Uterine Cancer Treatment In India With High Success Rate
Is your uterine cancer diagnosis making you think about the uncertainties of your future?
We know that treatment, side effects, financial burden, and what will be the impact of your condition on your family are the concerns that are giving you a nightmare.
You need reliable information and effective treatment options to fight these fears. Uterine cancer treatment in India will give you the care and support you need.
The type of treatment will completely depend on your stage of cancer, and accordingly, you may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Indian medical care will give you access to top-notch specialists and advanced care that will ensure that you get the best cancer treatment.
What is Uterine Cancer?
The cancer that forms in the tissues of the uterus is called uterine cancer or endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer starts when cells in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, start to grow out of control. It is often detected at an early stage since it produces abnormal vaginal bleeding.
According to the National Cancer Institute, 3 in 100 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point in their lives.
Hence, early detection is the key to preventing it.
What are the causes of Uterine Cancer?
Though experts have not found any causes of uterine cancer, some factors increase your chances of it. Let’s check them:
- Being 55 years old or over and being postmenopausal or reaching menopause
- Having genetic conditions like Cowden syndrome (a rare inherited disorder) or Lynch syndrome (an inherited disorder that increases the chances of colorectal cancer)
- Being overweight
- Not giving birth to children ever
- Starting periods before the age of 12
- Suffering from diabetes
- Suffering from high blood pressure
- Having a family history of uterine, ovarian, and bowel cancer
- Undergoing fertility treatment or using estrogen-only hormone replacement
- Undergoing radiation therapy in the pelvis previously
- Having PCOS
What are the different types of Uterine Cancer?
The different types of uterine cancer are listed below:
I. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma:
It is the most common form of uterine cancer, which takes up to 80% of all uterine cancers that are formed in the endometrium glands.
II. Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma:
It is a rare and more aggressive form of uterine cancer that forms in the lining of the uterus and tends to return even when diagnosed early.
III. Uterine Clear Cell Carcinoma:
It is seen in 5% of cases and tends to be a rare form of uterine cancer. It is an aggressive type of cancer. Uterine clear cell carcinoma (CCC) happens when cells in the uterus start growing and dividing out of control.
IV. Uterine Carcinosarcoma:
It is another rare case that makes up to 5% of cases. Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) affects both the glandular and connective tissues of the uterus.
V. Uterine Sarcoma:
It develops in the muscle wall of the uterus called the myometrium, and it is found to be more aggressive than any other type of uterine cancer.
What are the symptoms of Uterine Cancer?
The symptoms of uterine cancer are the same as those of many other conditions.
- Unusually heavy period flow
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Extremely unusual, heavy vaginal bleeding if you are over 40
- The white or clear vaginal discharge if you are postmenopausal
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping in your pelvis under your belly
- Abdominal pain
In some rare cases, you may experience a watery vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell, difficulty in urinating, changes in bowel movements, and unexplained weight loss.
How to diagnose Uterine Cancer?
As soon as you experience some of these symptoms, you should consult a general physician immediately. Your general physician will refer you to a specialist for a check-up.
These are the tests your doctor will conduct to find out whether you have uterine cancer:
- The doctor may do a physical exam to find out whether there is swelling in the abdomen.
- Next, there can be a pelvic ultrasound to get an image of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
- The doctor may suggest a transvaginal ultrasound. In this ultrasound, the transducer is put into the vagina to see if the uterus contains a tumor or if the endometrium is thicker than usual.
- They may also suggest endometrial biopsy. In this test, a small amount of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope. Though other tests can also suggest if the cancer is present, a biopsy is the only definite diagnosis.
- The doctor may prescribe dilation and curettage. In this process, a sample from the uterus is removed to check for cancer cells, endometrial hyperplasia, and other conditions.
- You may also need a CT scan. It takes pictures of the body using X-rays from different angles that show any abnormalities or tumors.
- MRI is used in women with low-grade uterine cancer to see how far the cancer has grown into the uterus wall.
- The doctors may use hysteroscopy and a biopsy to get a better view of the inside lining of the uterus. During the procedure, tissue can also be removed (biopsy) and sent for testing.
What are the stages of Uterine Cancer?
Your doctor will try to determine the stage of uterine cancer during the diagnosis of it. This cancer is staged on a scale of I to IV.
- In stage I, cancer has not spread beyond the uterus.
- In stage II, cancer has spread to your cervix.
- When it reaches stage III, it means the cancer has spread to the vagina, ovaries, and lymph nodes.
- When the cancer reaches stage IV, the cancer has spread to your bladder and other organs far away from your uterus.
Uterine Cancer Treatment In India
If you are planning for uterine cancer treatment in India, you should know that it is advanced and cost-effective in the country. The top hospitals in the country have state-of-the-art facilities and experienced and skilled oncologists. International patients prefer India for treatment as it offers extensive care packages at an affordable cost.
Your doctor may prescribe surgery to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Another option is to use high-energy radiation therapy. Chemotherapy with powerful drugs and hormone therapy to block the hormones that cancer cells rely on are two drug treatments for endometrial cancer.
Targeted therapy, which uses drugs to target specific weaknesses in cancer cells, and immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer, are two other options.
It is the most common and first treatment used for uterine cancer, where tumors and some surrounding healthy tissues are removed. Before the surgery, talk with your doctor about any possible side effects. There are two types of surgery for uterine cancer which include:
Hysterectomy
This is the most common surgical procedure to treat uterine cancer. Depending on the level of cancer, the surgeon will perform either a simple or radical hysterectomy. In simple hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus and cervix is performed, whereas in radical hysterectomy, the removal of the cervix, uterus, the upper part of the vagina, and nearby tissues is performed. You should go for regular screening and testing to check whether the cancer has returned after the procedure.
Removal of lymph nodes
During a hysterectomy, the surgeon can remove lymph nodes near the tumor to determine if cancer has spread beyond the uterus or not. This may be done through a lymph node biopsy or lymphadenectomy, in which a group of lymph nodes is removed.
In this therapy, x-rays are used to kill the cancerous cells. It is either given externally, where radiation is directed at cancer and surrounding tissue, or from inside the body, where radioactive material is put in thin tubes and placed near the cancer cells. It usually consists of a specific number of treatments given for a particular period.
Some women need both surgery and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is most often given after surgery to destroy the remaining cancer cells. It is occasionally given before surgery to shrink the tumor. Radiation therapy is recommended for a few women if they cannot undergo surgery.
For some women, radiation therapy is the best option to prevent the return of cancer. These include those with grade 3 cancers. It can also be considered for women with grades 1 or 2 depending on the age and whether the cancer has spread to the blood or lymphatic vessels.
Side effects will depend upon the extent of radiation given and may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, stomach upset, and bowel movements. However, the side effects will go away after the treatment is over.
This therapy is used to slow the growth of specific types of uterine cells. It usually involves the use of a high dose of the sex hormone progesterone in the form of a pill. This helps to shrink some cancers or control some symptoms. It can also be used for women who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy. It can also be used in combination with other types of treatment.
Side effects of hormone therapy may include fluid retention, insomnia, an increase in appetite, and weight gain. Talk with your doctor about the side effects and how to prevent them.
It is a type of therapy where the drug is injected into a vein to control cancer and relieve symptoms. It usually consists of a specific number of cycles given for a particular period. The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancers that are left after surgery or to shrink cancer and slow the growth of the tumor if it recurs.
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual, and the type of chemotherapy done. They include fatigue, infection, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects go away once the treatment is done.
Other potential side effects of chemotherapy include the inability to become pregnant and experiencing early menopause. Some drugs may cause hearing loss and kidney damage. Hence, patients can be given extra fluid to protect their kidneys. Talk with your doctor about the side effects and how they can be prevented.
It is also called biologic therapy, which is intended to boost natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses materials to restore immune system function. Different types of immunotherapies cause different side effects that include skin reactions, diarrhea, and weight changes.
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment where specific genes, proteins, or tissues are treated that contribute to cancer growth and survival. This treatment prevents the growth of cancerous cells and restricts the damage to healthy cells. Not all tumors have the same target for treatment.
Hence, doctors, run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in the tumor to better match each patient with an effective treatment. There can be different side effects for each treatment; hence, talk to your doctor to prevent or manage it.
To learn more, please visit the targeted therapy page.
Stagewise Treatment of Uterine Cancer
Based on the spread of cancer, your doctor will choose the best treatment for you. The different treatment approaches for different stages of uterine cancer treatment are:
During the early stage of uterine cancer, the cancer is localized and has not spread anywhere else in the body. Thus, to avoid further growth and spread of cancer cells, your doctor may suggest surgical removal of the cancer.
Your surgeon may either use a laparoscopic technique or robotic surgery to remove the cancer cells from your uterus.
During stage 2 uterine cancer, there is a high probability for the cancer to spread to neighbouring structures in the pelvis.
Doctors use surgical intervention followed by radiation therapy to treat stage 2 uterine cancer. After the surgery, sometimes your doctor may couple chemotherapy with radiation therapy to prevent a relapse of cancer.
The treatment for stage III uterine cancer is similar to that for stage II uterine cancer. Based on the spread and severity of the cancer, the doctor may advise you on radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or sometimes both, to eliminate cancer cells after surgical removal of the cancer.
Sometimes, based on the severity of symptoms, your doctor may advise you on additional treatment.
During the 4th stage of uterine cancer, the cancerous cells begin to spread to other parts of the body, thereby, making it difficult for doctors to check cancer growth.
Usually, doctors administer chemotherapy to shrink cancer, followed by surgery.
Once the cancer cells are removed surgically, your doctor will advise you on a combination of chemotherapy with radiation therapy followed by hormone therapy.
Alternatively, your doctor may consider immunotherapy and targeted drug treatment in women in whom the doctors find it difficult to eliminate cancer cells.
What is the cost of Uterine Cancer Treatment in India?
The cost of uterine cancer treatment in India ranges from 4000 USD to 6000 USD (2,96,446 INR to 4,44,669 INR) depending on the quality of the treatment and the hospital.
The cost of chemotherapy per cycle is between 200 USD (18,000 INR) and 595 USD (50,000 INR).
The cost of radiotherapy in India is between 700 USD (60,000 INR) and 3,600 USD (3,00,00 INR).
What are the factors that impact the cost of treatment in India?
The cost of uterine cancer treatment will depend on many factors. Let’s check what they are:
- The type of treatment you are undergoing. You may need only surgery or a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. So, the costs will vary accordingly.
- The oncologist fee is another factor that will impact your overall cost.
- Hospital charges are another factor that will impact the cost. Different hospitals will have different pricing structures.
- The location of the hospital will impact the cost, as hospitals located in metropolitan cities will cost more than those located in small cities.
- Pre- and post-treatment costs will also vary because pre-treatment expenses depend on the cancer stage and patient’s condition, while post-treatment costs include medications and follow-up visits.
How do I choose the best oncologist for Uterine Cancer Treatment in India?
Choosing an oncologist to treat your uterine cancer is a big decision for you to make. Here are a few tips that can help you select the best doctor for you:
- Check whether your doctor is board-certified.
- Ensure that your doctor has extensive experience and a proven track record.
- Ask your doctor if they have a team of specialists for treating cancer, which includes specialist surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
If needed, you should seek a second opinion before undergoing uterine cancer treatment.
How do I choose the best hospital for Uterine Cancer Treatment in India?
Keep these factors in mind while selecting a hospital in India:
- While selecting a hospital for uterine cancer treatment, you must ensure that the hospital you have chosen is equipped with the latest cancer treatment technologies and has a multidisciplinary approach. The multidisciplinary approach helps you get access to specialists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and well-trained nurses, who work together to provide you with the best treatment.
- Moreover, you should ensure that the hospital you have selected has a dedicated unit for cancer treatment with a well-trained post-care team that ensures high success and survival rates.
What is the survival rate of Uterine Cancer Treatment?
The 5-year survival rate of endometrial cancer is around 85%. The rate goes up to 95% when the cancer hasn’t spread outside your uterus. The survival rate also depends on your age, how well your body responds to cancer treatment and your overall health.
How to prevent Uterine Cancer?
Though there is no way to completely prevent uterine cancer, the risk factors mentioned above give you some idea about how to decrease your chances of developing this cancer. Let’s check how you can do that:
- maintain a healthy weight
- develop a healthy eating habit. Include foods that are low in saturated fats and high in healthy nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are some such foods.
if you have any endometrial disorders, approach a doctor immediately
Takeaway
Early diagnosis and detection of the cancer will greatly improve the outcome of treatment. So, you need to be proactive and reach out to a general physician as soon as you experience the symptoms of the cancer.
Living cancer-free is your dream, and MedicoExperts can help you fulfil that dream. From getting your visa to post-treatment care, we will help you every step of the way in your cancer treatment journey in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can urine cancer be cured?
The most common form of uterine cancer is curable. When it is diagnosed in the early stages, the chances of curability highly increase.
Q2. Is uterine cancer easy to treat?
Uterine cancer was once easy to treat but now, as per experts, it is killing more women across the world.
Q3. Does uterine cancer spread fast?
The most common type 1 uterine cancer spreads slowly but other types are more aggressive and spread faster.
Q4. Can uterus cancer cause death?
If diagnosed and treated early, uterine cancer doesn’t cause death. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, this cancer can cause death.
Q5. Is stage 2 uterus cancer curable?
Stage II uterus cancer is curable and 60 percent to 80 percent of people get cured of it at this stage.
Best uterine cancer treatment hospital in India
The top hospitals in India are equipped with cutting-edge technology and the latest innovation to provide the best cancer care. Here is a list of the best cancer hospitals in India which provide the best cancer treatment and surgery:
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Relevant Articles For You
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometrial-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352466
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10627144/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9068952/#:~:text=Besides%20maintaining%20a%20healthy%20weight,epidemiological%20studies%20(Collaborative%20Group%20on
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine/patient/endometrial-treatment-pdq
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy
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Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
