A lung cancer specialist, often a thoracic surgical oncologist, is a highly trained doctor focused on diagnosing and surgically treating cancers of the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum. Choosing the right specialist is a critical first step in your treatment journey.
Facing a lung cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. The path forward is filled with complex information, difficult decisions, and a deep need for trust and clarity. In a city like Delhi, with its vast healthcare landscape, finding the right doctor can feel like exploring for a needle in a haystack. Who has the right experience? Who uses the latest technology? And most importantly, who will see you not just as a case, but as a person?
This guide is designed to cut through the noise. We've done the research to help you understand the landscape of lung cancer treatment in Delhi and introduce you to the leading specialists who are making a difference. We'll look at their unique strengths, their strategy to patient care, and what sets them apart, so you can make an instructed and confident decision for yourself or your loved one.
Before we dive into the list, it's important to understand why this choice is so pivotal. Modern cancer care has moved far beyond the concept of a single "star surgeon." Today, the best outcomes are achieved through a combination of individual expertise and a collaborative, system-wide approach.
Most experts agree that a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is the gold standard for cancer care today. This means your chosen surgeon doesn't work in isolation. Instead, they lead a team of specialists who collaborate on your case. This team often includes:
When you choose a top specialist, you are often also choosing their entire professional network and the hospital's ecosystem, which can significantly impact the quality and coordination of your care.
While years of experience are important, the nature of that experience is even more critical. A surgeon with 20 years of experience who has embraced the latest technologies, like robotic surgery, offers a different level of care than one who has not. Look for specialists who have not only been in the field for a long time but have also been at the forefront of innovation, continuously updating their skills and adopting techniques that lead to better patient outcomes.
This list was compiled based on a comprehensive analysis of several key factors designed to reflect both technical excellence and patient-centric care:
Here is our curated list of some of the most respected and skilled lung cancer specialists practicing in the Delhi NCR region.
Specialization: Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Robotic Surgery
Experience: 18+ Years
Key Affiliation: Director, Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Dr. Parveen Yadav stands at the top of our list for his exceptional focus and mastery of the most advanced surgical technology available today: robotic-assisted surgery. As a Da Vinci certified robotic surgeon, he has dedicated his practice to providing minimally invasive solutions for complex conditions like lung and esophageal cancer. This isn't just about using new technology; it's about a philosophy of care that prioritizes patient outcomes, aiming for faster recovery, less pain, and greater precision.
His training is impeccable, with a foundation in General Surgery from PT.B.D.Sharma Medical College, followed by a rigorous 3-year surgical oncology training at AIIMS, New Delhi, and a 2-year fellowship in Thoracic Surgery from the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. This combination of training from India's top institutions gives him a profound and holistic understanding of cancer care.
What sets him apart?
Dr. Yadav's entire practice is built around the patient benefit of advanced technology. While many surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Yadav is a dedicated specialist and leader in the field. His website and patient education materials focus on demystifying robotic surgery and explaining its tangible benefits. With a track record of over 2500 patients, his approach is proven and patient-oriented, making him the top choice for those seeking the most modern surgical care available.
Specialization: Thoracic Surgery, VATS
Experience: 30+ Years
Key Affiliation: Director of Thoracic Surgery, Fortis Vasant Kunj & FMRI, Gurgaon
Dr. Sabyasachi Bal is one of the most senior and respected names in thoracic surgery in India. With over three decades of experience, he brings a level of wisdom and authority that is hard to match. An alumnus of AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Bal is considered a pioneer in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the country, holding the credit for helping India achieve a peak number of VATS lung resections.
His reputation is built on a long and distinguished career, including fellowships in the UK and USA. He is not just a surgeon but an innovator, and his department receives referrals from across North and East India.
What sets him apart?
Experience. Dr. Bal is the choice for patients who value a long and proven track record above all else. His extensive list of patient testimonials speaks to the deep trust he has built over his career, with patients often calling him a "genius doctor" and praising his entire team's professionalism and support.
Specialization: Chest Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Lung Transplantation
Experience: Holds "Chairman" title
Key Affiliation: Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta - The Medicity
Dr. Arvind Kumar combines his personal expertise with the formidable reputation of Medanta, one of India's leading hospitals. As the Chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery and Co-Chairman of the Medanta Robotic Institute, he leads a powerful team dedicated to comprehensive lung cancer care. His approach emphasizes the multidisciplinary team (MDT) model, ensuring every patient benefits from the collective wisdom of various specialists.
What sets him apart?
Transparency, particularly on the sensitive issue of cost. Dr. Kumar's website is one of the few that directly addresses patient anxiety around finances by providing clear cost ranges for lung cancer surgery in Delhi and Gurgaon. This bold move to demystify treatment costs builds incredible trust and positions him as a patient-first advocate. This, combined with the institutional power of Medanta, makes him a formidable choice.
Specialization: Thoracic Surgery, VATS, Robotic Surgery
Experience: 11+ Years
Key Affiliation: Medanta - The Medicity
Dr. Kamran Ali has carved out a unique space for himself by focusing as much on the human connection as on surgical excellence. While his technical skills are top-notch—with extensive training in India, South Korea, and Japan, and a key role in initiating VATS surgery for lung cancer in New Delhi—it is the patient experience that truly defines his practice.
His website is filled with incredibly detailed and emotional testimonials from patients and families from across the subcontinent, from Gurgaon to Bangladesh and Nepal. They consistently praise his empathy, patience, and ability to communicate with clarity and compassion, often describing the connection as being "like a family member".
What sets him apart?
Empathy. In the frightening journey of a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Ali's approach provides a level of comfort and reassurance that is invaluable. He is the ideal specialist for patients and families who prioritize a strong, supportive, and communicative doctor-patient relationship.
Specialization: Surgical Oncology, Thoracic Oncology
Experience: 35+ Years
Key Affiliation: Chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care
Dr. Harit Chaturvedi represents the power of a large, integrated healthcare system. As the Chairman of the Max Institute of Cancer Care, he oversees a vast network of specialists and resources. With over 35 years of experience, he is one of the most senior oncologists in the country. Choosing a doctor like Dr. Chaturvedi means gaining access to the entire Max Healthcare ecosystem, which emphasizes a team-based approach to care.
What sets him apart?
The System. The primary value proposition here is the strength, reliability, and comprehensive nature of the Max Cancer Institute. Patients are assured of a seamless journey where every aspect of their care—from surgery to chemotherapy to radiation—is managed under one roof by a coordinated team.
Specialization: Surgical Oncology
Experience: 21+ Years
Key Affiliation: Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr. Archit Pandit is a highly-rated surgical oncologist with over two decades of experience. He is well-regarded on platforms like Practo, with a high recommendation score based on a large number of patient stories. This strong social proof indicates a consistent track record of patient satisfaction.
Specialization: Surgical Oncology, Robotic Surgery
Experience: 22+ Years
Key Affiliation: Manipal Hospital, Dwarka
Dr. Surender Dabas is another senior oncologist with significant experience, particularly in robotic surgery. His affiliation with Manipal Hospital, another major healthcare provider, ensures patients have access to modern facilities and a comprehensive care team.
Specialization: Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Oncology
Experience: 26+ Years
Key Affiliation: Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr. Charu Garg is a senior director and a leading female oncologist in Delhi with over 26 years of experience. While her primary specialty is radiation oncology, her deep expertise in thoracic oncology makes her a vital part of the multidisciplinary team for many lung cancer patients, guiding a crucial part of their treatment plan.
Specialization: Medical Oncology
Experience: 20+ Years
Key Affiliation: Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr. Rayaz Ahmed is a highly recommended medical oncologist with a perfect 100% patient recommendation score on Practo (at the time of this writing). As a medical oncologist, he manages treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which are often combined with surgery for the most effective results.
Specialization: Medical Oncology
Experience: 19+ Years
Key Affiliation: BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma is a respected oncologist associated with the BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital. With nearly two decades of experience, he has a strong patient satisfaction rating and provides expert care in the non-surgical aspects of lung cancer treatment.
Specialist | Primary Specialization | Experience | Key Affiliation | Unique Strength |
Dr. Parveen Yadav | Robotic Thoracic Surgery | 18+ Years | Independent/Multiple | Master of Advanced Robotic Technology |
Dr. Sabyasachi Bal | Thoracic Surgery (VATS) | 30+ Years | Fortis Hospitals | Unmatched Veteran Experience |
Dr. Arvind Kumar | Chest & Robotic Surgery | Chairman | Medanta | Institutional Leadership & Cost Transparency |
Dr. Kamran Ali | Thoracic Surgery | 11+ Years | Medanta | Exceptional Empathy & Communication |
Dr. Harit Chaturvedi | Surgical Oncology | 35+ Years | Max Healthcare | Leader of a Comprehensive Cancer System |
Now that you have an overview of the top specialists, how do you choose the one who is right for you? Here are a few final considerations.
Discuss with the surgeon why they are recommending a particular approach for your specific case.
Many top hospitals and doctors' teams have a dedicated patient or care coordinator. This person is your single point of contact. They help schedule appointments, coordinate tests with different departments, and answer your logistical questions. A study from the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patient navigation significantly reduces stress and improves the timeliness of care. When you consult a doctor, ask if they have a dedicated coordinator for their patients. This one role can make a world of difference in simplifying your treatment journey.
Generic one-line reviews like "good doctor" are not very helpful. Instead, look for detailed patient stories or testimonials like those found on Dr. Kamran Ali's or Dr. Sabyasachi Bal's websites. These narratives give you insight into the entire patient experience: How did the doctor explain the diagnosis? How did they handle complications? How was the post-operative support? These detailed accounts are far more valuable than a simple star rating.
Note for our readers: The world of medicine is constantly evolving. Hospital affiliations can change, and doctors continuously update their skills. We recommend you verify the doctor's current affiliation and consultation availability directly with their office or the hospital. We will review and update this list every 6 months to ensure the information remains as accurate and relevant as possible.
The "best" lung cancer specialist in Delhi is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It is a deeply personal decision that depends on your specific diagnosis and what you value most.
Use this guide as your starting point. Research these doctors further, schedule one or two consultations, and choose the specialist who gives you the most confidence and hope for the journey ahead. Your health is your most valuable asset; invest the time to place it in the right hands.
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