Stomach Cancer Treatment in India: Cost, Top Hospitals & Best Doctors

The problem of cancer has become quite common. According to one of the research done by the National Cancer Institute, the cases of stomach cancer will increase every year since this is becoming one of the global diseases. Also, the World Health Organization has expected that the chances of the disease will increase and the cost of treating the disease will rise too. With that being said, it also mentioned that the number of cases will increase by 20% in Africa between the year 2010 to 2020. The Western part of Africa has recorded a 15th position as the highest incidence of gastric cancer. 

Due to the varying healthcare facilities in many African states, patients often face challenges in accessing specialised medical treatments. For those needing advanced treatment, travelling to countries with advanced medical facilities and experienced surgeons like India becomes the best option. Countries like India offer high-quality care at more affordable rates compared to Western nations like the US and UK, with India being the most cost-effective choice.

Patients travelling to India for CA stomach treatment benefit from highly trained oncologists, modern technology, and personalised care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. India provides easy medical visas for foreigners, an extensive connection of transportation, and an accommodative cultural premise for the stomach cancer treatment in India. And, of course, these are the most important reasons why most international patients love coming to India for stomach cancer treatment.

What is a Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, develops in the inner lining of the stomach and gradually spreads to other body parts. There are several types of stomach cancer:

1. Adenocarcinoma:

Cancers of this type originate in the glandular cells of the mucous membrane of the stomach. It usually happens in a patient with a 90% frequency of gastric cancer. It can be further classified as:

• Intestinal Type: More common and associated with dietary elements along with H. pylori infection.
• Diffuse Type: Aggressive and difficult to treat.
• Indeterminate or Mixed Type: A combination of both types of stomach cancer.

2. Lymphoma:

Lymphoma is an uncommon stomach cancer type that appears in immune system cells located in the stomach wall. These kinds are commonly observed in association with chronic infections such as H. pylori.

3. Carcinoid Cancer:

This uncommon type of cancer begins in hormone-producing cells. This type of cancer typically has slow growth and does not spread as aggressively as other types.

4. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour:

A rare kind of tumour happening in the nerves of the stomach can potentially become malignant over time in the future. Generally, mutations in genes regulate this type of tumour.

What are the Stomach Cancer Causes in Patients?

The exact stomach cancer causes are not always clear, but several risk factors contribute to its development. Knowing these causes are important for developing a plan for stomach cancer treatment in India:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: Being highly instrumental in gastric ulcers, the bacterial infection has put patients at increased risk for stomach cancer.
• Dietary Habits: The adored feasts of smoked fish, pickled vegetables, and heavily salted foods are significantly more; their likes increase the risk for stomach cancer. On the other hand, the scarcity of fruits and vegetables as part of an everyday diet has some connection to further advancement into this cancer type.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Life's potential to create harm, represented by these two factors, builds up over time by damaging the lining of the stomach organ to clear the passage for subsequent complications in the form of neoplasms.
• Family History: Having a relative diagnosed with stomach cancer may increase one's risk due to inherited genetic mutations.
• Chronic Gastritis: Long-term inflammations are potentially carcinogenic as they may cause repeated and neurotropic conditions, particularly when they are caused by H. pylori infection.
• Obesity: A risk factor commonly encountered is being overweight or obese, which magnifies the risk for stomach cancer.
• Previous Stomach Surgery: Past surgeries on the stomach, such as for ulcers, may elevate the risk of developing stomach cancer later in life.

Patients with the above risk factors, particularly those with a family history of the disease, H. pylori infection, or poor dietary habits, are more likely to develop stomach cancer. But with timely stomach cancer treatment in India, one can effectively manage this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

CA stomach symptoms often appear in advanced stages, making early detection crucial. Some common CA stomach symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating: The feeling of a full stomach with a small meal intake.
• Cramping or indigestion: Abdominal cramps with persistent soreness can also point towards stomach cancer.
• Heartburn and reflux: A common complaint of acid reflux or heartburn. 
• Vomiting up blood: This is a crucial sign because of the internal bleeding of the tumour.
• Bleeding from the gums: Black or tarry stools (faeces) are typically indicative of slow gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
• Difficulty swallowing: Usually, this results from a tumour blocking the passage of the food.
• Decrease in appetite: Loss of appetite leads to dehydration, weakness, and malnutrition.
• Unexplained weight loss: This is an alarming sign of advanced stomach cancer
• Jaundice: This occurs if the cancer has spread to the liver.

What are the Methods for Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer in India?

The country offers world-class diagnostic facilities for stomach cancer treatment in India using the latest technology. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Endoscopy: A thin, flexible, clear tube (endoscope) equipped with a small, powerful camera is gently passed down the throat while the patient is lightly sedated. Endoscopy is used to evaluate, diagnose and treat a number of medical issues. Its use helps diagnose a number of pathologies, such as ulcers, tumours, and other growths.
• Biopsy: Biopsy refers to the collection and examination of a tissue sample obtained from the endoscope in a laboratory for cancerous cells.
• Blood Tests: These are markers that suggest the presence of gastric cancer—CEA or CA 19-9 profiles. 
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) uses ultrasound to assess a tumour's depth and the degree to which it has spread.
• Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed to evaluate whether cancer has spread or to determine further CA Stomach treatment options. 
• Imaging Tests: Transverse tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans aid in cancer staging and treatment planning by depicting detailed images of the area in question.

What are the 5 Stomach Cancer Stages in Patients?

There are five stomach cancer stages, and the stage that the cancer is in decides the stomach cancer treatment in India:

• Stage 0: At this point of the disease, only the innermost portion of the stomach has been affected by cancer. Another term referring to the tumours at this stage is carcinoma in situ (CIS). There are abnormal cells, but they have not spread to any other portion of the stomach. The outcome of early detection usually consists of minimally invasive medical therapy.
• Stage 1: Cancer has entered the deeper layers of the stomach and some of the nearby lymph nodes in this stage. Eventually, this stage is further divided into 1A and 1B, indicating whether there are involved lymph nodes. Signs and symptoms can vary from mild to none at all, making diagnosis a problem. This stage of stomach cancer treatment has surgery as the primary choice.
• Stage 2: The tumour has infiltrated deeper muscle layers and more lymph nodes, making it harder to treat. CA stomach symptoms can get quite severe with weight loss, nausea, or stomach pain. Chemo and radiation might be combined with surgery. Early intervention can improve long-term survival.
• Stage 3: Cancer has spread to all layers of the stomach and distant lymph nodes, requiring aggressive treatment. Tumours may cause severe pain, bleeding, or blockage in the digestive tract. The treatment consists of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of all treatment methods. The prognosis also depends on the response to stomach cancer treatment in India.
• Stage 4: Cancer falling through gastric layers has succeeded in producing metastases in various organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones. This marks a more complex form of therapy. Symptoms can be severe at this stage, including extreme fatigue, eating constraints, and extreme weight loss. Palliative care, in combination with targeted therapies, may help to make the patient comfortable. While a cure is unlikely, treatments can slow disease progression and manage symptoms.

What are the Options for Stomach Cancer Treatment in India?

Most of the stomach cancer treatments available in India are planned and decided by the cancer specialists. People who are coming from Africa can get medical treatments at a much affordable rate in India. While some have specialization in surgery, others do specialization in radiation therapy as well as chemotherapy. The doctors who work over here to give the treatments and depend on the cancer stage. The decisions for offering treatments are given depending on certain criteria such as tumor present in the stomach, overall health condition, and cancer stage.

The stomach cancer treatments that are available in India are many, and the patients coming from Africa will get extra care and attention along with some exclusive benefits that will help in making the treatment procedure easier. Surgery is one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment available. This will help in removing the tumor. Apart from that, depending on the condition and the stage, a part of the stomach is removed. Chemotherapy, as well as radiation therapy, are also offered over here, which you can take after the completion of the surgery if required.

■ Chemotherapy:

This is yet another most significant stomach cancer treatment, which is useful too if the treatment turns out to be successful. Chemotherapy sometimes is also given combined with radiation therapy. Considering the benefits of this treatment, it helps in lowering the risk of stomach cancer and the chances of relapsing.

■ Radiation Therapy:

After the completion of the surgery, an external beam is as a stomach cancer treatment, which is paired with chemotherapy since it helps to reduce the risk of occurrence. When taken this treatment, it helps in reducing the pain along with other advanced symptoms of stomach cancer.

■ Biological Therapy:

This kind of therapy is used for the treatment of metastatic stomach cancer. Stomach sarcoma is a very rare case, but the patients will get treatments for this as well. 

■ Upper Endoscopy:

Before spreading to other areas, this procedure is done on early cancerous tissue.

■ Gastrectomy:

Depending on part or complete removal of the stomach, preventing further growth of cancer.

What is the Cost of Stomach Cancer Treatment in India?

The cost of stomach cancer treatment in India varies depending on multiple factors such as the stage of the disease, the chosen treatment method (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy), the hospital, and the city. With CureIndia, the approximate stomach cancer treatment cost in India is around $6,500. Below is a breakdown of the approximate stomach cancer cost in India and the total stay in the country:

Best Doctors for Stomach Cancer Treatment in India

1. Dr. Pradeep Jain

2. Dr. S. M. Shuaib Zaidi

3. Dr. Priya Tiwari

4. Dr. Nikhil Agrawal

What are the Success Rates for Stomach Cancer Treatment in India?

The success rates of stomach cancer treatment in India depends on various factors, and you will get a better understanding of the chances of survival after the disease affects and the treatments. The type along with the stage of cancer can keep a person for about five years after it has been diagnosed. It depends on the spreading of the disease to a large number of people. But, predictions on the success rates is certainly impossible.

Therefore, stomach cancer can be hard to deal with, but with proper treatment and diagnosis, it is possible to prevent the disease from further occurrence.

Why Get Stomach Cancer Treatment in India?

India is considered a top choice for stomach cancer treatment because of its cost-efficiency and high levels of healthcare. Reasons to choose India include:

■ Highly trained oncologists

Leading stomach cancer specialists in India with international training and years of experience perform this surgery. These specialists stay updated with the latest research and therapies. Many have worked in some of the world's top-notch institutions and brought their knowledge and experience back to India. Their expertise ensures a very careful diagnosis and, thus, an effective stomach cancer treatment strategy.

■ State-of-the-Art Equipment

Modern diagnostic and therapeutic facilities at these hospitals ensure highly efficient health care. The hospitals are fully equipped to offer robotic surgery, AI-assisted imaging, and targeted therapies. The application of minimally invasive procedures helps promote patient recovery with limited post-operative complications. Regular updates in the medical infrastructure mean that it keeps up with the international guidelines at Indian hospitals.

■ Affordable Costs of Treatment

The cost of cancer treatment in India is much lower compared to countries in the West, ensuring that healthcare is open to all. High-quality care, even for the most delicate surgery-like gastrectomy or chemotherapy, is available at half the cost of comparable procedures internationally. Many hospitals have packaged prices for overseas patients, making it more convenient and simpler in terms of planning expenditures. Despite the reduction in cost, there is no back-off in the standard of treatment, and patients returned with improved health and happy smiles.

■ Personalised Patient Care

Advanced support systems for international patients such as translation, accommodation facilities, and so much more are available with us. Coordinators are assigned work, for instance, organising visas, logistics, and hospitalising patients. They now provide personalised dietary plans and specific rehabilitation programs for better results. Emotional and psychological support services are often employed to help patients and families dealing with the stomach cancer treatment journey.

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