The short answer: Bring every report you have — scan reports and the scan images (CD or files), biopsy reports with the slides and blocks, blood test and tumour marker results — plus a list of your medicines, a short written medical history, your questions, your insurance papers and one family member or friend. This lets the specialist plan your care in the first visit instead of repeating tests. If you are wondering cancer doctor ke paas pehli baar kya le jayein (कैंसर डॉक्टर के पास पहली बार क्या ले जाएं), this checklist is for you.
A specialist consultation costs both time and money. Bring these 10 items and you will get more out of the meeting: a clearer diagnosis, faster treatment planning and fewer repeat visits. Do not worry if you do not have everything; bring what you have, and the team will tell you what else is needed.
On this page
- 1. All ultrasound reports (with the images, if possible)
- 2. CT and MRI scans on CD or as DICOM files
- 3. Biopsy and histopathology slides
- 4. Tumour marker results (CA-125, HE4, CEA, AFP, beta-hCG)
- 5. Complete blood work from the last 3 months
- 6. A list of all current medications (with doses)
- 7. Brief medical history written down
- 8. A family member or friend who takes notes
- 9. A written list of your specific questions
- 10. Insurance card / policy details
1. All ultrasound reports (with the images, if possible)
Bring the printed reports and, if you have them, the original PDFs or images on a USB stick or your phone. Different centres report scans in different ways; seeing the actual images lets the specialist look at the findings again.
2. CT and MRI scans on CD or as DICOM files
A written report is not enough. The specialist needs the actual scan files (CD, DVD, or DICOM upload) to assess the disease properly. If you don’t have a CD, ask the imaging centre for one; most centres can provide a copy of your scan on request.
3. Biopsy and histopathology slides
If a biopsy has been done, bring the histopathology (biopsy) report and ask the laboratory for the glass slides and the paraffin blocks (the small wax blocks holding the tissue). The pathologist at your treatment hospital may need to review them or run extra tests, which is routine — never feel hesitant to ask for them.
4. Tumour marker results (CA-125, HE4, CEA, AFP, beta-hCG)
Tumour markers are blood tests that can rise with some cancers (and with some non-cancer conditions too). They help interpret scan findings and give a starting value for future monitoring. If you have had the same test more than once, bring all the results so the trend can be seen.
5. Complete blood work from the last 3 months
Including CBC (blood count), KFT (kidney function), LFT (liver function), fasting blood sugar, and HbA1c if you have diabetes. These help the specialist check your fitness for treatment without repeating tests.
6. A list of all current medications (with doses)
Include vitamins, herbal supplements, and any blood thinners. Some medications must be stopped before surgery; others affect chemotherapy choices.
7. Brief medical history written down
Previous surgeries (especially abdominal), pregnancies, deliveries, age of first period and menopause, and any family history of cancer. For family history, include relatives on both your mother’s and your father’s side, and note breast, ovarian, womb and bowel cancers in particular, with the age at diagnosis if you know it. Write it down — anxiety in consultation can make you forget.
8. A family member or friend who takes notes
You will receive a lot of information. Having someone with you (who is willing to ask questions and take notes) significantly improves understanding and decision-making.
9. A written list of your specific questions
Things you may want to know: What is the diagnosis? What is the stage? What are my treatment options? What will recovery be like? What are the side effects? What will it cost? Where will I be treated? Will treatment affect my periods, menopause or chances of pregnancy?
10. Insurance card / policy details
Bring a copy of your health insurance card and policy details. The admissions team can begin pre-authorisation discussions if surgery is recommended.
What to do next
To schedule your first consultation with Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, call or WhatsApp +91 76988 00333, or arrange an appointment online. Sharing your reports on WhatsApp in advance helps the team prepare and use consultation time well; it does not replace the consultation itself, where the doctor examines you and discusses a plan.
Related
External reference: NCCN Patient Guidelines.
FAQs
Is the ultrasound report enough, or should I bring the images too?
Bring both if you can: the printed report and the original PDFs or images on a USB stick or your phone. Seeing the actual images lets the specialist look at the findings again.
Do I need the CT or MRI CD, or just the report?
Please bring the scan files as well as the report. The specialist often needs the actual images (CD, DVD or DICOM upload) to assess the disease properly. If you don't have a CD, ask the imaging centre; most centres can provide a copy on request.
Why should I collect my biopsy slides and blocks from the lab?
The pathologist at your treatment hospital may need to review the glass slides and paraffin blocks, or run extra tests on them, before treatment is planned. This is routine. Ask the laboratory for them along with the histopathology report — never feel hesitant to ask.
Should I bring my tumour marker results (CA-125, HE4, CEA, AFP, beta-hCG)?
These help interpret imaging findings and establish baseline values for future monitoring. Bring trended values if you have multiple tests over time.
Which blood test reports should I bring?
Reports from the last 3 months, including CBC, KFT, LFT, fasting blood sugar, and HbA1c if you have diabetes. These help the specialist assess your fitness for treatment without re-ordering tests.
What if I don't have all these reports yet?
Come anyway with whatever you have. If tests or scans are still needed, the specialist will tell you which ones and arrange them, so you do not need to get every test done before the first visit.
Can I send my reports on WhatsApp before the visit?
Yes. Sharing reports on WhatsApp (+91 76988 00333) before your appointment helps the team prepare. It does not replace the consultation, where the doctor examines you and discusses your options.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified.