Key points

  • Oncology teams usually want the original pathology, not only the report.
  • Cancer treatment plans are often decided by a team of specialists together.
  • Courses of treatment can mean a longer stay or repeated visits; plan accommodation accordingly.

This page describes how we coordinate travel for cancer care. It does not give medical advice or recommend treatment. The treating oncologists decide the care.

Records oncology teams usually ask for

  • Biopsy and histopathology reports, and often the original slides or tissue blocks for review by the hospital’s own pathologists
  • Imaging, including CT, MRI or PET-CT, as images and reports
  • Consultation notes and any treatment given so far, such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • Recent blood tests
  • A list of current medicines

Sending slides and blocks needs care and the right paperwork. Ask the hospital what it requires before arranging it. See organising medical records.

Team decisions

Cancer treatment plans are often discussed by a multidisciplinary team, which may include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. Ask whether the case will be discussed this way.

Second opinions

A cancer diagnosis is one of the most common reasons families seek a second opinion. Records can often be reviewed, and a video consultation held, before any travel. See getting a second opinion.

Planning around a course of treatment

Some cancer treatment takes place over weeks or months. Families need to decide whether to stay near the hospital throughout, or travel back and forth between cycles. Ask the treating team which is realistic, and plan accommodation and attendant support to match. See where to stay near the hospital and a guide for attendants.

Questions to ask the oncology team

  • Will your pathologists review the original slides?
  • What is the full treatment plan, and over what time?
  • Which parts must happen here, and could any continue nearer home?
  • How will you share information with our doctor at home?

How we help

We organise records and pathology material, share the case with oncology teams with consent, and coordinate travel, stay and follow-up across a course of treatment. See treatment in another Indian city or international patient services.