Esophageal Cancer

Cost of Esophageal Cancer Treatment in India

- Approximate cost range: USD 4,200 to 4,500 (INR 3,25,691 to INR 3,48,954).

- Factors influencing cost:

  1. High-quality, low-cost anti-cancer drugs produced in India.
  2. Hospital infrastructure, doctor's fees, therapies, techniques, medication costs, and hospital services.
  3. Treatment method, anesthesia/sedation type, and additional concurrent treatments.

Esophageal Cancer Overview

  • Esophageal cancer involves abnormal cellular growth in esophageal tissues.
  • Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, cough, fatigue, vomiting, backache, change of voice, and unintentional weight loss.
  • Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, GERD, obesity, bile reflux, and consuming hot liquids frequently while eating fewer fruits and vegetables.

Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer:

  • Methods include barium swallow test, esophagoscopy, imaging tests (PET CT, ultrasound), and biopsy.

Treatment Options:

1. Surgery
  • Open or minimally invasive surgery depending on tumor stage, location, and patient's health.
  • Robotic surgery offers advantages like shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
2. Radiation Therapy:
  • - Can be given before or after surgery and combined with chemotherapy.
  • - Aimed at reducing tumor size, preventing relapse, and alleviating symptoms.
3. Chemotherapy:
  • - Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
  • - Can be used pre- or post-surgery and for pain relief in advanced cases.
4. Immunotherapy:
  • - Enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
5. Targeted Therapy:
  • - Targets specific proteins on cancer cells to inhibit their growth and multiplication.
6. Endoscopic Laser Therapy:
  • - Used for advanced cancers causing esophageal obstruction, aiding in palliative care.
7. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
  • - Uses photoactive agents activated by non-thermal light to kill cancer cells, particularly for symptom relief.

Other GI Procedures:

- Balloon dilation, cryotherapy, stent placement, etc., may be utilized for esophageal cancer treatment.

Overall, India offers high-quality care for esophageal cancer at affordable costs, making it an attractive option for patients seeking treatment.