The Oncology department of AMRI Hospitals stands at the forefront of excellence in providing precision cancer care. We understand the significance of personalized care and aim to provide top notch facilities along with expertise from the best oncologists of Kolkata. At AMRI, our prime focus is to build a holistic and integrated environment for cancer patients under the supervision of our top cancer specialists. Our team consists of highly experienced and well-trained Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, and Surgical Oncologists offering a wide range of treatments and medical procedures including surgeries, chemotherapies, blood transfusions and transplants considering the patient’s ongoing condition. We are in the process of establishing the most advanced Haemato-pathology service that will help in looking after the requirements of the outside world. We are also on the verge of setting up a transfusion lab at Mukundapur, which will mark our support and expertise in the blood transfusion services. We offer treatments for: Blood Cancers Thalassemia Anaemia including complex causes of aplastic anaemia & thalassemia Bleeding and clotting disorders Auto-immune disorders Inherited disorders AMRI promises its’ oncology patients the most advanced and sophisticated cancer treatment. The presence of the best oncologists and the latest technologies makes it possible. Treatment planning is done in the widely accepted Monte Carlo based calculation system. We also make pre-treatment verification imaging available both in 2D and 3D, that ensures highly efficient treatment. The Institute of Oncology & Radiotherapy at Dhakuria is renowned for providing some of the best cancer treatment in India.
Vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that occurs in the vagina, the muscular tube that connects the uterus with outer genitals. Vaginal cancer most commonly develops in the cells that line the surface of the vagina. Diagnosis of vaginal cancer at its early stage has the best chance for a cure. Vaginal cancer that spreads beyond the vagina is much more difficult to treat.
Symptoms
At the early stage vaginal cancer may not cause any signs and symptoms. As it progresses, signs and symptoms show up such as -
Types
Vaginal cancer has been classified into various types based on the site where the cancer begins.
Causes & Risk factors
It's not clear what causes vaginal cancer. In general, cancer begins when healthy cells acquire a genetic mutation that turns normal cells into abnormal cells.
Risk factors include:
Complications
Vaginal cancer may spread (metastasize) to distant areas of one’s body, such as your lungs, liver and bones.
Diagnosis
Vaginal cancer is sometimes found during a routine pelvic exam before signs and symptoms become evident. The other investigations include:
Treatment
The treatment options for vaginal cancer depend on several factors, including the type of vaginal cancer and its stage. In general vaginal cancer typically includes surgery and radiation.
Surgery
Types of surgery that may be used to treat vaginal cancer include:
If the patient’s vagina is completely removed, a surgery to construct a new vagina.is required.
Radiation therapy
Radiation can be delivered two ways:
Other options
In some cases Chemotherapy is also required
Prevention
Tonsil cancer
Tonsil cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that forms in a tonsil. Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads in the back of the mouth which are part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Tonsil cancer can cause difficulty swallowing and a sensation that something is caught in your throat. Tonsil cancer is often diagnosed late, when cancer has spread to adjacent areas, such as the lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatments for tonsil cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Causes
It's not clear what causes tonsil cancer, but it is found that human papilloma virus (HPV) is increasingly playing a role. This common sexually transmitted infection is detected in most tonsil cancer cases. Tonsil cancer caused by HPV tends to occur at a younger age and is more likely to respond well to available treatments.
Risk factors
The following factors may increase the risk of tonsil cancer:
Prevention
Diagnosis
Tests and procedures used to diagnose tonsil cancer include:
Treatment
Tonsil cancer treatments depend on the size, stage and HPV status of the cancer, as well as one’s overall health. Tonsil cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The goal of surgery for tonsil cancer is to remove as much of the cancer cells as possible. Surgery can be used to treat all stages of tonsil cancer.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy might be used alone to treat early stage cancers that haven't grown beyond the tonsil. Sometimes radiation therapy is used after surgery if the cancer can't be removed completely or if there's a risk that the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes. Radiation can also be combined with chemotherapy as an initial treatment or as an additional treatment after surgery.
For tonsil cancer, chemotherapy is usually combined with radiation therapy. It can also be used alone to slow the growth of tonsil cancer that has recurred or has spread to other areas of the body.
Rehabilitation specialists in speech therapy, swallowing therapy, dietetics, physical therapy and occupational therapy help with rehabilitation that may be necessary after surgery or radiation therapy.
Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer begins in the cells of the tongue. This is one of several kinds of oral cancers. Tongue cancer is less common than many other types. Most people who get it are older adults. It’s rare in children.
There are two types of Tongue Cancer. One is called oral tongue cancer because it affects the part of tongue that one can stick out. The other happens at the base of the Tongue where it connects to the throat. This type, known as Oro pharyngeal cancer, is often diagnosed after it has spread to the lymph nodes in one’s neck.
Several types of cancer can affect the tongue, but tongue cancer most often begins in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the surface of the tongue. Treatment for tongue cancer usually requires surgery along with Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy.
Treatment for advanced tongue cancers can impact one’s ability to speak and eat. A skilled rehabilitation team can help the patient with changes that result from tongue cancer effects.
Causes
The human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause cancers on the base of the tongue. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are many types of HPV. The ones that raise the risk of getting cancer are called high-risk HPV.
Other causes of Tongue cancer include -
Diagnosis
Treatment
The treatment will depend on the location and stage of the cancerous growth.
The main treatments for tongue cancer are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, either combined or on their own.
Early stage
Early cancer means the patient’s cancer is smaller than 4cm and is contained within the tongue. The most common treatment is to remove the affected area by surgery.
Advanced stage
Advanced cancer means the cancer is larger than 4cm. Or it has grown outside the tongue, invading other tissues or lymph nodes. The patient may require a combination of all of these treatments:
surgery to remove the cancer from tongue or the lymph nodes in your neck
reconstructive surgery
radiotherapy after surgery – this might be combined with chemotherapy
The patient may require rehab therapy afterwards to help chew, move the tongue, swallow and speak better.
Prevention
Many cases of base-of-the-tongue cancer are caused by HPV. But some steps can help avoid the risk of getting tongue cancer.
Throat cancer develops in one’s throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). It can affect the mouth, sinuses, nose or throat. Symptoms include a sore or lump that doesn't heal, a persistent sore throat, trouble swallowing and changes in the voice. Treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Types of Throat Cancer
Specific terms are used to differentiate the part of the throat where cancer originated. These include -
Symptoms
Causes and risk factors
It's not clear what causes the mutation of cells that develops into throat cancer. But some factors may increase the risk which include:
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic procedures are advised:
Treatment
The treatment options are based on factors lke location and stage of one’s throat cancer, the type of cells involved, whether the cells show signs of HPV infection.
However, the treatment may include the following – Surgery, Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immuno therapy and Rehabilitation regime.
Soft palate cancer develops in the cells of the soft palate. Soft palate is located on the upper portion of the back of the mouth, behind the teeth. Soft palate cancer is regarded as a kind of throat cancer. It is usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Causes and Risk Factors
Soft palate cancer forms when a genetic mutation turns normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells. Some of the risk factors include –
Diagnosis
Treatment
The following treatment options are available:
Surgery, reconstructive surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitative services like speech therapy, palliative care.
Skin cancer is developed by the abnormal and rapid growth of skin cells. It is a common type of cancer that primarily occurs on skin that is exposed to the sunlight. But it can occur on skin of other body parts also that remain covered and is rarely getexposed to sun.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is of various types. The most common ones include:
There are few other less common types of skin cancers also that are:
Symptoms
Basal Cell Carcinoma usually appears on parts exposed to sun with symptoms that includes:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually ha the following signs:
Signs of Melanoma includes:
Causes
Skin cancer develops when mutations occur in the DNA of skin cells. Uncontrolled growth of cancerous skin cells forms a scar or lump. People who spend many hours under direct sunlight or get exposed to certain substances like arsenic may have a greater chance of developing skin cancer. Fair skinned people reportedly have become sufferer of skin cancer than people with darker skin color. Exposure to radiation, family history and existence of many moles in the body are also identified as the possible causes that lends to develop skin cancer.
Diagnosis
Skin cancer is diagnosed by conducting a skin biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment of skin cancer may vary depending on the size, type and the depth of the disease.
Here are the types of treatment that is usually used to treat a skin cancer:
Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease in which the shape of the red blood cells get chanced. Round and flexible red blood cells carry oxygen in human body that easily pass through the blood vessels. But once sickle cell anemia sets in, it changes the shapes of the red blood cells into sickle like shapes. At the same time the red blood cells become sticky also. This condition hampers blood flow and creates trouble.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of Sickle cell anemia includes:
Cause
Family history is the only cause that develops this disease. A child will have this disease if both the parents passes the sickle cell gene to the child. If only one sickle cell gene is passed to the child by any one parent then the child will become the carrier of this disease but will not get affected.
Diagnosis
Sickle cell anemia is determined through blood tests. For adults, blood is collected from vain but in case of babies and children blood is collected from finger of heel. The confirmatory blood test for this disease is conducted in case of new born babies also if the parents are carrying the gene.
Treatment
Different types of medications are used to treat Sickle cell anemia. The drugs help reducing pain and crisis and improves blood flow. Some of these drugs also lower down the need of blood transfusions that increases chance of developing side infections.
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that starts in the cells that form bones. Osteosarcoma is common in the long bones like that of legs or arms, but it can develop in any bone. Rarely it occurs in soft tissue outside the bone. Osteosarcoma is often found in teenagers and young adults, but it can also affect other age groups too.
Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, surgery and, sometimes, radiation therapy.
Symptoms
Causes and Risk Factors
It's not clear what causes osteosarcoma. Doctors know this cancer forms when something goes wrong in one of the cells that are responsible for making new bone. Some risk factors are the following:
Diagnosis
Besides physical examination the diagnosis is based on the following:
I) Imaging tests such as – X-ray, CT Scan, MRI, PET, Bone scan
II) Biopsy procedures include - Needle biopsy or Surgical biopsy
Treatment
Options to treat Osteosarcoma is Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
The condition occurs when the body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, stomach ache, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain and loss of appetite.
Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem-cell transplant or medication.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a general category of lymphoma. There are many subtypes that fall in this category. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are among the most common subtypes. The other general category of lymphoma is Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Advances in diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have helped improve the prognosis for people with this disease.
Symptoms
Causes
In most cases the cause of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not known. It begins when one’s body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. The excess of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes cause them to swell.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma most often begins in the:
The patient’s treatment options depend on whether one’s non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arises from B cells or T cells.
Where non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma generally involves the presence of cancerous lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. But the disease can also spread to other parts of one’s lymphatic system. These include the lymphatic vessels, tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus and bone marrow.
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase the risk of getting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma -
Diagnosis
Other investigations may be ordered by the Oncologist to determine the sub type.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It will depend on the types of cells involved or its aggressiveness.
If the patient’s lymphoma appears to be slow growing (indolent) and doesn't cause any and symptom, no treatment might be required right away. Instead, regular checkups to monitor the patient’s condition may be recommended.
If the disease is aggressive or causes signs and symptoms the treatment options may include:
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is the most common cancer occurring within a woman’s reproductive system. Most uterine cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. In uterine cancer healthy cells in the uterus change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, which can spread to other parts of the body.
Risk factors include being overweight and starting periods at an early age. Symptoms of this cancer include vaginal bleeding after menopause and bleeding between periods.
The main treatment is surgical removal of uterus. It may have to be followed by chemotherapy or radiation.
Types of Uterine Cancer
There are two major types of uterine cancer:
Causes
Symptoms
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly any bleeding after menopause. Other common symptoms include:
Less common symptoms include:
Diagnosis
Pelvic examination
Pap test
Endometrial Biopsy
Transvaginal ultrasound
Imaging tests like CT Scan, MRI
Dilation and curettage
Molecular testing of Tumor
Treatment
Surgery – such as hysterectomy or Lymph node removal
Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Radiation therapy
Immuno therapy
Targetted therapy
Prevention
Although there is no proven way to completely prevent uterine cancer, one may be able to lower the risk. These include:
Pancreatic cancer forms in the cells of the pancreas. It begins in the tissues of the pancreas — an organ in the abdomen that lies behind the lower part the stomach. Pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help manage one’s blood sugar.
Usually this type of cancer is quite silent in the beginning and gets detected late. But it spreads rapidly. Treatment may include surgically removing the pancreas, radiation and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don't occur until the disease is advanced. The symptoms include -
Causes & Risk Factors
It's not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. There are some factors that may increase the risk of Pancreatic Cancer. These risk factors include –
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the Basal Cells. It looks like a glossy white bump, or brown scaly patch and usually appears on face, neck or body parts that remain exposed in sunlight.
Symptoms
Basal Cell carcinoma develops the following symptoms:
Cause
The exact cause that may develop Basal Cell Carcinoma is not known. But over exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the sun or using tanning lamp and bed is identified as a cause to increase the chance of getting this disease. There can be other reasons that may help developing this conditions. The possible causes are: exposure to arsenic, immune supressing drugs, old age, fair skin, Radiation therapy and family history.
Diagnosis
Initially, to diagnose Basal Cell Carcinoma, doctors will physically check the patient and ask about the medical history. In case they are suspecting the disease they may order a skin biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment procedure of Basal Cell Carcinoma may vary depending on various factors like location, stage, and other factors. Usually range of treatment includes:
Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant Hyperthermia is a condition that causes alarmingly high body temperature, stiff muscles and spasms with rapid heart rate. This occurs as a reaction of certain drugs used for anaesthesia. It is a critical disease which can be fatal if prompt attention and treatment is not available.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Malignant Hyperthermia can appear during anaesthesia or during the recovery stage shortly after a surgery. The common signs include:
Cause
Malignant Hyperthermia is caused by a genetic disorder. The abnormal gene reacts adversely towards certain anaesthesia drugs.
Diagnosis
Malignant Hyperthermiais diagnosed by checking signs and symptoms during or after using anaesthesia drugs. To find out Malignant Hyperthermia susceptibility of a patient genetic testing and muscle biopsy test are done.
Treatment
Treatment of Malignant Hyperthermia includes:
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the pigment producing cells melanocytes. Although, most of the times it appears on the skin, rarely it occurs in the mouth, eyes or the intestine also. Usually this disease develops on the skin of exposed body parts but sometimes it appears in the internal parts which never gets exposed.
Symptoms
Common signs of Malignant Melanoma include:
Cause
Malignant Melanoma is caused by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of pigment producing cells in the body. Though the exact reason for getting this disease is not yet confirmed, doctors believe over exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and long history of sunburn using tanning lamps or beds may increase the risk of Malignant Melanoma. Family history and weakened immune system also aggravate the risk.
Diagnosis
To diagnose Malignant Melanoma, medical professionals take help of the following processes:
To assess the stage of the disease doctors may include the below mentioned tests:
Treatment
In case of small melanoma that has not spread far surgery is the treatment that removes the melanoma. But if the disease spread beyond the skin the doctors order the following treatment procedures:
Merkel cell carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a type of rare cancer in which cancer cells form in the skin. Long exposure in Sun and having a weak immune system are the risk factors. It usually affects aged persons. It appears on face, head or neck. Merkel cell carcinoma often appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. It tends to grow fast and spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Treatment options for Merkel cell depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.
Symptoms
The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is usually a fast-growing, painless tumor on the skin. It may be skin-colored or red, blue or purple shade. Most Merkel cell carcinomas develop on the face, head or neck, but they can develop anywhere on the body, even on areas not exposed to sunlight.
Causes
The cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is not yet known. Merkel cell carcinoma begins in the Merkel cells. Merkel cells are found at the base of the outermost layer of the skin. Merkel cells are connected to the nerve endings in the skin that are responsible for the sense of touch.
Risk Factors
Complications
Even with treatment Merkel Cell Cancer rapidly spreads to other organs of the body like bone, lungs, liver or brain. Then it becomes fatal.
Diagnosis
It mainly includes physical examination, skin biopsy, imaging tests, sentinel node biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a rare type of bone marrow cancer that disrupts body's normal production of blood cells. Myelofibrosis causes extensive scarring in one’s bone marrow, leading to severe anemia that can cause weakness and fatigue. Myelofibrosis often causes an enlarged spleen. Myelofibrosis is considered to be a chronic leukemia — a cancer that affects the blood-forming tissues in the body. Treatment for myelofibrosis focuses on relieving symptoms.
Symptoms
Usually in the early stage symptoms are not much felt.
Causes and Risk Factors
Exact cause is not known. Several specific gene mutations have been identified in people with myelofibrosis. Some risk factors include:
Diagnosis
Certain blood tests, imaging tests and bone marrow test
Treatment
The focus of the treatment is to provide relief from signs and symptoms of the disease like excessive anemia, enlarged spleen. For some, a bone marrow transplant may provide a chance for a cure, but this treatment is not suitable for many patients.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (called NPC) is a tumor of the head and neck which originates in the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is located at the very back of the nose.
It is difficult to detect early. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of two.
Symptoms
In its early stages it may not show up any symptom. The following symptoms may occur later:
Causes and Risk Factors
What causes Nasopharyngeal Cancer is not established. But there are the following risk factors:
Age (more affected in the age group 30- 50), Sex(More common in male), family history, use of tobacco and alcohol.
Diagnosis
Nasal endoscopy, biopsy, MRI, PET CT
Treatment
Treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma usually begins with radiation therapy or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. Surgery is also required in some cases.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of carcinoma that commonly develops in the adrenal gland on top of the kidneys. It also appears in the chest, neck, stomach, pelvis and the bones. Most of the times children aged 5 or less gets affected by this disease as itoccurs in immature nerve cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Neuroblastoma in abdomen includes:
Symptoms of Neuroblastoma in chest includes:
Some other symptoms include:
The cause of genetic mutation that leads to Neuroblastoma is not known. Babies have someneuroblasts or immature nerve cells that develops into nerve cells and fibres and form adrenal glands or just disappear in natural course. But some unknown causes influence the immature nerve cells grow abnormally that form tumours.
Diagnosis
To diagnose Neuroblastoma doctors use the following tests and procedures:
Treatment
Treatment of Neuroblastoma depends on various factors like age of the child, stage of the disease, type of cells involved in the disease. Doctors also assess if there is any genetic abnormalities.
The common treatment process include:
Rhabdomyo Sarcoma
Rhabdomyo sarcoma (RMS) is a rare category of cancer that develops in soft tissue — specifically skeletal muscle tissue or sometimes hollow organs such as the bladder or uterus. It can occur at any age, but it mostly affects children.
Treatment depends on the type of Rhabdomyo sarcoma, the location, tumor size and whether it has spread. Treatment is usually a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Symptoms
Symbols depend on the location of the affected area.
For Head & Neck : Headache, eye swelling, bleeding from the nose.
For urinary or reproductive system: Trouble urinating, bleeding, problem with bowel movement, mass or bleeding in Vagina or rectum.
For arms and legs: Swelling or lump in the leg or arm, pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of this cancer is still not known. Some of the risk factors are the following:
Family history of cancer
Imaging tests like – X Ray, CT Scan, MRI, PET Scan, Bone scan and biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment for Rhabdomyo sarcoma involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
Sheath Tumor
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor or MPNST is a type of tumor that occurs in the cell that forms the sheath which covers and protects the peripheral nerves. It is a rare type of sarcoma that grows in the soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and lymph that support and connect a human body. It spreadquickly and easily affect other body parts.
Symptoms
The Symptoms of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumorincudes:
Cause
The exact cause of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor is not known. But there can be a higher chance of getting this disease in the following conditions:
Diagnosis
To diagnose Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor doctors usually prescribe the following tests:
Treatment
Treatment of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor involves one or more combination of the following therapies.
Ureteral Cancer
Ureteral cancer is a rare cancer which indicates an abnormal growth of cells on the inside lining of the tubes (ureters) that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Ureters are part of the urinary tract, and they carry urine produced by the kidneys to the bladder.
Older adults and people who had bladder cancer in the past, mostly develop this. People diagnosed with ureteral cancer have an increased risk of bladder cancer. Treatment options for ureteral cancer include surgery in certain situations, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Symptoms
Causes
Like most of the cancers the cause of Ureteral Cancer is also not known, A rapidly growing mass of abnormal cells block the ureter or spread to other areas of the body.
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
The treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the Basal Cells. It looks like a glossy white bump, or brown scaly patch and usually appears on face, neck or body parts that remain exposed in sunlight.
Symptoms
Basal Cell carcinoma develops the following symptoms:
Cause
The exact cause that may develop Basal Cell Carcinoma is not known. But over exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the sun or using tanning lamp and bed is identified as a cause to increase the chance of getting this disease. There can be other reasons that may help developing this conditions. The possible causes are: exposure to arsenic, immune supressing drugs, old age, fair skin, Radiation therapy and family history.
Diagnosis
Initially, to diagnose Basal Cell Carcinoma, doctors will physically check the patient and ask about the medical history. In case they are suspecting the disease they may order a skin biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment procedure of Basal Cell Carcinoma may vary depending on various factors like location, stage, and other factors. Usually range of treatment includes:
Cervical Cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cancer in India. Although it is preventable and treatable if detected early, but due to ignorance and lack of awareness it is widespread in underprivileged population. In the age group of 15-44 years it is more common. Early marriage is another factor responsible in countries like India.
Cervix is a part of a woman’s reproductive organ. It is the lower part of the Uterus and connects to the Vagina. Abnormal growth of cells in the cervix leads to Cervical Cancer. The cancerous cells can spread to the inner tissues of the cervix and affect the other parts of the body like vagina, rectum, abdomen etc which is known as Metastasis.
In most of the cases Human Papilloma virus (HPV) brings about cervical cancer. But its growth is slow. Sometimes it takes a few years to appear. Regular Screening and timely treatment can save many lives.
Symptoms
In early stage there can be no symptoms. However some common symptoms are:
In the advanced stage the following symptoms may occur:
Why it occurs?
How to detect ?
Screening tests facilitates early detection to save life. These are:
Treatment options
A number of treatment options are available depending on the extent of spread of the disease. Normally one or more of the following treatment protocols are opted.
Prevention
The Cervical cancer can be prevented by screening tests. If detected early it can be treated successfully and there is no loss of life. WHO aims at globally eradicating this disease altogether. With spread of more awareness and more screening tests annually the number of cases will reduced.
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer in the colon or rectum Some common symptoms include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss and fatigue. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Symptoms
Causes & Risk Factors
The cause is still unknown but there are some risk factors which include the following:
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer. The treatment includes Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, targeted therapy, Immunotherapy.
“Head and neck cancer” is the broad term that describes different types of malignant tumors develop in or around throat, nose, sinuses, larynx or mouth.
Types of head and neck cancer
Here are the 5 main types of head and neck cancer:
Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. This type of cancer develops in the voice box which is called larynx. This organ plays an important role in breathing, talking, and swallowing.
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. The nasal cavity is the location behind the nose. This is the passagethrough which air passes towards the throat.
Nasopharyngeal cancer. This identifies aarcinoma developed in the nasopharynxor the air passageway. This area islocated at the upper part of the throat just behind the nose.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer. This particular type of cancer develops in the oral cavity which covers the mouth and tongue. The oropharynx cancer on the other hand, develops in the middle of the throat, which covers the entire area from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box.
Salivary gland cancer. As the name suggests, it is the type of cancer that develops in the salivary gland which produces digestive fluid called saliva.
There are several other types of cancer in the same head and neck region such as brain tumors, eye cancer, parathyroid cancer, sarcoma, esophageal cancer and thyroid cancer. But the diagnosis processand treatment is different for them.
Symptoms
The symptoms and signs of Head and Neck Cancer include the following medical problems:
Diagnosis
To confirm Head and neck Cancer a doctor is likely to prescribe endoscopy, MRI of head, CT of the sinuses, CT of head, Panoramic Dental X-ray, Dental Cone Beam CT, PET/CT and chest imaging. If the tests mentioned above cannot confirm carcinoma and the doctor still finds abnormality and persisting complications a biopsy is usually recommended.
Treatment
The type of treatment to be followed mostly depends on the type of the cancer, the size of the tumor and the location where it is developed. How fast the tumor is growing and what is the general health condition of the patient these factors also determines the line of treatment.
Usually, head and neck cancers are treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery which may vary from person to person.
Laryngeal Cancer is one of the ten leading causes of Cancer in men in India. It belongs to the broad category – Head & Neck Cancer. In this disease cancerous cells form in the larynx or voice box located in the throat. Laryngeal cancer damages one’s voice if not diagnosed in time and the survival rate also depends on timely diagnosis. It may spread to nearby areas like thyroid, trachea, esophagus or to the lymph nodes in the neck, chest, carotid artery, upper part of the spine or lungs. Use of tobacco products and smoking are mostly responsible. Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the stages of the disease and condition of the patient. The chances of recovery also rests on the factors like patient’s age, general health condition, the location and grade of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Usually the following treatment options are available:
Rehbilitation
After completion of surgery and treatment the patients who have lost the voice altogether requires different speech therapies depending on their needs and regular counseling for rehabilitation. Some of these are – esophageal speech technique, voice production devices. Rehabilitation is an important part of the follow up treatment.
Prevention
In order to reduce the risk of Laryngeal Cancer lifestyle changes are necessary.
Liver Cancer
Cancer developed in the liver is called liver cancer. Abnormal and very quick growth of cells in the liver tissues create this condition. This type of cancer shows no symptoms in the early stage.
Symptoms
Liver cancer remains extremely silent in the initial stage. It shows no sign at all. But once the liver becomes swollen the following symptoms may be noticed:
Cause
Liver cancer is caused by the changes in the DNA of the liver cells. This change develops abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the tissues of liver that form a tumour.
People suffering from chronic hepatitis may develop liver cancer. But most of the times why it happens to people with no such underlying diseases is not yet known.
Diagnosis
If liver cancer is suspected, a doctor is likely to order the following lab tests:
Treatment
The treatment process of Liver cancer may depend on various factors like at what stage the cancer is and the general health conditions of the patient.
Often, one or more treatment methods are used that include:
Surgical methods: Removal of part of the liver or liver transplant.
Ablation therapy: Destroying the tumour inside the patient’s body without taking them out.
Chemotherapy: Using medications that kill cancerous cells and control their growth.
Targeted Therapy: This is different from Chemotherapy. The drugs used in this method zero in on the cancerous genes and tissues.
Immunotherapy: this process involves medicines that direct body’s immune system to kill the cancerous cells.
Loco regional therapy: In this method beads are injected into the patient’s body that give off radiation and destroy the blood vessel that helps nourishing the tumour.
Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. Ovaries are female reproductive organs on each side of the uterus. They produce eggs (ova) as well as estrogen and progesterone hormones. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread in the pelvis and elsewhere. In the early stage in most of the cases symptoms do not show up. At the late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and can be fatal. Ovarian Cancer is usually treated by surgery and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
Types of ovarian cancer
There are a few types of Ovarian Cancer which include:
Epithelial ovarian cancer - This is the most common type which has several subtypes, including serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors - These tumors though quite rare can be diagnosed at an earlier stage than other types of ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors - A rare type of ovarian cancers that occurs at a younger age.
Risk Factors
Like any other cancer the exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known. Some risk factors are;
Ageing - It's most often diagnosed in older adults.
Inherited gene changes - In some cases ovarian cancer occur due to gene changes that one inherits from parents or other blood relatives.
Obesity - Being overweight increases the risk.
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy - Hormone replacement therapy that controls menopausal symptoms may enhance the risk.
Endometriosis - Endometriosis , a painful disorder sometimes may cause growth of tissue outside the uterus.
Age when menstruation started and ended. Beginning menstruation at an early age or menopause at a later age, or both, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
No pregnancy throughout life - If a woman has never been pregnant it may increase the risk.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Ovarian cancer treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments are also followed.
Surgery
Operations to remove ovarian cancer include:
Remove one ovary – if the disease is at early stage. It will not deprive a woman to be pregnant.
Remove both ovaries - If cancer is present in both the ovaries, but has not spread elsewhere. Since the uterus remain intact, one may still give birth using one’s own frozen eggs or from a donor.
Removal of both ovaries and uterus - If your cancer is more extensive
Surgery for advanced cancer - If the disease is in an advanced stage, it will require removal of as much as cancerous cells possible. Sometimes chemotherapy is ordered before or after surgery in this situation.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs can be injected into a vein or taken by mouth.
Targeted therapy
Targeted drug treatments focus on specific weaknesses present within cancer cells. By attacking these weaknesses, targeted drug treatments can cause cancer cells to die.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is a treatment option for some slow-growing ovarian cancers. This option also aim at stopping the recurrence.
Hormone therapy uses drugs to block the effects of the hormone estrogen on ovarian cancer cells. Some ovarian cancer cells use estrogen to help them grow, so blocking estrogen may help control the cancer.
Immunotherapy
It involves the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy might be useful for treating ovarian cancer in certain cases.
Rhabdomyo Sarcoma
Rhabdomyo sarcoma (RMS) is a rare category of cancer that develops in soft tissue — specifically skeletal muscle tissue or sometimes hollow organs such as the bladder or uterus. It can occur at any age, but it mostly affects children.
Treatment depends on the type of Rhabdomyo sarcoma, the location, tumor size and whether it has spread. Treatment is usually a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Symptoms
Symbols depend on the location of the affected area.
For Head & Neck : Headache, eye swelling, bleeding from the nose.
For urinary or reproductive system: Trouble urinating, bleeding, problem with bowel movement, mass or bleeding in Vagina or rectum.
For arms and legs: Swelling or lump in the leg or arm, pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of this cancer is still not known. Some of the risk factors are the following:
Diagnosis
Imaging tests like – X Ray, CT Scan, MRI, PET Scan, Bone scan and biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment for Rhabdomyo sarcoma involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare group of cancers that occurs in different body parts like muscles, bones and also in the deep layers of skin. It can develop in body fat also. Other areas where this type of cancer can form are blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.
This is found both in children and adults.
Symptoms
The common sign of soft tissue sarcoma includes:
Causes
The causes that develops this types of cancers is not yet identified. But the following factors are believed to increase the chances of having it:
Family historyof neurofibromatosis and Gardner syndrome
After effect of chemicals like arsenic, and vinyl chloride, or dioxin.
Exposure to radiation, even if it happens during treatment prescribed for cancer in other organs.
Diagnosis
Initially a doctor will closely examinethe lumps. If Soft Tissue Sarcoma is suspected the patient will be recommended to go through certain imaging tests like:
X-rays, ultrasoundMRI scan or a biopsy.
In case cancer is detected the doctor determine the stage of the cancer depending on the size of the lump and how far it has affected other parts of the patient’s body
Treatment
If cancer has not spread to other organs, usually, surgery is ordered in most of the cases. In this line of treatment, thetumorsare taken out without harming other healthy tissuessurrounding that area.
But if surgery is not possible to carry out for various factors the doctors may suggest Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy also.
Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer can occur in any part of the mouth. Cancerous cells grow in the tissues of one’s mouth. It usually appears as a sore, lump or patch that does not heal. It may begin in any region of the mouth – gum, tongue, palate, cheek, sinuses or pharynx. Oral Cancer is under the broad category of cancer called Head and Neck Cancer. Several risk factors are responsible like chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol intake or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
If it is detected at an early stage when it has not spread it can be cured but otherwise it is life threatening. Unfortunately most of the time it is detected in an advanced stage. Sometimes it comes to light during a dental check up. The treatment options are mainly surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy depending on the patient’s condition.
Risk Factors
The signs of Oral Cancer
Diagnosis
After the detection of Oral cancer is diagnosed, some investigations are performed to determine the stage of the disease. It includes:
Stages of Oral Cancer
Treatment
Like any other cancer, the treatment depends on the diagnosis that determines the type, site and stage of the cancer.
Surgery
In the early stages surgery is required to remove the cancerous tissues and lymph nodes. Some patients may require Maxillo facial surgery depending on the cancer site.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is also an important option of Oral Cancer treatment. In complicated cases a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is required.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is required along with radiation therapy or surgery to kill the cancerous cells altogether.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy can be effective in both early and advanced stages of Oral cancer. Targeted therapy medicines stop the growth of cancer cells and their spread.
Prevention
Adopting a healthy life style can eliminate some of the risk factors.