The Treatment of Cervical Cancer in India

1. The cost of cervical cancer treatment in India averages around USD 5,000 and varies for individual cases depending on several factors.
2. With its 85% success rate, India is a sought-after destination for cervical cancer treatment. Notable doctors practicing in this field include Dr. Vinod Raina, Dr. Ranga Rao Rangaraju, and Dr. Ashok Vaid. Top hospitals for cervical cancer treatment in India are Fortis Hospital, Medanta Hospital, and Paras Hospital.
3. The treatment procedure typically takes six days and requires patients to remain in India for around twenty days.

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a condition in which abnormal cancer cells grow in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, which can spread to other parts of the body. Precancerous cervix is commonly diagnosed among women in their 20s and 30s, while cervical cancer is more commonly diagnosed among women in their 40s and 50s. Adolescent girls who have recently begun menstruating are considered to be at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Symptoms

While cervical cancer often does not present any visible symptoms initially, as it grows, certain symptoms may occur and warrant medical attention:

1. Bleeding after intercourse
2. Bleeding after menopause
3. Pelvic pain or lower back pain
4. Unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor
5. Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

Causes

1. Weak immune system
2. Continuous use of oral contraceptives for five or more years
3. Multiple sexual partners
4. Transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) infection through skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity
5. Precancerous cervical abnormalities
6. Consumption of diethylstilboestrol (DES), a hormonal drug

Diagnosis

Doctors will perform a physical examination and ask for a patient’s medical and family history to help confirm a cervix cancer diagnosis. Various tests are available, including:

1. Pap smear: Cells are extracted from the cervix and analyzed in a laboratory to detect the presence of any cancer cells.
2. X-ray: Used to determine whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body beyond the cervix.
3. CT scan: Enables doctors to assess the severity of the condition.
4. MRI: MRI helps determine whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body beyond the cervix.
5. Cone biopsy: Utilizing a magnifying glass, conization involves examining the cervix and its condition.
6. HPV DNA test: Cells extracted from the cervix are analyzed to detect HPV infections.

Treatment for Cervical Cancer

The type of cervical cancer treatment depends on factors such as a patient’s health, age, and the stage of the ailment. A patient’s preference for having children in the future will also determine the type of treatment. The following treatment options are available:

1. Cryosurgery: The abnormal cells found on the surface of the cervix are filled with liquid nitrogen gas, then turned into an ice ball, killing the cancer cells.
2. Laser surgery: Surgeons use laser beams to destroy the cancer cells, typically for treating early-stage cervical cancer.
3. Conization: Surgeons may perform conization on women who plan on having children in the future to remove a piece of tissue from the cervix and examine it in a laboratory before recommending chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
4. Radiotherapy: High-energy radiation beams are used to target the cancerous tissue and destroy it. Radiation therapy can cause menopause, so it is important to discuss preserving eggs with a doctor before pursuing this option.
5. Chemotherapy: Administering drugs into the patient’s veins, chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells. For advanced cancer treatment, low doses are combined with high doses.
6. Hysterectomy: In a hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed while keeping the ovaries and fallopian tubes intact.
7. Radical hysterectomy: Radical hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, a part of the vagina, lymph nodes, and nearby tissues. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are only removed if necessary. Pelvic exenteration is a suitable option for recurring cancer cells. If cancer has spread, the surgeon removes the cervix, uterus, surrounding lymph nodes, and organs.

Factors Affecting Cost in India

Cervical Cancer Treatment in Mumbai: Mumbai’s cancer hospitals are well-reputed for their exceptional patient care, high patient capacity, efficient staff, and world-class facilities that offer affordable and excellent treatment under the supervision of renowned cancer surgeons.

Cervical Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s hospitals utilize advanced technologies to provide cutting-edge treatment, which results in high patient satisfaction and success rates.

Cervical Cancer Treatment in Chennai: Chennai is fast becoming a hub for world-class treatment facilities with multi-specialty hospitals that attract over 40% of foreign health tourists seeking advanced treatment.

Cervical Cancer Treatment in Delhi: Factors such as the type and location of the hospital, the length of stay in hospitals, and the cost of rehabilitation impact the overall treatment cost in Delhi.