Pancreatic cancer ranks as the 12th most prevalent cancer globally. It occupies the 12th position in men and the 11th position among women among the most widespread cancers. Globally, almost 496,000 people are diagnosed with Pancreatic yearly, and around 433,000 die yearly. In this post, we will be exploring all about Pancreatic Cancer and the top Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Hospitals in India.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a relatively rare but deadly type of cancer that develops in the pancreas tissues, a gland in the abdomen that plays a critical role in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. It occurs when cells in the pancreas grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor.
Signs and Symptoms Of Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages, and symptoms may not appear until the cancer has spread. Advanced stages are linked with symptoms, but these can be vague, such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, no appetite, weight loss, jaundice, and digestive problems. Additionally, certain risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and a family history of the disease can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen or middle back area
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, or weight loss
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Dark urine and light-colored feces
- Itchy skin
- Blood clots
- Fresh diagnosis of diabetes or pre-existing diabetes that has become more difficult to manage
Risk Factors Of Pancreatic cancer
Usually, the origin of pancreatic cancer is unknown. A person having an average risk will have around a 1% chance of developing the same. Mostly. around 90% of pancreatic cancers occur due to somatic mutations. Such mutations never pass on to the off-springs. The chances of developing inherited pancreatic cancer are rare.
The factors that may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer are as follows (most to least):
- Smoking
- Age: People above the age of 65 are at a greater risk of getting Pancreatic cancer
- Diet (consuming fat-rich food) and Alcohol
- Diabetes
- Family History (Familial Pancreatic cancer)
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
Doctors use four stages to determine the extent of cancer spread in Pancreatic Cancer.
Stage 0: No Spread
Cancer hasn’t grown beyond the duct in which it started.
Stage 1: Local Growth
The tumor growth within the pancreas is 2cm or more (Stage 1A) but less than 4 cm (Stage 1B).
Stage 2: Local Spread
The tumor growth is greater than 4 cm. Cancer either remains limited to the pancreas (Stage 2A) or has spread to nearby lymph nodes (Stage 2B).
Stage 3: Wider Spread
The tumor has spread to the regional lymph nodes as well as to the nearby nerves and blood vessels.
Stage 4: Confirmed Spread
The tumor has spread to distant sites in the body.
Stage 0 and Stage 1 spread can be contained with Pancreatic Cancer Surgery. In most cases, the detection of pancreatic cancer’s spread is tricky. Imaging tests like Ultrasound or CT Scan may provide you with information but proper detection and staging generally require surgery.
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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment is usually based on three classifications in which the cancer stage may fall. In Resectable or Localized pancreatic cancer, the surgeon can remove the tumor through surgery because it is contained within the pancreas.
The second is Unresectable or Locally Advanced. Here, doctors generally rule out surgery because cancer has spread to major arteries and veins. The third one is Metastasis where cancer has spread to distant parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, and abdominal areas. In this case, pancreatic cancer surgery is completely ruled out.
At times, if surgery is not possible but the size of the tumor is comparatively small, the patient is given chemo/radiotherapy to further shrink the tumor and remove it later via surgery.
Laparoscopy is initially performed to check the extent of cancer spread. This is done by poking holes in the abdomen region and passing tiny cameras through them.
The various Pancreatic Cancer Surgeries are as follows:
1. Whipple Procedure or Pancreaticoduodenectomy:
The surgeon here removes the head or at times even the body of the pancreas. Depending on the tumor size, the surgeon may also remove parts of the small intestine (called Duodenum) and stomach, bile duct, some lymph nodes, and the gall bladder.
2. Distal Pancreatectomy:
In this surgery, the surgeon removes the tail and body of the pancreas. At times, the surgeon may also remove the spleen.
3. Total pancreatectomy:
This Pancreatic Cancer Surgery involves removing the entire pancreas and spleen. The surgeon also removes a portion of the small intestine, a section of the stomach, the common bile duct, and the gallbladder.
Where Pancreatic Cancer Surgery fails, comes non-surgical options. These include:
1. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves using cancer drugs to kill off cancer cells. The treatment works by keeping the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells. Proper cycles are scheduled for administering the medicine. Drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine (Xeloda), Gemcitabine (Gemzar), and Irinotecan (Camptosar) are used amongst others.
2. Radiotherapy:
Under radiation therapy, high-energy X-rays or other particles are beamed on the cancer cells to kill them. This is the most common treatment for pancreatic cancer. Stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) or cyberknife is a newer kind of radiotherapy where higher doses of radiation therapy are given within a shorter duration of time.
3. Proton Beam Therapy:
This is a relatively new alternative to traditional radiation therapy. Here, protons are used in place of X-rays to destroy cancer cells. This form of treatment also reduces the quantity of healthy tissue that is exposed to radiation.
4. Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy uses medications that selectively target cancerous cells based on specific proteins present on the cell surface. It works by blocking the signals that trigger the cancer cells to grow. In the case of advanced pancreatic cancers, targeted therapy is combined with chemotherapy.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Pancreatic cancer surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove cancerous tumors in the pancreas. The goal of the surgery is to completely remove the tumor and surrounding tissues that may contain cancer cells, to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The decision to perform pancreatic cancer surgery is based on several factors, such as the stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of the surgery.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Treatment in India
India is home to several proficient oncologists who have successfully restricted the growth of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms, thus helping people to live a long life. Pancreatic cancer patients from around the globe come to India to avail treatments such as pancreatic cancer surgery with the best possible outcome.
Indian hospitals are equipped with the latest medical facilities to deal with pancreatic cancer. Treatments range from Pancreatic Cancer Surgery to non-invasive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Doctors here are up-to-date with the latest medical advancements to provide patients with the best possible treatment at an affordable cost.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Treatment Cost in India
India is one of the best countries to provide high-quality treatment with a favorable outcome. The cost of treatment in India for procedures such as pancreatic cancer surgery starts from as low as $6750 to $9750.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Recovery Time in India
The recovery time for Pancreatic Cancer Surgery and other procedures differs from treatment to treatment. In a general case, the hospital stay varies from 2-6 days while the day outside the hospital is around 30 days. Total recovery time is between 2-3 months. During this recovery period, supportive care is provided to the patients for their mental and emotional well-being.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Hospitals in India
Here is the list of Top Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Hospitals in India. These hospitals house one of the most renowned experts in the medical field and, provide the best medical care available.
1. 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
2. Jaypee Hospital
Jaypee Hospitals are known for their tertiary care multi-specialty facilities, and for providing quality and affordable healthcare with commitment. Click here to book an appointment.
Established: 2014
Location: NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh
Accreditation: NABL and NABH
Address: Jaypee Hospital Rd, Goberdhanpur, Sector 128, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201304
3. Max Super Specialty Hospital
Max Hospitals are known for housing the latest treatment facilities and a renowned medical team. Click here to book an appointment.
Established: 2000
Location: Delhi
Accreditation: NABH & JCI
Address: 1 2, Press Enclave Marg, Saket Institutional Area, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
4. 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. To learn more and book an appointment, click here!
Established: 2009
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Accreditation: NABH & JCI
Address: CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
5. Fortis Hospitals Group
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
6. Artemis Hospital
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 book an appointment.
Established: 2007
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Accreditation: JCI and NABH
Address: Sector 51, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
7. Wockhardt Hospital
Wockhardt is known for its stringent quality standards along with high-quality medical services in India. Click here to book an appointment.
Established: 1989
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Accreditation: JCI and NABH
Address: Police Station, 1877, Dr. Anandrao Nair Marg, Near Agripada, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400011
8. 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
9. 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
10. Sharda Hospital
Sharda Hospital is known for its medical experts and research-oriented medical procedures. Click here to book an appointment.
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
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