The Cancer Clinic at Satyam Hospital offers Early Detection of cancer, Evaluation and Staging of Cancer, Primary treatment of cancer, and palliative care. We have 2 decades of experience in managing cancers of Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue, Thyroid, Breast, Kidney, Penis, Testis, Intestine, Pancreas, and abdominal cancers.

SOME FACTS

• Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.
• 10 million people die from cancer every year.
• More than 40% of cancer-related deaths could be preventable as they are linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, and physical inactivity.
• Almost at least one third of all deaths related to cancer could be prevented through routine screening, early detection, and treatment.
• 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle-income countries.
• Millions of lives could be saved each year by implementing resource-appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

WHAT IS CANCER

Cancer is a disease that occurs when changes in a group of normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth forming a lump called a tumor; this is true of all cancers except leukemia (cancer of the blood). If left untreated, tumors can grow and spread into the surrounding normal tissue, or to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic systems, and can affect the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems or release hormones that may affect body function.

CANCER GROUPS

Benign tumors are not cancerous and rarely threaten life. They tend to grow quite slowly, do not spread to other parts of the body, and are usually made up of cells quite similar to normal or healthy cells. They will only cause a problem if they grow very large, becoming uncomfortable or press on other organs - for example, a brain tumor inside the skull.

Malignant tumors are faster growing than benign tumors and have the ability to spread and destroy neighboring tissue. Cells of malignant tumors can break off from the main (primary) tumor and spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis. Upon invading healthy tissue at the new site, they continue to divide and grow. These secondary sites are known as metastases, and the condition is referred to as metastatic cancer.

Precancerous (or premalignant) describes the condition involving abnormal cells which may (or are likely to) develop into cancer.

TYPES OF CANCERS

Cancer can be classified according to the type of cell they start from. There are five main types:

• Carcinoma – A cancer that arises from the epithelial cells (the lining of cells that helps protect or enclose organs).
• Sarcoma – A type of malignant tumor of the bone or soft tissue (fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissues that support and surround organs).
• Lymphoma and Myeloma – Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
• Leukemia – Cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow, the tissue that forms blood cells.
• Brain and spinal cord cancers – Central nervous system cancers. Some are benign while others can grow and spread.

CAUSES OF CANCER

Cancers can be caused by a number of different factors and, as with many other illnesses, most cancers are the result of exposure to a number of different causal factors. It is important to remember that, while some factors cannot be modified, around one third of cancer cases can be prevented by reducing behavioral and dietary risks.

Modifiable risk factors include:

• Alcohol – The evidence that all types of alcoholic drinks are a cause of a number of cancers is now stronger than ever before.
• Being overweight or obese – Excess weight has been linked to an increased risk of developing 12 different cancers.
• Diet and nutrition – Experts suggest that diets high in red meats, processed meats, salted foods, and low in fruits and vegetables impact cancer risks.
• Physical activity – Regular physical activity helps reduce excess body fat and the associated cancer risks.
• Tobacco – Smoking or chewing tobacco causes various cancers.
• Ionizing radiation – Manmade sources of radiation and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiations are risk factors.
• Workplace hazards – Some occupations involve exposure to cancer-causing substances.
• Infection – Infectious agents are responsible for around 2.2 million cancer deaths annually.

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

• Age – Many types of cancer become more prevalent with age.
• Cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) – Substances that change how a cell behaves, increasing the chances of developing cancer.
• Genetics – Some people are born with a genetically inherited high risk for a specific cancer ('genetic predisposition).
• The immune system – People with weakened immune systems are more at risk of developing some types of cancer.

COMMON COMPLAINTS

With so many different types of cancers, the symptoms are varied and depend on where the disease is located. However, there are some key signs and symptoms to look out for, including:

• Unusual lumps or swelling – cancerous lumps are often painless and may increase in size as the cancer progresses
• Coughing, breathlessness, or difficulty swallowing – be aware of persistent coughing episodes, breathlessness, or difficulty swallowing
• Changes in bowel habit – such as constipation and diarrhea and/or blood found in the stools
• Unexpected bleeding – includes bleeding from the vagina, anal passage, or blood found in stools, in urine, or when coughing
• Unexplained weight loss – a large amount of unexplained and unintentional weight loss over a short period of time (a couple of months)
• Fatigue – which shows itself as extreme tiredness and a severe lack of energy.
• Pain or ache – includes unexplained or ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes
• New mole or changes to a mole – look for changes in size, shape, or color and if it becomes crusty or bleeds or oozes
• Complications with urinating – includes needing to urinate urgently, more frequently, or being unable to go when you need to or experiencing pain while urinating
• Unusual breast changes – look for changes in size, shape or feel, skin changes, and pain
• Appetite loss – feeling less hungry than usual for a prolonged period of time
• A sore or ulcer that won’t heal – including a spot, sore wound or mouth ulcer
• Heartburn or indigestion – persistent or painful heartburn or indigestion
• Heavy night sweats – be aware of very heavy, drenching night sweats

SURGICAL SPECTRUM

• EARLY DETECTION
• PREVENTION
• TREATMENT OF PRECANCEROUS LESIONS
• STAGING OF CANCER
• DEFINITIVE SURGERY FOR CURE
• PALLIATIVE SURGERY
• PALLIATIVE CARE
• PAIN CLINIC