Best Hospitals for Cancer Surgery in Mumbai
Cancer Surgery in Mumbai is known for its advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and top-tier hospitals that offer world-class treatment at affordable prices. The city is home to some of India's leading cancer specialists and comprehensive cancer care centres. Patients from across the country and abroad visit Mumbai for a wide range of surgical options, from minimally invasive procedures to complex tumour removals. With personalised care and state-of-the-art facilities, Mumbai remains a trusted destination for effective cancer surgery.
What is Cancer? – Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. It begins when normal cells change and start to divide without stopping, forming a lump or mass called a tumour (in most cases of cancer). These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and, through the blood and lymph systems, spread to distant parts of the body. Cancer can affect almost any organ or tissue and may cause serious health problems if not treated properly. There are over 100 different types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and blood cancers.
Cancer symptoms often depend on where the cancer begins and how far it has spread. While early stages may be silent, many cancers show warning signs that shouldn't be ignored. Cancer surgery in Mumbai provides diagnostic treatment and a customised plan to every patient. Below are some key symptoms explained in detail:
Sudden Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss without changes in diet or exercise may signal cancer. Losing more than 5–10 kg without trying can be a red flag, especially in cancers like stomach, pancreatic, lung, or oesophageal.
Extreme Fatigue
Unlike normal tiredness, cancer-related fatigue doesn't improve with rest. It can be overwhelming and ongoing, often linked with blood cancers like leukaemia or due to cancer spreading in the body.
Lumps or Swelling
A hard, painless lump may form under the skin in areas like the breast, neck, armpit, or groin. While not always cancerous, lumps should be checked, especially if they grow or feel unusual.
Skin Changes
Skin cancer isn't the only type that causes skin changes. Look for dark patches, redness, or yellowing; sores that don't heal; itching or bleeding moles; unusual hair growth or skin thickening.
Persistent Cough / Hoarseness
A chronic cough or a hoarse voice, especially in non-smokers, may be a sign of throat, lung, or thyroid cancer. If it lasts more than 3 weeks, it needs medical attention.
Difficulty Swallowing
Ongoing trouble swallowing or feeling full quickly while eating can be signs of oesophageal, stomach, or throat cancer.
Frequent Fevers / Infections
Certain cancers, especially blood cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma, weaken the immune system and can cause frequent fevers or infections.
Is Mumbai Good for Cancer Treatment?
Mumbai is considered one of the best cities in India for cancer treatment. The city isn't just about big names — it's about consistent, quality-driven care that gives patients real hope. From advanced infrastructure and experienced oncologists to personalised treatment plans, Mumbai has become a trusted destination for those battling cancer. What sets it apart is not just the availability of top hospitals, but the way care is delivered — with precision, compassion, and round-the-clock support that patients and their families truly need during such a critical phase.
Why Mumbai Stands Out for Cancer Treatment?
World-Class Hospitals
Mumbai is home to top-tier cancer hospitals like Tata Memorial, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, and HCG, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology and experienced medical teams.
Expert Oncologists
Many of the country's leading cancer specialists practice in Mumbai. Their experience in handling complex cases adds to the city's strong reputation in oncology.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Patients benefit from combined teams of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists working together, ensuring no aspect of treatment is missed.
Research & Clinical Trials
Mumbai is a hub for ongoing cancer research and new clinical trials, offering access to modern therapies that may not be available in other cities.
Holistic Support & Rehabilitation
From nutrition to mental health counselling, the support system here goes beyond medicine, helping patients heal in body and mind.
Which Surgery is Best for Cancer?
The best cancer surgery is the one that removes the maximum tumour with the least damage to healthy tissue, while giving the highest chance of cure or control. For many solid tumours (like breast, lung, colon, kidney), curative surgery is the first and most effective step. In advanced stages, debulking or palliative surgeries help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Surgeons today often combine precision tools like robotic surgery and minimally invasive techniques, which allow for faster recovery and fewer complications. Here is some small guidance for cancer treatment:
- Curative Surgery – Removes the entire tumour when caught early
- Preventive Surgery – Removes tissues before cancer develops (like mastectomy in high-risk women)
- Diagnostic Surgery – For biopsy, confirming the cancer
- Staging Surgery – To check the cancer's spread
- Palliative Surgery – To relieve pain or symptoms in advanced cancer
- Reconstructive Surgery – Post-treatment recovery (like breast reconstruction after mastectomy)
Types of Cancer: Cancer Surgery in Mumbai
Cancer isn't just one disease — it's a group of disorders where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. Different cancers affect different parts of the body, and each type behaves in its own way. Knowing the type helps doctors decide the right treatment plan and helps patients understand what they're facing. Here are the major types of cancer:
Carcinoma
Carcinoma is the most common form of cancer found in humans. It begins in the epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the inside and outside surfaces of the body, including the skin, as well as the lining of organs like the lungs, breasts, colon, stomach, liver, kidneys, and prostate.
What makes carcinoma especially important to understand is that it's often detected earlier than other types, and that gives it a higher chance of being treated successfully, if caught on time. Carcinomas can form solid tumours and tend to spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. They often grow slowly, but some types can be aggressive if ignored. The causes usually involve a combination of genetics, lifestyle factors (like smoking, poor diet, or alcohol), prolonged inflammation, and exposure to carcinogens like radiation or harmful chemicals.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that begins in the body's connective tissues, like bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, blood vessels, and fibrous tissues. Unlike carcinomas that start in the skin or organ linings, sarcomas come from deeper, structural tissues — the parts that hold the body together.
There are two major types of sarcoma:
Soft Tissue Sarcoma – affects muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and ligaments.
Bone Sarcoma (or Osteosarcoma) – begins in the bone itself, mostly found in children and young adults.
Sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body, but they're most commonly found in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. What makes them challenging is that they often go unnoticed in early stages — since they grow deep inside, they're usually painless until they become large.
Leukemia
Leukaemia is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming tissues, mainly the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Unlike most cancers that form a solid tumour, leukaemia affects the blood, especially the white blood cells (WBCs), which are meant to protect the body from infection.
In leukaemia, these WBCs become abnormal — they grow too fast, don't function properly, and crowd out healthy blood cells. This weakens the immune system, causes fatigue, increases infection risk, and can lead to bleeding or anaemia. The condition can develop suddenly (acute) or grow over time (chronic), and can affect both children and adults.
Treatment Options
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is a vital part of the immune system. This network includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and lymphatic vessels — all of which help your body fight infection and filter out harmful substances.
In lymphoma, certain white blood cells called lymphocytes start growing and multiplying abnormally. These cancerous cells crowd out healthy ones, weaken the immune system, and form tumours in lymph nodes or other organs. Lymphoma isn't just one disease — it's a family of cancers with different types, behaviors, and treatments. But what connects them all is the immune system malfunction at their core.
Risk Factors
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma is a type of cancer that starts in the plasma cells, which are a kind of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Normally, plasma cells help fight infections by making antibodies (also called immunoglobulins). But in multiple myeloma, these cells turn cancerous — they grow uncontrollably and start producing abnormal proteins that don't work like healthy antibodies.
These cancer cells also crowd out normal blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, leading to low blood counts, bone damage, kidney issues, and a weakened immune system. It's called "multiple" myeloma because it often affects several areas of the body at the same time — like the spine, pelvis, ribs, or skull.
Treatment Options
Cancer Treatment Cost in Mumbai
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000 per session |
| Radiation Therapy | ₹1,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 |
| Cancer Surgery | ₹50,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
| Immunotherapy / Targeted Therapy | ₹80,000 – ₹3,00,000 per cycle |
| Stem Cell / Bone Marrow Transplant | ₹10,00,000 – ₹30,00,000+ |
| Hormonal Therapy | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 per month |
| PET Scan / MRI / CT / Biopsy | ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000+ |
| Hospital Stay (Room Charges) | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 per day |
| Follow-up Care & Medications | ₹2,000 – ₹15,000/month |
List of Cancer Hospitals in Mumbai: Top 10 Cancer Hospitals in Mumbai
Mumbai hosts some of India's best cancer treatment hospitals. Tata Memorial Hospital leads with subsidised, research-driven care, including proton therapy and CAR-T trials. Kokilaben Ambani offers robotic surgeries and advanced radiosurgery. Nanavati Max and Jaslok Hospital excel in bone marrow transplants and radiation oncology. P.D. Hinduja and Lilavati combine strong clinical expertise with modern technologies. Fortis SL Raheja and Hiranandani specialise in precision surgeries like HIPEC. HCG Cancer Centre and Wockhardt focus on CyberKnife and molecular oncology. Breach Candy and Asian Institute provide personalised, high-end cancer care. Apollo, Saifee, and Bombay Hospital round out the list with full-spectrum oncology services.
| Hospital | Location |
|---|---|
| Tata Memorial Hospital (TMC) | Parel |
| Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital | Andheri West |
| Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital | Vile Parle West |
| P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & MRC | Mahim |
| Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre | Tardeo |
| Dr. L. H. Hiranandani Hospital | Powai |
| Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre | Bandra West |
| Saifee Hospital | Charni Road |
| Fortis SL Raheja Hospital | Mahim |
| Wockhardt Hospitals (Mira Road & Mumbai Central) | Mumbai |
| HCG Cancer Centre | Mumbai |
| Breach Candy Hospital | Cumballa Hill |
| Asian Institute of Oncology | Mumbai region |
| Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre | Marine Lines |
| Apollo Hospitals | Multiple Mumbai locations |
We Care Health Services for the Best Cancer Surgery in Mumbai
We Care Health Services in Mumbai is an excellent choice for cancer surgery due to its comprehensive, patient-centred care model. They offer integrated treatment pathways — from diagnostics and surgery to chemotherapy and radiotherapy — under one roof. With advanced surgical facilities, a multidisciplinary oncology team, and strict patient safety standards, they deliver quality care close to home. Their affiliation with a national chain ensures access to broader resources and seamless care continuity. Whether you're seeking surgical precision or supportive therapy post-surgery, We Care offers a holistic, accessible, and reliable option for cancer treatment in Mumbai.
Here are some of the best approaches, We Care Health Services:
- Multidisciplinary approach: Offers full-spectrum oncology care — cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy — with specialised oncologists and radiation therapists.
- Advanced infrastructure: Equipped with modern OT setups, intensive care support, and personalised treatment protocols ensuring high standards.
- Patient-focused culture: Emphasises compassionate, respectful care and safety protocols for patients and staff.
- Nationwide network: Part of a multisite chain with locations in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, ensuring consistent quality and ease of access.
- Continuous care guarantee: Committed to providing necessary medical services without interruption, even during crises.
Success Rate of Cancer Surgery in Mumbai: There are various reasons to trust us, but the prominent one is the success rate. Our surgeons and oncologists are the best, and we are continuously known for the highest success rate.
Affordability Factors: We care health services are offering affordable packages and making it easy for the patient to get treatment.
Top 10 surgical oncologists in Mumbai
Oncologists in Mumbai are known for their exceptional expertise, compassionate care, and use of cutting-edge technology. Many are internationally trained, bringing global best practices to local treatment. They specialise in a wide range of cancers and offer personalised care plans tailored to each patient's needs. Mumbai's oncologists work within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring collaborative decision-making and holistic treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Their commitment to ongoing research, clinical trials, and innovation keeps them at the forefront of cancer care. Beyond clinical excellence, they are praised for empathetic communication, patient education, and emotional support, helping individuals and families navigate complex diagnoses with clarity and confidence. This blend of skill, innovation, and humanity makes Mumbai's oncologists some of the finest in the country.
| Name | Specialty | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sudeep Gupta | Medical Oncology | Tata Memorial Centre (Director TMC) |
| Dr. Suresh H. Advani | Medical/Hematologic Oncology & BMT | Jaslok, SL Raheja, former TMC |
| Dr. Prafulla B. Desai | Surgical Oncology | Tata Memorial (emeritus), Breach Candy |
| Dr. Ramakant K. Deshpande | Surgical Oncology | SL Raheja (Asian Institute) |
| Dr. Luis J. de Souza | Surgical Oncology / Palliative care | P.D. Hinduja, founder of Shanti Avedna |
| Dr. Indraneel Mittra | Surgical Oncology & Translational Research | Tata Memorial (Emeritus) |
| Dr. Boman N. Dhabhar | Medical Oncology | Fortis Mulund |
| Dr. Anil Heroor | Surgical Oncology | Fortis Mulund |
| Dr. Tanveer Abdul Majeed | Surgical Oncology (GI, HPB, Thoracic) | Apollo Hospitals |
| Dr. Mandar Nadkarni | Breast Surgical Oncology | Kokilaben Ambani |