Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands of people around the world, and India is no exception. However, in recent years, there have been significant advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment in India, offering new hope to patients and their families.

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From innovative surgical techniques to targeted therapies and personalized medicine, the journey of courage and healing for pancreatic cancer patients in India has come a long way. In this article, we will explore some of the latest breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer treatment in India.

All About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic malignancy is a type of cancer that is uncommon but lethal. It originates in the pancreas tissues, which is a gland located in the abdominal region, responsible for digestion and blood sugar level regulation. When the cells in the pancreas divide and grow uncontrollably, it results in the formation of a tumor or mass.

What are the first warning signs of Pancreatic cancer?

In the initial stages, pancreatic cancers are typically asymptomatic. However, by the time symptoms manifest, cancer has often reached an advanced stage, with either significant growth or spreading beyond the pancreas.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic cancer

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
• Light-colored stools.
• Dark urine.
• Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back.
• Weight loss for no known reason.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling very tired.

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early

Pancreatic cancer does not exhibit any visible indications or indications during its early stages. Moreover, the symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer closely resemble those of other medical conditions. The pancreas is situated behind several organs, including the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and bile ducts, making it challenging to detect.

Stages of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer staging tests and procedures are typically performed simultaneously with the diagnosis. There are three primary methods by which cancer can metastasize in the body, namely through the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or direct invasion. Pancreatic cancer can spread from its origin to various other body parts. The stages utilized to identify and classify pancreatic cancer are as follows:

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Anomalous cells are identified in the pancreatic lining, which may develop into cancer and extend into adjacent healthy tissues.

• Stage I: Pancreatic cancer is present solely within the pancreas, forming the first stage of the disease. Stage I can be further divided into two subcategories – Stage IA and Stage IB, depending on the tumor’s size. If the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller, it is classified as Stage IA. However, if the tumor’s size is more than 2 centimeters but not exceeding 4 centimeters, it falls under the category of Stage IB.

• Stage II: The second stage of pancreatic cancer is categorized into two groups, Stage IIA, and Stage IIB, depending on the tumor’s size and cancer’s extent of spread. If the size of the tumor exceeds 4 centimeters, it is identified as Stage IIA. However, if the tumor has spread to one to three neighboring lymph nodes, regardless of its size, it falls under the classification of Stage IIB.

• Stage III: During the third stage of pancreatic cancer, the tumor can be any size, and the cancer has spread to either four or more neighboring lymph nodes or the significant blood vessels adjacent to the pancreas.

• Stage IV: The fourth and final stage of pancreatic cancer involves the spread of cancer to other body parts such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity, regardless of the size of the tumor. The peritoneal cavity is the abdominal body cavity that holds most of the organs.

Risk Factors Of Pancreatic Cancer

• Smoking.
• Being very overweight.
• Having a personal history of diabetes or chronic pancreatitis.
• Having a family history of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.
• Having certain hereditary conditions, such as:
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome.
  • Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch syndrome).
  • von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.
  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
  • Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.
  • Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndromes.
  • Ataxia-telangiectasia.

Pancreatic Treatment Options

Although the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is generally poor, early detection and treatment can lead to complete remission. Total surgical removal of the cancer is the only real cure for pancreatic cancer.

The precise treatment for pancreatic cancer depends upon various factors, such as the tumor’s exact location, the stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and whether cancer has metastasized beyond the pancreas.

Surgery

To remove the tumor, one of the surgical procedures listed below may be employed:

The Whipple procedure: A surgical operation that involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, a portion of the stomach and small intestine, and the bile duct. The remaining part of the pancreas is left intact to produce insulin and digestive juices.

Total pancreatectomy: A surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire pancreas, a portion of the stomach and small intestine, the common bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and adjacent lymph nodes.

Distal pancreatectomy: A surgical procedure performed to remove the body and tail of the pancreas. In some cases, the spleen may also be removed if cancer has spread to that area.

In cases where cancer has metastasized and is not operable, certain palliative surgeries may be performed to alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life:

A biliary bypass may be performed if pancreatic cancer is obstructing the bile duct and causing bile to accumulate in the gallbladder. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove a portion of the bile duct or gallbladder before the blockage and connect it to the small intestine, creating a new path for bile to flow around the blocked area. This can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Endoscopic stent placement is a surgical procedure that may be performed when a tumor is obstructing the bile duct. The objective of the surgery is to place a stent, which is a narrow tube, to relieve the accumulation of bile caused by the blockage. The stent can be positioned by the doctor either through a catheter that drains the bile into a bag outside the body or through a stent that bypasses the obstructed area and drains the bile into the small intestine.

In cases where the tumor is obstructing the normal passage of food from the stomach, gastric bypass surgery may be performed to connect the stomach directly to the small intestine, enabling the patient to consume food in a normal manner.

Non-surgical Options for Pancreatic Treatment

Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that utilizes medication to halt the growth of cancerous cells by either destroying them or inhibiting their division. These drugs can enter the bloodstream and reach cancer cells throughout the body, either by being taken orally, injected into a vein, or injected into a muscle (known as systemic chemotherapy). Combination chemotherapy involves using more than one anticancer drug as part of the treatment plan.

Radiation therapy is a form of treatment for cancer that employs high–energy x–rays or other types of radiation to either eradicate cancer cells or prevent them from multiplying. External radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy where a machine outside the body is used to send radiation to the area of the body that has cancer.

Targeted therapy involves using drugs or substances to specifically target and combat certain cancer cells, with less harm to normal cells than chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a type of targeted therapy that block signals necessary for tumor growth. Erlotinib is a specific TKI drug utilized to treat pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India

Pancreatic cancer treatment in India typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan depends on the stage and location of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Surgical options may include a Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy.

Chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil are commonly used, while radiation therapy may be used in combination with chemotherapy or after surgery. Targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy, and clinical trials may also be options for certain patients. Treatment outcomes depend on several factors, including the stage of cancer and the patient’s response to treatment.

Cost of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India

India is renowned for offering top-notch medical care with favorable treatment outcomes. The cost of pancreatic cancer treatment in India starts at a range of $6750 to $9750, which is relatively affordable compared to other countries such as the USA, Singapore, etc.

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Top Hospitals for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India

Presenting a compilation of the leading hospitals for pancreatic cancer treatment in India, which boast some of the most renowned experts in the medical domain, and offer unparalleled medical care.

1. Max Super Specialty Hospital

Max Hospitals are known for housing the latest treatment facilities and a renowned medical team.

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Established: 2000

Location: Delhi

Accreditation:  NABH & JCI

Address: 1 2, Press Enclave Marg, Saket Institutional Area, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017

2. Jaypee Hospitals

Jaypee Hospitals are known for their tertiary care multi-specialty facilities, and for providing quality and affordable healthcare with commitment.

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Established: 2014

Location: NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh

Accreditation: NABL and NABH

Address: Jaypee Hospital Rd, Goberdhanpur, Sector 128, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201304

3. Artemis Hospitals

Artemis, being one of the most advanced hospitals in India, has a lot of experience in complex medical and surgical procedures, and offers both hospital and outpatient care.

Click here to get the best pancreatic cancer treatment in India.

Established: 2007

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: Sector 51, Gurugram, Haryana 122001

4. Narayana Health Hospital

Narayana Health Hospital provides advanced care in over 30 medical specialties, ranging from cancer care to neurology. They are also known for their enhanced palliative care.

To learn more and book an appointment, click here!

Established: 2000

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: 258/A, Hosur Road Anekal, Taluk, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560099

5. Columbia Asia Hospital

Columbia Asia, now Manipal hospital, is one of the fastest-growing healthcare chains known for their medical specialists and the varied fields of medicine in which they operate.

To learn more and book an appointment, click here!

Established: 1996

Location: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

New Name: Manipal Hospital

Accreditation: NABL and NABH

Address: NH-24, Hapur Road, Near Landcraft Golflinks, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – 201002

6. Apollo Hospitals

Apollo Hospitals in India are equipped with the latest medical equipment to provide a smooth healthcare service at affordable costs.

To learn more and book an appointment, click here!

Established: 1983

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: 21, Greams Lane, Off Greams Road Chennai – 600006

7. Medanta Hospital

Medanta is one of the top hospitals in India to house experts from varied fields of medicine, providing holistic healthcare to their patients.

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Established: 2009

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana

Accreditation:  NABH & JCI

Address: CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001

8. Fortis Hospitals

Fortis Hospitals offers a wide range of treatments in both the clinical and operative areas. They are also known for their enhanced palliative care.

To learn more and book an appointment, click here!

Established: 1996

Location: NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh

Accreditation: NABL and NABH

Address: B-22, Rasoolpur Nawada, D Block, Sector 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

9. Wockhardt Hospital

Wockhardt is known for its stringent quality standards along with high-quality medical services in India.

Click here to get the best pancreatic cancer treatment in India.

Established: 1989

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: Police Station, 1877, Dr. Anandrao Nair Marg, Near Agripada, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400011

10. Sharda Hospital

Sharda Hospital is known for its medical experts and research-oriented medical procedures.

Click here to get the best pancreatic cancer treatment in India.

Established: 2005

Location: NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh

Accreditation: NABL and NABH

Address: Plot No. 32, SHARDA UNIVERSITY Campus, 34, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306

Choose GoMedii For the Best Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India

If you want the Best Hospital for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India, choose GoMedii as your healthcare partner. We ensure to make your treatment process hassle-free and top-notch.

We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail of our packages, you can contact us on our “Website” and call us at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

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