Oncology & Oncosurgery

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Cancer is the abnormal growth or division of a living cell. Irregular cells in the human body can form cancerous growths, or tumors, which tamper with the healthy functioning of the body's normal cells, affecting vital organs as well as the immune system.

Prevention

Cancer is the abnormal growth or division of a living cell. Irregular cells in the human body can form cancerous growths, or tumors, which tamper with the healthy functioning of the body's normal cells, affecting vital organs as well as the immune system.

The old age "prevention is better than cure" is very closely related to cancer as Prevention is The Best Protection against Cancer. One should be familiar with the warning signs of the disease and have regular medical checkups and cancer screenings

Cancer of the Breast, Prostrate, skin, and colon/rectal cancers are all detectable by screening procedures. In addition, one should avoid smoking, excessive drinking and over exposure to the sun. One should follow a healthy life-style by eating wisely and exercising regularly.

WARNING SIGS

Change in bowl or bladder habits, A sore that does not heal, Unusual bleeding or discharge, Thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body.

Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, foreign body sensation in the throat, alteration of the voice or a nagging cough.

A lump in the neck is another important sign that may represent a cancer in the lymph nodes or in the thyroid or salivary glands.

Obvious change in a wart or mole.

At Goenka Hospitals, a co-ordinate multi disciplinary approach has been adopted in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer.
We offer the service of Genetic Counseling to families who are predisposed to certain cancers.

Avoidance of certain risk factors

Certain risk factors are known to increase the incidence of cancer. Avoidance of these known carcinogens helps in preventing cancer.

Smoking

Smoking is the single most important cause of cancer. It accounts for about 90% of lung cancer. The risk of developing Cancer is reduced by stopping smoking and decreases substantially after 5 years. There is no cancer epidemic except for lung cancer due to smoking.

Alcohol

Alcohol has been consistently been related to risks of Squamous cell carcinomas of the mouth, oral pharynx and larynx. Even small amounts of alcohol seem to increase the risk of breast cancer.

Dietary Imbalances

Lack of sufficient amounts of dietary fruits and vegetables. High intake of fruit and vegetables is related to a reduced risk of lung cancer and cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Hormonal factors

These are influenced primarily by lifestyle.

Beetal nut (pan or pan masala) Chewing of pan or pan masala is known to increase the incidence of oral cancer. Oral cancer is common in India and Sri Lanka mainly due to beetal chewing and partially to eating hot curries with chillies.

Family predisposition and chromosomal abnormalities.

Facilities available:

The Goenka Hospitals run a special clinic for evaluating and treating hematological malignancies. This helps in establishing a correct diagnosis, which is critical. Diagnosis is based on immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry studies and cyto genetics. This leads to a very comprehensive approach to diagnosis and planning appropriate management.

Our Oncology department has panel of oncologists, comprising medical, surgical and, and diagnostic consultants who provide comprehensive advice on the best course of treatment for patients. The department provides excellent cancer cure.