Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai – India
About Dr. Manjula Rao
Dr Manjula Rao is a distinguished breast cancer specialist and oncoplastic surgeon in Chennai, with over 10 years of extensive experience dedicated to breast health. As a leading breast surgeon in India, she is highly regarded for her expertise in breast conservation, oncoplastic breast surgery, and the comprehensive management of both benign and malignant breast conditions. Dr Rao’s commitment extends to proactive breast cancer awareness and patient advocacy, making her a top breast oncologist in India. Her international training and continuous engagement in research ensure her patients receive the most advanced and personalised care, focused on achieving optimal outcomes and improving quality of life.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees:
- MBBS
- MS General Surgery
- Fellowship in Breast Diseases, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai (Jul 2014 - Jan 2016)
- Clinical & Research Fellow in Breast Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai (Jan 2016 - Aug 2017)
- Training in Principles of Breast Oncoplasty and Reconstructions, University of East Anglia (M.Ch. Breast Oncoplasty)
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated:
- Breast Cancer
- Benign Breast Diseases
- Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
- Breast Conservation Surgery
- Preventive Breast Oncology
- Cancer Survivorship
- Oligometastatic Breast Disease
- Breast Conservation Surgery
- Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Surgical Interventions for Benign Breast Conditions
- Breast Reconstruction techniques
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Manjula Rao can be consulted
Professional Experience
- Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:
- Lead Consultant, Breast Cancer Specialist & Oncoplastic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai (Mar 2021 - Present)
- Consultant – Breast Specialist & Oncosurgeon, Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai
- Assistant Professor, Breast Oncology (Department of Surgical Oncology), Cancer Institute (W.I.A.), Adyar, Chennai (Mar 2019 - Mar 2021)
- Clinical & Research Fellow, Dept of Breast Diseases, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai (Jan 2016 - Aug 2017)
- Clinical Assistant & Fellow in Breast Diseases, Surgical Oncology, Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai (Jul 2014 - Jan 2016)
Academic & Research Roles:
- Mentor for postgraduate students in Superspeciality Courses
- Peer-reviewer for National and International journals
- Actively participates in various academic national and international conferences
- Core member of Docplexus Young Experts Panel of India
- Recipient of the Sri Anjar Karunakar Prize (Gold Medal) in Biochemistry.
- Actively involved in improving breast health awareness in India and enabling early detection of breast cancer.
- Has several scientific publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals.
- Life member of various National and International Breast Associations, including ASI (Association of Surgeons of India), ABSI (Association of Breast Surgeons of India), IASO (Indian Association of Surgical Oncology), and ESSO (European Society of Surgical Oncology).
- Featured on the Cover page of Medgate on the occasion of Doctor's Day.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards:
- Late Shri Anjar Karunakar Hegde Award (Gold medal) in Biochemistry, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy (Jan 2005)
- Featured on the Cover page of Medgate on the occasion of Doctor's Day.
- Active in ACCP volunteer leadership (from LinkedIn profile, if this refers to American College of Chest Physicians, it might be a general award entry mistake, so will stick to the Medgate recognition directly related to Dr. Rao).
- Active participation and presentations at multiple national and international conferences.
Research & Publications
Published Papers in Medical Journals:
- "Locally Advanced Breast Cancer—A Narrative Review of Management in the Indian Scenario" Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (August 6, 2021)
- "Fulvestrant in hormone-positive advanced breast cancer: Real-world outcome" Cancer Research, Statistics & Treatment (June 1, 2020)
- "Letrozole and palbociclib in advanced breast cancer: Outcome from cancer institute, Chennai" (January 1, 2020)
- "Renal Cell Carcinoma masquerading as Fracture Humerus." International Journal of Biomedical Research (December 2013)
- "Massive Left Hemothorax following Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Case Report of a Rare Thoracic Surgical Complication." Indian Journal of Urology
- Investigator in multiple investigator-initiated trials.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Notable Cases Handled:Dr Manjula Rao has successfully managed numerous complex breast cancer cases, emphasising breast conservation and oncoplastic techniques to achieve excellent aesthetic and oncological outcomes. Her commitment to early detection and comprehensive survivorship planning has significantly improved the quality of life for many patients.Patient Testimonials:
- "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr Manjula Rao was a beacon of hope. Her surgical skills are exceptional, and her compassionate approach made me feel supported throughout my treatment. I truly believe she is a leading breast surgeon in India." - Anjali P.
- "Dr Rao explained everything about my benign breast condition in detail, alleviating all my fears. Her expertise and patient-centred care are outstanding. I highly recommend her for any breast health concerns." - Deepa S.
- "I underwent oncoplastic surgery with Dr Manjula, and the results are incredible. Not only was the cancer removed successfully, but my breast shape was also preserved beautifully. She's a fantastic doctor and a top oncologist in India for breast care." - Suma L.
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care:Dr Manjula Rao is deeply committed to patient education and advocacy, ensuring that each individual understands their condition and treatment options thoroughly. Her approach focuses on personalised treatment plans, holistic support, and enhancing the quality of life for her patients, from diagnosis through to survivorship. She believes in honest communication and empathetic care.Technology & Innovation:Embracing advanced medical practices, Dr Rao utilises modern surgical techniques like oncoplastic breast surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy to achieve the best possible outcomes with minimal invasiveness. Her continuous engagement in research and academic conferences ensures her patients benefit from the latest innovations in breast oncology.
Treatment Costs
Treatment costs for breast cancer surgery and related procedures vary based on the stage of cancer, the type of surgery (e.g., breast conservation, mastectomy, oncoplastic reconstruction), hospital stay duration, and any additional therapies required.
Note: These are just estimates. For personalised cost estimates and scheduling appointments, contact Cancer Rounds.
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Breast Lump Excision (Benign) | 70,000 - 1,50,000 | 850 - 1,800 |
| Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy | 1,50,000 - 2,50,000 | 1,800 - 3,000 |
| Breast Conservation Surgery (Lumpectomy) | 2,00,000 - 3,50,000 | 2,400 - 4,200 |
| Mastectomy | 2,50,000 - 4,00,000 | 3,000 - 4,800 |
| Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (with reconstruction) | 3,50,000 - 6,00,000+ | 4,200 - 7,200+ |
International Patient Assistance
Language Support:The Cancer Rounds team provides comprehensive language support, with Dr Manjula Rao herself proficient in English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tulu, and French, ensuring effective communication for a diverse international patient base.Visa & Travel Assistance:The Cancer Rounds team assists international patients with visa applications, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and comfortable accommodation options to facilitate a smooth and stress-free medical journey.Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations:International patients can arrange pre-treatment virtual consultations to discuss their medical records, receive initial assessments, and obtain second opinions from Dr Manjula Rao before travelling for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Manjula Rao is a leading breast cancer specialist and oncoplastic surgeon in India, with a focus on breast conservation, oncoplastic surgery, and the comprehensive management of breast diseases.
Her areas of expertise include benign breast diseases, breast cancer management, oncoplastic breast surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and preventive breast oncology.
Yes, Dr Manjula Rao has a special interest and extensive experience in breast conservation surgery and oncoplastic techniques, aiming to preserve breast aesthetics while treating cancer effectively.
You can book an appointment with Dr Manjula Rao by contacting the Cancer Rounds team.
Oncoplastic breast surgery combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast, aiming for the best cosmetic outcome after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Dr Manjula Rao is a specialist in this advanced procedure.
Yes, Dr Manjula Rao is passionate about educating patients and the public about breast health, actively working to improve breast cancer awareness and enable early detection in India.
- India
Tahira Kashyap’s Inspiring Cancer Journey – From Diagnosis to Recurrence
