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Nowadays, medical developments have made chemotherapy a life-saving treatment for various cancers. The most challenging time for the patient and their families is their cancer treatment. However, fighting cancer has its own difficulties and potential negative effects. The association between popular chemotherapy drugs and an increased risk of hearing loss in some individuals is a lesser-known effect recently receiving increased attention. You can find the best treatment for chemotherapy in India. Here in this blog, we will explore the complex relationship between chemotherapy and hearing health. We will also highlight the underlying science, risk factors, and potential treatments.

 

Chemotherapy’s Life-saving Function: 

Chemotherapy, a key component of cancer treatment, uses potent medications to find and destroy cancer cells. Due to its widespread use, it has been proven that more patients survive and have a better quality of life after treatment. Chemotherapy affects both diseased and healthy cells, so it is essential to understand that it does not discriminate. The treatment of this method also results in various side effects, some of which are better recognized than others.

 

How Chemotherapy Affects Hearing: 

It is possible to understand better the complex mechanism causing hearing loss by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy medications can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which harms the hair cells and auditory nerve fibres in the inner ear. This chemotherapy’s toxic side effects can damage these vital hearing-process components, which can lead to impaired hearing.

 

Determining Risk Factors:

Not every patient receiving chemotherapy will have hearing loss problems because of the role that genetic predisposition, drug dosage, and treatment duration play. There are some other factors also that raise the risk of hearing loss, i.e. age, previous hearing issues, and repeated exposure to ototoxic medications. Oncologists are advised to evaluate a patient’s hearing health before starting treatment and to keep an eye out for changes when chemotherapy is administered.

Here, we will discuss some of the risk factors to be followed to eliminate the side effect of hearing loss from chemotherapy:

• Strategies for Mitigation: There are ways to minimize the effects of chemotherapy-induced hearing loss to protect hearing health, even though the risk cannot be completely eliminated.
• Dose Modification: Oncologists may think about using less chemotherapy or substituting medicines with less ototoxic potential.
• Supportive Measures: Using antioxidant therapies along with chemotherapy may help reduce damage to auditory structures and oxidative stress.
• Regular Monitoring: With the help of routine hearing tests before, during, and after chemotherapy can help to identify hearing loss at an early stage.
• Patient Education: Making patients aware of the potential danger of hearing loss enables them to make well-informed decisions and take preventative measures to safeguard their hearing health.

 

Although chemotherapy appropriately focuses on the fight against cancer. But in some cases, hearing loss has been reported in some individuals due to an unexpected side effect. According to research, several chemotherapy medications can harm the sensitive inner ear hair cells that carry sound information to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss, a chronic and frequently irreversible disorder, may result from this impairment.

 

Common ototoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs: 

Some chemotherapy medications fall under the category of ‘ototoxic’ compounds, which can potentially cause damage to the auditory system. Hearing loss has long been linked to the use of platinum-based medications like cisplatin and carboplatin. These medications can successfully target cancer cells but unintentionally destroy the delicate components of the inner ear. In the case of using drugs such as vincristine to treat diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer has also been associated with hearing loss.

 

In conclusion, chemotherapy has transformed the way cancer is treated. It gives new hope and a revitalised sense of purpose to countless people. However, as medical understanding advances, it is critical to recognize and deal with less common side effects that may have an influence on a patient’s general health. Despite being a difficult obstacle to overcome, chemotherapy-induced hearing loss can be managed with careful monitoring, individualized treatment programmes, and continuous research targeted at lessening its effects. The medical community advances comprehensive patient care in the face of difficulty by finding a balance between treating cancer and maintaining hearing health. If you or your loved ones also have cancer and want the best treatment, you can get the finest chemotherapy at Oncoplus, India. Oncoplus is the best oncology hospital in Delhi, India, known for its finest treatments for cancer patients.

Is it always necessary to remove breasts if you have breast cancer? Every woman who is suffering from breast cancer gets scared about this, or this can be the first question asked by every patient with breast cancer. Millions of women worldwide are afflicted by the powerful enemy, i.e. breast cancer. In the past, the traditional method for the treatment of breast cancer was surgically removing the entire breast. But now, due to advances in medical research and the great understanding of illness, breast cancer procedures have dramatically changed. To effectively eradicate cancer, breast-conserving operations, which aim to retain as much breast tissue as possible, are increasingly emphasized by medical specialists nowadays. We will discuss the numerous breast cancer surgical alternatives and the significance of considering breast-conserving methods here in this blog.

 

Early Warnings of Breast Cancer:

Different women have different symptoms according to their body types. Some women even don’t have any kind of symptoms during their breast cancer. Many of the symptoms you can observe are given below:

• You may see the thickening or swelling in the area of your breast.
• Your nipple may have other discharge, including blood, other than breast milk.
• Your breast may change its shape or size.
• You may feel a burning sensation or dimpling in the skin of your breast.
• You may feel pain in any area of your breast.
• You may see swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.
• You may see a retraction of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

 

Breast Cancer Surgery:

The primary treatment is mainly used for breast cancer surgery for most types of breast cancer. There are two primary surgical procedures to remove breast cancer instead of removing breasts.

Read More Blog: 6 Lifestyle Changes To Improve Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

• Breast-conserving surgery: It involves removing the malignancy along with some nearby healthy tissue. Instead of the whole breast, only the cancerous portion of the breast is removed. Several factors, including the location and size of the tumour, affect how much breast tissue is removed. A lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy are further names for this procedure. It is considered the finest treatment in the treatment of breast cancer.
• Mastectomy: In this procedure, the entire breast, along with all of the breast tissue and maybe other adjacent tissues, will remove. Mastectomies can be performed in a number of different ways, including:
• Total mastectomy: In this procedure, your entire breast will remove, leaving the chest muscles underneath.
• Double mastectomy: In this procedure, your both breasts will remove. This may be necessary if the cancer has already spread to both breasts, or it may be a preventive measure.
• Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy: In this procedure, only your breast tissue will remove. But avoid using your own skin and, if possible, your nipple to reconstruct your breast.
• Modified radical mastectomy: In this procedure, your breast tissue and underarm lymph nodes will remove. Lymph nodes are often the first places breast cancer spreads.
• Radical mastectomy: In this procedure, your breasts, underarm lymph nodes and chest muscles will remove. This rare surgery is only necessary if breast cancer has spread to your chest muscles.

 

Reflections on Psychological and Emotional Health after Breast Cancer Surgery:

Do you know breast cancer can have a significant effect on a woman’s mental and emotional health? Surgery in which women lose their breasts can affect women’s mental and emotional health. Therefore, it is essential to understand the psychological impact of breast cancer surgery. Many women are afraid of losing their breasts because they think it would make them less feminine and appealing. But healthcare professionals can ease these worries and aid with the emotional healing process by providing breast-conserving choices and ensuring open communication with their patients.

 

In conclusion, the surgical landscape for breast cancer has changed tremendously, with a greater emphasis on breast-conserving procedures. Medical practitioners now prioritize conserving the breast whenever possible, even though mastectomy is still a viable treatment option in some circumstances. Breast-conserving procedures not only result in good cancer treatment outcomes but also improve the physical and mental health of patients at the time of their recovery. As medical technology develops, it is crucial to remember that breast cancer surgery often involves finding the best technique to improve each patient’s quality of life rather than necessarily removing the breast. If you also want to fight breast cancer, you should consult Oncoplus, which provides the finest treatments or surgery for your recovery. At OncoPlus, our experts are ready to treat your breast cancer with the best of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy to cure your cancer. Let’s fight with cancer together and live a happy and healthy life.

Are you familiar with the term HIPEC? If not, nothing to worry about. Here in this blog post, you will learn about HIPEC, its methods, benefits, advantages, treatments, etc. As we all know, cancer is affecting millions of people globally and continues to be one of modern medicine’s most challenging problems to solve. Although conventional medications, including systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, have progressed greatly, the search for more precise and effective treatments continues. A cutting-edge therapy called Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), which gives new hope to patients with specific cancers, notably those that involve the abdomen. So let’s explore the nuances of HIPEC, its benefits, and prospective effects on cancer treatment.

 

Knowledge of HIPEC:

HIPEC, sometimes referred to as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, which is a specialized type of chemotherapy that administers heated chemotherapy medications directly to the abdominal cavity. The peritoneal lining, a thin layer of tissue protecting the abdominal organs, is where most malignancies that are treated with it have either started or spread. Surgery and hot chemotherapy are used in conjunction during the treatment to target cancer cells more effectively.

 

The HIPEC Methods:

Anaesthesia specialists, oncologists, and surgeons work together as a multidisciplinary team to perform HIPEC surgery, which is often done in a hospital setting. Here we will summarize the typical steps in a HIPEC procedure:

• Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): The first phase of this procedure is cytoreductive surgery, during which the surgeon attempts to remove as much palpable tumour tissue from the abdominal cavity as is humanly possible. The malignant tumour’s size and distribution determine the operation’s scope.
• Perfusion of Heated Chemotherapy: A heated chemotherapy solution is infused into the abdominal cavity following cytoreductive surgery. The solution is cycled for around one to two hours, allowing the chemotherapy medications to find and eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present.
• Post-Operative Care: To guarantee patient safety and recuperation following the HIPEC operation, patients are closely watched in the intensive care unit (ICU). Depending on how each patient responds to treatment, the length of the hospital stay may change.

 

HIPEC’s advantages over conventional chemotherapy:

• Targeted Therapy: HIPEC directly targets the abdominal cavity, maximizing medication concentration at the tumour location while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. This differs from systemic chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the entire body.
• Enhanced Drug Penetration: During HIPEC, the use of heat enhances blood flow to the tumour location, facilitating better chemotherapeutic drug penetration into cancer cells.
• Reduced Side Effects: Because HIPEC administers chemotherapy locally, patients may experience fewer systemic side effects, such as hair loss and nausea that are frequently linked to conventional chemotherapy.
• Potential for Long-Term Survival: In some cancer types, HIPEC has had encouraging outcomes, increasing survival rates and improving the quality of life for some patients.

 

HIPEC Cancer Treatment:

Cancers that have spread to the peritoneal lining are the most commonly treated with HIPEC. HIPEC can be used to treat a variety of malignancies, including:

• Appendiceal Cancer: Cancer that starts in the appendix and frequently spreads to the peritoneum is called appendiceal cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer: HIPEC may be an option for treatment if colorectal cancer has spread to the peritoneum.
• Ovarian Cancer: HIPEC may be used in conjunction with surgery in some cases of advanced ovarian cancer that has progressed to the peritoneum.
• Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that can attack the lining of the heart, abdomen, or lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma may be treated with HIPEC.
• Gastric Cancer: HIPEC may be an option for treatment in some cases of gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases.

 

The Prospects for HIPEC:

Despite the fact that HIPEC has demonstrated a great deal of promise in the treatment of a few types of cancer, ongoing studies and clinical trials are aimed at extending its application to more cancer types and enhancing patient outcomes. Investigations also centre on combining HIPEC with other cutting-edge immunotherapies and targeted medicines. HIPEC is anticipated to be more critical in the future of cancer treatment as medical knowledge and technology continue to progress.

 

In conclusion, the development of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) gives patients with abdominal tumours hope after previously being deemed incurable, is a tremendous advance in the fight against cancer. HIPEC can potentially increase patient quality of life and survival rates thanks to its focused approach and improved drug delivery. As research and technology advance, we can anticipate even more encouraging results and novel applications of HIPEC in the battle against cancer. Do you analyze and ask your present doctors if you would make a good cand idate for HIPEC before selecting a HIPEC centre? Since PECS is the most excellent provider of chemotherapy treatment, you should consult with us if you’re looking for the best HIPEC. In Delhi, India, no one performs more HIPEC procedures than our group of talented surgical oncologists. Feel free to consult with the HIPEC experts at PECS, as we are here to assist you in receiving the best care.

July is Bone Cancer Awareness Month! During July, we join hands to raise awareness, support research, and inspire hope for bone cancer survivors. So, let’s work together to raise awareness of this illness, inform others, and work towards a time when no one will have to battle bone cancer alone. Bone cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer that manifests inside the bones. Although it can affect any bone in the body, the long bones of the arms and legs are most frequently affected. As the signs of this type of cancer might match those of other disorders, it can be challenging to identify it early. For prompt intervention and better results, it is essential to understand the symptoms and signs of bone cancer and the various bone cancer treatments. Here in this blog, we will go through the signs and symptoms of bone cancer and practical cures.

 

Knowledge of Bone Cancer:

Primary and secondary bone cancer are the two basic types into which bone cancer can be divided. While secondary bone cancer, sometimes called metastatic bone cancer, spreads to the bone from other body regions, including the breast, lung, or prostate, primary bone cancer begins within the bone itself.

Depending on the location, stage, and kind of disease, the symptoms of bone cancer can change. Bone cancer may not exhibit any signs in its early stages. However, the following symptoms could appear when the tumour enlarges:

• Pain: Pain is one of the most common signs of bone cancer is persistent, localized bone pain that is worse at night or after exercise. Although the pain may begin as being sporadic, it eventually becomes consistent as the tumour grows.
• Lumps and Swelling: The affected area may experience obvious lumps or swelling and the lump could be warm and painful to the touch.
• Bone Fractures: Cancer-related bone weakness increases the chance of fractures, even from minor trauma.
• Fatigue and Weight Loss: As with the majority of cancers, bone cancer can result in weariness and accidental weight loss.
• Motion Restriction: If a tumour is close to a joint, it may limit motion and create stiffness.

 

Options for Effective Treatment:

The method of treating bone cancer depends on a number of variables, including the disease’s type, stage, and location, as well as the patient’s general condition. For treating cancer, a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other medical specialists usually works together to create a customized treatment plan. The following are some of the most typical bone cancer treatments:

• Surgery: Surgery is an essential component in treating bone cancer. The main objective is to remove the malignant tumour and any nearby tissues that have been harmed while maintaining the limb’s integrity and functionality. Amputation may occasionally be required if the tumour is substantial or the nearby nerves and blood vessels are harmed.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to shrink tumours and kill cancer cells. It is frequently used either before surgery to reduce the tumour or after to eradicate any cancer cells that may have persisted. Additionally, radiation therapy might lessen discomfort and enhance the general quality of life.
• Chemotherapy: It is the method of eliminating cancer cells from the body’s tissues by applying drugs. It can be used either before surgery to reduce the tumour or after to get rid of any cancer cells that might have survived. In cases of advanced or metastatic bone cancer, chemotherapy is also applied.
• Targeted Therapy: Therapy that directly targets cancer cells while sparing healthy cells is known as ‘targeted therapy’. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are two examples of bone cancers that may respond well to this treatment method.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system’s capacity to identify and combat cancer cells in the body. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for bone cancer, even if research is still in its early phases. Also, it can be combined with other strategies for better treatment.

 

In conclusion, excellent treatment outcomes depend on the early identification of bone cancer. You must get medical advice right away if you have chronic bone pain, swelling, or any other unsettling signs. Combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and cutting-edge immunotherapy are frequently used to treat bone cancer. An individual’s ability to actively participate in their healthcare and increase the likelihood of a positive prognosis depends on how well-informed they are about the symptoms and available treatments. If you or your loved ones are suffering from bone cancer and want to fight against it, you should consult Oncoplus, the best hospital for bone cancer treatment. We take great satisfaction in being the greatest hospital for treating patients worldwide and battling this difficult illness. We provide individualized and comprehensive care that raises the bar for cancer thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and a team of recognized doctors. We can diagnose, treat, and monitor bone cancer with unmatched precision because our cutting-edge facilities give patients the best possible chance of recovery. Oncoplus walks you through every step of your recovery journey by fusing ground-breaking science with caring support. You may rely on us to provide unmatched knowledge and a better future.

Exercising While Living With Peripheral Neuropathy: What People Diagnosed With Cancer Should Know

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that can bring about physical and emotional challenges. Among the complications that some cancer patients face is peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves in the extremities. While exercise is known to offer numerous benefits during cancer treatment, individuals living with peripheral neuropathy may wonder if it is safe and beneficial for them. Are you seeking reliable chemotherapy treatment in Delhi? Look no further than Oncoplus, the premier destination for world-class cancer care in the city’s heart. Here in this blog post, we will explore the importance of exercise, considerations for individuals with peripheral neuropathy, and helpful exercises tailored to their needs.

 

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy:

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. This condition is often characterized by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various factors, including chemotherapy drugs commonly used in cancer treatment. Here are the common symptoms and causes of peripheral neuropathy:

 

Symptoms:

• Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands.
• Sharp or burning pain.
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination.
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature changes.
• Lack of coordination and balance.
• Muscle cramping or twitching.
• Difficulty in moving limbs or performing fine motor tasks.
• Modifications in heart rate or blood pressure.
• Digestive issues include constipation or diarrhoea.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

 

Causes:

• Diabetes: One of the most common causes, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time.
• Trauma or injury: Physical injuries, such as fractures, compression, or nerve entrapment, can result in neuropathy.
• Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals, heavy metals, or medications (like chemotherapy drugs) can cause nerve damage.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like vitamins B12, B1, B6, and E, as well as folate and niacin, can contribute to neuropathy.
• Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerves and result in neuropathy.
• Hereditary factors: Some individuals may have an inherited tendency to develop neuropathy.
• Cancer: Tumors or cancerous growths can exert pressure on nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
• Other medical conditions: Kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism, and certain cancers can increase the risk of neuropathy.

 

The Importance of Exercise during Cancer Treatment:

Regular exercise during cancer treatment has been shown to improve physical and emotional well-being. It can help reduce fatigue, improve sleep, boost mood, and enhance overall quality of life. Exercise also promotes cardiovascular health, increases muscle strength, and maintains or improves joint flexibility. However, it is essential for individuals with peripheral neuropathy to approach exercise with caution and make necessary adaptations to ensure their safety and comfort.

 

Considerations for Exercising with Peripheral Neuropathy:

Before beginning any exercise routine, individuals with peripheral neuropathy should consult with their healthcare team, including their oncologist and physical therapist. These professionals can provide personalized guidance based on the individual’s specific condition, treatment plan, and physical capabilities. Here are some essential considerations for exercising with peripheral neuropathy:

• Safety First: Prioritize safety by choosing low-impact activities that minimize the risk of falls or injuries. Walking, swimming, cycling, and tai chi are excellent options.
• Gradual Progression: Exercises should be progressed gradually, increasing in duration and intensity. This approach allows the body to adapt and helps prevent overexertion or exacerbation of symptoms.
• Balance and Coordination: Peripheral neuropathy can affect balance and coordination. Engaging in exercises that target these areas, such as yoga or balance training, can be beneficial.
• Sensory Awareness: Pay attention to any changes in sensation during exercise. If specific movements or positions cause discomfort or exacerbate symptoms, modify or avoid them accordingly.
• Proper Footwear: Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes can help minimize foot pain and discomfort during exercise.

 

Exercises for Individuals with Peripheral Neuropathy:

While the choice of exercises may vary depending on individual circumstances, the following activities are generally safe and can be adapted for individuals living with peripheral neuropathy:

• Walking: A low-impact aerobic exercise that promotes cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
• Water Workouts: Swimming, water aerobics, or aqua therapy provide resistance and support, making them gentle on the joints and nerves.
• Cycling: Riding a stationary or regular bicycle helps strengthen the leg muscles without placing excessive strain on the feet.
• Tai Chi: This gentle martial art improves balance, flexibility, and mind-body connection.
• Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises help maintain joint flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness.

 

In conclusion, exercise can play a vital role in improving the physical and emotional well-being of individuals diagnosed with cancer, even if they are living with peripheral neuropathy. By working closely with their healthcare team, individuals can create a safe and effective exercise routine tailored to their specific needs and abilities. Prioritizing safety, gradually progressing, and paying attention to sensory awareness is crucial when exercising with peripheral neuropathy. Activities such as walking, water workouts, cycling, tai chi, and stretching can provide numerous benefits while minimizing the risk of exacerbating symptoms. Remember, always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and recommendations. By incorporating exercise into their daily routine, individuals living with peripheral neuropathy can enhance their overall well-being and maintain a sense of control and empowerment throughout their cancer journey.

 

With Oncoplus, you can trust that your journey towards recovery is in the hands of experts who prioritize your comfort and peace of mind. Our dedicated team of renowned oncologists and skilled healthcare professionals is committed to providing personalized treatment plans that prioritize your well-being. Visit Oncoplus today and discover a world of cutting-edge cancer treatment options in Delhi. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care you deserve. Trust Oncoplus to be your partner on your journey to reclaiming your life from cancer.

Telehealth is the remotely using communication technologies that has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. The advancement in technology has transformed the healthcare industry into telehealth, an innovative way of delivering care to patients. Telehealth has become a game-changer for cancer patients, saving them time and money on their journey towards recovery. According to in-person visits, it has many advantages, particularly for patients suffering from cancer. One of the most significant benefits of telehealth is that it allows patients to access healthcare services from the comfort of their own homes. Oncoplus Hospital provides the best cancer treatment in Delhi to patients who are suffering from cancer. At the time of COVID-19, telehealth services provided by hospitals or clinics protected the cancer patients and reduced the risk of exposure to this infectious disease, i.e., COVID-19. In this blog, you will read about how telehealth saves time and money for cancer patients.

Benefits of Telehealth Service to Cancer Patients

The treatment for cancer often involves various medical procedures such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. And in this procedure, patients have to suffer both physically and emotionally. The telehealth services offer several benefits to cancer patients, which are as follows:

1. Cost-effective Treatment

Cancer treatments are both expensive and time-consuming. In this treatment, patients have to travel long distances to meet with their oncologists, undergo tests, and receive treatment. The whole procedure causes a financial burden on the patients as well as their families, as they have to pay for transportation and other associated expenses. This convenience also protects cancer patients from getting infections, as they are at a higher risk. Telehealth service also allows patients to receive timely care as they can schedule appointments with their oncologists at their convenience without having to wait for an available slot. But now, telehealth has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cancer care, enabling patients to access care from the comfort of their homes.

2. Saves time for the patient

Telehealth also saves time for the cancer patients, as they do not have to visit the hospital frequently. Cancer patients often have to visit the hospital several times a week for chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can be time-consuming and exhausting. However, with telehealth, patients can receive treatment at home, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of exposure to infections, especially for patients with weak immune systems.

3. Reduced healthcare costs

Telehealth also helps reduce the patient’s healthcare costs. Because the patients who receive telehealth services do not have to visit the hospital again and again, this reduces the need for travel and its associated cost. Remote monitoring also helps reduce the need for hospitalization, which can be costly for the patients and their families. This also reduces the need for costly emergency room visits and unmanaged symptoms or medication-related issues.

4. Privacy

With the help of telehealth, cancer patients can access care without compromising their privacy. As you all know, cancer treatment is a sensitive issue, and the patients might not be comfortable discussing their condition in public. Through telehealth, patients can have private consultations with the oncologists without worrying about anyone hearing about their conversations.

5. Patients in rural areas can access specialized care.

Cancer patients who are in rural areas can easily access specialist care from oncologists, regardless of their location. Earlier, patients in rural areas could not access specialized cancer care because most oncologists were in urban areas. In this situation, telehealth services are a great help to cancer patients located in rural areas. With the help of telehealth services, cancer patients receive the best possible care, irrespective of where they live.

Telehealth is a cost-effective and convenient alternative for cancer patients. It saves the time and money of the patients and reduces the need for them to travel. This also gives patients access to specialist care, regardless of their location, and allows them to receive care without compromising their privacy. Oncoplus Hospital is a top-notch hospital that provides the best hospital in Delhi for cancer. With the adoption of telehealth services, it is expected that there will be improvements in the quality of life of cancer patients.

 

Treatment of Cancer with Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy is also known as radiotherapy. It is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. This therapy is used to treat different types of cancer. A radiation oncologist specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. Many different forms of cancer can be treated with radiation treatment, which can also be used with chemotherapy or surgery. With the help of this therapy, cancer cells stop growing and are destroyed. There are basically two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. In this article, you will learn about how radiation therapy helps treat cancer.

How does radiation therapy help treat cancer?

Cancer develops in the body when healthy cells undergo changes and if there is uncontrolled growth of the cells. The cancer cells grow, divide, and multiply faster than normal cells. Radiation therapy damages the DNA of the cancer cells and stops them from growing and getting destroyed. Radiation therapy affects only the target area of the body, where the cancer cells are located, and not the whole body. During the treatment, some of the healthy cells also get damaged, but they heal when the treatment is completed. This therapy does not immediately kill cancer cells. This treatment takes weeks to kill cancer cells, and the cancer cells keep dying for months after the radiation therapy is completed.

The radiation therapy is given to the cancer patients according to the type of cancer they have or how much it has spread. This radiation therapy can be given along with other different treatments to treat cancer. This therapy depends on many factors, such as the type of cancer, size of the tumor, location of the tumor, closeness of the tumor to the other normal tissues, your medical history, your age, etc.

Types of radiation therapy:

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy:

In external-beam radiation therapy, radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body. This machine sends radiation to the target area of the body from different directions. The therapy affects the tumor and avoids the surrounding healthy tissues, which are located nearby. This therapy is given to patients for several weeks. External therapy is of different types, such as:

• Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
• Proton beam therapy.
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
• Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).

2. Internal Radiation Therapy:

Internal radiation therapy is also known as brachytherapy. In this radiation therapy, radioactive materials like seeds, ribbons, or capsules are kept in the cancer cells or the surrounding tissue. This is the permanent implant.

In systemic radiation therapy, this type of radiation therapy can be given through a vein via an IV line or through an injection. After this therapy, your body fluids give off radiation via urine, saliva, and sweat.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

The majority of cancer patients receive radiation therapy over a number of sessions, and they do not get the full dose at once. So, during sessions, your tissues get time to recover, which reduces side effects. However, patients report vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, headaches, skin irritation, hair loss, mouth sores, decreased appetite, and pain in the throat when swallowing.

Radiation therapy helps treat cancer in the body. But like other treatments, this therapy also causes side effects such as skin changes, discomfort, etc. There is a risk of developing a second cancer after undergoing this therapy. In the majority of cases, radiation therapy removes the existing cancer.

What Things Should You Know About Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck. It makes hormones that help control the body’s temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and blood flow. In the beginning, this cancer did not show any symptoms or causes. But when it grows slowly, it is very dangerous. Small thyroid cancer can be diagnosed through CT and MRI scans, and it can be cured with treatment. The thyroid cancer treatment is available in the cancer hospital. Treatment options for thyroid cancer are surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and radioiodine therapy. In this blog, you will learn about the symptoms and treatment options for thyroid cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms:

The symptoms of thyroid cancer include the following:

• If there are changes in your voice and an increase in hoarseness.
• When patients find pain in their throat and neck.
• In case the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen.
• Consult your doctor if you are constantly tired or experiencing nausea and vomiting.
• Finding a loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss.
• Finding difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer:

Generally, the risk factors for thyroid cancer are low iodine intake, obesity, an enlarged thyroid, if you have a family history of thyroid cancer or thyroiditis, if there is exposure to radioactive rays from nuclear weapons, gene mutations, which also cause endocrine diseases, and if you have had radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Types:

The different types of cancer cells include:

1. Papillary thyroid cancer

This type of thyroid cancer is also known as differentiated thyroid cancer. It can happen at any age, but it most commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50.This type of cancer is small, and it spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. But it is curable and rarely fatal.

2. Follicular Thyroid Cancer:

Follicular thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects people who are older than 50 years. It generally occurs in people who don’t get enough iodine in their diet. Generally, this cancer does not spread to lymph nodes, but it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

3. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

This aggressive type of thyroid cancer grows quickly and is very hard to treat. It affects people over the age of 60 and causes severe symptoms such as neck swelling as well as difficulty breathing and swallowing.

4. Medullary thyroid cancer

This type of cancer basically occurs in people who have a family history of thyroid disease. Genetic mutation is the major cause of this disease. It generally begins in the group of thyroid cells known as C cells. The C-cells produce calcitonin, and this hormone helps to control the level of calcium in the blood at an early stage.

Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer:

The treatments for thyroid cancer include:

1. Radioiodine Therapy:

In this therapy, the doctor gives the patient a pill or liquid to swallow that contains a higher dose of radioactive iodine. This radioiodine will destroy the thyroid cancer cells, and the thyroid gland will absorb all the radioiodine. This therapy is completely safe for the patient.

2. Radiation Therapy:

In this therapy, a machine is used in external radiation therapy to deliver energy beams to the tumor spot. And placing the radioactive seeds in or around the tumor is known as “internal radiation therapy.” This radiation not only prevents cancer cell growth but also kills them.

3. Chemotherapy:

In chemotherapy, intravenous or oral chemotherapy medicines helps to stop cancer growth as well as kill cancer cells.

4. Hormone Therapy:

In this therapy, it blocks the release of hormones therapy that are causing cancer to spread in the body.

5. Surgery:

In the surgery, the surgeon will either remove part of your thyroid gland or the entire gland. This treatment is determined by the size and location of the tumor.

The thyroid cancer is fully curable, and the treatment stops the cancer cells from growing and spreading in different parts of the body. If the treatment does not cure thyroid cancer, it will prevent the cancer cells from spreading.