Hyderabad based, American Oncology Institute (AOI), has launched a comprehensive center for Skull Based Tumour in Telangana at Nallagandla, near Hyderabad central University.

The newly set up AOI unit currently operates an end-to-end cancer care programme providing radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, musculoskeletal oncology programme, blood and bone marrow transplant and comprehensive diagnostic services apart from head & neck and brain cancers.

While explaining about the rising instances of skull based tumors in India, experts from AOI said that India has seen an increase in cancer incidences due to factors such as industrialization and lifestyle changes. India has reported over 11 lakhs new cases per year and this number is expected to be around 20 lakhs by 2020. Sadly, more than 70 per cent of these cases are reported in advanced stages, leading to poor survival rates.

In view of this, AOI has established the Center for Skull Base Tumour which is led by a specialized team of experts comprising Dr. M Babaiah, medical director and consultant radiation oncology, Dr. Sashikanth Jonnalagadda, consultant & chief of surgical oncology (head & neck) and Dr. Ajay Reddy, consultant neurosurgeon trained in gamma knife surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery, who adopt a multidisciplinary approach. The qualified team treats both cancerous and non-cancerous skull base tumours.

The team leverages evolved technology and techniques such as computer aided surgery, high definition endoscopes, minimally invasive surgery and high-speed nasal drills, to perform surgeries on all types skull base tumors for all age groups and genders. Whether the disorder is straightforward or multifaceted, AOI integrated team of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists work together to understand the patient’s unique diagnosis and treatment requirements, and delivers the optimal treatment possible.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M Babaiah, medical director, American Oncology Institute said “Majority of the skull base tumors spread very fast making patients report for treatment in advanced stages of the disease, resulting in delay of timely and quality medical treatment. With our comprehensive Center for Skull Base Tumour, we would be able to meet the demand for precision-driven cancer treatment in the region. Patients suffering from any skull base tumor will benefit from the most advanced technology and treatments, available at only a few locations in the country.”