Posts in category: Cancer

The rectum begins at the end segment of the colon, and ends when it reaches a short, narrow passage called the anus. The cancerous growth in the rectum is called rectal cancer. The rectum is a small section of the large intestine. Constipation, bloody stool, or bowel pain are a few symptoms of rectal cancer. Early on, the outlook for those with this type of cancer can be very positive’ however, it can become quite poor as time goes by. We prepared this blog to help our readers understand deeper aspects about rectal cancer.

Rectal Cancer Overview

The rectum is a lower portion of the colon which connects the large bowel with the anus. The primary purpose of the rectum is to store formed stools in preparation for evacuation. When cells in the rectum grow uncontrollably and mutate, they can develop rectal cancer. It can also occur when polyps on the inner surface of the rectum become cancerous.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of rectal cancer that arises from the mucosa. Cancer cells may also spread to lymph nodes from the rectum on their way to another part of the body. The prognosis of rectal cancer is similar to colon cancer as it depends on the extent of the cancer spread. Since, the rectum is a part of the colon located in the pelvis; it poses additional treatment challenges when compared to colon cancer.

Rectal Cancer Symptoms

You may have rectal cancer for years without noticing any symptoms or changes in your body. Rectal cancers can be silent with no signs, however, some people might notice the symptoms listed below:

• Vague abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Changes in the shape of the stool
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• A sudden change in how and when you poop.
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain

Risk Factors

Listed below are a few risk factors that can cause a person to develop Rectal Cancer:

• Advancing age
• Smoking
• Family history of colon or rectal cancer
• High-fat diet
• Personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Consuming alcohol
• Having obesity
• Eating red or processed meat
• Using androgen replacement therapy
• Having had a cholecystectomy

Rectal Cancer Stages

Mentioned below is the rectal cancer progression of rectal cancer into five stages: 

Stage 0: Cancerous cells present on the surface lining of the rectum.

Stage 1: Cells often spread to the mucosal layer.

Stage 2: During this stage, the cancerous cells spread through the rectal wall.

Stage 3: Entering to this stage means tumor cells attack lymph glands.

Stage 4: The last stage where tumors develop in other organs or parts of the body.

Rectal Cancer Diagnosis

The diagnosis of rectal cancer can be made by combining the following symptoms:

Screening Tests and Physical Examination

Beginning with a medical history and a physical examination, the doctor may even insert a gloved finger into your rectum to evaluate the lumps. Next, the doctor may even recommend a fecal immunochemical test or a sigmoidoscopy. These tests are scheduled differently depending on your condition and risk. If the results of these tests show that cancer is present, then the next step is colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy

A doctor will use a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at its end to examine the rectum. And if they spot any polyps growth during this, they remove them. The doctor can collect tissue samples during the colonoscopy for later laboratory examination. The doctors then examine the cancer. 

Blood Tests

Next, a doctor may also ask for a blood test because high levels of carcinoembryonic produced by cancerous tumors, may indicate rectal cancer.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are another cancer diagnosis method to determine the cancer spread. A doctor can use endorectal ultrasonography to examine the rectum. A doctor inserts a small probe into the rectum to create a sonogram.

Other imaging tests may include:

• CT or PET scans can help doctors see the extent of cancerous cells in the colon, rectum and other organs.
• MRI can help doctors determine the stage of cancer.

Treatment Options

The treatment method for rectal cancer may depend on several factors, including the stage of cancer and the location of tumors. Based on such factors, a professional doctor will create a reliable treatment strategy for your rectal cancer condition:

Surgery

Surgery might be a reliable treatment option in the early stages. To remove cancerous tissue from the rectal area, the doctors may use the most suitable surgical techniques. The type of surgery will depend on the general health of the patient, the stage and location of the tumor, along with their overall health. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can work for rectal cancer when the tumor spreads into nearby lymph nodes or has infiltrated the wall of the colon. Organs are composed of cells which divide and multiply when the body requires them. These cells can multiply without reason, resulting in a growth or mass, also known as a tumor.

Chemotherapy eliminates these rapidly multiplying renegade cells. The rectal cancer treatment may include chemotherapy before or after surgery, and it may also be combined with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy

Another treatment option for treating rectal cancer that uses high-energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors, and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy causes cancer cells to die by damaging their DNA and can be used in combination with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is a form of treatment that uses medicine to help the immune system destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy in rectal cancer can be performed before or after surgery. Also, it can treat cancer which has spread beyond the rectum. Only a few people with rectal cancer can benefit from immunotherapy. Consult with a cancer specialist.

Do women face the same symptoms of rectal cancer?

Early signs of rectal cancer are similar for both men and women. However, premenopausal women should not confuse symptoms of rectal carcinoma with menstrual problems. Speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have, particularly if the bloating doesn’t disappear or occurs with unexplained loss of weight.

Prevention

Listed below are a few tips to prevent rectal cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider for advice if you are not sure.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid eating processed meat. Have a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of leafy greens.
• Avoid drinking alcohol-containing beverages.
• Don’t smoke.

Wrapping Up!

We tried our best to cover every relatable aspect about Rectal Cancer, including its symptoms, causes, stages, diagnosis and treatment. You may not feel any symptoms at all or only have minor ones; however, when you may feel symptoms, it may already be too late. 

The expert doctors at Samsara Cancer Care are well-trained to recognize when symptoms indicate a serious condition and can diagnose the disease following proper techniques. Our rectal cancer specialist Dr.Sameeksha at Samsara Cancer Care treats all types and stages of the disease. Book your appointment today!

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that helps to identify possible problems, like polyps or colon cancer. Polyps are tiny growths. However, they’re not cancerous; they could develop into cancer. You may also undergo this test to determine the problems with your bowels, including bleeding, shift in bowel movements or any other issues.

Every year thousands of patients undergo a colonoscopy test as part of their regular medical examination. However, there are many who don’t know the importance of having a colonoscopy, and some don’t know what they can expect from this procedure. For your convenience, we covered everything related to a colonoscopy test like what is the procedure all about, prep methods and the expectations for this test in this blog piece. 

Colonoscopy Test Overview

A medical procedure that determines the health of the rectum and colon using an instrument called colonoscope. A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the internal large intestine which comprises your colon, rectum and the anus. It is like an endoscopy procedure as it involves a colonoscope, which is a flexible tube illuminated with a camera on one end to view the inside of the body.

In a colonoscopy procedure, the colonoscope travels through your anus and rectum before entering your colon. Being there, it displays images showing the inside of your intestine on the screen.

The test helps for detecting the presence of tumors, polyps or inflammation or bleeding in the colon and the rectum. Moreover, it also helps with the identification of cancerous growth in the colon. The colonoscopy assists in identifying the signs such as unusual stomach pain, unprovoked diarrhea and bloody stool.

Colonoscopy Types

Listed below are the two main types of colonoscopy and to find the suitable one, people discuss their conditions with an expert:

Screening Colonoscopy

A screening colonoscopy is a routine test that determines the colon health. A person may need an examination for colon cancer screening if they show no signs of colorectal cancer, or have no previous experience of polyps or colon cancer, or even do not have any family history for colon cancer.

Diagnostic Colonoscopy

The doctors suggest diagnostic colonoscopy when a person exhibits signs of illness or have family background for colon cancer. This kind of colonoscopy may work if the patient suffers from anemia caused by iron deficiency, constant abdominal pain, bloody stool or persistent change in stool habits.

Why Should You Get a Colonoscopy?

Your doctor may suggest the colonoscopy procedure for a variety of reasons. A popular reason for having the procedure is to detect colon cancer. People who are above 50 years old are more susceptible to developing colon cancer and need screening for the same.

You may also need a colonoscopy if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting or blood in stool. The procedure involves an examination to find the reason for these symptoms.

Another reason for this procedure is if you have a family history of colon cancer, or the personal experience with polyps. Ignoring these signs can put you at a higher chance of getting cancer. A colonoscopy can be an examination for screening and a medical procedure that removes any polyps.

The Colonoscopy Test Procedure

A device called a colonoscope is essential to conduct tests. The instrument has a flexible, long thin measuring around 5 feet long and 1-inch in width, including a fiber optic camera to the other end. The experts insert a colonoscope through the rectum, and then upwards to the colon’s beginning and allow the doctor to view and inspect the colon inside.

The doctors usually recommend a colonoscopy when a patient shows indication of any digestive illness or showing signs of serious conditions that affect the colon. Some signs and symptoms are:

• Bleeding in rectum/motions/stools that could be black, bright red or extremely dark.
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Unknown, non-dietary weight loss
• Changes in the bowel habits
• Recurrent anemia (low hemoglobin)

What Can I Expect During The Colonoscopy Test?

A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on if the doctor needs to remove polyps or perform biopsies. Patients can expect to stay waiting for up to three hours to ensure adequate preparation and healing.

During the procedure, a doctor inserts the colonoscope into the anus and into the colon and rectum. Air gets pumped through the colon to increase its circumference to allow an easier view of the interior. Doctors may give general anesthesia or conscious sedation during a colonoscopy. If the doctors spot polyps, they can take them out at this point. Moreover, if they discover any abnormal tissue, the doctors can perform a biopsy.

Although you will not feel any pain throughout the procedure, it is possible that you could experience bloating and cramping in your abdomen for an hour following colonoscopy.

A professional doctor may discuss alternatives for anesthesia ahead of the procedure. The doctor may also review some important signs of your body, ensuring your comfort throughout the entire process.

How Should You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Your doctor may advise you to cleanse your colon one day prior to your colonoscopy. The residue could block the vision through the colonoscope. Listed below are a few things that must do to prep for your colonoscopy test:

Eat a special diet: The eating habits restrict to consuming specific amounts of fluids, a day before the exam. You must avoid taking dairy products or carbonated drinks before the test. You may also be told to stay clear of liquids that have red dye because it could be mistaken as blood in the course of treatment.

Laxatives: The doctor may suggest an oral laxative prior to and in the morning before the procedure. 

Get an enema: A enema is a reliable method of emptying the lower portion in the colon.

Make any adjustments to medications: Provide your doctor with the complete details about the medications you are currently taking. They might need some altercation, so you must notify your doctor at least one week before your appointment.

Is colonoscopy painful?

If you are sedated, you won’t be experiencing pain inside the colon. This is true even if an expert removes tissue, or uses laser therapy inside your colon. However, you may feel some gas-related pressure or pain with the insertion of a colonoscopy through your colon. This is because the colonoscope releases CO2 gas through your colon, which inflates it to improve the visual. It’s usually not too noticeable once the inflation process is complete. You’ll lie in a fetal position in a hospital bed and might even be sleeping.

Results That You Can Expect From a Colonoscopy

A negative result occurs when your doctor doesn’t detect any anomalies during the colonoscopy. If that happens the doctor will suggest that you have your next colonoscopy after ten years. If, however, you’re at risk of developing cancer, you’ll be required to repeat the procedure within five years. If your doctor is unable to take an accurate image of the colon due to any obstruction, then you’ll be required to repeat the procedure within one year.

Positive results are when a doctor discovers polyps or abnormalities in your colon. If you’ve got polyps, the doctors will remove them and send them to the lab for examination. Most polyps are not cancerous, however, they can indicate development of cancerous cells. It is possible that you will require more thorough screening, based on the dimensions and amount of polyps.

Colonoscopy Risks and Side Effects

Although colonoscopy tests generally associate with only a small risk, there are occasions when complications could occur, for example:

• An adverse reaction to sedatives administered during the exam.
• Bleeding in the area the specimen of tissue was taken or where a polyp, or another unnatural tissue was taken.
• A tear, or perforation within the colon’s wall or the rectum.

Wrapping Up!

We tried our best to cover every relatable aspect about colonoscopy tests that a person must know if they face the symptoms mentioned above. At Samsara Cancer Care, we recognize the important role that colonoscopy plays when diagnosing and addressing these hidden problems. Our team of experts has unmatched experience in dealing with complexities related to colon health. With the most innovative technology, including high-resolution colonoscopes and advanced imaging techniques, our experts reveal the hidden. With a constant commitment to excellence and patient health, we illuminate the way towards a healthier digestive future. 

A breast MRI is an image-based test that provides clear images of breast tissues. Health professionals typically utilize it to determine the presence of breast cancer. MRI is highly sensitive to breast cancer screening; however, it also reveals things that require monitoring and/or biopsy, but aren’t cancerous. This is why the breast MRI is utilized as a screening tool (with mammography) for those who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is also a good method to determine if a patient has specific symptoms or a history of breast cancer.

Breast MRI Overview

MRI is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields to capture images of breast tissue. It combines the power of radio waves and magnetic fields to produce a computerized image of the breast’s structures. While the breast MRI may provide a highly clear image, sometimes, it can be used to detect breast cancer in women at risk. The procedure is commonly used for the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer.

The doctors suggest breast MRI to analyze the cancerous cells and their spread and location in your body. Moreover, the process can help the doctor determine a suitable treatment plan and observe the extent to which your breast cancer treatment is working.

Purpose of Test

MRI is an imaging method that is carried out from the outside of your body (non invasive). It does not expose your body to radiation or breast compression. MRI offers much details about soft tissues when compared to X-rays, CT scans or ultrasound.

The doctors usually advise breast MRI for women who received a cancer diagnosis. This is basically a way to determine the tumor size, while also detecting tumors in the opposite breast. A breast MRI is also a good option to screen breast cancer and also to check the patient’s health following cancer treatment.

Why Is Breast MRI Done?

Mentioned below are the top reasons why doctors advise Breast MRI for women with high cancer risk:

• To Detect Breast Cancer

Certain women are at high risk of developing Breast cancer. While MRI may detect cancers that cannot be seen in mammograms however, it is also more likely to identify things that don’t turn out to be cancerous (called false positives). It can lead to women having tests and/or biopsies that don’t end up being required. This is the reason MRI is not suggested as an examination for women who are at average risk of developing breast cancer.

• Determining the Severity of Breast Cancer

If breast cancer gets detected, the breast MRI can determine the size and cancer spread in the patient. Moreover, this can be helpful to determine the presence of cancer cells in the opposite breasts. The breast MRI can be a bit ineffective when it comes to this situation, and not every woman with confirmed breast cancer should undergo this test.

• To Look for Silicone Breast Implants Leak

For women who have silicone breast implants implanted, breast MRI is a way to determine if there are leaks in the implant. It isn’t recommended in women who have saline implants.

• To Check For The Breast Cancer Symptoms

Doctors may suggest Breast MRI to check for the cancer symptoms like abnormal discharge from the nipple, etc. Other tests that involve imaging like mammograms or breast ultrasounds are generally performed prior to MRI; however, MRI is usually preferred if the results from these tests aren’t clear.

Difference Between the Breast MRI and Mammogram

Healthcare professionals use mammograms and MRIs to detect breast cancer and other irregularities.

However, mammograms are typically the first choice for screening and diagnosing breast cancer in women above 40 years of age, in particular because mammograms are the sole imaging test that can reliably detect microcalcifications, which is the first indicator of certain breast cancers.

Breast MRIs can be used in younger females and can reveal cancers that mammograms may miss. However, they also have the possibility to misinterpret benign breast tissues as cancerous that could result in a false-positive diagnosis.

How do I prepare for an MRI Breast?

Before you undergo an MRI, the doctor will explain the procedure, while also reviewing your entire medical and physical background. You must inform the doctor of any medications you are taking or about any allergies you have.

Also, you must inform your doctor if:

• You have any medical implantations as they could affect the test results.
• Any allergic reactions to the contrast dye.
• You’ve been diagnosed with kidney issues.
• You’re pregnant or you believe you might get pregnant or you’re nursing

The breast MRIs aren’t considered to be safe during pregnancy. Women breastfeeding must not breastfeed their children for two days after an MRI test.

It is also crucial to plan for your MRI before your menstrual cycle begins. The ideal time for your MRI is between days 7-14 of your menstrual period.

A MRI machine is situated in an enclosed, tight space, so you must inform your doctor if you’re claustrophobic. They could give you sedatives to help calm down. In the most extreme instances, the doctor might prefer open MRI, where the device isn’t as near to you as it is. An experienced doctor can well describe the options available to you.

Procedure: What Happens During the Breast MRI?

When undergoing the breast MRI, the patients will be informed about the events during the procedure. Mentioned below are a few steps that a person may expect breast MRI: 

• The patient is laid face-down on a padded table specifically designed for breast MRIs. The table has special openings to allow breasts to be examined and scanned without being squeezed or flattened.
• The table and patient then get in the MRI machine, which appears like a tube or tunnel; however, they are much more flexible.
• A MRI operator and patient may talk via an intercom and this way the operator can provide instructions throughout the procedure.
• The patient is expected to remain still during the time where two to six photos are captured. The MRI machine can sound a loud tapping noise when it is taking photos. It is normal for breasts to feel warm during an MRI and certain patients might feel that they require going to the bathroom.

The MRI process usually takes around 30 minutes; however, sometimes longer in the event where the doctor has to repeat any image.

Getting Results

Your radiologist will submit the results about an MRI to your doctor and the doctor will then analyze the MRI reports to plan a suitable treatment strategy for your condition. 

Risks of Breast MRI

There’s no evidence that magnetic fields or radio waves present in breast MRI are harmful in any way. However, if you’re pregnant and suffering from any other clinical condition, convey it to your doctor immediately.

Mentioned below are other things about breast MRI that you must keep in your mind:

False-Positive Results: An MRI does not always differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous tumors. This means that it can only detect growths that appear to be cancerous, but they aren’t. It is possible to get a biopsy to verify the findings of the test which involves the surgical removal of a small amount of the tissue found in your suspected lump.

Allergy Reaction to Contrast Dye: During an MRI, a dye gets injected in your bloodstream to make images more clear. This dye is proven to trigger allergic reactions, causing serious complications for those suffering from kidney issues.

Wrapping up!

We tried our best to cover every relatable aspect about Breast MRI that a patient must know. It basically refers to a procedure that the doctors perform to detect cancer and its spread in women with high risk. We discussed everything from purpose to preparation and expectation during the whole MRI process above.

Although it is safe, a breast MRI could cause anxiety to some patients. However, having a professional like Dr. Sameeksha at Samsara Cancer Care by your side, you can be assured to have a smooth journey.

Esophageal Cancer is a condition when cancerous cells develop in the esophagus, which is the tube-like structure that runs from your throat down to your stomach. Cancer begins at the inner layer and can spread throughout the layers of the esophagus, also affecting other parts of your body. During the early stages, you might find it difficult to diagnose this type of cancer. However, understanding it in a comprehensive manner will help you manage the condition better. This blog will cover all the relatable aspects about Esophageal Cancer, along with its symptoms, causes and treatment options.

Esophageal Cancer Overview

Esophageal cancer is one of India’s most common cancers. The esophageal tumor primarily develops in the inner lining of the esophagus that can spread outward gradually to other layers or inwards towards the lumen as well as to nearby organs and lymph nodes.

Patients with esophageal cancer often experience swallowing problems, chest pain, bloody cough, blood in vomit, chest burn, indigestion and weight loss.  However, it can occur in any age group, the risk of esophageal cancer is higher for people aged 45 and older.

During the early stages of esophageal cancer, you might not feel symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Once the symptoms appear, the disease progresses quickly and therefore, it becomes important not to ignore any symptoms.

Esophageal Cancer Types

Mentioned below are the two forms of Esophagus cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma: A condition that mostly occurs in the lower portion of the esophagus.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A condition that usually starts in the middle and upper part of the esophagus.

Signs and Symptoms

Listed below are a few symptoms associated with Esophageal Cancer:

• difficult or painful swallowing
• new heartburn
• reflux that doesn’t go away
• vomit that has blood in it
• black or bloody stools
• unexplained fatigue
• feeling of choking when swallowing
• feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen
• unexplained weight loss.

Esophageal Cancer Stages

Since the esophageal cancer stage depends on the location, spread and tissues involved, listed below are the stages of this cancer:

Stage 0: This is the most initial stage of this cancer where the presence of abnormal cells in the esophageal inner lining is not cancerous.

Stage I: The presence of cancerous cells on the inner lining esophagus

Stage II: Cancer has spread to the outer layer of the esophagus, affecting one-two lymph nodes.

Stage III: Cancer spreads to deeper tissues, nearby organs and other tissues.

Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of esophageal cancer that can spread to distant organs.

What is the impact of esophageal cancer on my body?

This type of cancer occurs when cancerous cells multiply in the esophageal tissues, eventually forming a tumor. Esophageal Cancer is aggressive but most people do not notice symptoms until the cancer has spread. Your esophagus expands to accommodate large things like big bites of food. The tumor starts to grow and block the opening of your esophagus and you may find it difficult to swallow or feel pain, often starting like need of water to swallow down the solid food and slowly increasing, so it becomes difficult to even swallow the water.

Risk Factors

Listed below are a few risk factors that may increase the chances of developing Esophageal Cancer:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
•  Obesity or being overweight
• Tissue changes in your vocal cords due to HPV
• Barrett’s esophagus and chronic acid reflux
• Neck or head cancer history
•  Exposure to chemicals
•  Inherited disorders like achalasia or tylosis

Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, the doctor will begin by analyzing your medical history. After this, your doctor may recommend a few diagnostic tests listed below:

Barium swallow: This is a kind of X-ray where you will be asked to drink a liquid with barium to make your food pipe easily visible to the doctor.

CT Scan: A computed tomography scan that lets your doctor determine if the tumour has spread to the chest or abdomen (belly).

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Doctors use an endoscope, a long, thick tube with camera at the end to visualise and check for abnormalities within your food pipe.

Esophageal endoscopic ultrasound: In this process, doctors use sound waves to create an image of the esophagus.

Biopsy: The expert will remove a small amount of abnormal esophageal tissues during the endoscopy to check for cancerous cells.

Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options

Surgical Methods

Esophagectomy: Under this treatment, the surgeon will remove a portion of your esophagus, along with the tissues surrounding it. The surgeon then creates a new food tube by pulling a portion of your stomach up into your chest, and combining it with the remaining esophagus.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection: This procedure is used to treat esophageal cancer in its very early stages.

Endoscopic mucosal resection: The doctors prefer this to remove tumors from the mucous layer of your esophagus.

Adjuvant Therapies

Chemotherapy: A treatment that is usually administered intravenously or as an oral therapy, uses drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancerous cells. Combining chemotherapy with other treatments can be helpful to treat esophageal cancer.

Targeted Therapy: This therapy involves certain drugs to target cancer cells and stop their spread.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy pulses such as X rays or proton beams to kill cancerous cells.

Immunotherapy: This treatment involves boosting the immune system to combat cancer cells. Immunotherapy boosts the production of cancer-fighting immune cells in your body or helps healthy cells to identify and attack cancerous cells.

Endoscopic Laser Therapy: The treatment of esophageal carcinoma is usually performed using laser light delivered by an endoscope.

Prevention of Esophageal Cancer

Primary Prevention

Listed below are a few primary prevention methods that involves identifying and reducing the risk factors for esophageal cancer:

• Stop smoking: Since smoking is associated with esophageal carcinoma, stop smoking and using other tobacco products.
• Limit your alcohol consumption: Reduce alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
• Changes in diet: Fill your diet with more fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants and avoid canned or frozen food.
• Maintain healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage obesity, while reducing the risk of esophageal cancer and its associated complications.

Secondary Prevention

Such prevention methods include:

Regular Follow-ups: Based on your schedule, medical follow-ups are necessary to determine the extent of recovery, the risk of recurrence and the overall well-being.

Symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of complications or recurrence.

Lifestyle: Maintaining a regular exercise regime with a balanced diet can drive you towards a healthy lifestyle.

Control weight and diabetes: Diabetes, obesity and weight management are other ways to reduce the risk of complications.

Awareness: It is important to be aware of the condition and realistically accept it which will help you manage the condition better.

Wrapping Up!

We tried our best to cover all the relatable aspects that a patient must know about Esophageal Cancer. We discussed the condition in a comprehensive way to help our patients better understand and manage the condition. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, immediately see a cancer specialist at Samsara Cancer Care.

Patients can have personalized and compassionate care with the involvement of the top-rated doctors in our cancer care clinic. Dr. Sameeksha at Samsara Cancer Care is an experienced oncologist with a proven record in treating Esophageal Cancer. Being a top-rated medical expert, she ensures fully-informed and comfortable treatment to all her patients.  

Metastasis is when cancerous cells split from the original tumor get into your lymph system or blood, and then spread to different parts in your body. These cancer situations are generally manageable but aren’t curable. Treatment can help ease the symptoms, while helping slow the growth of cancer and enhance your living quality.

Metastasis Overview

An illness that spreads from its primary site of origin to the other, remote areas in the body is what metastatic cancer means. Metastasis is a term that describes the spreading of cancer. In contrast to normal cells, cancer cell lines can develop outside the location within your body from which they began. If this happens, they’re known as metastatic cancer/ advanced cancer, also referred to as Stage IV cancer. All kinds of cancer can grow into metastasis; however, whether they actually do is contingent on several factors.

Metastasis tumors can develop by three methods:

• They may grow directly in the surrounding tissue of the tumor.
• Cancer cells can move through your bloodstream, reaching distant areas or organs of your body.
• These cells can move through the lymph system to nearby lymph nodes.

Metastasis Symptoms

Weight loss and fatigue are the main signs of metastatic cancer and other signs depend on the location of metastasis.

• Bone: bone pain, fractures
• Brain: headache, dizziness, vision problems, seizures
• Lung: breath shortness or cough, chest pain
• Liver Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) and abdominal discomfort

The amount and size of tumors can affect the signs.

Stages of Metastasis

As discussed, the situation happens when cancer grows beyond its primary site to the nearby areas in the human body. In this instance, cancer cells can:

• The cancerous tissue spreads to the initial cancer location.
• Infiltrate the walls surrounding lymph nodes or blood vessels.
• Follow the lymphatic and bloodstream system to distant body parts.
• Infiltrate distant blood vessel walls, and then spread into surrounding tissue
• The tumor may form a small size within that tissue
• Make new blood vessels to provide blood to the new tumor, allowing it to grow.

The majority of cancerous cells do not endure this process. If they survive, they might not develop immediately. In fact, certain cancerous metastatic cells can remain inactive for a long time.

Most Common Types That Include Metastasis:

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Colo-rectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bone cancer
• Liver cancer
• Stomach cancer 
• Gall bladder cancer 

How risky is Metastasis Cancerous Condition?

Metastasis becomes a crucial issue as the majority of cancer deaths result from spreading of the primary cancer to nearby parts in the body. Mostly, the cancer patients who have small tumors stand a greater chance of surviving than those who have metastatic tumors.

Diagnosis Tests

The percentage of the body where the cancer has spread determines how advanced the disease is. It will differ for every type of cancer but not every cancer requires a formal staging. However, generally speaking, the higher level denotes the more cancer spread to the body. Listed below are few diagnosis tests that you doctor may recommend tests based on the kind of cancer and the signs you experience:

Blood Tests: A doctor may recommend blood tests as these procedures may inform your doctor the level of enzymes in the body.

Tumor markers: Certain types of cancer have tumor markers which can be beneficial in evaluating the cancer after diagnosis. If your tumor marker levels rise this indicates the progressing cancer. There are many tumor markers that aren’t as specific, which is why doctors do not use them to determine the presence of metastasis.

Imaging: These are a few tests that involve taking pictures of the inside body to analyze the symptoms and type of cancer of cancer in the body. Some imaging tests for diagnosing metastasis may include:

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• Bone Scan
• MRI
• PET scan

Metastasis Cancer Treatment

The treatment for metastatic cancer is contingent on the area of the primary cancer. Metastatic cancer can’t usually be removed, but it can be treated. In some cases there is a possibility to endure metastatic cancer for several months or even for years.

The chance of surviving metastasized cancers is usually based on where the metastasis situated, how extensive it is, as well as what the original cancer was. For instance, a patient with bone metastasis due to breast cancer usually has better odds of survival than those suffering from lung cancer.

Modern medications like targeted treatments and immunotherapy are boosting the chances of survival for certain patients with metastatic cancer. Moreover, a number of medications are under clinical trial study that offer optimism for improvements in the metastatic cancer treatment.

The effectiveness of Metastasis Cancer Treatment depends on these given factors:

• The kind of cancer
• How far has the cancer been able to spread and where is it
• How many cancers are there
• If the cancerous cells are growing rapidly or slow
• The type of treatment 
• The way cancerous cells reacts to treatment

It is crucial to talk with your physician about the objectives that you’re pursuing in your therapy plan. These goals can change throughout your treatment, based on how well the cancer responds to treatment.

Can metastatic cancer be curable?

If you can cure metastatic cancer, there is no specific answer to this question. It’s based on many different aspects, and there isn’t one particular treatment for metastasis in general. The truth is that cancer is more manageable when it’s restricted to one lump or one primary site and haven’t spread. It used to be extremely complicated to deal with metastatic tumors. We are witnessing huge advancements in cancer treatment with new therapies and discovering for treating metastatic cancer in clinical trials.

Conclusion

Metastasis cancer is one of the most frightening situations you could ever come across. We tried our best to cover every relatable aspect about the Metastasis that the sufferer must know. If you or your family member is diagnosed with such advanced symptoms there’s a good chance you’re experiencing lots of emotions. Although most metastatic cancers aren’t curable there are some treatments that could reduce your symptoms and extend your life. Consult Dr Sameeksha Dubey, at Samsara Cancer Care Clinic for the best treatment strategy, ensuring that you go smoothly on this journey.