Kidney Cancer Treatment in India
Kidney cancer denotes a cancer that starts in the kidney. Worldwide, there are roughly 190,000 new cases of kidney cancer reported each year. It has also become a concerning health issue in India.
Thankfully, there are numerous options available for kidney cancer treatment in India, ranging from non-surgical therapies to surgical interventions. India is home to a large pool of highly qualified medical specialists and has cutting-edge healthcare facilities for kidney cancer treatment.
An Overview of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer develops when the kidney cell grows abnormally and uncontrollably. It causes symptoms such as hematuria, side or back pain, lump in the side or lower back, fatigue, unintended weight loss, fever, hypertension, leg or ankle swelling, etc. There are different types of kidney cancer including:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Transitional cell cancer.
- Renal sarcoma.
- Wilms tumor.
The precise cause of kidney cancer is not known though there are certain factors that increase the chance of developing the condition. Those include:
- Smoking.
- Genetic changes and family history.
- Obesity.
- Hypertension.
- Long-term dialysis.
- Radiation therapy.
Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer can be classified into various stages depending on the size of the tumor and the number of lymph nodes affected. Proper diagnosis will be conducted first before you have a kidney cancer treatment in India, which will aid in tailoring an individual treatment plan. Common diagnostic techniques are:
- Urine analysis.
- Blood tests.
- Imaging tests such as CT Scan, MRI, and Ultrasound.
- Renal mass biopsy.
Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to have a successful outcome since early-stage kidney cancer has a higher chance of successful treatment. With the advancement of kidney cancer treatment in India, the survival rate is also increasing.
Kidney Cancer Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for people having kidney cancer treatment in India. Treatment choice depends mainly on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options are:
Surgery – It is the primary choice for different stages of kidney cancer treatment in India. It can be of different types:
- Partial nephrectomy – Only a part of the kidney, that contains the tumor is removed.
- Radical nephrectomy – The entire kidney is removed along with the surrounding healthy tissue. Lymph nodes might also be removed in some cases.
- Robotic and laparoscopic surgery – A small incision is made on the abdomen through which a telescopic instrument is inserted, to completely or partially remove the kidney. Sometimes robotic tools are used to carry out the procedure.
Ablation – The technique involves the use of either heat or cold to destroy the cancer cells. It is one of the most widely used non-surgical techniques for kidney cancer treatment in India.
- Radiofrequency ablation – A needle is inserted through the skin and into the tumor. An electric is passed through it to kill the cancer cells
- Cryoablation – A needle is inserted into the body and into the tumor. Cold gas is then used to freeze the cancer cells.
Radiotherapy – A high-energy beam of radiation is used to kill the cancer cells. Radiation can be administered either internally or externally.
Chemotherapy – It is not a standard treatment option for kidney cancer so it is typically not used as a kidney cancer treatment in India. Sometimes it is prescribed after giving immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Immunotherapy – It is used to boost and strengthen the immune system to effectively destroy the cancer cells. Some drugs can also help the immune system to differentiate the cancer cells and normal cells.
Targeted therapy – It is often used in an advanced stage of cancer. The drugs will act by targeting the specific gene or protein of the cancer cells or a specific environment that favors the growth of cancer cells.
Kidney Cancer Treatment in India
Cost of Kidney Cancer Treatment in India starts from INR 2,50,000 (3,000 USD). Treatment for kidney cancer is far less expensive in India than it is in any other developing or developed nation. Compared to Western nations, Cost of kidney cancer treatment in India is between 60% and 70% less.
Helpful:- Ayurvedic Treatment For Kidney Cancer
Best Kidney Cancer Hospitals in India
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai
- Medanta – The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon
- Fortis Hospital Gurgaon
- Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
- Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai
Recovery From Kidney Cancer Treatment
Recovery after kidney cancer treatment solely depends on the patient’s overall health, fitness, the type of surgery, and the severity of the condition. You will have to stay in the hospital for at least 2-7 days after the surgery. Once you get discharged, you will have to take further precautions during recovery.
Rest is the key factor for recovery. Have plenty of rest to help your body recover faster. Also focus on eating a balanced diet which includes proteins such as meat and poultry, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products, nuts, and pulses. Always stick to the rules your surgeon made for you and do not miss the follow-up appointment.
Factors To Consider While Choosing A Place For Kidney Cancer Treatment
People often struggle to choose the best place for treatment after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. Here are a few things that you must keep in mind to help you select the best country for your condition:
- Check the survival rates of patients having a kidney cancer treatment in your desired country.
- Select the country that offers advanced medical facilities equipped with the newest technology for treating cancer.
- Verify the cost of the stay for treatment.
- Verify the country’s kidney cancer treatment success rate.
Many people opt for Western countries due to medical advancements, however, the expense of kidney cancer treatment is usually high in these countries. Meanwhile in India, the cost of treating kidney cancer is nearly half that of developed countries. Additionally, best kidney cancer hospitals in India provide top-notch care for kidney cancer patients, with excellent success and survival rates.
What Are The Benefits Of Having a Kidney Cancer Treatment in India
India is a favorable destination for medical tourism because of its medical advancements. People often choose to have kidney cancer treatment in India due to several reasons. One of the main reasons is because of the low cost of treatment. The cost of kidney cancer treatment in India is much more affordable as compared to other countries, making it a desirable choice for patients with tight budgets. Apart from that, India also houses many doctors with excellent expertise in cancer treatment. Also, most Indian hospitals have top-notch infrastructures and are able to deliver the most advanced cancer treatments.
Way To Choose Top Oncologists For Kidney Cancer Treatment in India
The chances of having a successful outcome are higher if you are in the hands of a well-qualified and experienced oncologist. A skilled and knowledgeable physician can use their experience to either reverse or at least manage the symptoms of kidney cancer. So, if you are unsure of how to choose a physician, you keep those things in mind:
- A physician must be certified by the tumor board.
- Radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and specialty surgeons should be included in your team of cancer treatment experts.
- The training and background of your physician in the management of kidney cancer.
Kidney Cancer Treatment FAQs:
Q: Is It Possible To Treat Kidney Cancer With Non-surgical Treatment?
A: Yes. Some patients can be treated without surgery and don’t need to have surgery. If the tumor is small, ablation techniques like cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation will be used to destroy the cancer cells.
Q. What is the Cost of Kidney Cancer Treatment in India?
A: The average cost of kidney cancer treatment in India is Rs. 2 lakh (2400 USD). The maximum cost for kidney cancer treatment in India is up to Rs. 5 Lakh (6,000 USD).
Q: Is It Possible To Cure Stage 4 Kidney Cancer?
A: Stage 4 indicates that the cancer has spread to other body parts typically to the bones, lungs, and occasionally other organs like the liver or brain. It is difficult to cure but there is a possibility. Even incurable patients can achieve long-term disease control with the right care.
Q: What Is The Best Course Of Treatment For Kidney Cancer?
A: In most cases, surgery is the first line of treatment for kidney cancer. Surgery aims to remove the tumor while maintaining normal kidney function as much as possible. Certain operation techniques are available to treat kidney cancer.
Q: What Is The Recovery Time After Having Surgical Treatment?
A: Your body requires a lot of energy to heal. For roughly six weeks following the procedure, you will feel more exhausted than usual. Generally, complete recovery will take about 12 weeks.
Q: Where Does Kidney Cancer First Spread?
A: Kidney cancer initially spreads to the lung and bone first. It can also further spread to the brain, liver, ovaries, and testicles. The cancer can metastasize before even realizing it as it does not show symptoms at first.
