![\"\"](\"https:\/\/drdhruvmehta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/young-man-being-ill-hospital-bed-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHistory and physical examination (H&P) are an indispensable pillar in any oncological assessment. H&P helps oncologist collect subjective and objective data, identify risk factors, detect early signs and symptoms, tailor treatment plans and most importantly build rapport with patient. All cancer hospitals in Surat rely on H&P and investigations to diagnose and treat a cancer patient, but a thorough H&P helps differentiate the best among the basket of cancer hospitals in Surat. A rushed H&P leads to delayed diagnosis, poor prognosis and imprecise and non \u2013 customized management plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
History taking involves a detailed interview to uncover the patient’s symptoms, medical background, and potential risk exposures which identify red flags warranting further investigations. Key components of history include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Chief complaints<\/strong> \u2013 most of cancer patients in early stages present with vague symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite. Specific symptoms of each organ system cancers should be elucidated \u2013 head and neck cancers (neck swelling, non-healing oral ulcers, swallowing difficulty, throat pain), lung cancers (shortness of breath, blood tinged cough, chest pain), gastrointestinal cancers (swallowing difficulty, blood in stools, abdominal pain and\/ or distension, yellowish discoloration of urine and eyes, change in bowel habits), genitourinary cancers (urinary urgency, frequency or blood in urine, flank pain), gynecological cancers (lower back pain, discharge and\/ or bleeding per vaginum, abdominal distension) and neurological cancers (headache, convulsions, weakness of one half of the body).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Risk factors <\/strong>\u2013 History of risk factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor diet, high BMI, prior infections like HPV and Hepatitis B\/C, occupational exposure to chemicals and lifestyle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Family and genetic history<\/strong> \u2013 family pedigree analysis is done by a medical oncologist at SGHOC (cancer hospital in Surat) to identify genetic risk factors, genetic cause behind cancer, make a molecular diagnosis and personalized treatment plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Past medical and surgical history \u2013 identification of medical comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, etc. is extremely important to make a personalized treatment plan which minimizes complications during therapy, avoid drug \u2013 drug interactions, prevent progression of previous comorbidities, reduce polypharmacy and overall improve quality of life. At SGHOC (cancer hospital in Surat<\/a>) \u2013 vital importance is given to past medical and surgical history, previous treatment files are pored over in detail, communication lines with patient\u2019s family physician and surgeon are opened and treatment plan made for management of any comorbidity identified during oncological evaluation by our experienced medical oncologist<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
A thorough history alone narrows differential in most of the cases. Cough with hemoptysis in a smoker point to probable diagnosis of lung cancer. Unexplained anemia in male patient above age of 60 years would possibly due to colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A head \u2013 to – toe physical examination complements history providing objective data to subjective symptoms of the patient.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Vital signs and general appearance <\/strong>\u2013 cachexia (wasting), anemia (pallor), jaundice (icterus), palpable lymph nodes, skin and nail changes, body posture and gait. A palpable left supraclavicular lymph node usually implies advanced stage of cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Head & neck \u2013 oral lesions or ulcers, thyroid nodules, neck nodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chest & lungs<\/strong> \u2013 decrease in air entry or adventitious sounds on one or both sides<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Abdomen <\/strong>\u2013 enlarged liver, spleen or kidneys, palpable lumps and auscultation for bowel sounds to rule out obstruction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Neurological<\/strong> \u2013 weakness of any site of body, sensory changes at any part of the body<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Specific exams<\/strong> – breast palpation for lumps, digital rectal exam for prostate irregularities, and pelvic exam for gynecological cancers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
H&P are key in staging and prognostication of cancer, treatment planning, monitoring and follow up, pain management and palliative care. H&P can be subjective, varying by clinician experience. Novice learners need structured guidance. Empathy in history-taking unveils deeper insights. At SGHOC (cancer hospital in Surat), our medical oncologist has more than 15 years in oncology and with integration of newer AI tools and risk scoring, the accuracy in cancer management is phenomenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RADIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAfter a thorough H&P wherein a provisional diagnosis with staging of suspected cancer is done, confirmation with help of radiological and pathological tests are done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Radiological investigations like CECT, MRI or PET \u2013 CT depending on cancer type help in staging, identify metastatic sites which were missed during H&P, help oncosurgeons delineate anatomy for complete resections and determine modalities of therapy. For accurate results, SGHOC has tie – ups with radiology centers trained in onco \u2013 radiology reporting, CT\/MRI\/USG guided biopsies and for response evaluations as per standard RECIST criteria. It also has tie \u2013 ups with centers with trained nuclear medicine physicians for diagnostic (PET \u2013 CT, DOTANOC, PSMA PET) and therapeutic (PRRT, RAI) nuclear medicine needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confirmation of cancer and its histological subtype is necessary for treatment initiation. There are only few cancer types wherein biopsy is not required and treatment can be initiated based on H&P, radiology and tumor markers. It is a common misconception that biopsy enables spread of tumor. Biopsy with reporting by an experienced oncopathologist is fundamental pillar of oncological management. Any inaccuracy in biopsy or immunohistochemistry reporting can lead to misguided treatment paths. Tissue sampling is also needed for molecular analysis and guide precision treatment plan. SGHOC is a cancer hospital in Surat<\/a> with in \u2013 house cancer pathology lab equipped with latest equipments, trained staff, experienced oncopathologist and advanced software to eliminate human errors. It also has tie \u2013 ups with CAP (College of American Pathologist) accredited labs across India for NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) \u2013 both somatic and liquid \u2013 for accurate molecular diagnosis, molecular prognostication and for identification of targeted and immunotherapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPRECISION ONCOLOGY:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe at SGHOC believe in treating any cancer patient on the lines of precision, evidence \u2013 based oncology guidelines. Treatment plan for NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF wild type colon cancer is different from NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF mutated one or MSI \u2013 H colon cancer. Every cancer patient at SGHOC is provided with molecular diagnosis instead of site \u2013 specific or just histological one. NCCN (American) and ESMO (European) guidelines are core of cancer management plan at SGHOC. Dr. Dhruv Mehta, the senior medical and precision oncologist at SGHOC believes in curing each and every cancer patient that he treats, even advanced cases. Multimodal treatment options at his disposal include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapies and palliative care. His current research interest lies with adoptive cell therapies like CAR \u2013 T and TIL therapies which have shown to give responses to tune of 40 to 70% even in refractory cancers. Diet booklet detailing diet chart, diet modifications for chemotherapy and for side effects is provided to each and every patient who sets foot in SGHOC. Some of the clinical photos showing curative responses even in stage 4 cancers are presented below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pic 1: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of colon cancer with the help of targeted therapy \u2013 Bevacizumab (PET \u2013 CT image with circle showing the entire liver studded with metastatic deposits on left side with complete remission on right after 2 months of targeted and chemotherapies \u2013 FOLFOX regimen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/drdhruvmehta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 2: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of lung cancer patient with the help of targeted – therapy (PET- CT showing liver deposits on top pane with complete remission response in next pane after 2 months of targeted \u2013 Afatinib and chemotherapies \u2013 Cisplatin + Pemetrexed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/drdhruvmehta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-1-774x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 3: Complete resolution seen in PET \u2013 CT images in advanced Burkitt lymphoma patient within 1 month with help of Rituximab (targeted therapy) and CODOXM\/IVAC (chemotherapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\n\"](\"https:\/\/drdhruvmehta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As per GLOBOCAN 2022 India fact sheet, almost 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed with … <\/p>\n
A thorough history alone narrows differential in most of the cases. Cough with hemoptysis in a smoker point to probable diagnosis of lung cancer. Unexplained anemia in male patient above age of 60 years would possibly due to colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A head \u2013 to – toe physical examination complements history providing objective data to subjective symptoms of the patient.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Vital signs and general appearance <\/strong>\u2013 cachexia (wasting), anemia (pallor), jaundice (icterus), palpable lymph nodes, skin and nail changes, body posture and gait. A palpable left supraclavicular lymph node usually implies advanced stage of cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Head & neck \u2013 oral lesions or ulcers, thyroid nodules, neck nodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chest & lungs<\/strong> \u2013 decrease in air entry or adventitious sounds on one or both sides<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Abdomen <\/strong>\u2013 enlarged liver, spleen or kidneys, palpable lumps and auscultation for bowel sounds to rule out obstruction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Neurological<\/strong> \u2013 weakness of any site of body, sensory changes at any part of the body<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Specific exams<\/strong> – breast palpation for lumps, digital rectal exam for prostate irregularities, and pelvic exam for gynecological cancers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
H&P are key in staging and prognostication of cancer, treatment planning, monitoring and follow up, pain management and palliative care. H&P can be subjective, varying by clinician experience. Novice learners need structured guidance. Empathy in history-taking unveils deeper insights. At SGHOC (cancer hospital in Surat), our medical oncologist has more than 15 years in oncology and with integration of newer AI tools and risk scoring, the accuracy in cancer management is phenomenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RADIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAfter a thorough H&P wherein a provisional diagnosis with staging of suspected cancer is done, confirmation with help of radiological and pathological tests are done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Radiological investigations like CECT, MRI or PET \u2013 CT depending on cancer type help in staging, identify metastatic sites which were missed during H&P, help oncosurgeons delineate anatomy for complete resections and determine modalities of therapy. For accurate results, SGHOC has tie – ups with radiology centers trained in onco \u2013 radiology reporting, CT\/MRI\/USG guided biopsies and for response evaluations as per standard RECIST criteria. It also has tie \u2013 ups with centers with trained nuclear medicine physicians for diagnostic (PET \u2013 CT, DOTANOC, PSMA PET) and therapeutic (PRRT, RAI) nuclear medicine needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confirmation of cancer and its histological subtype is necessary for treatment initiation. There are only few cancer types wherein biopsy is not required and treatment can be initiated based on H&P, radiology and tumor markers. It is a common misconception that biopsy enables spread of tumor. Biopsy with reporting by an experienced oncopathologist is fundamental pillar of oncological management. Any inaccuracy in biopsy or immunohistochemistry reporting can lead to misguided treatment paths. Tissue sampling is also needed for molecular analysis and guide precision treatment plan. SGHOC is a cancer hospital in Surat<\/a> with in \u2013 house cancer pathology lab equipped with latest equipments, trained staff, experienced oncopathologist and advanced software to eliminate human errors. It also has tie \u2013 ups with CAP (College of American Pathologist) accredited labs across India for NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) \u2013 both somatic and liquid \u2013 for accurate molecular diagnosis, molecular prognostication and for identification of targeted and immunotherapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPRECISION ONCOLOGY:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe at SGHOC believe in treating any cancer patient on the lines of precision, evidence \u2013 based oncology guidelines. Treatment plan for NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF wild type colon cancer is different from NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF mutated one or MSI \u2013 H colon cancer. Every cancer patient at SGHOC is provided with molecular diagnosis instead of site \u2013 specific or just histological one. NCCN (American) and ESMO (European) guidelines are core of cancer management plan at SGHOC. Dr. Dhruv Mehta, the senior medical and precision oncologist at SGHOC believes in curing each and every cancer patient that he treats, even advanced cases. Multimodal treatment options at his disposal include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapies and palliative care. His current research interest lies with adoptive cell therapies like CAR \u2013 T and TIL therapies which have shown to give responses to tune of 40 to 70% even in refractory cancers. Diet booklet detailing diet chart, diet modifications for chemotherapy and for side effects is provided to each and every patient who sets foot in SGHOC. Some of the clinical photos showing curative responses even in stage 4 cancers are presented below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pic 1: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of colon cancer with the help of targeted therapy \u2013 Bevacizumab (PET \u2013 CT image with circle showing the entire liver studded with metastatic deposits on left side with complete remission on right after 2 months of targeted and chemotherapies \u2013 FOLFOX regimen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 2: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of lung cancer patient with the help of targeted – therapy (PET- CT showing liver deposits on top pane with complete remission response in next pane after 2 months of targeted \u2013 Afatinib and chemotherapies \u2013 Cisplatin + Pemetrexed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 3: Complete resolution seen in PET \u2013 CT images in advanced Burkitt lymphoma patient within 1 month with help of Rituximab (targeted therapy) and CODOXM\/IVAC (chemotherapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As per GLOBOCAN 2022 India fact sheet, almost 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed with … <\/p>\n
H&P are key in staging and prognostication of cancer, treatment planning, monitoring and follow up, pain management and palliative care. H&P can be subjective, varying by clinician experience. Novice learners need structured guidance. Empathy in history-taking unveils deeper insights. At SGHOC (cancer hospital in Surat), our medical oncologist has more than 15 years in oncology and with integration of newer AI tools and risk scoring, the accuracy in cancer management is phenomenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RADIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAfter a thorough H&P wherein a provisional diagnosis with staging of suspected cancer is done, confirmation with help of radiological and pathological tests are done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Radiological investigations like CECT, MRI or PET \u2013 CT depending on cancer type help in staging, identify metastatic sites which were missed during H&P, help oncosurgeons delineate anatomy for complete resections and determine modalities of therapy. For accurate results, SGHOC has tie – ups with radiology centers trained in onco \u2013 radiology reporting, CT\/MRI\/USG guided biopsies and for response evaluations as per standard RECIST criteria. It also has tie \u2013 ups with centers with trained nuclear medicine physicians for diagnostic (PET \u2013 CT, DOTANOC, PSMA PET) and therapeutic (PRRT, RAI) nuclear medicine needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confirmation of cancer and its histological subtype is necessary for treatment initiation. There are only few cancer types wherein biopsy is not required and treatment can be initiated based on H&P, radiology and tumor markers. It is a common misconception that biopsy enables spread of tumor. Biopsy with reporting by an experienced oncopathologist is fundamental pillar of oncological management. Any inaccuracy in biopsy or immunohistochemistry reporting can lead to misguided treatment paths. Tissue sampling is also needed for molecular analysis and guide precision treatment plan. SGHOC is a cancer hospital in Surat<\/a> with in \u2013 house cancer pathology lab equipped with latest equipments, trained staff, experienced oncopathologist and advanced software to eliminate human errors. It also has tie \u2013 ups with CAP (College of American Pathologist) accredited labs across India for NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) \u2013 both somatic and liquid \u2013 for accurate molecular diagnosis, molecular prognostication and for identification of targeted and immunotherapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPRECISION ONCOLOGY:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe at SGHOC believe in treating any cancer patient on the lines of precision, evidence \u2013 based oncology guidelines. Treatment plan for NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF wild type colon cancer is different from NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF mutated one or MSI \u2013 H colon cancer. Every cancer patient at SGHOC is provided with molecular diagnosis instead of site \u2013 specific or just histological one. NCCN (American) and ESMO (European) guidelines are core of cancer management plan at SGHOC. Dr. Dhruv Mehta, the senior medical and precision oncologist at SGHOC believes in curing each and every cancer patient that he treats, even advanced cases. Multimodal treatment options at his disposal include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapies and palliative care. His current research interest lies with adoptive cell therapies like CAR \u2013 T and TIL therapies which have shown to give responses to tune of 40 to 70% even in refractory cancers. Diet booklet detailing diet chart, diet modifications for chemotherapy and for side effects is provided to each and every patient who sets foot in SGHOC. Some of the clinical photos showing curative responses even in stage 4 cancers are presented below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pic 1: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of colon cancer with the help of targeted therapy \u2013 Bevacizumab (PET \u2013 CT image with circle showing the entire liver studded with metastatic deposits on left side with complete remission on right after 2 months of targeted and chemotherapies \u2013 FOLFOX regimen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 2: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of lung cancer patient with the help of targeted – therapy (PET- CT showing liver deposits on top pane with complete remission response in next pane after 2 months of targeted \u2013 Afatinib and chemotherapies \u2013 Cisplatin + Pemetrexed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 3: Complete resolution seen in PET \u2013 CT images in advanced Burkitt lymphoma patient within 1 month with help of Rituximab (targeted therapy) and CODOXM\/IVAC (chemotherapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As per GLOBOCAN 2022 India fact sheet, almost 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed with … <\/p>\n
PRECISION ONCOLOGY:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe at SGHOC believe in treating any cancer patient on the lines of precision, evidence \u2013 based oncology guidelines. Treatment plan for NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF wild type colon cancer is different from NRAS\/KRAS\/BRAF mutated one or MSI \u2013 H colon cancer. Every cancer patient at SGHOC is provided with molecular diagnosis instead of site \u2013 specific or just histological one. NCCN (American) and ESMO (European) guidelines are core of cancer management plan at SGHOC. Dr. Dhruv Mehta, the senior medical and precision oncologist at SGHOC believes in curing each and every cancer patient that he treats, even advanced cases. Multimodal treatment options at his disposal include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapies and palliative care. His current research interest lies with adoptive cell therapies like CAR \u2013 T and TIL therapies which have shown to give responses to tune of 40 to 70% even in refractory cancers. Diet booklet detailing diet chart, diet modifications for chemotherapy and for side effects is provided to each and every patient who sets foot in SGHOC. Some of the clinical photos showing curative responses even in stage 4 cancers are presented below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pic 1: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of colon cancer with the help of targeted therapy \u2013 Bevacizumab (PET \u2013 CT image with circle showing the entire liver studded with metastatic deposits on left side with complete remission on right after 2 months of targeted and chemotherapies \u2013 FOLFOX regimen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 2: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of lung cancer patient with the help of targeted – therapy (PET- CT showing liver deposits on top pane with complete remission response in next pane after 2 months of targeted \u2013 Afatinib and chemotherapies \u2013 Cisplatin + Pemetrexed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 3: Complete resolution seen in PET \u2013 CT images in advanced Burkitt lymphoma patient within 1 month with help of Rituximab (targeted therapy) and CODOXM\/IVAC (chemotherapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As per GLOBOCAN 2022 India fact sheet, almost 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed with … <\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPic 2: Complete resolution in liver metastasis of lung cancer patient with the help of targeted – therapy (PET- CT showing liver deposits on top pane with complete remission response in next pane after 2 months of targeted \u2013 Afatinib and chemotherapies \u2013 Cisplatin + Pemetrexed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pic 3: Complete resolution seen in PET \u2013 CT images in advanced Burkitt lymphoma patient within 1 month with help of Rituximab (targeted therapy) and CODOXM\/IVAC (chemotherapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n As per GLOBOCAN 2022 India fact sheet, almost 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed with … <\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"