Lady Ratan Tata Medical and Research Centre

Department of Surgical and Medical Oncology

This department undertakes cancer check-ups which include an ENT examination, a chest X-ray, a blood test, a general physical check-up, and (in the case of women) breast and gynaecological examinations and a Pap smear test. There are facilities for taking endoscopic & surgical biopsies (samples of tissue for examination).

Patients requiring minor surgery can be attended to in the well-equipped operating theatre. Patients requiring biopsies and investigations (such as endoscopies, under general anaesthesia) can be provided with special facilities on the premises, in the day ward.

The Medical Oncology department undertakes assessment of patients who require chemotherapy injections and tablets considered essential in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Chemotherapy is administered either solely utilising a variety of drugs, or in combination with surgery and/or radiotherapy.

The Dental department provides general oral check-ups to exclude premalignant and early cancerous lesions. It also provides oral and dental hygiene prior to surgery and offers post-operative dental prostheses.

Different kinds of protective prostheses are also prepared prior to undertaking radiation therapy. The external prosthesis unit can manufacture artificial ears, nose, fingers, hands, toes, parts of the foot and orbit (with eyes).

External breast prostheses can also be prepared and supplied to patients. The prostheses are made from silicon which has a texture and appearance very similar to that of normal skin. Other implantable prostheses for different parts of the body can also be made in this department. Aside from determining the type of therapy indicated in an individual case, the Oncology department offers the cancer prone guidelines recommending the type of diet and lifestyle conducive to healthy living.