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Importance of mammogram in the prevention of breast cancer

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore
Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore

Breast Cancer Treatment Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian has explained the importance of mammograms in the prevention of breast cancer in this blog. Thank you for the overwhelming messages all of you have been sending me. It motivates me to provide more and more information. This is Dr. Murali Subramanian, Best Medical Oncologist in Bangalore. I have received several queries regarding the prevention and tests of breast cancer. Hence, I have decided to talk about mammograms today and if every woman should take this test.

Time and again I have stressed on the need to finding breast cancer early and subsequently getting the right treatment. This can prevent deaths from breast cancer. We have seen over the years that breast tumour, if detected early, when it’s small and not spread to different parts, is easier to treat with successful results.

Hence I recommend getting regular screening tests, as it is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.

What are the screening tests?

Before experiencing any symptoms,it is possible to detect tumours in the breast,if you go for regular screening. Screening in simple terms refer to tests used to find a disease in patients who don’t have any symptoms. Early detectionrefers to finding and diagnosing a disease earlier than if you waited for symptoms to start.

When we find presence of a tumour in breasts during screening, it is usually small and confined to the breast. Doctors usually consider the size of a breast tumour and how far it has spread to predict the prognosis.

We recommend women between 40 and 44 to start getting screened with a mammogram every year.

Women between 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

Women 55 and older can choose to mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.

All of you who is considering going for mammogram must be aware of the procedure and know what the tests can do.

Mammograms

Mammograms are a screening test for breast cancer in which low-dose x-rays are used for detection of tumours. If you can get a mammogram done every year, it can help find breast cancer at an early stage. At this stage it is easier to treat cancer. A mammogram has been beneficial in detecting early tumours. According to a study conducted over decades of research it has been found that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found early. These women are less likely to need aggressive treatment like surgery to remove the breast and chemotherapy, and are more likely to be cured.

Mammogram | Breast Cancer Treatment Bangalore
Mammogram | Breast Cancer Treatment Bangalore

Remember that just like other tests, Mammograms are not perfect. They have missed some cancers. Also, doctors may suggest additional tests to confirm the results. Have you heard of over diagnosis? You might be diagnosed with a cancer that never would have caused any problems had it not been found during screening. I am telling you all this as it is important for women getting mammograms to know what to expect and understand the benefits and limitations of the test.

Recently, a new type of mammogram called digital breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammography has become much moe popular. You can check with your doctor if they do provide this test and if this is the right choice for you.

It is seen that 3D mammography appears to lower the chance of being again having to go back for follow-up testing. It also appears to find more breast cancers.

3D mammograms often cost more than 2D mammograms and that needs to be considered too before deciding.

Clinical breast exam and breast self-exam

Clinical Exams | Breast Cancer Treatment Bangalore
Clinical Exams | Breast Cancer Treatment Bangalore

By now I hope all of you are aware of the benefit of regular physical breast exams done by either a doctor or by women themselves. It is seen that breast cancer is detected after a woman finds a certain abnormality in her breast, usually not during a proper routine self-examination but when they were having a bath or dressing.  I would like to stress here that women should be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and if they find anything out of the ordinary, any small changes or signs, they should consult a doctor without further delay.

While you can visit a doctor for regular check-ups, a self-examination at home is also recommended. I hope I have answered most of your queries. Please feel free to write to me in case you need details on more specific topics. I will try to answer all of you.

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Podcast

Coping with cancer – Day to day life

Coping with Cancer - Day to Day Life | Best Cancer Doctors in Bangalore
Coping with Cancer - Day to Day Life | Best Cancer Doctors in Bangalore

Best Cancer Doctors in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

This is Dr. Murali Subramanian, a medical oncologist, practicing in Bengaluru. Welcome back to my podcast channel “ cancer care” 

Dealing with cancer is obviously a life-changing event for most people fighting cancer. Stories of brave heart cancer-fighters are worth reading and listening to as it can be a time to reduce regrets and make new priorities. Their lives are a true inspiration for many as they learn to live each day as normally as they can. It is all about enjoying the simple things you like to do.

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Podcast

Common cancer in Indian women

Common cancer in Indian women | Best Cancer Specialists in Bangalore
Common cancer in Indian women | Best Cancer Specialists in Bangalore

Cancer Specialist in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

In this Podcast, we will try to highlight about common cancer in Indian women.

Listen to the podcast audio down below to know more about “Common cancer in Indian Women” by Dr. Murali Subramanian, Best Medical Oncologist in Bangalore.

Also check out other podcasts:

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Common types of cancer in Indian women

Coping with Cancer-Dr.Murali Subramanian
Coping with Cancer-Dr.Murali Subramanian

Best Cancer Specialist in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

A lot of women in India have approached me to give information regarding cancers that are most common in Indian women particularly. I hope after reading to this blogs more women will be aware of the symptoms of these types of cancer and take steps to prevent it.

There are 5 most common types of cancer in Indian women . But these life-threatening cancers can be prevented if detected and treated at an early stage. It is important to go for annual cancer screenings. This would help reduce the mortality rate and also improve the quality of life of the patient after cancer treatment.

Cancer in Women | Best Cancer Specialist in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian
Cancer in Women | Best Cancer Specialist in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

The 5 most common cancers affecting India women to be aware of:

1. Breast Cancer

It is the most common cancer affecting women in India. It accounts for more than 25% of all cancers. 1 in 26 Indian women could develop breast cancer. In the rural areas, the number is on a lower side but in the cities it is about 1 in 20 women. Women of any age can develop this cancer.

Symptoms:

  1. Inward turned nipples
  2. Lump in one or both the armpits or breasts
  3. Soreness & discharge in the nipples
  4. Discharge from nipples
  5. Change in the shape and size of the nipples or breasts

Preventions:

  1. A woman with a family medical history of breast cancer needs to be more cautious .Remember that it is easier to treat breast cancer if diagnosed at an early stage. It is important for women over the age of 40 years to go for mammograms.
  2. It is important to self-examine to feel the lumps or any other abnormalities in the breasts. Every woman must check for any variation in size or shape of the breasts. If you feel there is something abnormal, you must consult a doctor immediately. You must do self-examination once every month.

2. Cervical Cancer

It is the second most common cancer found in Indian women. Cervical cancer accounts for about 20% of all cancer cases in Indian women. In this case, rural women are at more risk of suffering from cervical cancer than urban women. This is more common in sexually active women. Cervical cancer is most commonly caused due to the presence of Human papillomavirus or HPV, which is a sexually transmitted infection. Other causes of cervical cancer include tobacco , AIDS, poor nutrition, genital infection,weak immune system, multiple sexual partners, long term use of contraceptive pills.

Symptoms:

Unfortunately, in its early stages, cervical cancer does not show any symptom. However, with the advancement of cancer, the following symptoms may occur:

  1. Vaginal discharge
  2. Pain during sex
  3. Abnormal vaginal bleeding during sex, after menopause or between periods

Prevention:

  1. Practice safe sex to lower the risk of infection and getting this cancer.
  2. Avoid smoking to prevent cervical cancer.
  3. Go for PAP tests and follow up with the doctor.
  4. It can also be prevented by getting vaccinated for certain HPV infections. It is advisable not to use birth control pills for a long time to prevent cancer of the cervix.
  5. Maintain healthy body weight and eat a healthy diet with more organic fruits and vegetables.

3. Oral and Lip Cancer

It is one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women. Women over the age of 50 years are more prone to oral cancer.

Symptoms:

  1. Small lump inside the oral cavity
  2. Erosion surrounding the gums and lip
  3. Loss of sensation inside the mouth
  4. Abnormal patches in the mouth or throat
  5. Bad breath and loosening of teeth
  6. Problems in speech
  7. Severe and unexpected weight loss
  8. Painful sores

Prevention:

1.Maintain proper oral hygiene and visit a dentist regularly. Also you can conduct a self-examination of the mouth.

2. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco and eat cancer-fighting foods.

Ovarian Cancer | Best Cancer Specialist in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian
Ovarian Cancer | Best Cancer Specialist in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

4. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer mostly affects women when they are above 50 years. Ovarian cancer usually affects those women who never had children or those who had children after 30 years of age. Moreover, women with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, are more prone to this cancer.

Symptoms:

  1. Pelvic pain
  2. Digestive problems & abdominal swelling
  3. A sense to urinate all the time

Prevention:

Regular health examinations and relevant tests can help.

5. Colorectal or Colon Cancer

Women with a family history of colon cancer or suffering from inflammatory bowel disease are more at risk of developing colon cancer. Other causes are obesity high-fat foods, being inactive, and smoking. Women between the age group of 40 and 45 years are mostly affected.

Symptoms:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Abnormal weight loss
  3. Abdominal  cramping
  4. Blood in the stool
  5. Rectal bleeding
  6. Change in bowel movements like constipation, diarrhoea

Prevention:

  1. Make healthy lifestyle changes and start eating healthy foods that include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  2. Also, you can start taking Vitamin D and calcium supplements after consultation with your doctor.
  3. Maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption and no smoking could reduce the risk of colon cancer.
  4. Limit the intake of red meat and exercise in order to prevent colon cancer.

Conclusion

Data shows that cancer is increasing in Indian women .Going for cancer screening once a year after the age of 35 is highly recommended to detect and getting treatment for this disease at an early stage.

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Why Indian women are more prone to Breast cancer

Coping with Cancer-Dr.Murali Subramanian
Coping with Cancer-Dr.Murali Subramanian

Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore | Women with Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore | Women with Breast Cancer

On a lovely Saturday afternoon, while celebrating my daughter’s fifth birthday, I noticed a lump in my left breast. From the first moment, I was told that I had cancer, not even once, did I ask myself – “why me?”. I worked as a lawyer in a big law firm, and I cared about my status and the money. I considered myself a superwoman, an independent woman who could do everything by herself. I had managed to build a successful career, a happy married life,  have a great child, and keep the house organized and clean.

This is the story of one of my patients ( names withheld for privacy reasons).

After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and subsequently treated for it, she tried her best to look forward positively. She participated in meditation workshops, met friends, and was now able to ask for help and speak about the things that mattered.

Today, she states that even though initially, she felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her feet, now, when she looks back at her journey, it has been a silver lining in her life.

For the past five years, she has been cancer-free. After hearing about my podcast sessions, she recently reached out to me, suggesting I address the issue of breast cancer in Indian women, so that more women are tested. The lack of awareness has led to a high mortality rate of women in India.

One cannot prevent breast cancer but can increase the survival rates by being aware, informed, and choosing to get diagnosed at the right time. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer need planned and personalized therapy.

Women are prone to Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore
Women are prone to Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore

Let me give you some alarming facts about breast cancer in India. I hope that through this, more and more women in India will get themselves screened early.

• Do you know that it is the most common cancer in Indian women?

• Breast cancer accounts for around 32% of female cancers in all cities across India.

• In India, every 4 minutes, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Every 12 minutes, there is a woman in India who dies of breast cancer.

• Alarmed? An estimated 70,000 women died of breast cancer in India in 2014, the highest in the world for that year.

• The high mortality rate in India is due to the lack of awareness and delay in screening and diagnosis.

• More than 60% of breast cancer patients in India are suffering from stage 3 and 4, where the chances of survival are meager.

• There are is an increasing number of cases of breast cancer in the age group of 30 to 50 is increasing at an alarming rate.

One fantastic fact I would tell you all today is that breastfeeding often interrupts periods, leading to fewer menstrual cycles and less estrogen exposure. This leads to about a four percent reduction in the risk of breast cancer for every one year of breastfeeding.

Women with breast cancer are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. The hormone, estrogen has a protective effect on bones, and reduced estrogen levels can trigger bone loss.

As with other types of cancers, the survival rate is high if diagnosed early. Here are a few things that all of us need to do

• Be aware and informed about breast cancer diagnosis, symptoms, breast cancer tests, and treatment.

• Be informed about self-tests. Regularly examine your breasts on your own.

• Visit an oncologist if you feel any changes or abnormalities in your breasts.

• Early detection is a real blessing for breast cancer fighters. If detected early, breast cancer can be treated, and you have the chance to defeat cancer and live a healthy life

• Patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Stage 1 and 2 breast cancer can take a recurrence prediction test to determine their recurrence risk score.

• Depending on the recurrence risk score, the oncologist can come up with an effective plan for personalized treatment.

Indian breast cancer patients are younger, with an average age of 46 years. Nearly 50% are diagnosed in the premenopausal age. It has been found that waist size are the major risk factor for breast cancer. We also recommend women get adequate exercise and a healthy diet as the most beneficial lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. In the sincere hope that more and more women in India get aware of breast cancer symptoms and diagnosis and get help as soon as possible.

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Emotional Aspect of women on Breast cancer

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore
Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore

Getting Diagnosed with breast cancer can be an extremely devastating experience. Your biggest worry might be dealing with a nasty co-worker or relative zone moment and the next moment you find out you have got a life-threatening illness. Women who have breast cancer experience a huge increase in anxiety levels, depression, and fear.

A warm welcome to my blog page, dedicated to cancer fighters and survivors. This is Dr. Murali Subramanian, a medical oncologist in Bangalore provides the Best Breast cancer Treatment in Bangalore.

By now, we all are aware that treatment can also bring about changes in the way your body looks and feels. One of my patient who is a breast cancer survivor has sent me this specific request to address the psychological aspect of breast cancer fighters, as according to her that will benefit lot of women out there.

I will start off with sharing a small story about her. She (Name not reviled) is a 45-year old divorced mom of two school going children. She had been having regular screening and during an exam an area of tissue didn’t look right. She underwent a surgical biopsy and it turned out to be nothing. Yet we wanted to keep a close eye on her and continued her screenings. During one of her routine screenings 12 months later, two lumps turned up. On subsequent testing, it was revealed that she had stage 1 invasive carcinoma.

Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian
Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore | Dr. Murali Subramanian

In hercase, and for many other women who have to go from a routine mammogram to cancer fighters practically overnight, the amount of information to process and the life-changing decisions you’ll need to make, such as picking your surgeon to deciding whether to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy , can get overwhelming. This is an emotionally difficult time and that is precisely the reason, I am dedicating this session to help women deal with this phase of emotional trauma.

My team tries to help patients prepare for what’s ahead by providing them with relevant and helpful information about the most common things they could experience.

Information is a powerful tool to fight  fear and anxiety. We encourage open communication between patient and caregivers throughout the treatment. The patients must communicate everything they are going through physically and psychologically so that the care team may be able to alter their approach .Over the years, we ask patients to speak up about any side effects they are experiencing without hesitation as that will help the entire team tweak the treatment process.

The particular patient whose case I am referring to decided to hold lengthy discussion with the healthcare team and that proved to be a blessing to her throughout the treatment.

She tells me that in addition to adjusting to her new body, she is also still fearful that her cancer could return. This is a common fear of breast cancer survivors. Every littlepain, you think, ‘is it my cancer coming back?’. I am sharing these experiences, so that women out there who are going through this should not feel that they are alone. These are common emotional reactions, and it is fine to go through them. I will share some practical ways to cope with these anxieties.

Some breast cancer survivors find that exercise can help them cope with this anxiety and this is supported by research. Research proves that exercise helps reduce depression and anxiety.

 Exercising regularly also improves fatigue symptoms, reduces stress and impacts long-term overall health. The survival rate is higher in patients who exercise regularly than in patients who do not. We recommend that you engage in moderate exercise.

Also, talking with a therapist, a family member or other breast cancer patients or survivors can also help fight stress and depression.

A family and friends support network can be very helpful in coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.

It is a known fact that Cancer is not fought only by the patient. The whole family is affected. We as a community must support the family and the people who support the patient. This will go a long way at helping the patient throughout the whole process.

There are lots of evidence that increased support reduces overall stress, and that puts patients in a position to respond better to treatment. Remember that if you are hesitant to reach out to a therapist or support groups, confide in your doctor, friend, or family member. Information, exercise, and support system are some ways you can help yourself cope this phase. Do write to me and let me know if you want to add something that might have helped you or your loved one.

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Day care chemotherapy center

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore
Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore

Best Day care chemotherapy center in Bangalore | Dr Murali Subramanian

It is a standalone unit where chemo drugs are administered in presence of experienced oncologist. Most of the time patient will bring their relative of friend to stay with them during their treatment

Day care chemotherapy is a quite new concept in cancer hospital. In day care chemotherapy center a patient does not require to get admitted in a hospital but usually it is a short stay. Many a time a patient may not require even a bed and can take treatment on a private couch or in a common lounge in an aesthetic setting often while reading, watching television or surfing mobile applications

In day care chemo center all patients are assigned a personal medical oncologist, who will decide the treatment protocol. There will be a dedicated nurse and a doctor who will supervise the entire treatment

Some of the other benefits of Day care chemo:

  • Easy excess to experienced Oncologist, Pediatric Oncologist, Hematologist and Pain and Palliative care specialist
  • Competent and dedicated technicians and nurses
  • No overnight stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Minimal or no disruption to regular routine
  • Economic advantages
  • Discharge process is quick and patient does not need to stand in long queue
  • Since it is a day Cancer Care Centre, there are negligible hospital-acquired infections.

The importance of chemotherapy daycare center is increasing each day because of the advances in chemotherapy and the need for timely treatment delivery. Patent usually complain of getting delays in appointment in hospital and this is one of the main reason why day care chemo concept is becoming popular in India. The best way out is by isolating the procedure from the complexity of overall cancer management, thus making it simple and immensely patient-friendly.

Book your appointment with Dr. Murali Subramanian  for Best Day care chemotherapy center in Bangalore – Today:+91 9880522891 or Check out our Social Media page! 

Also, refer:

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Gastrointestinal cancer

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore
Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore

Best Doctor for Gastrointestinal cancer in Bangalore | Dr Murali Subramanian

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most common cancers. Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death globally. H. pylori bacteria is associated with gastric mucosal infection. In underdeveloped countries with poor hygienic conditions, around 90% of the population is infected asymptomatically in childhood.

What are Gastrointestinal Cancers?

Gastrointestinal cancer is a group of cancers that affect the digestive system. There are several types of cancers grouped under GI cancer.

Stomach cancer

Stomach Cancer- In this type of cancer, malignant cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. It develops slowly over many years.

Symptoms

Please remember that having these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have stomach cancer. It could be due to several other medical conditions. Hence if you have these symptoms, I recommend you get yourself checked.

  • Indigestion and stomach discomfort
  • A bloated feeling after eating
  • Mild nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heartburn

In more advanced stages the following symptoms may occur:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss for no known reason
  • Stomach pain
  • Jaundice
  • Collection of fluid in the abdomen
  • Difficulty swallowing

Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

The diagnostic tests that are used to examine the stomach and oesophagus are used to diagnose stomach cancer. They are

  • Physical examination: checking for signs of the disease, such as lumps, pain or any other abnormal changes.
  • Blood tests: a procedure in which a blood sample is collected and tested for abnormalities.

Doctor may order for a complete blood count to check for haemoglobin in the red blood cells.

Endoscopy: a diagnostic procedure to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and  small intestine to check for tumors.

Stomach Cancer Treatment

Like in other types of cancers, treatment will depend on how large the tumour is and at what stage the cancer has reached.

Surgery is usually the most common treatment for all stages of stomach cancer. The main treatment is gastrectomy surgery.

Small interstine cancer

 What is Small Intestine Cancer?

 Small Intestine Cancer is a relatively rare disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the small intestine.

The small intestine is a long tube that connects the stomach and the large interstine.

Symptoms

  • Pain or cramps in the middle of the abdomen
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unusual lump in the abdomen
  • Blood in the stool

Diagnosing Small Intestine Cancer

Some of the diagnostic tests doctors may recommend for small interstine cancer includes

  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Barium enema
  • Faecal Occult Blood Test
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Upper GI series with small bowel follow-through
  • Lymph node biopsy: 

Small intestine cancer is also usually treated with surgery.

  • Liver Cancer occurs when cancerous cells within the liver grow in an abnormal way.

Symptoms of liver cancer can include:

  • A feeling of discomfort on the upper right side of the abdomen
  • A lump  below the rib cage on the right side
  • Pain in the upper back, around the right shoulder blade
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Jaundice
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Loss of appetite and/or nausea.

Diagnosis tests for liver cancer

  • A physical examination.
  • Examination of a blood sample.
  • Scanning of the liver
  • Laparoscopy
  • Biopsy of the liver

Oesophageal Cancer is cancer of the long tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It’s role is to push food from the mouth through to the stomach.

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Food coming back up
  • Weight loss
  • Acid reflux
  • Hoarseness or a chronic cough
  • Coughing up blood

Other than this, GI cancer also refers to following cancers

  • Oesophageal Cancer
  • Gallbladder Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour
  • Neuroendocrine Tumours
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Small Bowel Cancer
  • Anal Cancer

Book your appointment with Dr. Murali Subramanian  for Best Doctor for Gastrointestinal cancer in Bangalore – Today:+91 9880522891 or Check out our Social Media page! 

Also check out other blogs,

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Vaginal Cancer

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore
Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore

Best Vaginal cancer treatment in Bangalore | Dr Murali Subramanian

A rare type of cancer, vaginal cancer starts in the vagina. It accounts for about 1 percent of cancers in the world. It mostly occurs in women over 60, but yes, younger women have got them too. This is Dr.Murali Subramanian, medical oncologist, practicing in Bangalore and in this blog i will be giving you some information on a rare form of cancer called vaginal cancer and Vaginal cancer treatment in Bangalore

The main types of vaginal cancer are

  1. Squamous cell. Squamous cell cancer starts in the vaginal lining and develops slowly. It accounts for around 78 percent of vaginal cancers.
  2. Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma cancer starts in the vaginal gland cells. It’s most common in women over 50. It’s the second-most common type of vaginal cancer.
  3. Melanoma.  This type of cancer starts in the melanoma cells.
  4. Sarcoma. This type of cancer is very rare and starts in the vaginal walls.

 Remember that if diagnosed in early stages, vaginal cancer treatment has a high success rate.

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

Look out for abnormal bleeding after sex, in between periods and after menopause.Some other symptoms to watch out for are abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and fistulas.

Sometimes, vaginal cancer patients do not experience any symptoms.Hence we advise a routine pelvic examination for all women.

Causes and risk factors of vaginal cancer

Causes of vaginal cancer include:

Human papilloma virus (HPV) causes vaginal cancer. People who have cervical cancer are also at a higher risk.Previously doctors prescribed diethystilbestrol (DES) to women inorder to reduce chances of miscarriage. But this has been stopped completely.

Risk factors for vaginal cancer include:

  • Hysterectomy
  • Smoking
  • Older than 60
  •  HIV
  • early sexual activity

Diagnosis of vaginal cancer

The first step involves complete examination by the doctor. Second involves a pelvic examination and a pap smear.

If the Pap smear is similar to a pelvic exam and shows any abnormal cells, your doctor will perform a colposcopy. The doctor uses a colposcope to magnify and examine the cervix and vaginal walls.

Next step is a biopsy once the exact location is located.

If the biopsy reveals cancer,the doctor will do MRI or CT scan to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Stages of vaginal cancer

To know how much the cancer has spread, and to decide on the mode of treatment, it is necessary to know the stage of the cancer.

  1. If the diagnosis result stage is Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN), it is only precancer.
  2. Stage 1. This means Cancer is only in the vaginal wall.
  1. Stage 2. This means Cancer has spread to the tissue next to the vagina
  2. Stage 3. This means Cancer has spread into the pelvis and pelvic wall and lymph nodes
  3. Stage 4. Stage 4 is divided into two substages:
    1. Stage 4A- cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or both.
  4. Stage 4B- cancer has spread  throughout the body to organs, such as the lungs, liver, or more distant lymph nodes.

Treatment for vaginal cancer

If the vaginal cancer  is diagnosed in stage 1, you might be recommended surgery followed by radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy is the most recommended and preferred form of treatment for vaginal cancer

After several rounds of radiation, doctors prefer surgery and stop radiation as only a certain amount of radiation can be tolerated by the body. During surgery, the doctors may remove only the tumour or may remove the vagina , surrounding tissues and the pelvic organs.

Outlook for people with vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer has a five-year survival rate of 40 percent. Survival rates differ greatly by stage.

Survival rate can depend on the age of the patient and the location of the tumor.

Prevention of vaginal cancer

It is important to note that no one can completely prevent any type of cancer. But certain factors may prevent the occurrence. So it is worth taking up these precautions.

  1. Women must get an HPV vaccine after discussing with their doctor.
  2. Smoking is a risk factor for vaginal cancer.
  3. Alcohol consumption must be limited
  4. Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears help your doctor find precancers before they turn into vaginal cancers. This will help a lot in the treatment and recovery process.

Book your appointment for Vaginal cancer treatment in Bangalore– Today:+91 9880522891 or Check out our Social Media page! 

Also, refer:

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Feelings and cancer

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore
Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore

Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore – Dr. Murali Subramanian

Cancer not just affects your physical health, but it can also bring up feelings that you’re normally not used to dealing with. It may also make existing feelings more intense. But remember that these feelings are all normal.

Some of the coping mechanisms widely written about and spoken about are:

  1. Seek support and turn to loved ones or other cancer survivors
  2. Consult counselors 
  3. Turn religious and have faith

But you must know that whatever you decide among these, it’s important to do what’s right for you . We are all wired differently. Some of the feelings that cancer fighters have to deal with are as follows:

  • Loneliness
  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Fear and Worry
  • Hope
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Sadness and Depression
  • Guilt
  • Loneliness

Denial

When a patient is first diagnosed, they refuse to accept the fact. They deny the fact and ask the doctors to look at the results again and reverify if the results are not mixed up. 

Discuss with your doctor and they usually are well-experienced with such situations and will guide you through.

Anger

Majority of the cancer patients are in a shock. They constantly ask themselves why they were chosen to suffer like this. You may suddenly feel angry towards family, friends and doctors. They have also felt anger towards GOD. These feelings are usually linked to helplessness and frustration.

Talk with your family and friends about your intense feelings and be open to their suggestions. Use anger to take action in the positive direction. Try to accept the situation, read positive books , listen to positive audio books and watch your favourite movies. You are not being punished. Loving yourself and your body will help you in the healing process.

Fear and Worry

It is scary to hear that you have cancer, even for the strong. 

Being in pain, either from the cancer or people fear that may be dying soon, that their family will have no one, that they are inadequate or due to financial reasons.

Remember that most fears about cancer are based on wrong information. Talk to survivors and read about your cancer. This way you know what to expect 

Stress and Anxiety

It is normal to have stress during the treatment and also after the diagnosis. During anxiety attacks, you may feel that your heart beats faster, you feel sick in the stomach and you feel weak and shaky. 

If you or your loved ones are going through this,talk to your doctor. You have to also discuss if they are side effects to your treatment. Also remember that it is important not to be too stressed during the treatment process as it may come in the process of healing and recovery. Deep breathing techniques and other forms of meditation have helped many patients.

Sadness and Depression

Many people with cancer feel sad and dejected. They feel like everything is over and they have reached the end. They crave to go back to the life they had before they learned they had the disease. If your loved ones are withdrawn for long periods of time, show no interest in routine activities, you must seek medical attention as it could be depression. 

Some body changes to watch out for 

  • Sudden weight loss not due to illness or treatment
  • Sleep problems
  •  Increased perspiration, diarrhea
  • Drastic change in energy level
  • Severe Fatigue 
  • Headaches

Remember that you do not need to control these feelings right away but getting the help you need is important and doing what is necessary even if they are baby steps will help you recover and emerge stronger than before.

Guilt

Patients may go through feelings of guilt. Feeling guilty and blaming yourself for the disease is seen in the majority of cancer fighters. You may blame yourself for getting the disease and being a burden to them. 

These feelings are all very common. It will help to share it with people you are close to. Remember that it is not your fault.

Loneliness

It’s also normal to feel alone during and after the treatment. Remember not to be hard on yourself. Take your time to cope. Think about what makes you feel good. Remember that your life matters. You matter. Your feelings matter. Give your body, the healing it requires. 

Look for emotional support in different ways. 

It could help you to talk to other people who have cancer or you may feel better talking to a close friend or family member, or counsellor. Do what feels right for you.

Look for the Positive

Try to be hopeful instead of thinking the worst. Even if times are bad now, look out for small pleasures in life. It is difficult but not impossible. You just have to keep trying because irrespective of the support you receive from loved ones and professionals, it is you who has to accept,cope and emerge stronger. For yourself and for your loved ones.

Book your appointment with Dr. Murali Subramanian for Best Cancer Second Medical Opinion in Bangalore – Today: +91 9880522891 or Check out our Social Media page! 

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