Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar is an experienced cancer surgeon and one of the Best Oncologists in Pune, with more than 30 years of experience in cancer surgery and patient care. He has extensive experience in laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery and has treated patients with different types of cancer. As the Medical Director of Galaxy Care Hospital, he leads an experienced cancer care team providing personalised diagnosis, treatment and surgical care. The Department of Oncosurgery provides open, laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery, with treatment planned according to the type and stage of cancer and the individual needs of each patient.

Galaxy Care has been a pioneer in laparoscopic cancer surgery in India and has extensive experience in advanced minimally invasive procedures. The hospital also uses robotic-assisted surgery for selected cancer procedures where it may offer advantages in precision and surgical access.

Patients looking for a cancer specialist in Pune can receive coordinated care across different stages of cancer treatment, including surgical evaluation, cancer surgery, medical oncology and follow-up care.

Cancer Treatment in Pune at Galaxy Care Hospital

Cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, location, overall health and previous treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy or a combination of treatments.

At Galaxy Care, cancer treatment is planned according to each patient’s clinical condition. The oncology team evaluates the diagnosis and discusses suitable treatment options so that patients and their families can make informed decisions about their care.

Surgical Oncology

Surgical oncology focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. Our cancer surgeons perform a wide range of procedures using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques.

Surgery may be recommended to remove a primary tumour, nearby affected tissues or lymph nodes, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Medical Oncology

Medical oncology involves the use of medicines to treat cancer. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or hormonal therapy.

Medical oncology may be used before surgery to reduce the size of a tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or as part of treatment for advanced or metastatic cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be recommended alone or in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or other treatments.

The type of chemotherapy, number of treatment cycles and duration depend on the cancer type, stage and individual treatment plan. Patients are monitored throughout treatment so that the oncology team can assess response and manage treatment-related side effects.

Types of Cancer Surgery Performed at Galaxy Care

Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Our surgical oncology team provides treatment for a range of head and neck cancers. Depending on the location and extent of the tumour, procedures may involve the tongue, cheek, lips, jaws, palate, maxilla, gingivobuccal region, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, epiglottis, thyroid and parathyroid.

Neck dissection and reconstructive procedures may also be considered when clinically appropriate.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is planned according to the size, location and stage of the tumour and the patient’s individual circumstances.

Surgical options may include breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy. Lymph node evaluation or removal may also be performed when required.

For selected patients undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be discussed as part of the treatment and recovery plan.

Soft Tissue Tumour Surgery

Soft tissue tumours can develop in tissues such as muscle, fat, blood vessels and connective tissue. Surgical treatment depends on whether the tumour is benign or malignant, its location and its size.

Our surgical oncology team performs procedures such as wide local excision and partial resection when appropriate. Complex cases may require a multidisciplinary approach involving surgical oncology, radiology, pathology and other specialists.

Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery

Laparoscopic cancer surgery is a minimally invasive approach that uses small incisions and a camera-assisted surgical system. It may be suitable for selected patients depending on the type, location and stage of cancer.

Galaxy Care’s surgical oncology team has experience in laparoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal, thoracic, urological and gynaecological cancers.

Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, laparoscopic procedures may include:

• Laparoscopic oesophagectomy
• Laparoscopic lobectomy
• Laparoscopic pulmonary metastasectomy
• Laparoscopic gastrectomy
• Laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy
• Laparoscopic hepatectomy
• Laparoscopic bile duct excision
• Laparoscopic Whipple procedure
• Laparoscopic colorectal surgery
• Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy
• Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy, including the Pune Technique where appropriate
• Laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy with neobladder reconstruction
• Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
• Laparoscopic pelvic exenteration

The potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery can include smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain and a shorter recovery period compared with some open procedures. However, suitability depends on the patient’s condition and the type of cancer.

Robotic Cancer Surgery in Pune

Robotic-assisted surgery is an advanced minimally invasive approach used for selected cancer procedures. Galaxy Care Hospital uses the Da Vinci Surgical System for eligible procedures where robotic assistance may help surgeons perform precise dissection and suturing in anatomically difficult areas.

Robotic cancer surgery may be considered for selected patients with cancers involving areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, prostate, colorectal region and other organs.

Procedures performed using robotic assistance may include:

• Robotic oesophagectomy
• Robotic gastrectomy
• Robotic Whipple procedure
• Robotic colorectal surgery
• Robotic radical prostatectomy
• Robotic hysterectomy
• Robotic nephrectomy

The potential advantages of robotic surgery can include smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and faster recovery in appropriately selected patients. Robotic surgery is not suitable for every cancer patient, and the recommended approach depends on the diagnosis, stage and overall health.

Why Choose Galaxy Care for Cancer Treatment in Pune?

Choosing an oncology team is an important decision for patients and their families. Galaxy Care Hospital focuses on coordinated cancer care, combining specialist expertise with advanced surgical techniques and modern hospital infrastructure.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Cancer treatment often involves more than one specialist. Our multidisciplinary approach helps bring together surgical oncology, medical oncology, anaesthesia, radiology, pathology and other relevant specialties when required.

Advanced Cancer Surgery

The Department of Oncosurgery provides open, laparoscopic and robotic surgical options for selected cancer patients. The appropriate technique is decided based on the patient’s diagnosis and clinical condition.

Experienced Cancer Care Team

Our cancer care team includes experienced cancer surgeons and oncology specialists who work together to evaluate patients and plan appropriate treatment.

Patient-Centred Treatment Planning

Every cancer diagnosis is different. Treatment recommendations are based on factors such as cancer type, stage, tumour location, overall health and previous treatment. Patients are guided through their treatment options so they can understand the next steps in their care.

Meet Our Cancer Specialist in Pune

Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar is the Medical Director and a senior laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeon at Galaxy Care Hospital. With more than three decades of experience in cancer surgery, he has contributed to the development of advanced laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery in India.

His clinical expertise includes complex laparoscopic and robotic procedures across different cancer specialties.

Learn more about Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar

When Should You Consult an Oncologist?

You may be referred to an oncologist when cancer is suspected or diagnosed, or when further evaluation is required after an abnormal screening or biopsy result.

An oncology consultation can help determine:

• Whether additional tests are required
• The type and stage of cancer
• Whether surgery is appropriate
• Whether chemotherapy or another systemic treatment may be required
• Whether a combination of treatments is recommended
• What follow-up care may be needed

If you have already received a cancer diagnosis, bringing previous scans, biopsy reports, pathology reports and treatment records can help the oncology team understand your medical history.

Book a Cancer Consultation in Pune

If you are looking for the best oncologist near me in Pune or need an evaluation after a cancer diagnosis, Galaxy Care Hospital provides specialist cancer care with surgical and multidisciplinary treatment options.

Speak with the oncology team at Galaxy Care Hospital to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.