Etiologies of Cancer: A Pathology and Microbiology Approach

Dr. Atul Kothari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute, a tertiary care center in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. In his academic role, he is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching while contributing to routine and advanced diagnostic pathology services. He completed his MBBS from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Belgaum, under KLE University, Karnataka, and pursued his MD in Pathology from SBKS Medical Institute & Research Centre, Vadodara, Gujarat. During his training, he also gained valuable experience by working as junior resident in reputed corporate hospitals strengthening his expertise in high-volume diagnostic practices. A distinctive milestone in Dr. Kothari’s professional career is his service as a Captain (Medical Officer) in the Indian Army, where he developed strong clinical, administrative, and leadership skills while working in diverse and challenging healthcare environments. Dr. Kothari has a strong academic and research orientation with ten publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals. His areas of diagnostic expertise include hematology, cytology, and histopathology, complemented by certified training in flow cytometry and dermatopathology. He is also recognized for his proficiency in diagnostic pathology, academic presentations and public speaking. With a keen interest in integrating technology and molecular diagnostics into routine pathology practice, Dr. Kothari is committed to delivering precise and clinically relevant diagnoses. His professional philosophy emphasizes accuracy, innovation, and patient-centered care to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.

Dr. Sayantani Ghosh Hazra is currently serving as a Senior Resident in the Department of Pathology at KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. She completed her MBBS from Pune and subsequently obtained her MD in Pathology from Kolkata, building a strong academic and clinical foundation in diagnostic pathology. She has received specialized training in Laboratory Management Systems and Internal Audit as per ISO 15189:2022 standards, along with Structured Six Sigma training. She is also certified through the ICMR–NICPR ECHO Course on Cervical Cancer Screening for Pathologists, strengthening her expertise in preventive oncology and cancer screening. Dr. Ghosh Hazra works in an NABL-accredited teaching hospital laboratory which contributes to diagnostic services and academic activities for MBBS, MD, and paramedical training programs. Her professional experience spans histopathology, cytopathology, hematology, and clinical pathology, reflecting strong multidisciplinary diagnostic competence. She is a life member of several academic organizations and has actively participated in numerous state, national, and international conferences, presenting papers and engaging in academic discussions. Committed to continuous learning and professional advancement, Dr. Sayantani Ghosh Hazra strives to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of pathology and diagnostic medicine.

Dr. Himani Aggarwal is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Medical Sciences & Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala, a tertiary care teaching hospital and academic institute. In her academic role, she is actively involved in undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate teaching, mentoring students, and guiding laboratory-based research activities. She also contributes to strengthening diagnostic microbiology services and maintaining quality laboratory practices in accordance with standard guidelines. She completed her MBBS from Rohilkhand Medical College, Bareilly, affiliated with Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (MJP) Rohilkhand University, Uttar Pradesh, followed by MD in Microbiology from Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College (SHKM GMC) under Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana. During her postgraduate training, she gained extensive exposure to clinical bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. She has hands-on expertise in culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, automated blood culture systems, ELISA, rapid serological assays, and advanced molecular techniques including PCR and RT-PCR.

Dr. Ruchi Ganvir completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Hoskote, Bengaluru, Karnataka. She subsequently pursued her Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Microbiology from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, which she completed in 2022. Following her postgraduate training, she served as a Senior Resident in the Department of Microbiology at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, where she gained valuable clinical and diagnostic experience in microbiological investigations and laboratory practice. Currently, Dr. Ganvir holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Ram Krishna Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She was awarded a Gold Medal for her MD degree and received recognition for the Best Research Topic related to her thesis titled “Molecular Characterisation of Dengue Viruses Prevalent in Central India.” Dr. Ganvir has made notable academic contributions with five research articles published in international journals and eight scholarly articles in national journals. She is deeply committed to medical education and demonstrates a strong understanding of the learning needs of her students and readers. Through her teaching and mentorship, she encourages students to develop a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of microbiology and diagnostic medicine.

Dr. Harshada Bhangale is a dedicated Consultant Pathologist and Blood Bank Incharge at All Is Well Multispecialty Hospital, Burhanpur, where she has been actively involved in diagnostic medicine for the past seven years. Through her clinical expertise and commitment to precision, she plays a key role in ensuring high standards of laboratory diagnosis and patient care. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, and subsequently pursued her Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Pathology from Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College, Jalgaon. Her academic training provided a strong foundation in histopathology, hematology, cytology, and transfusion medicine. With extensive experience in laboratory diagnostics and blood bank management, Dr. Bhangale has contributed significantly to improving diagnostic accuracy and supporting clinicians in effective patient management. Her participation in this book represents an extension of her professional journey, combining years of scientific rigor with a passion for advancing knowledge in cancer pathology and diagnostic medicine. Through this work, she aims to contribute valuable insights to the medical community and support the understanding of cancer etiology from a pathological perspective.