Overview
Merkel cell carcinoma is among the rare types of skin cancer that develops on the outermost layer of your skin. This disease is prevalent among fair-skinned people of European ancestry. Still, many individuals with darker complexion can also develop this disease. Many researchers believe that skin that is overexposed to the sun has a higher chance of getting Merkel cell carcinoma. In this article, we will be discussing the Merkel cell carcinoma treatment cost in India.
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What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma, also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, is metastatic skin cancer found at the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis). The Merkel cells are responsible for the touch sensation as they are connected to the skin’s nerve endings. Cases of Merkel cell carcinoma are sporadic and usually appear as flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule commonly on your face, head, and neck.
Excessive sun exposure can result in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma. But in mnay cases, this disease can present itself in sun-shielded areas as well. According to research, merkel cell carcinoma is most common among males, especially those aged 65 and above.
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What Does The Research Tells About Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment?
According to Yale Medicine, if treated early, about 75% of people live for at least 5 years after diagnosis. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rapidly growing skin disease that tends to affect the other parts of the body. In various observations, access to early diagnosis detects the spreading of disease, and the outcomes become favorable if no involvement of lymph nodes is found.
Progenesis of Treatments
This disease spreads due to a weakened immune system. Various medications that target the hormone-producing cells have been introduced and show promising results in treating Merkel cell carcinoma. Some clinicians believe that these therapies stimulate the immune system to fight the virus that might have provoked the development of Merkel cell carcinoma.
Some treatments can cause serious side effects without having a significant impact on the tumor. A skilled oncologist can help patients devise the best treatment plan for you to ensure an improved quality of life.
Recurrence is always possible, but early detection can increase the scope of viable treatment options. One must be diligent about regular self-exams and professional check-ups to increase the likelihood of early detection.
The five-year survival rate for Merkel cell carcinoma is improving. Patients with localized Merkel cell carcinoma have a 78% survival rate. In comparison, those whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby structures have a 52% survival rate.
(It should be noted that survival rates for cancer are simply estimates and based on a large number of people. They should not be used to predict the success rate of any patient’s cancer diagnosis.)
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What Are The Causes Of Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
The central cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is still unknown. Nevertheless, many researchers believe that a common virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus plays a vital role in causing Merkel cell carcinoma. This virus lives on the skin and as it does not show signs and symptoms during initial stages, this disease can become very dangerous.
Despite Merkel cell polyomavirus, some possible risk factors can contribute to the development of this cancer, including:
- A weakened immune system
- History of skin cancer
- Older age
- Overexposure to sunshine, whether it be artificial or natural
- Light skin color
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How Much Does The Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment Cost In India?
The Merkel cell carcinoma treatment cost in India is between USD 2500 and USD 4000 (INR 210,000 – INR 340,000), depending on the patient’s condition and chosen healthcare facility.
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Which Are The Top Hospitals For Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment In India?
Indian healthcare facilities have an eminent presence worldwide, and their workforce is fully equipped with highly specialized clinicians and healthcare professionals with years of medical excellence. Medical treatments in India offer you various treatments with new-age technologies and highly advanced medical approaches. GoMedii has compiled a list of top hospitals offering the best Merkel cell carcinoma treatment cost in India for your convenience.
Hospitals:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, Delhi NCR
- Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai
- Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Hyderabad
- Yashoda Super Specialty, Hyderabad
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket Delhi, Delhi NCR
- CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Research Institute, Mumbai
- Artemis Hospital Gurgram, Delhi NCR
- Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore
- Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore
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What Are The Complications Of Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma comes under the category of metastatic cancer, which means it can spread to other parts of the body. Merkel cell carcinoma mainly spreads to the lymphatic system. But it can also spread to other areas, such as your brain, lungs, bones, or other organs. Due to its rapid growth, this condition can become life-threatening.
How Can Merkel Cell Carcinoma Be Avoided?
Some recommended preventive methods which help in reducing the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma are:
- Try sunlight exposure during peak hours
- Apply sunscreen liberally, within a gap of 3-4 hours
- Watch for changes
- Try to cover your body during the daytime
- Learn how to do self-examination and contact your healthcare provider whenever you notice skin changes.
What Are Diagnostic Evaluations Done Before Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment?
Before treating, your healthcare provider may perform a full-body skin examination. Accordingly, they will plan the treatment. A skin biopsy of a tumor is done to detect the extent of cancer.
Stage of cancer: After the diagnosis, you may undergo the process of cancer staging, which helps in getting the prevalence of cancer. The higher the stage number, the more severe the cancer spreads.
You may undergo some of the diagnostic tests to determine the stage of cancer:
- CT scan: With the help of a CT scan, your healthcare provider gets detailed images of the extent of the cancer.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that may assess your tissue’s biochemical or metabolic function.
- Sentinel node biopsy or needle biopsy: This procedure is generally performed to justify whether or not a malignancy has spread beyond the skin.
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What Are The Different Types Of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment In India?
Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressively growing skin malignancy for which treatment often requires a multimodal approach. Stage of cancer, overall health, and individual preferences highly contribute to the treatment selection for the patients.
There are various treatment options available, such as:
1. Surgery:
1.1 Mohs Surgery: This surgery involves the removal of tumors and a thin layer of the skin while preserving the surrounding tissue. This procedure is widely used to detect the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. The procedure is repeated until there is no growth of cancer visible.
1.2 Wide Local Excision: This surgery is considered the primary form of treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma. Wide local excision involves the removal of the tumor and some of the surrounding tissues to ensure that the edges of the tumor are also removed. The main goal is to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence.
After this procedure, a reconstruction surgery is performed to restore the appearance and function of the treated area.
1.3 Lymph Node Dissection: This process is undertaken whenever the cancer spreads to the body’s lymph node. It is an optional treatment that depends upon the extent of cancer in the lymph node. Before going for the surgery, a Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) biopsy is done to identify the traces of cancer. Hence, the biopsy results decide the presence and absence of the cancer cells. The affected area gets removed after detecting cancer cells in the sentinel lymph node.
2. Adjuvant Therapy:
It is often combined with surgery to prevent the chances of reoccurrence of the cancerous cell after the primary treatment. This procedure helps in the killing of remaining tumor cells. Various types of adjuvant therapies given under Merkel cell carcinoma include:
2. 1 Chemotherapy: It is one of the potential treatment options recommended for stage IV Merkel cell carcinoma if the cancer starts spreading beyond the regional lymph nodes after diagnosis.
2.2 Immunotherapy: In this treatment, a laboratory-based or body-stimulated substance is used to boost the immune system and support the body to kill cancer cells.
2.3 Radiation Therapy: It is one of the multimodal techniques for treating Merkel cell carcinoma to treat the areas of skin where the reoccurrence of tumors is detected after the surgery.
FAQs Related To Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment In India
Q: What is the best treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma?
A: Several observations capture the instances of Merkel cell carcinoma treatment and conclude that various surgical and nonsurgical therapies frequently provide cures for Merkel cell carcinoma, particularly if caught early.
Q: What is the average age for Merkel cell carcinoma?
A: Merkel cell carcinoma is rarely found but is a rapidly growing skin cancer that commonly affects older men aged between 65 and above.
Q: What is the success rate of Merkel cell cancer?
A: With the availability of treatments and access to early diagnosis, the five-year survival rate for Merkel cell carcinoma has drastically improved by 78%. On the other hand, those whose cancer spread to the lymph node have a 52% survival rate five years after the diagnosis.
Q: Do you need chemo for Merkel cell carcinoma?
A: Chemotherapy is done in the last stage of cancer when other options become ineffective for the patients. Other than chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy could be the best options typically for stage IV Merkel cell carcinoma.
Q: How quickly does Merkel’s cancer spread?
A: Many healthcare professionals recommend medical assistance if you find any spot and bump that rapidly changes its size because Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow within two to four weeks.
Q: How effective is Merkel cell carcinoma treatment immunotherapy?
A: Immunotherapy is a type of adjuvant therapy that has promising results for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, with a lower potential for severe side effects as compared to other therapies like chemotherapy.
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Choose GoMedii For The Best And Affordable Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment Cost In India
If you want the best and most affordable Merkel cell carcinoma treatment cost in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii, the best medical tourism company in India, with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.
We have tie-ups with one of the most reputed hospitals to get you the best medical treatment in India at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail yourself of our packages, you can contact us on our website or at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.
Contact GoMedii to get your queries resolved by our team of medical experts. You can also reach out to us to apply for a medical visa. Our medical travel experts will guide you to fill-up your medical visa application form for India.
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