Esophageal cancer, also called cancer of the food pipe, occurs in the tube connecting the stomach and throat. It is aggressive cancer having a poor prognosis compared to other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best surgical oncologist in India, states that patients have a better chance of survival if the cancer is detected in the very early stage. That’s why he encourages people to be aware of the sign and symptoms of esophageal cancer, which include:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Chest pain in the centre
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Food coming back up after swallowing
• Persistent cough
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please consult your doctor as soon as possible. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is a prominent oncologist for esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India. Currently, he is the HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Fortis Cancer Institute, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

He specializes in the latest surgical modalities such as laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic, which provide unmatched accuracy and precision in treating hard-to-reach constricted places such as the esophagus.

In this article, we will focus on how esophageal cancer is staged and graded as your treatment option, and the chance of recovery depend on it. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a renowned cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, explains that cancer is staged in order to determine its location, size, and whether it has spread or impacted other areas of the body.  After you complete all your diagnostic tests, staging will be done. The stage will be from 0 to 4, with 0 as the precancer stage and 4 as the most advanced stage.

Doctors will use this information to determine the best treatment course and predict the patient’s prognosis.

To determine the stage of cancer, you will have to undergo the following tests:

• Blood tests
• Ct scan
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• PET scan
• Biopsy

An essential part of diagnosis and staging is assessing the extent to which cancer has spread. 

The endoscopic ultrasound, also called endosonography, is necessary for staging esophageal cancer. To observe and collect samples from the esophagus, the doctor passes a tube with light through the mouth. 

The doctor can use the tube’s tip to do an ultrasound on the affected area. The computer creates an image by analysing how the high-energy sound waves that penetrate the tissues bounce back.

In addition to this test, the doctor may ask you to undergo thoracoscopy to collect samples of the lymph nodes and surrounding areas. In this endoscopic procedure, a small incision is made between the ribs to insert a tube containing a camera, light, and equipment to take samples of the esophagus, chest lymph nodes, and lungs.

Once the samples of the tumor are collected, the pathologist analyses them under the microscope using special dyes to highlight the cells’ structure.  The grade is determined by comparing the cancer cells with the surrounding healthy cells. The grading will depend on the appearance and the rate of growth.

The stage of cancer is assessed using the finding of the diagnostic scans and tests. Doctors usually use the TNM system to describe the stage. The doctor will give a score of 0 to 4 for each letter depending on the severity of cancer. 0 indicates cancer is not present, whereas 4 means it has spread extensively.

TNM stands for:

• T for tumor: It indicates how extensive the cancer is and how much it has grown into the esophageal wall and surrounding tissues.
• N for nodes: This indicates whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and how many have been affected.
• M for metastasis: It specifies if cancer has spread to other organs.

The stage of cancer is determined on the basis of the TNM system along with the type of cancer, grade, and location (upper, middle, or lower part of the esophagus).

• Stage 1 – The cancer is localized. It is still only present in the inner layer of the esophagus.
• Stage 2 – Cancer has penetrated deeper into the layers of the esophageal and may have spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage 3 – Cancer has reached the nearby lymph nodes and possibly the nearby organs and tissues.
• Stage 4 – Cancer has metastasized to distant organs and parts of the body.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist for esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, further states that along with staging, the doctor will also mention whether there is scope for surgery to remove the tumor.

Resectable cancer means the surgeon can remove cancer from the esophagus, whereas unresectable cancer means it won’t be possible to remove the tumor with surgery successfully.

Surgery is possible for stages 0, 1, or 2. However, the patient has to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Unresectable cancers have mainly spread to nearby organs such as the spine, airway, or aorta. They are hard to treat as surgery is not an option.

Esophageal cancer staging helps the doctor plan the most appropriate treatment for you.  No doubt, being diagnosed with cancer can be traumatic and daunting, but remember, medical science has advanced tremendously, and treatments are available.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly passionate and experienced oncologist in Bangalore, India, is known to provide advanced minimally invasive esophageal cancer treatment to patients from all over the globe.

Mouth and oral cancers refer to cancers of the oral cavity, lip, larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx. With over 377,700 reported cases in 2020 worldwide, oral cavity and lip cancers are the most prevalent.

According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, the increased fatality rate associated with oral cancer is brought on by the fact that the disease is often discovered in its advanced stages, most frequently after it has already started spreading to the lymph nodes in the neck.

It can be a severe disease, but fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly-accomplished cancer specialist in Bangalore, says that early detection and treatment of oral cancer are essential, but misconceptions about the condition can make this difficult.

When it comes to cancer, there are many myths and misconceptions floating around. Oral cancer is no different. 

Here are 5 of the most common myths about oral cancer:

While it is true that habitual use of tobacco and alcohol are the two most prevalent risk factors for oral cancer, they are not the only ones. Non-smokers and abstainers of alcohol may experience a diagnosis at some stage in life. 

Mouth cancer risk factors also include prolonged sun exposure, weaker immune system, HPV infection, age (risk rises with age), gender (men are more at risk), and a bad diet. Your genetics also plays a role in oral cancer risk. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, often regarded as the best oncologist in India, says it is important to see a dentist or doctor regularly so that they can catch any early signs of cancer.

Oral cancer can be quite sneaky.

It often starts out as a minor, painless sore or lump that can be easily overlooked. Usually, oral or mouth cancer can appear in hard-to-see locations like the tonsils, base of the tongue, lymph nodes, and the lining of your mouth.

Symptoms that you need to look out for include:

• hoarseness or difficulty in trying to speak
• sores or lumps in your mouth or lips that do not heal
• red or white patches on your mouth lining, gums, tongue, or tonsils
• unexplained bleeding in your mouth
• a feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• trouble swallowing

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent any cancer, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. 

The most critical approach to preventing mouth or oral cancer may be to never start smoking. If you do smoke, it is a good idea to quit. Abstain from all tobacco products, particularly chewing tobacco. 

In order to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, you should include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet, drink less alcohol, and minimize exposure to the sun’s rays on your lips. Your risks of contracting HPV are also decreased by receiving the HPV vaccination and engaging in safe sexual practices.

While most people think oral cancer only affects older adults, this is not the case. Oral cancer is gradually becoming among the most common cancers in young adults.Because oral cancer frequently takes a long time to develop, most instances are identified in people 50 years of age or older. 

But as cases of oral cancer linked to HPV have increased over time, younger people are now at higher risk. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, often called the best oncologist in Bangalore, advises that the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of getting HPV infections which increase the risk factor for oral and mouth cancers.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly-skilled surgical oncologist in India, observes that many of his patients are often thoroughly shocked when diagnosed with oral cancer as they had not noticed any symptoms until recently.

Many people think oral cancer is always noticeable, and you would know if you had it. This is definitely not true! As we mentioned before, oral cancer can be quite sneaky. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already spread.

That is why it is essential to see a dentist or doctor regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. They can perform a visual examination of your mouth and throat to look for any early signs of cancer.

Oral or mouth cancer is a serious disease, but it is also one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Most people think that oral cancer is always fatal. Fortunately, this is not true.  The survival rate for those diagnosed with early-stage oral cancer is about 83%. So if you are diagnosed with oral cancer, do not lose hope. There is a good chance you will beat it.

Do not let myths about oral cancer prevent you from getting the screenings you need.

If you are worried about your risk, talk to an experienced oncologist like Dr. Sandeep Nayak. With his decades of expertise in providing advanced and effective treatments to cancer patients, he will help assess your condition and offer the best oral cancer treatment in Bangalore.

We all know that smoking is injurious to health. But did you know that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer? Yes, that’s the fact. Around 80 to 90% of lung cancer are related to cigarette smoking.

However, not all smokers will get lung cancer, but it does increase your chances of getting one by fifteen to thirty percent compared to non-smokers.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading surgical oncologist in India, explains that tobacco smoke exposes you to around 7000 toxic chemicals, of which 70 can cause cancer. Apart from lung cancer, smoking can cause cancer of the bowel, mouth, and throat.

His extensive knowledge and mastery of the latest surgical modalities have made Dr. Sandeep Nayak one of the best oncologist in Bangalore. Currently, he is the Chief of Surgical Oncology, MACS Clinic, and HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute.

If you are a smoker or living with a smoker, then this article will surely help you understand the connection between lung cancer and smoking and why it is essential that you stop smoking.

• One out of eight cancer cases are due to smoking.
• Approximately 22% of cancer death is caused by tobacco.
• Lung cancer causes the most amount of cancer deaths. Approximately 1.76 million people die each year due to lung cancer.
• Cigarette smoking is the number one reason for disability, preventable disease, and death worldwide.
• Smoke from tobacco exposes you to 70 chemicals known to cause cancer.
• Around 90% of lung cancer is connected to smoking.
• You can minimize the risk of getting lung cancer by 30 to 50% within 10 years of quitting smoking. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an acclaimed cancer specialist for lung cancer treatment in Bangalore, urges people to stop smoking. He regularly holds camps and seminars to make people aware of the dangers of smoking. He feels it is never too late to quit.

Read on to understand,

As mentioned earlier, thousands of chemicals enter your lungs when you inhale tobacco smoke. Quite a few of them have the ability to harm the DNA present in your lung cells. The body tries to restore the damage done by these chemicals, however in the long run, the body cannot cope with the damage done by smoking.This can result in the development of cancer cells.

Constant breathing in tobacco smoke can even harm the alveoli, the minute air sacs that manage the gas exchange in your respiratory system. They supply oxygen to your blood and throw out carbon dioxide when you exhale. Long-term damage to the alveoli can eventually result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The second most factor to cause lung cancer is secondhand smoke. Thousands of people die due to prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke. It significantly increases the risk of developing lung or breast cancer in women who are non-smokers.

Society is aware of the hazards of secondhand smoke, and many rules and regulations are being formulated to prohibit indoor smoking. You will come across many public places and restaurants that do not allow indoor smoking or have a different section for smokers.

The battery-operated e-cigarettes replicate the traditional cigarette by producing smoke and delivering nicotine.  There is not much research available about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes as they are relatively new. However, some studies show that e-cigarettes deliver a few cancer-causing chemicals, though in less amounts than the original cigarettes.

Further, overheating the liquid in e-cigarettes can produce formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in India, urges people not to use e-cigarettes. 

It poses several risks, such as getting bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung condition, or delivering heavy metals such as tin or lead. Moreover, most e-cigarettes have nicotine which is highly addictive and can impede brain development in teenagers.

When you stop smoking, not only does your chances of developing lung cancer decreases, but it also improves your overall health. 

Some of the advantages of quitting smoking are:

• Improves heart functions and circulation 
• Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreases coughing and shortness of breath
• Minimizes the risk of pregnancy issues and impotence
• Reduces the chance of premature birth, miscarriage, or low birth weight
• Lowers the potential risk of bladder, pancreatic, cervix, esophagus, throat, and mouth cancer

About 10 to 15% of patients with lung cancer have no smoking history. Other factors that increase the chances of lung cancer other than smoking are:

• Family history of lung cancer
• Prior radiation treatment in the chest area
• Air pollution
• Exposure to asbestos or radon gas
• Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic, chromium, diesel exhaust, or silica

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly experienced surgical oncologist in India, says that lung cancer cases in young people are increasing, and more than 30000 new cases in people below 50 years are reported yearly.

However, giving up smoking allows the body to heal. So, make an effort to quit smoking and give life a chance. If you have been a heavy smoker for a long time, it is better to get yourself checked. You can visit a specialist in lung cancer treatment in Bangalore for accurate diagnosis and ways to minimize lung cancer risk.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in India. It occurs in the large intestine or rectum, the lower part of your digestive system. 

Until some years ago, colon cancer was considered the second most fatal cancer. Fortunately, in the last few years, medical science has made many new advancements in the detection and treatment of colon cancer that have greatly improved the prognosis for colon cancer patients.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in India, explains that newer techniques like less invasive procedures help manage colon cancer better, providing more effective results.

He is the Director of Surgical Oncology and HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore. He specializes in treating head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, urinary tract cancer, digestive tract cancer, abdominal cancer, and gynecologic cancer.

This article will discuss surgical advancements that have revolutionized colon and rectal cancer treatment in Bangalore.

You may not experience any symptoms in the early stage. Further, they may vary according to the size and location of the tumor in your intestine. The symptoms include: 

• Blood in the stool
• Rectal bleeding
• The constant change in your bowel movement and consistency of your stool
• Continuous discomfort in the abdomen, like pain, cramps, or gas
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Unable to empty your bowels completely

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced cancer specialist in Bangalore, recommends contacting a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any persistent symptoms.It will help in early diagnosis and timely treatment.

1. Early detection

One of the main reasons for the decrease in the death rate of colorectal cancer is early detection, apart from new and advanced colon cancer treatments.  Diagnosing cancer in stage 1 has a survival rate of about 90% after five years compared to diagnosing it at stage 4 where the survival rate is around 14%. 

There are several tests that help detect colon cancer at an early stage or can tell if you are susceptible to developing it.

 Tests include:

• Fecal occult blood test
• Virtual colonoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Fecal immunochemical test
• DNA testing

While performing colonoscopy, if abnormal growths or polyps are seen inside your colon, the doctor will remove them to check whether they are cancerous or not.

You should start screening for colon cancer at 50 years of age or earlier if you are at risk of it. Early detection offers a higher chance of stopping cancer from becoming metastatic.

2. Minimally invasive surgery

Over the years, surgical techniques for colon cancer treatments have continued to evolve, and newer methods are being developed.

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A. Endoscopic surgery

In an early stage, colon cancer is in the form of a polyp or a small tumor. Your doctor can easily treat it with an endoscopic procedure. They will use a probe to examine inside your colon and remove the entire tumor with special instruments.

B. TAMIS

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is one of the latest laparoscopic procedures that helps remove small rectal tumors.

To treat large tumors that have exceeded the bowel wall, the doctor will choose a procedure that is best suited to treat your cancer. Newer surgical techniques are better equipped to allow the surgeon to remove the tumor entirely, thereby minimizing the risk of recurrence.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is a prominent surgical oncologist in India specializing in advanced surgical techniques, including laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic cancer surgeries.

i. Laparoscopic colon resection surgery

The surgeon makes small incisions to remove the tumor and the affected lymph nodes.

ii. Intersphincteric resection (ISR)

It is a highly advanced procedure for low rectal cancers found in the last 14 centimeters. ISR, which can be done either laparoscopically or robotically, eliminates the need for permanent stoma in about 90% of the patients. It helps preserve the sphincter and bowel continuity.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is one of the best oncologist in Bangalore, having years of expertise in minimally invasive procedures.

iii. Rectal cancer surgery

Another advanced approach for rectal cancer is where the surgeon removes more fatty tissues surrounding the tumor. This helps to reach all the affected lymph nodes, thereby reducing the chances of recurrence.

iv. Advanced robotic surgery

Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to operate on areas that are hard to reach. Further, the robotic system provides unparallel precision and accuracy, which help in better outcomes.

Minimally invasive treatments have many advantages, such as shorter hospital stays, less severe side effects, and quicker recovery. However, only an expert surgeon who is well-trained in these advanced procedures can perform minimally invasive surgery. So be sure to consult an experienced surgical oncologist in India to find the most appropriate treatment option for you.

Esophageal cancer arises when cancer cells start growing in the esophagus, the tube-like structure connecting your throat and stomach. The esophagus transports food from your mouth to the stomach. Cancer begins in the internal lining of the esophagus and may expand to external layers and other organs of your body (metastasis).

Esophageal cancer can be divided into 2 categories:

• Squamous cell carcinoma – Squamous cells cover your inner esophagus, and squamous cell carcinoma can form anywhere along the esophagus.
• Adenocarcinoma – Adenocarcinoma arises from gland cells and occurs when the squamous cells are substituted by gland cells. This cancer typically develops in the lower end of the esophagus near the stomach and is thought to be primarily connected to your lower esophagus being exposed to acid.

Fighting any cancer can be extremely exhausting, and you should not have to endure it alone. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a renowned cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, is dedicated to providing world-class cancer therapy that is personalized for each patient.

The following are some of the symptoms and signs of esophageal cancer.

• The most common symptom is dysphagia, which is difficulty in swallowing
• Regurgitation, which means the food you consumed comes back up into your mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain that originates in the center of your chest or, less frequently, in your back or shoulder
• Persistent heartburn or indigestion
• Having a raspy voice or a persistent cough
• Odynophagia, which means swallowing is painful
• Having the sensation that something is lodged in your throat

Bangalore’s acclaimed surgical oncologist, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, says that it is not necessary that you will develop esophageal cancer if you have any of these symptoms. On the other hand, a risk factor influences the likelihood of contracting a disease. 

As a result, if you do experience any of these symptoms, it is critical to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The following tests and methods are used to diagnose esophageal cancer:

• Barium swallow: You drink a fluid containing barium; it coats your esophagus, making it stand out in the X-ray, thus allowing the doctor to identify any problems or disorders.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: A thin lit tube is passed down your throat to examine your esophagus. The sound waves aid your doctor in understanding the extent of cancer in the surrounding tissues.
• Biopsy: The doctor can retrieve tissues or cells from your esophagus during the endoscopy to examine them under a microscope and see if cancer is present.

Other procedures, like CT (computed tomography) scans, PET (positron emission tomography) scans, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy, may be used to see if cancer has migrated outside of the esophagus or metastasized. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a proficient cancer specialist in India, adds that this is referred to as “staging,” and your doctor requires the information while planning your therapy.

Esophageal cancer is classified into 4 stages (I through IV). The stages are as follows:

• Stage 0: Only the layer of cells lining the esophagus contains abnormal cells which are not yet cancerous.
• Stage I: Cancer cells have started developing in the cells lining the esophagus.
• Stage II: The malignancy has spread to the muscular layer or the external wall of your esophagus. Furthermore, the malignancy may have expanded to 1 or more neighboring lymph nodes (small clusters of cells that are part of your immune system).
• Stage III: Cancer has spread further into the connective tissue wall or inner muscle layer. It may have spread beyond the esophagus, into nearby organs, and to more lymph nodes around the esophagus.
• Stage IV: The most advanced step of esophageal cancer where cancer has progressed to other organs and lymph nodes farther from the esophagus.

Treatment for esophageal cancer is determined by a number of factors, including the tumor’s stage and the patient’s overall condition.

• Surgery: The esophagus may be removed in its entirety or partially.
• Radiation therapy: Treatment that involves the use of radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy:Potent drugs that target cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is usually used in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy.
• Targeted therapy: Powerful medications are administered to attack the malignant cells while minimizing side effects.
• Immunotherapy: Aids the immune system in its fight against cancer cells.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT): PDT is a treatment that uses special laser lights to target cancer cells.
• Electrocoagulation: Electric current is used to destroy the cancer cells.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: Small early cancers can be treated by removing the inside lining of the esophagus.

Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency energy is sometimes used to target cancer cells in early cancers. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly experienced oncologist in Bangalore, adds that esophageal cancer treatment, like many other malignancies, has a better chance of success if identified early.

Esophageal cancer, often known as cancer of the food pipe, is a severe disease. Cancer of the esophagus is a treatable condition in most instances, though the cure percentages are low. 

According to the NCI (National Cancer Institute), 5 – 30% of patients who receive proper definitive treatments have a 5-year survival rate. However, it depends on several factors, including what stage the cancer was diagnosed and the patient’s overall condition.

Patients diagnosed at an early stage of the disease have an increased chance of surviving. 40% of those who receive curative treatment will live for a year or longer, 15% will live for 5 years, and 10% will live for 10 years or longer. It is dependent on the cancer stage and how soon it was detected. The stage of cancer determines the prognosis.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is committed to helping his patients and strives to deliver comprehensive and effective stomach and esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India.

Esophageal cancer, often known as cancer of the food pipe, is a severe disease. Cancer of the esophagus is a treatable condition in most instances, though the cure percentages are low. 

According to the NCI (National Cancer Institute), 5 – 30% of patients who receive proper definitive treatments have a 5-year survival rate. However, it depends on several factors, including what stage the cancer was diagnosed and the patient’s overall condition.

Patients diagnosed at an early stage of the disease have an increased chance of surviving. 40% of those who receive curative treatment will live for a year or longer, 15% will live for 5 years, and 10% will live for 10 years or longer. It is dependent on the cancer stage and how soon it was detected. The stage of cancer determines the prognosis.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is committed to helping his patients and strives to deliver comprehensive and effective stomach and esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India.

Liver cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with over 700,000 deaths every year. More than 800,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer each year. In 2020, over 830,000 people succumbed to the disease worldwide.

Among the best oncologists in India, Dr. Sandeep Nayak says that the liver is a vital organ of our digestive system and has the unique ability to regenerate lost tissues caused by surgery or some injury. Any damage to it can cause severe complications to other organs of your body.

HCC(hepatocellular carcinoma) is the most prevalent type of primary liver cancer, accounting for around 75% of the liver cancer diagnoses. 

In this blog, we will learn about treatment options for HCC in 2022. Let us start by understanding what the liver is and its functions.

The liver is a significant organ found solely in vertebrates that conducts a variety of vital biological tasks, including detoxification and the production of biochemicals and proteins required for growth and digestion. It is situated in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen, below the diaphragm.

There are multiple functions your liver performs that are vital to your well-being. The main functions of the liver are:

• It purifies blood flowing from your stomach and intestine before sending it to the rest of your body. This ensures that your body is free of toxins.
• It secretes bile which breaks down fatty acids to promote healthy digestion.
• It strengthens your immune system enabling the body to fight against infections.
• It retains healthy nutrients and removes the rest as waste products.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best cancer specialists in Bangalore, adds that the liver plays a critical role in metabolism and processes what we consume. Due to this, it is vulnerable to damages caused by drugs, alcohol, accumulation of fat in the liver, and toxins.

Imagine what would happen if the liver were unable to perform to its best ability. One of the life-threatening diseases of the liver is liver cancer.

The malignancy of the liver is known as liver cancer. When the disease develops in the liver, it damages liver cells and impairs the liver’s ability to function normally.

There are 2 types of liver cancer:

• Primary liver cancer starts in your liver cells.
• Secondary liver cancer occurs when cancer cells that have developed in another organ spread to your liver.

Unlike the other cells in our body, cancer cells can move away from the original area where the cancer started.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an accomplished surgical oncologist in India, explains that the cancer cells can migrate through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body parts. They can begin growing in different tissues or organs once they reach there.

Most people do not have any symptoms in the early stages. When they do appear, symptoms may include: 

• Stomach ache, especially in the upper abdomen
• Dark urine and pale stool
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice
• Feeling itchy
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Weakness and fatigue

Metastatic or secondary liver cancer is difficult to cure because the cancer cells have already spread. Surgery in this stage is challenging due to the liver’s complicated network of blood arteries and bile ducts.

According to Dr. Sandeep Nayak, among the leading laparoscopic surgeons in Bangalore, early detection of primary liver cancer, when it is most curable, is rare because you may not experience any symptoms.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is one of the preferred cancer specialists for liver cancer treatment in Bangalore, India. HCC is treated using disease-specific treatments in the hopes of eradicating and possibly curing it.

The treatment options are:

• Hepatectomy surgery

A hepatectomy is a procedure that can only be conducted if one part of your liver is affected by cancer and your liver is working well. It involves removing the affected section of your liver.

The remaining part of your liver takes the functioning responsibility for the entire liver. Your liver may return to its original size in a few weeks.

Side effects: Pain, tiredness, and weakness are all possible adverse effects of a hepatectomy. The medical team will monitor you for signs of infection, bleeding, liver failure, or other issues that require immediate attention.

A liver transplant is possible only if specific requirements are met, like the tumor size and quantity, as well as the availability of a compatible donor. It is important to remember that the number of available liver donors is limited. As a result, transplantation is not always a viable choice.

Following a transplant, the patient will be closely examined for signs that the body is rejecting the new liver or that the tumor has returned. The patient must take medicine to avoid rejection.

Side effects:These medications can cause high blood pressure, puffiness in the face, or increased body hair.

Microwave therapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) both employ heat to kill cancer cells. They can be administered through the skin, via laparoscopy, or a surgical procedure while the patient is under monitored anesthesia care. 

SBRT refers to a number of techniques for providing high doses of radiation therapy to a tumor while reducing the quantity of radiation delivered to neighboring healthy tissue. SBRT is an effective treatment for tumors that are 5 cm or smaller. 

If the doctor believes the treatments indicated above cannot cure your cancer, they may recommend one of the following alternatives to decrease the tumor or slow its growth. While these treatments are unlikely to cure cancer, they can increase the length of time patients can live.

Chemoembolization 

During chemoembolization, drugs are administered into the hepatic artery. The blood flow via the artery is temporarily blocked to keep the chemotherapy in the tumor for longer. Cancer cells are also killed when the tumor’s blood supply is cut off.

Chemoembolization can be used to reduce tumor growth in persons waiting for a liver transplant and be utilized as a primary treatment for HCC.

Radioembolization 

In radioembolization, radioactive beads are inserted into the artery that provides blood to the tumor. When the beads become stuck in the tumor’s tiny blood arteries, they give radiation therapy directly to the cancer.

Immunotherapy

According to Results from a 2021 Global Phase III clinical trial called HIMALAYA,a combination of immunotherapy medications, durvalumab (Imfinzi) and tremelimumab, helped persons with unresectable (cannot be removed with surgery) advanced HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) survive longer.

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that boosts your immune system’s ability to target and attack cancer cells by utilizing your body’s natural defenses. Durvalumab targets the PD-1 protein, while tremelimumab targets CTLA-4.

We need to take good care of our liver to ensure that we have a healthy body. It processes the nutrients in the food we eat and gets rid of toxins from our bodies. It produces bile to ensure healthy digestion, builds protein, and much more. That is why it is essential that we also protect it and avoid practices that may cause damage to the liver.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or been diagnosed with liver cancer, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandeep Nayak.

Dr. Nayak is a top-notch cancer specialist in Bangalore and will discuss your cancer treatment choices and help you assess the advantages of each treatment choice against the risks and adverse effects that may occur.