The quiet corridors of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai echo with precision and compassion. It’s here that I met Dr. Shama Kovale, a renowned ENT Specialist and Head and Neck Oncosurgeon, who has dedicated over two decades to the complex and often emotionally charged field of throat cancer treatment in Mumbai.
As I sat down with her in her consultation room—bright, calm, and clinically advanced—I immediately sensed her blend of scientific clarity and human empathy. Dr. Kovale’s career stands as a testament to how medical expertise, technology, and compassion can converge to restore lives disrupted by cancer.
Dr. Shama Kovale completed her MBBS and MS in ENT from one of India’s top medical universities, followed by advanced training in Head and Neck Oncology and Micro-Laryngeal Surgery. With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively in both oncology departments and specialized ENT setups where she treats conditions ranging from benign vocal cord nodules to complex laryngeal and pharyngeal malignancies.
At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, her department is equipped with 3D endoscopic visualization systems, laser excision tools, and microsurgical instruments that allow for precision-based surgeries with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. She also collaborates closely with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and speech therapists to ensure comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.
“Cancer care is not about removing disease alone—it’s about preserving quality of life,” she noted during our interview. “Especially in throat cancer, where speech, swallowing, and breathing are affected, the treatment plan must balance survival with function.”
Throat cancer, medically known as laryngeal or pharyngeal carcinoma, occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the throat. Symptoms may include persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained sore throat, or ear pain.
Dr. Kovale explained that the treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer:
Her approach emphasizes individualized care. “No two cancers behave alike,” she said. “Our decisions are based on clinical staging, imaging, and, most importantly, the patient’s functional priorities.”
Dr. Sultan Pradhan is celebrated for his precision surgeries and pioneering work in oncological reconstruction. Similarly, Dr. Arjun Dev has made contributions to early detection and laser excision in vocal cord malignancies.
Dr. Marshall Posner and Professor Kevin Harrington have set global benchmarks in integrated cancer care combining immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and advanced surgery.