Alternative Treatments for Prostate Cancer - HIFU

HIFU treatment uses high frequency ultrasound energy to heat and destroy cancer cells in your prostate gland. When high frequency sound waves are concentrated on body tissues, those tissues heat up and die. To use this as a cancer treatment, the specialist targets the area containing the cancer.

HIFU is a great advancement over other prostate cancer treatment options as this technique involves heating only the tumours with a highly focused ultrasound, will mean men can be treated without an overnight stay in hospital and avoiding the distressing side effects associated with current therapies.

If you have an enlarged prostate and your urologist (a doctor who specialises in identifying and treating conditions that affect the urinary system) recommends you for HIFU, you may be offered another type of treatment beforehand to shrink the gland. For example, you may be given hormone therapy, or a procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate.

What are the Alternatives to HIFU ?

The type of treatment you have for prostate cancer depends on whether the cancer has spread, and if so, how much. If you’re invited to take part in a clinical trial for HIFU, your surgeon will make sure you’re aware of the other treatment options that are available.

Alternative treatments for prostate cancer include the following : - 

Watchful waiting – This involves monitoring the cancer, but not treating it unless it grows.

Surgery – Your prostate may be removed using either open or keyhole surgery.

Radiotherapy – This is where radiation is used to destroy cancer cells.

Brachytherapy – This involves having small, radioactive seeds put into your prostate. There is also high-dose rate brachytherapy, in which radiation is put into your prostate for a few minutes at a time.

Cryotherapy – Liquid gas is used to freeze and kill the cancer cells (but is only offered as part of a clinical trial).

Chemotherapy, which uses medicines to destroy cancer cells, and hormone therapy can be used to treat more advanced forms of prostate cancer.

Preparing for HIFU

Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for the procedure.

HIFU is usually done as a day-case procedure under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. If you’re having a general anaesthetic, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. This means not eating or drinking, typically for about six hours beforehand. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice.

Your surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form.

What Happens During HIFU?

HIFU takes up to three hours, but this depends on the size of your prostate and how much of it is being treated. Your surgeon will pass a lubricated probe into your rectum. The probe gives out a beam of ultrasound, which your surgeon will focus so that it heats and destroys the area of prostate tissue where there is cancer. The probe will have a cooling balloon around it to protect nearby areas from the high temperature

Recovering from HIFU

If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to complete the full course. If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

World's Most Advanced Medical Treatment in India - Get free Expert Medical Opinion and Treatment Estimate Cost

MedWorld India offer free, no obligation assistance to international patients to find world class medical treatment in India. A large number of people from all over the world are now traveling to India for top class medical treatment like Heart Surgery, Cancer Care, Spinal fusion surgery in India, sleeve gastrectomy surgery in India, and other major surgeries. 

India offers an unmatched cost and quality advantages because it has world class hospitals and globally trained and experienced surgeons across every specialty. Whether you are considering cervical disk replacement surgery, brain tumor surgery in India, heart valve replacement surgery, or prostate cancer treatment in India, we offer support and services to facilitate the care you require. We can help you find the best heart hospital in India, IVF hospital in India, or best cancer hospital in India.

The First step is to email your Medical Reports to us for an opinion from leading doctors in India. We will send you an expert medical opinion and estimate for the cost of your treatment from at least three leading hospitals in India. Once you decide, we help you schedule appointments, apply for a medical Visa and make the arrangements for your stay.

MedWorld India has a team of dedicated doctors who personally attend to all your queries. We are the only facilitators that appoint a personal doctor to the patient from the time of enquiry till the time the patient fully recovers. Your personal doctor will stay in constant contact with you, your local doctor and your medical team in India throughout your stay, and will relay information back to your loved ones. 

From initial registration of interest, to returning the patient back to his or her home country after the procedure and recuperation, MedWorld India will ensure the whole process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for its patients. We believe that timely, affordable and quality medical treatment is every human beings right. We are dedicated to this cause and strive to deliver the benefit and pleasure of medical care to people across the globe.

Our mission at MedWorld India is simple. We want to help you to safely and successfully receive your medical procedure(s) at a world-class healthcare facility for a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

Advantages of MedWorld India

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Low Cost Colon Cancer Treatment in India

Diagnostic tests for colorectalcancer are usually done when:

• the symptoms of colorectal cancer are present

• the doctor suspects colorectal cancer after talking with a person about their health and completing a physical examination

• screening tests suggest a problem with the colon or rectum

Many of the same tests used to initially diagnose cancer are also used to determine the stage (how far the cancer has progressed). Your doctor may also order other tests to check your general health and to help plan your treatment. Tests may include the following.

Medical history and physical examination The medical history is a record of present symptoms, risk factors and all the medical events and problems a person has had in the past. The medical history of a person's family may also help the doctor to diagnose colorectal cancer. In taking a medical history, the doctor will ask questions about: a personal history of polyps in the colon or rectum inflammatory bowel disease colorectal cancer a family history of colorectal cancer familial adenomatous polyposis hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (also known as Lynch syndrome) signs and symptoms Tumour marker tests Tumour markers are substances – usually proteins – in the blood that may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer. Tumour marker tests are used to check a person's response to cancer treatment, but they can also be used to diagnose colorectal cance Colonoscopy A colonoscopy is a procedure that lets the doctor look at the lining of the colon using a flexible tube with a light and lens on the end (an endoscope). A colonoscopy is preferred over a flexible sigmoidoscopy because the entire colon can be checked for polyps or abnormal areas. A colonoscopy is done in a hospital on an outpatient basis. The doctor gently inserts the colonoscope (a type of endoscope) through the anus and slowly moves it into the rectum and colon. The colon is inflated with air to stretch out the lining so the doctor can look at the entire surface. This can be uncomfortable, so drugs are given to help the person relax during the procedure. Biopsy During a biopsy, tissues or cells are removed from the body so they can be tested in a laboratory. The pathology report from the laboratory will confirm whether or not cancer cells are present in the sample and may also identify the type of cancer. A biopsy is the only definite way to diagnose colorectal cancer. Biopsies of polyps or abnormal areas are taken during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. A biopsy sample will allow the doctor to find out the type of colorectal cancer and the grade. Biopsy results may also show how far the cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum. Computed tomography (CT) scan A CT scan uses special x-ray equipment to make 3-dimensional and cross-sectional images of organs, tissues, bones and blood vessels inside the body. A computer turns the images into detailed pictures. It is used to: check if the cancer has spread to other organs in the abdomen or pelvis (small areas of spread [microscopic spread] may not be detected by CT scan) check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen check how far the tumour has grown into the wall of the colon or, especially, the rectum CT-guided needle biopsy CT scans may also be used to help guide a needle to perform a biopsy (CT-guided needle biopsy) to check for cancer cells in a tumour in the colon or a suspected area of metastasis (cancer spread outside of the colon or rectum). Virtual colonoscopy Virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to create images of the colon without having to insert an endoscope through the rectum. A virtual colonoscopy is less invasive and more comfortable than a regular colonoscopy. Studies are continuing to examine the effectiveness of this test.  Ultrasound  Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of structures in the body. Endorectal ultrasound (EUS or ERUS) uses a special instrument (transducer) that is inserted into the rectum. It is used to see: how far a tumour has grown into the rectal wall if the tumour has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes Abdominal ultrasound may be done to see if the cancer has spread to other organs in the abdomen, such as the liver. Pelvic ultrasound may be done if doctors suspect that the cancer has spread to the urinary tract. An ultrasound may also be used during abdominal surgery. The surgeon can place the transducer directly on the liver to check for metastases. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan A PET scan uses radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to detect changes in the metabolic activity of body tissues. A computer analyzes the radioactive patterns and makes 3-dimensional colour images of the area being scanned. PET scans are not routinely used to diagnose colorectal cancer. They are more commonly used to help stage and check for recurrent disease if a person's CEA level starts to rise following treatment. PET scans are not readily available at all centres. For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com                           https://www.facebook.com/medworld.india Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors. Call Us : +91-9811058159 Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com

Advantages of Next Generation Technology over Conventional Neurosurgery to Remove Brain Tumor

MRI Guided Brain Tumor Surgery - Most Advanced Brain Tumor Surgery in IndiaA brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain. Primary brain tumors can arise from the brain cells, the membranes around the brain, nerves, or glands.
Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull. The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. There are many possible risk factors that could play a role.
Advanced imaging technique now developed to enable Neurosurgeons with intra-operative MRI to aid in the removal of complex and hard-to-access brain tumors during surgery. This new technique relies on a powerful computer system, which assists the surgeon in precisely localizing a lesion, in planning each step of the procedure on the computer screen, and in calculating the ideal access to the tumour before the operation.
This is particularly useful in reaching a tumour located deep inside the brain, areas traditionally considered to be difficult to reach. During the procedure, the computer tracks instrument movement with an extremely high precision, providing the surgeon with total control inside the brain at all times using "real-time" imaging. The surgeon can also check if the tumor has been removed as planned. This improves the outlook for the patient.
“BRAIN SUITE” in India – Amongst very few such facilities worldwide
It is the most advanced Neuro-Surgical Operating Room with high field MR. This system permits the neurosurgeon to have an MRI study on the patient during surgery, and if tumor has remained which was hidden to the human eye, can be detected by special MRI sequences, and can be targeted using neuro navigation (which works on the same principle as the GPS system).
The Brain Suite has two main parts. There is a high-intensity MRI scanner integrated with an image-guided surgical system. The MRI scanner has a wide-bore opening allowing a patient to lie on his or her side. Previously, tumors that could only be accessed from the side of the skull were not easy to scan. This special MRI system lets doctors repeat scans during the operation to get more accurate information on the location, shape and size of the tumor. This minimizes problems associated with brain tumors shifting during excision.

Advantages of Next Generation Technology over Conventional Neurosurgery to Remove Brain Tumor:-

• The surgeon is guided during the surgery by live Advanced New Generation computer assisted MRI and thus knows exactly where tumor ends and normal brain begins.

• Enhanced ability of Neurosurgeon to excise the complete tumor. Less risk of post operative complications. Functional image guidance with MRI allows for accurate, non-invasive preoperative assessment and planning for brain tumor surgery.

• MRI guided Brain Tumor Surgery allows a more complete tumor removal with much less risk to surrounding brain tissue.

• "Inoperable" tumors (inoperable by conventional surgical techniques) can be resected with MRI Guided Brain Tumor Surgery. Frequently, these are deep seated-relatively benign tumors in children and young adults or elderly patients. Many of these tumors can be cured with this most advanced technology.

Risk Factors of Colon and Rectal Cancer

Causes and risk factors of colon and rectal cancer

Age : – About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.

A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps : – If you’ve already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.

Inflammatory intestinal conditions : – Long-standing inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Inherited disorders that affect the colon : – Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes cause only about 5 percent of all colon cancers. One genetic syndrome called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum.

When to seek medical advice

If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, see your doctor as soon as possible. Keep in mind that colorectal cancer can occur in younger as well as older people. If you’re at high risk, don’t wait until symptoms appear. See your doctor for regular screenings.

Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.

Testsand diagnosis

Screening

Most colon cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous. Screening may also detect colon cancer in its early stages when there is a good chance for cure.

You may be embarrassed by the screening procedures, worried about discomfort or afraid of the results. Discuss your screening options and your concerns with your doctor. Most procedures are only moderately uncomfortable, and working with a doctor you like and trust can help ease your embarrassment…

Diagnosis 

If your doctor suspects you may have colon cancer based on your signs and symptoms, he or she may recommend colonoscopy to look for colon cancer. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to look for polyps or unusual areas in your colon. Your doctor can also remove a sample of tissue from your colon to look for cancer cells. In some cases, barium enema or flexible sigmoidoscopy may be used to diagnose colon cancer.

Treatments 

The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend largely on the stage of your cancer. The three primary treatment options are: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

• Surgery :Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and involves in block removal of diseased segment with adequate margins, surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. The names given to such resections are right hemicolectomy, transverse colectomy, left hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, and subtotal colectomy:
• Polypectomy : If the cancer is found in a polyp (a small piece of bulging tissue), the polyp is often removed during a colonoscopy.
• Local excision : If the cancer is found on the inside surface of the rectum and has not spread into the wall of the rectum, the cancer and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue is removed.
• Resection : If the cancer has spread into the wall of the rectum, the section of the rectum with cancer and nearby healthy tissue is removed. Sometimes the tissue between the rectum and the abdominal wall is also removed. The lymph nodes near the rectum are removed and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
• Pelvic exenteration : If the cancer has spread to other organs near the rectum, the lower colon, rectum, and bladder are removed.

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Prostate Cancer - Alternative Cancer Treatments in India

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system that helps in formation and storage of seminal fluid. The prostate gland in a male body is located in pelvis under the urinary bladder  and in front of the rectum. In simple words we can define and understand Prostate cancer as one which is mainly associated with urinary dysfunction

Prostate cancer tends to develop in men over the age of fifty and very uncommon in men younger than 45 but becomes often common with the men of advancing age. As of 2011, prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer death in males worldwide.

 Signs and Symptoms:-

 Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms because most of the prostate cancers are slow growing however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers with following symptoms:-

·         Frequent urination,

·         Nocturia (increased urination at night)

·         Hematuria (blood in the urine)

·         Dysuria (painful urination)

·         Difficulty in starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine

·         Loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting

·         Weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs

   

Diagnosis:-

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test : A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and analyzed for PSA, a substance that's naturally produced by your prostate gland. It's normal for a small amount of PSA to be in your bloodstream but if the value increases, the cause must be located.
• Ultrasound : If other tests raise concerns, your doctor may use transrectal ultrasound to further evaluate your prostate. This gives a clear picture of the prostate gland.
• Bone Scans and X-rays : It may reveal whether the cancer has invaded the bones. To perform a bone scan, doctors inject low doses of a radioactive substance into the patient's vein, which accumulates in bones that have been damaged by cancer.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to examine your prostate, which is adjacent to the rectum. It helps to detect any structural anomalies in the prostate.
• Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans : They can further pinpoint the location of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.
• Biopsy : The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist. The pathologist will check the biopsy sample to see if there are cancer cells and find out the Gleason score.

    Treatment for Prostate Cancer :-

·         Active surveillance:- It refers to the process of observation and regular monitoring and it               can be used effectively when prostate cancer is suspected in its early stage. It includes PSA blood tests and prostate biopsies.   

·         Surgery:- prostatectomy i.e Surgical removal of the prostate. It is most common mode of treatment either for early stage prostate cancer or for aggressive prostate cancer cases. It involves the two major kinds of radical prostatectomy those are radical perineal prostatectomy, and radical retropubic prostatectomy.       

·         Cryosurgery:- It is yet another method of the  treatment of prostate  cancer in which the prostate gland is exposed to freezing temperatures.

·         Radiation therapy:- It is also known as radiotherapy which is used  in the treatment of all  stages of  prostate cancer patients. There are two different kinds of radiation therapy used: external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy . Brachytherapy involves the surgical placement of radioactive seeds or implants directly into the cancerous portions of the prostate where the radiation kills the available cancerous cells.

·   Advanced Robotic Prostate Surgery  is now preferred choice for Prostate Cancer patients due to following unmatched advantages:-

•  Minimal Bleeding
• Much quicker recovery
• Reduced hospital stay
• Lesser pain killer requirements
• Improved preservation of physical appearance
• Three (3) D vision enables surgeon to perform Prostate excision with Cancer
• Control without risk of Post Surgery Continence (control over urinary and fecal discharge) and causing Impotency

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India's leading Cancer hospitals now have some of the world's moset advanced radiation equipment : Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is in the upper abdomen and lies behind the stomach and intestines (guts). The shape of the pancreas is like a tadpole, and so the pancreas has a 'head', a 'body' and a 'tail'. The head section is nearest to the duodenum (the part of the gut just after the stomach). The pancreas makes a fluid that contains enzymes (chemicals) that are needed to digest food. The enzymes are made in the pancreatic cells and are passed into tiny ducts (tubes). These ducts join together like branches of a tree to form the main pancreatic duct. This drains the enzyme-rich fluid into the duodenum. The enzymes are in an inactive form in the pancreas (otherwise they would digest the pancreas). They are 'activated' in the duodenum to digest food.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer 

In most of the cases the tumour first develops in the head of the pancreas and it tends to block the bile duct. This stops the flow of bile into the duodenum which leads to :

• Jaundice (yellow skin caused by bile seeping into the bloodstream due to the blockage).
• Dark urine - caused by the jaundiced blood being filtered by the kidneys.
• Pale faeces - as the faeces contain no bile which causes their normal brown colour.
• Pain is often not a feature at first. Therefore a 'painless jaundice' that becomes worse is often the first sign of pancreatic cancer. Nausea and vomiting are also fairly common symptoms..
• Pain in the upper abdomen. Pain can also pass through to the back.

Diagnosis Of Pancreatic Cancer 

The initial tests revolve around the symptoms of Jaundice to confirm if its because of blocked gallstone or hepatitis (liver inflammation) or if the cause of jaundice is a blockage from the head of the pancreas..

• CT scan (computerised tomography) is a commonly used test to assess pancreatic cancer. It is a specialised X-ray test that can give quite clear pictures of the inside of your body.

• MRI scan is sometimes done. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures on a computer of tissues, organs and other structures inside your body.

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). An endoscope (gastroscope) is a thin, flexible, telescope. It is passed through the mouth, into the oesophagus and stomach and on into the duodenum. The endoscope contains fibre optic channels which allows light to shine down so the doctor or nurse can see inside. Some endoscopes are fitted with a tiny ultrasound scanner at their tip which can obtain pictures of structures behind the gut such as the pancreas.
• Endoscopic retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a test that uses a flexible scope inserted through the nose, stomach, and into the pancreas and may be used to introduce a dye for X-rays or to place a stent (a metal or plastic tube that can help keep a duct open and functioning)

• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): a type of MRI that is used to see the pancreas, its ducts, and the bile ducts more clearly, often used before or instead of ERCP.

                                             

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer 

Surgery - One of the following types of surgery may be used to take out the tumor:

Whipple procedure: A surgical procedure in which the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, and the bile duct are removed. Care is taken to preserve pancreas to produce digestive juices and insulin.

Total Pancreatectomy: This surgery removes the whole pancreas, part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, the common bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen and nearby lymph nodes.

Distal Pancreatectomy: The body and the tail of the pancreas and usually the spleen are removed. If the cancer has spread and cannot be removed, the following types of palliative surgery may be done to relieve symptoms:

Surgical Biliary Bypass: If cancer is blocking the small intestine and bile is building up in the gallbladder, a biliary bypass may be done. During this operation, the doctor will cut the gallbladder or bile duct and sew it to the small intestine to create a new pathway around the blocked area.

Endoscopic Stent placement: If the tumor is blocking the bile duct, surgery may be done to put in a stent (a thin tube) to drain bile that has built up in the area. The doctor may place the stent through a catheter that drains to the outside of the body or the stent may go around the blocked area and drain the bile into the small intestine.

Gastric Bypass: If the tumor is blocking the flow of food from the stomach, the stomach may be sewn directly to the small intestine so the patient can continue to eat normally.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body

Radiation therapy

India's leading Cancer hospitals now have some of the world's moset advanced radiation equipment like Linac, Novelis, Gamma Knife and Cyberknife for treating Pancreatic Cancers. High technology radiation is used to kill cancer cells without affecting the healthy tissues

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Stomach Cancer Treatment at Best Cancer Hospitals in India

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is sometimes called gastric cancer. Worldwide it is one of the most common cancers. Stomach cancer is more common in men than in women and ten/ds to occur mainly in older people. Most people who develop stomach cancer are over the age of 55.

In most cases, stomach cancer begins from a cell which is on the inside lining of the stomach (the mucosa). This type of stomach cancer is called adenocarcinoma of the stomach. As the cancer cells multiply :

• The tumour may invade deeper into the wall of the stomach. In time, it may pass through the wall of the stomach and invade nearby organs such as the pancreas or liver.
• The tumour may spread up or down the stomach into the oesophagus (gullet) or small intestine.
• Some cells may break off into the lymph channels or bloodstream. The cancer may then spread to nearby lymph nodes or spread to other areas of the body (metastasise).

Types of Stomach Cancer

• Adenocarcinoma : is the most common type of stomach cancer. More than 95 out of every 100 stomach cancers (95%) diagnosed are adenocarcinomas. The cancer starts in the gland cells in the stomach lining. The gland cells produce mucus and stomach juices.
• Squamous : cells are the skin like cells that lie between gland cells to make the stomach lining. These cancers are treated in the same way as adenocarcinomas.
• Lymphoma : is another type of cancer altogether. It is very rare. There is a whole section on non Hodgkin's lymphoma, which will be more relevant to you if you have been diagnosed with lymphoma of the stomach.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour GISTs : can be cancerous or non cancerous (benign). These rare tumours develop from the cells of the connective tissue that support the organs of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract. Most are found in the stomach.
• Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) : can be cancerous or non cancerous. They grow in hormone producing tissues, usually in the digestive system. They are rare, but the most common is carcinoid tumour.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer

If you have symptoms that suggest stomach cancer, your doctor will check to see whether they are due to cancer or to some other cause. Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor whose specialty is diagnosing and treating digestive problems. Your doctor will ask about your personal and family health history. You may have blood or other lab tests. You also may have :

• Physical exam : oncologist feels the abdomen of the patient for fluid, swelling, or other changes. They also will check for swollen lymph nodes.
• Endoscopy : Surgical Oncologist uses a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) to look into the stomach after numbing the throat with an anesthetic spray. Patient may be given medicine to help him relax. The tube is passed through the mouth and esophagus (food pipe) to the stomach.
• Biopsy : An endoscope has a tool for removing tissues. Surgical Oncologist uses the endoscope to remove tissue from the stomach. A pathologist checks the tissue under a microscope for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only sure way to know if cancer cells are present.

Stages of Stomach Cancer

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): In this stage, cancer is present in the inner lining of the mucosal layer of the wall of the stomach.
• Stage I : This stage is categorized into two stages- IA and IB that also depends on the spread of the cancer.
  • Stage IA : Here in this stage, the cancer has spread completely from the mucosal layer of the wall of the stomach.
  • Stage IB : Cancer has spread to the muscularis layer of the stomach wall or has completely spread from the mucosal layer of the stomach wall that can be found in almost 6 lymph nodes surrounding the tumor.
• Stage II : In this stage, the cancer has spread –
  • To the serosal layer of the wall of the stomach but not to other organs or to lymph nodes
  • To the middle layer of the stomach wall and can be found in almost 6 lymph nodes surrounding the tumor, or
  • From the innermost layer of the wall of the stomach and can be found in 7-15 lymph nodes surrounding the tumor
• Stage III : This stage is categorized into IIIA and IIIB that depend on the spread of the cancer. In stage IIIA, cancer has spread to –
  • Organs just next to the stomach that has not spread to other body parts or to lymph nodes
  • The middle layer of the wall of the stomach and can be found in 7-15 lymph nodes surrounding the tumor, or
  • The outermost layer (serosal) of the wall of the stomach and can be found in 1-6lymph nodes surrounding the tumor
• Stage IV : Here in this stage, the cancer has spread to –
  • Different body parts
  • Organs just next to the stomach and to at least 1 lymph node, or
  • More than 15 lymph nodes

Most Advanced Stomach Cancer Surgery and Treatment in India

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to remove all of the stomach cancer and a margin of healthy tissue, when possible. Options include :

• Removing a Portion of the Stomach (Subtotal Gastrectomy). During subtotal Gastrectomy, the surgeon removes only the portion of the stomach affected by cancer. Subtotal gastrectomy can be of two types :
  • Distal subtotal gastrectomy is performed if the tumor cells are present in the lower part of the stomach near to the stomach duodenum junction.
  • Proximal subtotal gastrectomy is done when the tumor is situated in the upper part of the stomach and also involves the esophagus.
• Removing the Entire Stomach (Total Gastrectomy). Total Gastrectomy involves removing the entire stomach and some surrounding tissue. The esophagus is then connected directly to the small intestine to allow food to move through your digestive system.
• Removing Lymph nodes to look for Cancer. The surgeon examines and removes lymph nodes in your abdomen to look for cancer cells.