Best Oncologist & Doctors in Kochi, India Share & Compare Reviews, Ratings, Feedbacks

Reviews of Dr. Lijiya Pushpan - Best Radiation Oncologist in India

Dr. Lijiya Pushpan

Radiation Oncologist
Kochi, India
15 Years of experience
Reviews of Dr. Jem Kalathil - Best Surgical Oncologist in India

Dr. Jem Kalathil

Surgical Oncologist
Kochi, India
26 Years of experience
Reviews of Dr. Sharath S - Best Surgical Oncologist in India

Dr. Sharath S

Surgical Oncologist
Kochi, India
10 Years of experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is an Oncologist?

Oncologists are specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat cancers and tumors. They often have a key role in preparing a treatment plan, diagnosis, and supportive care for the patients who are suffering from cancer. They are the main healthcare providers to coordinate with cancer suffering patients.

What conditions do Oncologists treat?

An oncologist can treat all types of cancers and tumors. They specialize in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Some other organ-specific surgeries that an oncologist can treat are:

  • bone cancers
  • prostate cancer
  • skin cancer
  • blood cancers
  • head and neck cancer
  • liver cancer
  • brain cancer
  • breast cancer
  • cervical cancer
  • lung cancer
  • testicular cancer

What are the qualifications of an Oncologist?

  • To pursue oncology, a subspecialty of internal medicine doctors must undergo a three-year residency after graduating from medical school in internal medicine.
  • Medical oncologists must pursue a two- to three-year medical oncology fellowship after completing their residency.
  • A general surgical residency has to be completed first, followed by a two-year surgical oncology fellowship.
  • Radiation oncology is a five-year process that begins with an internship in internal medicine and ends with a residency in radiation oncology.

What are the subspecialties of an Oncologist?

Oncologists may have various specialties to manage cancer of a particular area in the best possible method and provide the right care.

Some of the areas of specialization are:

  1. Medical oncology: These specialists help in monitoring people for cancer treatment side effects and help in administering their dosage in the right manner.
  • chemotherapy
  • biologic therapy
  • hormone therapy
  • targeted therapy
  1. Surgical Oncology: These surgeons are specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer by extensively studying the stage of cancer. They can also take biopsies and other samples and study them to determine the best course of treatment.
  2. Radiation oncology: A radiation oncologist is specially trained to provide treatment of external and internal radiation therapy.

Oncologists can decide to specialize in other types of cancers and their education such as:

  • gynecologic oncology
  • gastrointestinal oncology
  • geriatric oncology
  • neuro-oncology
  • pediatric oncology
  • hematology-oncology
  • musculoskeletal oncology

What diagnostic tests are required by an Oncologist?

Some of the commonly ordered diagnostic tests in oncology are as follows:

  • Barium Enema.
  • Bone Scan.
  • Breast MRI.
  • Biopsy.
  • Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy.
  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG) and Echocardiogram
  • Types of Endoscopy
  • Mammography
  • MUGA Scan
  • Pap Test
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Scans
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan.
  • Fecal Occult Blood Tests
  • Tumor Marker Tests
  • Ultrasound
  • Upper Endoscopy

When should you visit an Oncologist?

If your general practitioner or family doctor wants the opinion of an expert in a specialized field or needs help in making a cancer diagnosis, they may refer you to an oncologist. The goal is to narrow down and rule out all the potential causes of an issue so that you can receive the best possible treatment.

Your general physician may refer you to an oncologist in order to:

  • Examine a New Growth or Lump
  • In case cancer is already detected then make cancer treatment available. An oncologist will go over your case, explain all of your treatment choices, and make a recommendation.
  • Help you get a Second Opinion
  • For Blood Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment

What can you expect from your first visit with an Oncologist?

There’s a high possibility that your initial oncology appointment will take up to two to three hours. An oncologist will need to gather all the information associated with your health that will take time.

A patient can also expect the following while visiting an oncologist:

  • Your physician might ask about emotions, anxiety, rage, or despair. It is common for a cancer patient to have these emotions in the initial stage. there might also be chances of feeling numb or a sense of shock.
  • A thorough physical examination will be conducted by your primary care physician as well as an oncologist before proceeding further with the visit.
  • There are some additional blood test or imaging studies requirements at times to land with the right diagnosis.
  • In the case of a positive cancer case, there might be a requirement of meeting with the whole cancer care team.

How to choose the best doctors in Kochi?

A doctor that is best for one person may not be best for another. The definition of best is ever-evolving based on many factors such as personal preferences, type of illness and cruciality of the disease. It is extremely important to pay attention to all the factors while finalizing a healthcare provider as it may be a matter of life and death. For some people, the definition of best revolves around finding doctors that are certified and have years of experience in a clinical setting. Some patients look for specialized doctors for their disease to receive flawless care, while others opt for general physicians as they can recommend a person to the specialist in case the need arises. The preferred way of choosing a doctor is to ask for recommendations from neighbours, friends and relatives. This method can provide a seal of trust along with genuine recommendations. The other way to find the best doctor is to start looking for one in your locality or nearby so that travelling time is reduced. People nowadays also look for online reviews and ratings of a healthcare provider before actually visiting them.

The search for the right doctor can be made easier by following these simple steps:

  • Finding the doctors located nearby : The search always starts from your locality. A patient tries to look for doctors in their vicinity and the key to selecting the best doctor is to conduct a simple search in your nearby blocks. You can seek out a physician or surgeon in your neighbourhood close to your home. When travel time is minimised, the point of contact becomes easier, and the entire treatment procedure becomes considerably smoother.
  • Clinical expertise to meet the specific health needs : It is possible to narrow down your list of providers, once it is clear what problem you are dealing with. In the clinical field, there are several medical specialities and subspecialties that a patient can look for. The most popular ones include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and General Practice. There are also paediatricians, or paediatric doctors, who can serve as your child's primary care physician. Find a doctor who meets your healthcare needs and has a solid reputation among prior patients.
  • Referrals can work wonders : It is more comfortable to book an appointment with a doctor who has been suggested by friends, family, or neighbours since it carries the seal of trust and confidence of someone you know. You can find the correct physician by asking around among your friends and acquaintances. If you already see a general practitioner, they may be able to recommend you to a specialist.
  • Ask practical questions : Asking inquiries such as when is the best time for you to see a doctor? Is the doctor's office close to your home or is it a long distance away? Is the care provider equipped with all of the resources that may be required for your treatment?

Which are some of the most common types of doctors patients seek out in Kochi?

When a patient starts looking for a healthcare provider, they are essentially looking for one who excels in their skills and medical expertise. Additionally, the online reviews and ratings of the provider also play a major role now that patients are becoming digitally active and paying attention to details. The value of healthcare in Kochi is being enhanced by doctors and surgeons with their experience of treating a wide range of disorders and providing comfort to patients. Patients in Kochi frequently seek out the following types of doctors:

  • General Physician
  • Chiropractor
  • Neurologist
  • Orthopaedist
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecologist
  • Reproductive Medicine specialist
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Hepatologist
  • Paediatrician & Neonatologist
  • Cardiologist
  • Urologist
  • Nephrologist
  • E N T specialist
  • Dentist
  • Rheumatologist
  • Endocrinologist
  • Pulmonologist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Dermatologist
  • Anaesthesiologist & Critical Care specialist
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
  • Oncologist
  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon
  • Laparoscopic Surgeon
  • Physiotherapist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Histopathologist
  • Radiologist

Which are the most popular treatments availed in Kochi?

The treatment in Kochi can be prominently divided into three vertices i.e. Allopathy, Ayurveda, and homoeopathy. All three vertices are popular and known for their own benefits around the world. While ayurvedic treatments are more popular in the city of Kochi, The allopathic healthcare system is also strong and attracts a lot of medical tourists. Both the public and private sectors are well-equipped and have certified physicians to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care. Most of Kochi’s hospitals and clinics have modern infrastructure, making the city one of the fastest-growing healthcare hubs in the country. The following are the most popular therapies accessible in Kochi:

  • Orthopaedics
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Paediatrics & Neonatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Neurosciences
  • Cardiology
  • Urology
  • E N T
  • Endocrinology
  • Pulmonology
  • Oncology
  • Dental Sciences
  • Dermatology
  • Nephrology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Rheumatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Anaesthesia & Critical Care
  • General Surgery
  • Paediatric Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Physiotherapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Audiology & Speech Therapy
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • Dietary Services

What is the level of expertise which is offered by doctors and surgeons in Kochi?

The doctors and surgeons in Kochi are well-educated and trained in their specific verticals. The level of expertise is decided by the years of experience of the doctor in the clinical field, hands-on training, and educational background. The city is full of both experienced as well as various budding doctors. The cost of consultation also varies based on the expertise of the doctor. It depends on the patient to choose the specialist that meets their needs. The expertise of the doctor is, therefore, relative to the requirement and experience of the patient.