Metastatic cancer is a type of cancer in which the cancer cells from one part of the body spread and involve other areas of the body. In metastatic cancer, tumor cells enter the blood travel to other areas of the body, and start to multiply in the new area. Metastatic cancer occurs when the cancer is in the last stage. Most of the time, it is not possible to cure metastatic cancer completely. In such cases, palliative treatment is often used where different treatment options are used in combination and the main focus is to improve the quality of life of the patient. The symptoms of metastatic cancer usually depend on the area that is involved in metastasis. For example, lung metastasis has symptoms related to breathing problems and bone metastasis has symptoms of pain and fatigue. The metastatic cancer most commonly spreads to the liver, lungs, bones, and brain. Sometimes metastatic cancer is diagnosed first in the body before the diagnosis of primary cancer due to which metastasis occurs. The main goal of the treatment of metastatic cancer involves the management of symptoms of the patient rather than the cure of the disease. The survival after metastatic cancer usually depends on the condition of the patient and also depends on the area of the body affected by the cancer.
Types of Metastatic Cancer Treatment India
Some of the treatments used for metastatic cancer are as follows:
- Palliative care
- Combination of treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Target therapy
- Immunotherapy
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. It also includes providing emotional support to patients with metastatic cancer and their families or caregivers.
Surgery
The surgical treatment is used to remove the tumor when the tumor growth is compressing the tissues and disturbs their functions. For example, brain tumors are removed surgically to relieve the symptoms caused by the compression of brain tissue.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy medications are given to the patient to kill and destroy cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy is also used with other treatment options to manage patients with metastatic cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy X-rays to destroy the tumor. Like surgical treatment it can be used to relieve the symptoms of a patient and like chemotherapy it can also be used in combination of treatments.
Targeted Therapy
Target drug therapy is designed to inhibit specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth and spread. This is an advanced type of technique used in the treatment of cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs block proteins that decrease the response of the immune system to cancer cells. This can help the patient’s immunity to fight against cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy
This treatment is used for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer to block hormone production or hormone receptors on cancer cells.
Diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer Treatment India
Some of the methods of diagnosis of metastatic cancer are:
Imaging Studies
- CT Scan: Detailed images of the body are generated to detect tumors and determine their locations.
- MRI: Detailed images of internal structures are produced by using magnetic fields to identify tumors.
- PET Scan: Areas with increased activity of the cells, possibly indicating cancer, are detected by PET scan.
- Bone Scan: This test reveals cancer that has spread to the bones.
Biopsy
Tissue samples are obtained from the primary tumor or suspicious areas. These samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells and also describe the cancer type.
Blood Tests
Specific blood markers including tumor markers and blood cell counts provide additional information about the presence and extent of cancer.
Endoscopy
A flexible tube with a camera at the end may be used to internally examine areas like the digestive system for tumors or any other abnormality.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
If bone marrow involvement is suspected, samples are obtained for examination.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can identify specific genetic changes in certain cancers which can also help to choose the specific type of treatment.
Lymph Node Evaluation
Lymph nodes near the primary tumor may be surgically removed or tested through a biopsy to check for cancer spread.
Cost of Metastatic Cancer Treatment in India
The cost of metastatic cancer treatment depends on the condition of the patient. The cost can vary according to the types of treatments used for a patient. The cost can also vary according to the part of the body involved in metastatic cancer.
- Radiotherapy : 2273 USD - 2983 USD
- Chemotherapy : 532 USD - 710 USD
- Metastatic Cancer Treatment : 1598 USD - 5983 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Some of the symptoms of metastatic cancer are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Headaches
- Bone pain
- Jaundice
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Swelling or fluid buildup
- Lumps or bumps under the skin
Risk factors of Metastatic Cancer
The risk factors for metastatic cancer are described below:
Primary Cancer
Metastatic cancer occurs after the primary cancer that can develop in any part of the body. If primary cancer is not treated on time it can lead to metastatic cancer.
Stage of Primary Cancer
The stage at which the primary cancer was diagnosed can increase the chances of metastatic cancer. Advanced stages of cancer have a higher risk.
Tumor Size
Larger primary tumors are more likely to spread to distant organs and cause metastatic cancer.
Lymph Node Involvement
If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the risk of further metastasis increases.
Genetic Factors
Patients whose genetic factors cause the primary cancer are at greater risk of developing the disease into metastatic cancer.
Age
Some cancers are more common in specific age groups. The risk of metastatic cancer also increases with age.
Gender
In some cases, one gender is more at risk of developing the disease than the other. For example, lung cancer is more commonly present in males and it can metastasize to other parts.
Immune System Health
A weakened immune system may have a reduced ability to prevent cancer spread. So patients with weak immunity are at greater risk of metastatic cancer.
Smoking and Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and certain lifestyle habits can increase the risk of developing cancers. The cancer can also spread to other areas of the body.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Some occupational or environmental exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, can also increase the risk of cancer and metastasis.
04/13/2024
