Best Surgical Oncologists for Oral Cancer in Chennai, India

This page lists 6 oral cancer doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 6 oral cancer doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Oral Cancer 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.

About the Condition

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to malignant tumours that develop in the tissues of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, palate, and the inner lining of the cheeks. It is a serious condition that can spread to nearby structures and, if not detected early, to the lymph nodes of the neck and beyond, significantly affecting swallowing, speech, and overall quality of life. Key risk factors include tobacco use in any form, heavy alcohol consumption, infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and a history of oral submucous fibrosis or leukoplakia. A thorough assessment combining clinical history, physical examination, imaging, and tissue biopsy is needed to understand the extent of disease and guide appropriate management.

Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.

Treatment options for Oral Cancer

Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.

Oral Cancer Surgery

Oral cancer surgery involves the surgical removal of cancerous tissue from the mouth, tongue, jaw, or surrounding structures, often combined with neck dissection to remove lymph nodes at risk of spread.

Why it may be consideredIt is the primary treatment for most oral cancers and is frequently followed by reconstruction to restore function and appearance, along with radiotherapy or chemotherapy as needed.

Key distinction: Early Stage

Oral Cancer Resection and Reconstruction

Oral Cancer Resection and Reconstruction involves surgically removing malignant tissue from the oral cavity (tongue, buccal mucosa, gums, or floor of mouth) along with a margin of healthy tissue, often combined with neck dissection to remove lymph nodes at risk of spread.

Why it may be consideredReconstruction is performed simultaneously using local, regional, or microvascular free flaps to restore form, speech, and swallowing function. This combined approach aims to achieve complete cancer clearance while preserving the best possible quality of life.

Key distinction: Most Comprehensive

How is Oral Cancer treated?

Care usually follows several stages, from assessment through treatment and follow-up.

1

Assessment

Review medical history, BMI and overall health.

2

Lifestyle & medical treatment

Diet, physical activity, behavioural support and medicines when appropriate.

3

Specialist evaluation

Assess whether additional treatment may be appropriate.

4

Treatment selection

Non-surgical or surgical options based on individual circumstances.

5

Treatment & recovery

Follow the selected treatment plan and recovery guidance.

6

Long-term follow-up

Monitor weight, health and response to treatment.

Oral Cancer doctors

Image not available Featured

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
View all procedures →
Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist Experience: 33+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
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Dr. Naveen H C

MBBS, MS (ENT), Fellowship in Head & Neck Oncology, MCh (Head & Neck Surgical Oncology)
Consultant — Head & Neck Oncology & Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon
  • Consultant — Head & Neck Oncology & Surgical Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, Present
  • Consultant, Department of Head & Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center, Narayana Hrudayalaya
Expertise & Procedures
  • Oral cancer surgery and resection
  • Selective and comprehensive neck dissection
  • Laryngeal cancer surgery
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer resection
  • Oropharyngeal cancer surgery
View all procedures →
Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Dr. P. Saravanan

M.Ch, MRCS, DNB, MBBS
Visiting Consultant — Surgical Oncologist · Specialty: Surgical Oncologist
Rela Hospital Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 30+ years of experience in Surgical Oncologist
  • Visiting Consultant, Surgical Oncology — Rela Hospital, Chennai, Present
  • Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology — Global Health City, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Oral Cancer Resection and Reconstruction
  • Radical Neck Dissection
  • Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer Surgery
  • Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Cancer
View all procedures →
Surgical Oncologist Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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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)
View all procedures →
Head and Neck Onco-Surgeon Experience: 20+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
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Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar

MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (ENT), M.Ch (Head & Neck Surgery), FEB (ORL HNS), FICRS
Consultant — Head & Neck Oncologist, Surgical Oncology · Specialty: Head & Neck Oncological Surgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India23+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 23+ years of experience in Head & Neck Oncological Surgeon
  • Consultant – Head & Neck Oncologist, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, Present
  • Assistant Professor in Head & Neck Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
Expertise & Procedures
  • Oral Cancer Surgery
  • Laryngeal Cancer Surgery
  • Thyroid Cancer Surgery
  • Selective Neck Dissection
  • Comprehensive Neck Dissection
View all procedures →
Head & Neck Oncological Surgeon Experience: 23+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
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Dr. Mathan Mohan

BDS, MDS – Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, FHNOS – Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, FIBOMS – Indian Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, AOCMF – Navigational Surgery, FIBSCOMS – Indian Board of Surgical and Clinical Oncology of Maxillofacial Surgery, FGOLF, FIBCSOMS-CAQ – Certificate of Added Qualification
Visiting Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery · Specialty: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist
Rela Hospital Chennai, India20+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 20+ years of experience in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist
  • Dean, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Chengalpet, Chennai — current academic and administrative leadership role.
  • Visiting Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Rela Hospital, Chennai — one of India's leading multi-specialty centres.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Head and neck tumour surgery
  • Oral cancer surgery
  • Neck dissection
  • Jaw surgery (orthognathic and reconstructive)
  • Oral cyst removal
View all procedures →
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist Experience: 20+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL

Hospitals where these doctors practise

Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$4,000

Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road

Est. 1983
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Surgical OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
3+
Doctors here
4.7
125 reviews
560+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Anil K D'CruzDr. Sandip DurahDr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar
Apollo Gleneagles Hospital🇮🇳 Kolkata, India
Starting from$4,000

Apollo Gleneagles Hospital

Est. 2003
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
Surgical OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors here
4.7
134 reviews
750+
Beds
23+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Naveen H C
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$4,000

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Surgical OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors here
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. P. SaravananDr. Mathan Mohan

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for oral 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.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Oral Cancer) 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 Oral Cancer in Chennai, India

What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the oral cavity — most commonly on the tongue, floor of the mouth, or lips — and have the potential to invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. The large majority of cases are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they arise from the flat cells lining the inside of the mouth.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Oral Cancer?
Common signs include a persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two to three weeks, a red or white patch (erythroplakia or leukoplakia) on the gums, tongue, or cheek lining, unexplained bleeding, numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, a lump in the neck, or a change in voice. Some early-stage lesions cause little or no discomfort, which is why visible changes in the mouth should not be dismissed even when they are painless. The presence of one or more of these signs does not confirm a diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can determine their significance after proper evaluation.
How is Oral Cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical and lifestyle history followed by a thorough head-and-neck examination, including inspection and palpation of all oral surfaces and the cervical lymph nodes. If a suspicious lesion is identified, an incisional or punch biopsy is required to confirm malignancy and determine the histological grade. Once cancer is confirmed, staging — commonly using the TNM system (Tumour size, Node involvement, Metastasis) alongside CT, MRI, PET-CT, and sometimes endoscopy — establishes the extent of disease and informs the choice of treatment.
How is Oral Cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the stage, location, and histological characteristics of the tumour, as well as the patient's overall health and personal circumstances, and is best decided through a multidisciplinary team discussion. Early-stage oral cancers (typically Stage I–II) may be managed with surgery alone or radiotherapy alone, while more advanced disease (Stage III–IV) usually requires a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy or targeted agents such as cetuximab. In all cases, the final treatment plan should be individualised following a detailed assessment by the relevant specialists.
Can Oral Cancer be treated without surgery?
Radiotherapy — delivered as external beam radiation, sometimes with concurrent chemotherapy (chemoradiation) — is a well-established non-surgical primary treatment option, particularly for patients who are not surgical candidates or for tumours in locations where surgery would cause significant functional loss. Targeted therapy and, increasingly, immunotherapy (such as checkpoint inhibitors for recurrent or metastatic disease) may also be considered. For very small, pre-malignant lesions such as mild dysplasia, active surveillance with regular monitoring and cessation of risk factors (tobacco, alcohol) may be appropriate, though this must be decided by a qualified clinician on an individual basis.
When is Oral Cancer Surgery considered for Oral Cancer?
Oral Cancer Surgery may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is typically evaluated and managed by a head and neck surgical oncologist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with oncology experience, working alongside a clinical or radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist as part of a multidisciplinary team. Depending on the extent of disease, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon may also be involved, particularly when resection requires significant tissue reconstruction.
How do I choose a doctor for Oral Cancer?
When choosing a provider for oral cancer care, look for a surgeon with documented experience in oral cancer resection and reconstruction, operating within a hospital that has a dedicated multidisciplinary head and neck oncology team, access to advanced imaging and pathology services, and a clear plan for post-treatment rehabilitation — including speech therapy and dental oncology support where needed.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.