delivers radiation therapy | For cancers treated with radiation alone, or after surgery to reduce recurrence |
Medical oncologist | Gives chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy | With radiation, before or after surgery, or for advanced or spread cancer |
Within surgical oncology there are further specialists – for example, head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, gynaecological and urological (uro-oncology). For a longer explanation, read which oncologist do you need.
Oncologist Surgeon in Ahmedabad for the Head and Neck
Dr. Choksi is an oncologist surgeon who treats only cancers and tumors of the head and neck:
- oral cancer including tongue, cheek, gum and jaw cancers
- throat cancer and laryngeal cancer
- thyroid cancer and parathyroid tumors
- salivary gland tumors
- Nasal, sinus and skull base tumors
If you have a cancer outside the head and neck, you need a different specialist, and our team will help direct you.
How Oncologists Work Together
For most head and neck cancers, the best results come when oncologists work as one team. A surgical oncologist removes the cancer; the pathology report then guides the radiation oncologist and medical oncologist on whether further treatment is needed. At an oncology hospital in Ahmedabad with a tumor board, this happens in a single coordinated plan, saving time and avoiding conflicting advice.
Which Oncologist Should You See First?
Your situation | Who to see first | Why |
A lump, ulcer or growth in the mouth, neck, thyroid or salivary gland | Head and neck surgical oncologist | Surgery is the main treatment for most of these cancers, and the surgeon arranges staging and the tumor board review |
Biopsy-proven throat (pharynx) or nasopharyngeal cancer | Head and neck surgical oncologist or radiation oncologist | Many of these cancers are treated mainly with radiation; the tumor board decides |
Cancer that has already spread to distant organs | Medical oncologist | Treatment is mainly with medicines such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy |
Blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma) | Medical oncologist or haemato-oncologist | These cancers are treated with medicines, not surgery |
Cancer of another organ (breast, bowel, prostate, lung) | The surgical specialist for that organ | Each organ has its own trained surgical team |
If you are unsure, start with the specialist for the part of the body involved. A good oncologist will refer you on when another specialist is better placed to lead your care.
What Makes the Best Oncologist Doctor in Ahmedabad?
- Right specialisation: an oncologist who treats your type of cancer every week
- Recognised training: fellowship training in the relevant subspecialty
- Team-based care: access to a tumor board, radiation and medical oncology
- Clear communication: explains options, risks and costs in a language you understand
- Evidence-based treatment: follows national and international guidelines
- Long-term follow-up: a plan for check-ups and survivorship care
- Patient feedback: consistent reviews from real patients
Oncology Hospital in Ahmedabad
Dr. Choksi operates at Apollo Ahmedabad, an oncology hospital with surgical, radiation and medical oncology, imaging, intensive care and rehabilitation. Consultations are available at Anahat Oncology near Parimal Cross Roads. Read about the cancer hospital in Ahmedabad.
Meet Your Onco Surgeon in Ahmedabad
- MBBS, Pramukhswami Medical College (Sardar Patel University)
- General Surgery residency and Chief Residency, Maimonides Medical Center, New York
- Diplomate, American Board of Surgery (2006)
- Clinical Fellow, Head and Neck Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York (2006–2008)
- Advanced training in minimally invasive thyroid surgery (Pisa) and endoscopic laser surgery (Milan)
- Lead Consultant, Head and Neck Cancer Surgery Services, Apollo Ahmedabad
Read more about Dr. Vishal Choksi and see patient reviews.
What Happens at Your First Oncology Appointment
- History and examination: the oncologist asks about your symptoms, habits (tobacco, alcohol), other illnesses and medicines, and examines the affected area and the neck.
- Review of reports: biopsy reports, scans and blood tests are reviewed. Biopsy slides or blocks may be sent for a second pathology opinion.
- Further tests: any missing scans or tests needed for accurate staging are arranged, usually within a few days.
- Explanation of the likely plan: you will hear what the treatment is likely to involve, how long it takes and what recovery looks like – confirmed once staging is complete.
- Written next steps: including dates, tests and an estimate of cost.
Bring a family member if you can – there is a lot of information to take in, and it helps to have someone else listening.
Getting a Second Opinion From an Oncologist
Second opinions are common in cancer care and good doctors welcome them. They are particularly worth considering when:
- A major operation is planned, such as removal of the voice box, tongue or jaw
- The cancer is rare or the diagnosis is uncertain
- You have received conflicting advice
- The cancer has come back after treatment
A second opinion can usually be completed within a week by sharing your biopsy report (and slides if possible), scan reports and images. It should not delay the start of treatment by more than one to two weeks.
Questions to Ask Your Oncologist
- What type and stage of cancer do I have?
- What are my treatment options, and which do you recommend and why?
- What is the goal of treatment – cure or control?
- How will treatment affect speaking, eating and appearance?
- Will other oncologists be involved in my care?
- How long will treatment and recovery take?
- What will it cost, and what does insurance cover?
- How often will I need follow-up?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best oncologist in Ahmedabad?
The best oncologist for you is one who specialises in your specific type of cancer and works within a multidisciplinary team. For head and neck cancers, look for a fellowship-trained head and neck surgical oncologist.
What is the difference between an oncologist and an onco surgeon?
“Oncologist” is a general term. An onco surgeon (surgical oncologist) treats cancer with surgery; a medical oncologist uses medicines such as chemotherapy; a radiation oncologist uses radiation.
Is Dr. Vishal Choksi a medical oncologist?
No. Dr. Choksi is a surgical oncologist specialising in head and neck cancer. He works with medical and radiation oncologists who provide chemotherapy and radiation when needed.
Should I see a surgeon or a medical oncologist first?
For most mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid and salivary gland cancers, a head and neck surgical oncologist is a good first point of contact, as surgery is often the main treatment and the surgeon coordinates the team.
Does Dr. Choksi treat prostate, kidney or bladder cancer?
No. These are treated by uro-oncologists. Dr. Choksi treats only head and neck cancers.
Can one oncologist handle my whole treatment?
Many cancers need more than one type of oncologist. A tumor board ensures they work to a single plan.
How do I know if my oncologist is qualified?
Check their degrees, fellowship training, board certification, hospital affiliation and experience with your type of cancer.
What should I bring to my first oncology appointment?
Biopsy reports and slides, scan reports and images, blood tests, previous treatment summaries and a list of medicines.
Can I take a second opinion from another oncologist?
Yes. Second opinions are common and encouraged for cancer treatment, and rarely delay care.
How do I book an appointment with an oncologist in Ahmedabad?
Call +91 97277 03693 or +91 79 2646 8666, or send your reports on WhatsApp.
Sources
Author & Medical Review
Dr. Vishal Choksi, MBBS, Diplomate American Board of Surgery, AHNS Fellow. Medically reviewed by Dr. Vishal Choksi.