Dr. Sumit Shah - Mouth Cancer Specialist in Pune
For a non-healing mouth ulcer, a suspicious patch, a confirmed oral cancer diagnosis or a second opinion, meet Dr. Sumit Shah, Surgical Oncologist, at Prolife Cancer Centre & Research Institute in Gultekdi, Market Yard.
At a glance
- Surgical oncologist with 22+ years of experience
- Head and neck cancer care, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery where appropriate
- Multidisciplinary tumour board and speech and swallowing rehabilitation
- Gultekdi, Market Yard, Pune
Where can I consult a mouth cancer specialist in Pune?
Who should consult a specialist?
Suspicious mouth changes
A mouth ulcer that does not heal, or a persistent red or white patch or lump.
Confirmed diagnosis
Patients whose biopsy has shown oral cancer and who need a treatment plan.
Surgery advised
Patients told to have mouth cancer surgery who want to understand the options.
Second opinion
Patients who want a specialist to review their existing reports and plan.
Families
Relatives who need help understanding biopsy reports and treatment choices.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, starts in the tissues of the mouth. It can affect the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth and hard palate. Cancers of the oral cavity are different from cancers of the oropharynx (the part of the throat behind the mouth), which can have different risk factors and treatment approaches. Not all head and neck cancers are the same, so an accurate diagnosis comes first.
Symptoms that need evaluation
A non-healing ulcer
A mouth ulcer that has not healed.
Red or white patches
Patches that stay in the mouth or on the tongue.
Lump or thickening
A lump or thickened area inside the mouth.
Bleeding or numbness
Bleeding or numbness with no clear cause.
Chewing or swallowing trouble
Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue.
A neck lump
A lump in the neck that does not go away.
UK health guidance (NHS) advises seeing a doctor or dentist if mouth symptoms such as an ulcer have not healed within three weeks. Most mouth ulcers have non-cancerous causes, and these symptoms do not confirm cancer on their own, but a persistent one should be examined without waiting.
Risk factors and prevention
- Tobacco: smoking and smokeless tobacco, including gutkha and similar products.
- Areca nut (supari): including products that contain no tobacco.
- Alcohol: risk is higher when alcohol is combined with tobacco.
HPV is linked mainly to oropharyngeal cancers rather than cancers of the oral cavity, so it should not be seen as the main cause of mouth cancer.
Anyone can develop mouth cancer, and a diagnosis is not a person's fault. Quitting tobacco and areca nut at any age lowers risk. Your doctor can help you stop.
Your doctor
Dr. Sumit Shah is a Surgical Oncologist and the Founder and Chief Consultant of Prolife Cancer Centre & Research Institute. His qualifications are DNB (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Oncology) and a Fellowship in Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery. He has 22+ years of experience and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
His practice includes oral and other head and neck cancers, with attention to preserving speech, swallowing and appearance after treatment where possible. Each plan begins with a careful assessment of your reports and a discussion with you and your family.
Diagnosis and staging
- Clinical examination: of the mouth, jaw and neck.
- Biopsy and pathology review: a biopsy is generally needed to confirm a suspected cancer.
- Imaging: scans when indicated, to see how far the disease extends.
- Lymph node assessment: checking the neck nodes.
- Staging: describes the size and spread of the cancer.
- Multidisciplinary review: specialists discuss the best plan together.
Which tests you need depends on your individual case.
Treatment overview
Treatment depends on the site and stage of the cancer, pathology findings, your overall health and your preferences. Not every patient needs every treatment. For more detail, see our page on Mouth Cancer Treatment in Pune. Options doctors may consider include:
Surgery
Removal of the cancer with a margin of healthy tissue, with neck lymph node surgery when indicated.
Reconstruction
Rebuilding the area when the surgery requires it.
Radiation therapy
Used after surgery for some patients, or as a main treatment in selected cases.
Chemotherapy and other drugs
Chemotherapy and other systemic treatments for selected patients.
Rehabilitation
Speech, swallowing and nutrition support during and after treatment.
This is general information. Your doctor will confirm which treatments are suitable and available for you.
Speech, swallowing and recovery
Will treatment affect speech or swallowing? It can, depending on where the cancer is and how much needs to be treated. Your team will explain the likely effects before treatment and plan ways to limit them, but no one can promise that speech, appearance or swallowing will stay unchanged.
When is reconstruction needed? When removing the cancer leaves a gap that affects function or appearance. What support helps recovery? Speech and swallowing therapy, nutrition advice and pain management. Why do follow-up visits matter? They check healing, look for any return of the cancer and help with ongoing rehabilitation.
Cost and second opinions
The cost of mouth cancer treatment varies with the stage and extent of the disease, investigations, the type of surgery, reconstruction, hospital stay, additional treatment and rehabilitation. We do not quote standard prices because every plan is different. We can give you an individual estimate after reviewing your reports. See billing and insurance.
You can also bring your existing reports for a second opinion before deciding on treatment.
First consultation checklist
- Biopsy reports, plus pathology slides or blocks if requested
- Scan reports and images
- Previous treatment records
- A list of your current medicines
- Insurance documents, if relevant
To request an appointment, call us, message on WhatsApp or use the appointment page. If you are missing any reports, come anyway; the team will advise what is needed.
Contact and directions
Prolife Cancer Centre & Research Institute
S.No. 557/A/A/15C, Hissa No. 17/1, Final Plot No. 158/1,
Gultekdi, Market Yard, Pune – 411037, Maharashtra
Phone: +91 9607079019 · 24×7 helpline
Landline: 020-26458161
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I consult for suspected mouth cancer?
A surgical oncologist or head and neck cancer specialist is the right doctor for a suspected or confirmed oral cancer. At Prolife Cancer Centre, Dr. Sumit Shah, a surgical oncologist, evaluates and treats oral cancers. Your dentist or family doctor can also refer you.
What are the early signs of mouth cancer?
Early signs include an ulcer that does not heal, red or white patches, a lump or thickened area, unexplained bleeding or numbness, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. A lump in the neck can also occur. Any of these that persists should be examined.
Does a mouth ulcer always mean cancer?
No. Most mouth ulcers are caused by injury, infection or irritation and heal within a couple of weeks. An ulcer that has not healed within about three weeks should be examined, because a non-healing ulcer can occasionally be a sign of cancer.
How is mouth cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with an examination of the mouth and neck. A biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope, is generally needed to confirm cancer. Scans may be added to assess spread, and the neck lymph nodes are checked.
Can mouth cancer occur without tobacco use?
Yes. Tobacco is a major risk factor, but mouth cancer can also occur in people who do not use it. Areca nut (supari), alcohol and other factors play a role, and sometimes no clear cause is found. Any persistent mouth change should be checked.
Is surgery always required?
Surgery is a main treatment for many oral cancers, but not for everyone. Some patients also need radiation or chemotherapy, and a few are treated mainly with radiation. The plan depends on the site, stage and pathology of the cancer and your overall health.
Will surgery affect speech or swallowing?
It may, depending on the location and extent of the cancer. Your team will discuss the likely effects beforehand and arrange speech and swallowing rehabilitation to help recovery. It is not possible to promise that speech or swallowing will remain unchanged.
When is reconstruction needed?
Reconstruction is considered when removing the cancer leaves a defect that affects chewing, swallowing, speech or appearance. Whether it is needed, and what kind, depends on the size and site of the surgery. Your surgeon will explain this before treatment.
What affects mouth cancer surgery cost in Pune?
Cost depends on the stage and extent of disease, investigations, the type of surgery, whether reconstruction is needed, hospital stay, additional treatment and rehabilitation. Insurance coverage also matters. Request an individual estimate once your reports have been reviewed.
Can I get a second opinion with my existing reports?
Yes. You can bring your biopsy and pathology reports, scans and treatment records for review. A second opinion can help you understand your diagnosis and compare options before you decide on treatment. Call or message us to arrange it.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring biopsy reports, and pathology slides or blocks if requested, scan reports and images, previous treatment records, a list of current medicines and any relevant insurance documents. If something is missing, you can still book your visit.
How can I book a consultation at Prolife Cancer Centre?
Call +91 9607079019, message us on WhatsApp, or use the appointment page. Please mention your concern and any existing reports so the team can prepare for your visit.
Page summary
Mouth cancer (oral cancer) is confirmed by biopsy and treated according to its site, stage and the patient's health. Prolife Cancer Centre & Research Institute in Gultekdi, Market Yard, Pune offers consultations and second opinions with Dr. Sumit Shah, Surgical Oncologist. Call +91 9607079019 to book.
This page is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own situation.
Talk to a specialist about your mouth symptoms or diagnosis
Share your reports and questions; the team will guide you on the next step.