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This page lists 11 sentinel lymph node biopsy doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy doctors in Chennai, India
This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy doctors
FeaturedDr. Aiswarya Sekar
MCh, MS, MBBS
Gynecologic Oncosurgeon — Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Gynecologic Oncosurgeon
Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre Chennai, India7+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 7+ years of experience in Gynecologic Oncosurgeon
- Gynecologic Oncosurgeon, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai — Present
- Senior Resident & Fellow in Gynecologic Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai — 2024
Expertise & Procedures
- Cytoreductive Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
- HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
- Radical Hysterectomy with Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
- Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy
- Vulvectomy and Groin Node Dissection
Gynecologic Oncosurgeon Experience: 7+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Dr. Rela Institute & Medical CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Anil K D'Cruz
MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS (Hon.)
Senior Consultant — Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist
Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre Chennai, India33+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 33+ years of experience in Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist
- Senior Consultant — Surgical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, Chennai, Present
- Visiting Consultant, Apollo Hospitals — Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, Present
Expertise & Procedures
- Thyroid Cancer Surgery
- Oral Cancer Resection
- Laryngeal Cancer Surgery
- Neck Dissection
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist Experience: 33+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Balaji Ramani
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MRCS (Edinburgh), MCh (Surgical Oncology), DNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS (Oncology), FARIS (Robotic Surgery)
Director, Gleneagles Institute of Oncology — Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Surgical Oncologist
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India17+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 17+ years of experience in Surgical Oncologist
- Director, Gleneagles Institute of Oncology, Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai, Perumbakkam — Present
- Senior Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Teynampet, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
- Robotic-assisted gynecological oncology surgery
- Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC
- Laparoscopic-assisted oncological procedures
- Breast-conserving oncoplastic reconstruction
- Ovarian cancer debulking surgery
Surgical Oncologist Experience: 17+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Dr. D. Pon Jeeva Mathan
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), PDF (Minimal Access Surgery), PDF (Surgical Oncology)
Consultant — Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre Chennai, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 10+ years of experience in Surgical Oncologist
- Consultant, Surgical Oncology — Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai (Present)
- Senior Resident, Surgical Oncology — Tata Medical Center, Kolkata (2021–2023)
Expertise & Procedures
- Breast-Conserving Surgery
- Mastectomy and Reconstruction
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Endoscopic Breast Surgery
- Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery
Surgical Oncologist Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Dr. Rela Institute and Medical CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Keshavarajan G
MCh, MS, MBBS
Consultant — Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Surgical Oncologist
Rela Hospital Chennai, India17+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 17+ years of experience in Surgical Oncologist
- Consultant, Department of Surgical Oncology, Rela Hospital Cancer Centre, Chennai — Present
- Assistant Professor, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal — clinical and academic experience
Expertise & Procedures
- Breast cancer surgery with oncoplasty
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Gynecological cancer debulking
- Colorectal cancer resection
- Gastric cancer surgery
Surgical Oncologist Experience: 17+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Phanendra Kumar Gubbala
MBBS, MRCOG, Fellowship in Gynaecological Oncology, Fellowship of the European Board of Gynaecologists
Consultant — Gynaecological Oncology · Specialty: Gynecologic Oncosurgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India9+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 9+ years of experience in Gynecologic Oncosurgeon
- Consultant—Gynaecological Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, India (Present)
- Consultant—Gynaecological Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, India (Present)
Expertise & Procedures
- Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy
- Cervical cancer surgery (open and laparoscopic)
- Ovarian cancer cytoreduction and debulking
- Robotic-assisted gynecological oncology procedures
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Gynecologic Oncosurgeon Experience: 9+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Rupinder Sekhon
MBBS, MD
Senior Consultant — Gynaecologic Oncology & Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Gynecologic Oncosurgeon
Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre Chennai, India35+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 35+ years of experience in Gynecologic Oncosurgeon
- Senior Consultant, Gynaecologic Oncology & Surgical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, Chennai, India
- Certified Robotic Console Surgeon, 2011 to Present
Expertise & Procedures
- Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
- PIPAC (Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
- Robotic-Assisted Radical Hysterectomy
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Gynecologic Cancers
- Comprehensive Staging Surgery for Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers
Gynecologic Oncosurgeon Experience: 35+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Sandip Durah
MBBS, MS (ENT), MCh (Head and Neck Oncology)
Senior Consultant — Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist · Specialty: Head and Neck Onco-Surgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India20+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 20+ years of experience in Head and Neck Onco-Surgeon
- Senior Consultant Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai — Present
- Senior Head and Neck Oncosurgeon, Leading Cancer Institute, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
- Oral cancer surgery with resection and reconstruction
- Oropharyngeal cancer resection
- Laryngeal cancer surgery and laryngeal preservation
- Hypopharyngeal cancer resection
- Neck dissection (selective, modified, radical)
Head and Neck Onco-Surgeon Experience: 20+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Shubhra Chauhan
MDS, FHNS (MCC), Fellowship in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, Fellowship in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, AO Fellowship in Head & Neck Oncology, IFHNOS-GOLF Fellowship in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
Senior Consultant — Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 15+ years of experience in Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon
- Senior Consultant — Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai, Present
- Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon, Nungambakkam Head & Neck Cancer Clinic, Chennai, Present
Expertise & Procedures
- Wide local excision for oral cavity cancer
- Neck dissection (selective and comprehensive)
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy and mapping
- Laryngeal conservation surgery
- Pharyngeal and laryngeal reconstruction
Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Dr. Swathi Prakash
MCh, MS, MBBS
Consultant — Breast Surgery & Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Breast Surgical Oncologist
Rela Hospital Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 15+ years of experience in Breast Surgical Oncologist
- Consultant, Breast Surgery & Surgical Oncology — Rela Hospital, Chennai
- Visiting Research Scholar — National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research (NICPR), Noida
Expertise & Procedures
- Breast cancer surgery and oncological resection
- Skin-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction
- Oncoplastic breast surgery
- Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Breast Surgical Oncologist Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Hospitals where these doctors practise
🇮🇳 Chennai, IndiaStarting from$1,800
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre
Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Sentinel Lymph Node BiopsySurgical OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
4+
Doctors for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Chennai, IndiaStarting from$1,800
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road
Est. 1983
JCI — Joint Commission International accreditationNABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Sentinel Lymph Node BiopsySurgical OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
5+
Doctors for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
4.7
125 reviews
560+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Chennai, IndiaStarting from$1,800
Gleneagles Global Hospital
Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Sentinel Lymph Node BiopsySurgical OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
Why consider treatment in India?
Many international patients consider India for breast cancer treatment for several reasons, including:
More affordable estimates
Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.
Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.
Experienced specialists
Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.
Care coordination support
A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.
About the Procedure
What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. A tracer (radioactive substance and/or blue dye) is injected to identify the 'sentinel' node(s) — the first lymph nodes cancer cells are likely to reach — which are then removed and examined by a pathologist. It helps avoid unnecessary removal of all axillary lymph nodes, reducing complications like lymphedema while accurately staging the cancer.
Who may be considered?
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.
How does it work?
Combines a radioactive tracer injected pre-operatively with a blue dye injected during surgery to maximize accurate identification of the sentinel node(s), offering the highest detection rates.
2 approaches available for this procedure:
Dual-Tracer Technique (Radioisotope + Blue Dye)
Gold StandardCombines a radioactive tracer injected pre-operatively with a blue dye injected during surgery to maximize accurate identification of the sentinel node(s), offering the highest detection rates.
Comprehensive Investigations
Estimated cost: $300 - $600
Mammography, Breast ultrasound, Core needle biopsy report, CBC, Coagulation profile, ECG, Chest X-ray, Lymphoscintigraphy
Treatment / Procedure Estimate
Estimated cost in India: $2,800 - $4,800
Stay in India
Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~2 days
Hospitalisation: ~2 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~7 days recommended
Total stay: approx 9-11 days
Usually Included in Hospital Package
- Nuclear medicine tracer injection and lymphoscintigraphy
- Surgeon and anesthesiologist fees
- Operation theatre and hospital stay
- Intraoperative gamma probe use
- Pathology examination of excised node(s)
Usually Not Included
- Flights and visa costs
- Accommodation for companion
- Follow-up adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy/radiotherapy)
- Post-surgery pathology genomic tests if required
- Any concurrent breast surgery (lumpectomy/mastectomy) if performed separately
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients go home within 1-2 days and can resume light activities within a week, with arm mobility exercises recommended to prevent stiffness; final pathology results guiding further treatment are typically available within 5-7 days.
Risks
Risks are generally low and include temporary arm numbness or bruising, mild allergic reaction to the blue dye, seroma formation, and a small chance of lymphedema, all significantly lower than with full axillary lymph node dissection.
Alternatives
The main alternative is full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), which removes more nodes and carries higher risk of lymphedema, typically reserved for cases with confirmed node involvement; imaging-based surveillance without biopsy is not a recommended alternative when cancer staging is required.
What we need to prepare a formal estimate
Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.
Reports required
- Recent mammogram and breast ultrasound reports
- Core needle biopsy / histopathology report confirming diagnosis
- Any prior breast MRI images and reports
- Complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile
- ECG and chest X-ray (if age/comorbidity indicates)
- List of current medications and allergies
- Previous surgical or oncology consultation notes if any
Patient information needed
- Age and general health/comorbidity status
- Stage and location of breast cancer diagnosis
- Whether SLNB will be combined with lumpectomy or mastectomy
- History of prior breast or axillary surgery
- Known allergies, especially to iodine or blue dye
- Any history of pregnancy or breastfeeding (radioisotope precautions)
- Current medications, especially blood thinners
Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy) and procedure (Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.
Need help with the next step?
Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.
Common questions
FAQs about Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Chennai, India
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumour originating in the cells of the breast, most commonly in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma), which has the potential to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. It is classified by its molecular subtype, grade, and stage, all of which inform the most appropriate course of management.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Breast Cancer?
Common signs include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple discharge (particularly if bloodstained), nipple inversion, or persistent pain in one area of the breast. In more advanced cases, swelling of the arm, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss may occur. These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, so their presence alone does not confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer.
How is Breast Cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically established through a combination of imaging — most commonly mammography and ultrasound, with MRI used in selected cases — and a tissue biopsy, which allows pathologists to confirm malignancy and determine the tumour's grade and receptor status (oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2). Staging, from Stage I through Stage IV, is then assessed using clinical examination, pathology results, and where indicated, further imaging such as CT or bone scans to evaluate whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast. All of these findings are reviewed together by a qualified clinician to determine the most appropriate individual management plan.
How is Breast Cancer treated?
Treatment for breast cancer is highly individualised and depends on the tumour's stage, grade, molecular subtype, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Surgical options available through our directory include lumpectomy, mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, oncoplastic breast surgery, and breast reconstruction, each suited to different clinical scenarios. These procedures are commonly combined with systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy, and with radiotherapy, to reduce the risk of recurrence — the precise combination being determined by a multidisciplinary team following full assessment.
Can Breast Cancer be treated without a procedure?
Non-surgical treatments play a central role in breast cancer management and are used either alongside surgery or, in some cases, as the primary approach — for example, hormone therapy alone in frail or elderly patients with hormone-receptor-positive disease who are not surgical candidates. Systemic options include chemotherapy, hormone (endocrine) therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy; some patients also receive neoadjuvant (pre-operative) systemic therapy to reduce tumour size before surgery. Radiotherapy is frequently recommended after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy to reduce the risk of local recurrence. The role and sequence of each non-surgical treatment is determined on an individual basis by the treating oncology team.
When is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy considered for Breast Cancer?
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is typically managed by a multidisciplinary team led by a surgical oncologist and a medical oncologist, working alongside a radiation oncologist, breast radiologist, and pathologist. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons may also be involved when breast reconstruction is planned.
How do I choose a doctor for Breast Cancer?
When selecting a provider, look for a surgical or medical oncologist with documented experience in breast cancer specifically, working within a hospital that offers a formal multidisciplinary tumour board, access to the full range of systemic therapies, and clear pathways for follow-up care and survivorship support.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.