Metastatic Cancer Treatment in India

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.

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.