Best Doctors in India for Mesothelioma Treatment
Best Hospitals in India for Mesothelioma Treatment
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Equipped with 650 beds, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital is the largest stand-alone private sector hospital in Delhi.
- With over 1500 healthcare providers and 150 globally renowned super specialists, the hospital is one of Asia’s largest BMT Centres. The hospital is known for having some of the best cancer doctors in the country.
- The hospital is NABH and NABL accredited and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Located in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Apollo Health City is a world-renowned medical facility that provides outstanding care and treatment to patients coming from different parts of the world.
- Founded in 1988, this 550-bed multispecialty hospital with 50 specialties and 12 Centres of Excellence continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients with the simplest to the most complicated medical conditions.
- Backed by the latest medical equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the hospital provides comprehensive treatment across various specialties including, cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, cancer, orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, transplants, gastroenterology, etc.
- Apollo Health City is a cutting-edge healthcare facility that combines various facilities under one roof. These may include state-of-the-art physical medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness services with education, research, telemedicine, innovative medical devices, disease management programmes, and medical talents.
- The hospital is known for offering top-notch cancer treatment accompanied by cutting-edge facilities and technology.
- The hospital also offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures that improve not just appearance but also comfort.
- In 2011, Apollo Health City was the recipient of the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA).
- In 2013, the Government of India recognized Apollo Health City as the top medical tourism destination in the country.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Cancer Centre in Teynampet, Chennai is one of the best super speciality hospitals in India. It is the country’s first ISO-certified healthcare facility.
- Additionally, it is the first hospital in Chennai and the first oncology hospital in India to receive NABH accreditation.
- The hospital provides advanced tertiary care in oncology, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, and reconstructive and plastic surgery.
- Additionally, it offers specialized healthcare of international standards with results comparable to those of the best hospitals in the world.
- It is outfitted with 300 beds, the newest and greatest technology, a large pool of highly qualified specialists, and a committed team of medical and paramedical professionals.
- It is one of the first few medical facilities in India to offer comprehensive cancer care. A team of skilled medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists makes up the Tumour Board, which is a component of the complete treatment planning system. After reviewing reported cases, the Board determines in concert with diagnostic specialists what course of action is best for each individual patient. The panel is further supported by dieticians, medical counselors, speech therapists, and other pertinent specialists.
- The hospital launched the first ExcelsiusGPS® Spine Robot in South India and has completed over 50 surgeries till date.
- It is also one of the few cancer hospitals in India to offer Cyber Knife therapy. Till now it has completed 1320 Cyber Knife therapies.
- The institution is also one of the few in India with the capacity to do transplants and find a prospective unrelated donor. The hospital has performed over 1000 BMTs till now.
- Furthermore, it has an exceptional milestone of performing exultant Micro vascular free tissue transfer and Aesthetic surgeries on more than 1000 patients with success.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2003, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals is a 750-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital situated in Kolkata.
- With 33 Centres of Excellence and more than 50 specialties, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is capable of handling all sorts of patients.
- This tertiary care hospital, which is a 100% subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., India, is regarded as one of Kolkata’s top hospitals.
- The facility is a complete blend of cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and genuine hospitality.
- Focusing on numerous specialties, the hospital provides all-inclusive medical treatments supported by cutting-edge technology and a staff of highly qualified medical specialists.
- Patients across the globe come to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals Kolkata for their treatment. Moreover, international patients receive full attention and assistance for their treatment and are provided with a hassle free experience.
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is the only hospital in Eastern India to hold the Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate.
- It is also the only hospital in Kolkata to hold the NABL accreditation in six different categories, which includes Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Hematology & Immunohematology, Microbiology & Serology, and Histopathology & Cytopathology.
- Furthermore, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is known for performing the first ever Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis Replacement in East India.
- City: Bengaluru, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1991, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is the flagship facility of the Manipal Hospitals Group, which is one of the largest networks of Multispecialty Private Hospitals in India.
- The facility is well-known for its state-of-the-art technology, performance-driven, patient-centric, and evidence-based approach.
- The facilities offered at Manipal Hospital meet the highest international standards, allowing the hospital to attract a large number of national and international patients.
- Their expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases in several specializations that address both simple as well as complex medical procedures.
- There are total 600 beds accessible in the hospital for the in-patients so they may heal while being closely watched after by the medical team. In addition, it has 144 critical care units, including NICUs, ICCUs, and ICUs. Apart from that, the hospital also offers 20 contemporary, modular state-of-the-art operating rooms with all the amenities needed.
- The hospital has several departments that are overseen by highly skilled, certified, and experienced medical experts.
- One of the best departments in the hospital is that of the Cancer department which is known for its advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities such as Intracavitary Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, HIPEC, PIPEC, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, etc.
- It is one of the few hospitals in Bangalore that provides full range of pediatric services, including pediatric emergency services, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopaedics, pediatric allergies, pediatric immunology, and infectious diseases.
- Furthermore, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is also regarded as one of the best hospitals for bone and spine related disorders.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2016, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai is one of Maharashtra’s most advanced multispecialty hospital. This 500-bed hospital provides sophisticated treatments and integrated super specialty services under one roof.
- The hospital features a cutting-edge infrastructure that houses 13 state-of-the-art operating rooms, advanced laboratory and medical diagnostics, and 120 ultra-modern I.C.U. beds, including N.I.C.U. and P.I.C.U., monitored round the clock by critical care specialists.
- With 57 specialties and subspecialties, the hospital boasts a team of renowned medical specialists who offer accurate diagnosis and treatment with easy accessibility to their patients.
- Additionally, the hospital offers highly customized, individualized health check programs that are made to fit each person’s needs in terms of lifestyle.
- Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai has been accredited by both the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has been awarded the “Best Practices-International Services Award” at the annual awards for service excellence and operations excellence.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of aggressive and deadly cancer. It occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs, also termed as the mesothelium.
Although treatment options are available for this condition, for many patients suffering from Mesothelioma, a cure is not possible. The average life expectancy for a patient after diagnosis is 12-21 months, though prognosis might improve with treatment.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of this condition generally depend on where this cancer occurs-
Pleural Mesothelioma: This type of Mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs, and can cause various signs and symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Painful coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps of tissue under your chest skin
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This type of Mesothelioma occurs in tissue in the abdomen, and can lead to signs and symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
Other forms:
Although other forms of Mesothelioma also exist, but signs and symptoms are generally unclear, since these forms of the disease are generally rare.
Causes & risk factors
The most common and main risk factor for mesothelioma is working with asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals containing thin microscopic fibers, which are resistant to heat, fire as well as chemicals, and do not conduct electricity. Due to this quality, they are generally used widely in the construction, automotive, and other industries.
In the manufacturing process for asbestos, the fibers are released into the air, and they might be inhaled and swallowed, which can lead to serious health problems. The majority of mesothelioma cases are linked with exposure to asbestos during work. There is also evidence to suggest that family members and anyone living with asbestos workers also have an increased risk of developing this condition. This risk is generally the result of the dust brought home on the clothing and hair.
In some cases, Mesothelioma has also been reported in individuals with no known exposure to asbestos. Some of the uncommon but possible causes include:
Zeolites- These types of minerals are related to asbestos chemically. Exposure to erionite, another one of these related minerals, is also believed to be responsible for high rates of mesothelioma rates in areas such as Turkey, where it is commonly found.
Radiation- According to The American Cancer Society, there have been a few published reports of Mesothelioma that developed after exposure to high doses of radiation to the abdomen or chest after injections of thorium dioxide or thorotrast. This material was used by doctors in chest X-rays in the 20th century.
Genetics- According to some experts, certain people are also genetically predisposed to mesothelioma. Rates of the disease can vary among populations.
SV40 virus- Some studies in laboratory animals have also raised the possibility that infection with the simian virus 40 can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
Physical exam
If you are having signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, then your doctor will be conducting a physical exam in order to check for any lumps or any such unusual signs.
Imaging scans
Your doctor will likely order imaging scans such as a chest X-ray and a computerized tomography scan of your abdomen or chest, in order to look for abnormalities.
Based on the findings, you might need to undergo further testing in order to determine whether mesothelioma or another disease is leading to the symptoms.
Biopsy
Biopsy, a procedure for removing a small portion of tissue, for laboratory examination, is the only way for determining whether you are having mesothelioma. Depending on the area of your body that is affected, your doctor will select the right biopsy procedure for you.
Additional tests
Once your mesothelioma has been confirmed, your doctor might need to recommend additional tests in order to understand whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or to any other areas in your body.
Tests can include:
- CT scans of your chest and abdomen
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Your doctor is going to determine which tests are appropriate for you. Then he/she is going to use the information from these tests to assign a stage to your cancer, which ranges from I to IV. The lower the number, the more it is likely to be localized to the area around the lungs, and the higher it is, the more likely it is that the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. Once your doctor is able to identify the cancer stage, he/she is going to select the treatments that are right for you.
Treatment
While deciding the treatment option for you, your doctor considers several factors such as your overall health, the stage, or your cancer as well as its location.
Unfortunately, this condition is generally aggressive, and for most people, a cure isn’t possible. It is also usually diagnosed at an advanced stage when removing the cancer is not possible, through an operation. Therefore, your doctor might work to control it.
Surgery
Surgery might sometimes be successful in curing cancer. However, most of the time, it is not possible to remove all of the cancer. In such cases, surgery can help to reduce the signs and symptoms caused by mesothelioma which is spreading in your body. Surgical options can be of various types.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using chemicals to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy is able to travel throughout the body and might help to shrink or slow the growth of a mesothelioma that is not removable through surgery. Chemotherapy can sometimes also be used before surgery to make the operation easier or in some cases, after surgery, for reducing the chance that cancer will return.
Chemotherapy drugs can also be heated and be directly administered into the abdominal cavity, in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy focuses high-energy beams from sources such as protons or X-rays to a specific spot or spots on the body. Radiation can also be used after surgery for killing any remaining cancer cells. It might help in reducing symptoms of advanced cancer as well, in situations where surgery is not an option.
Immunotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Complications
As your pleural mesothelioma continues to spread in the chest, it can put pressure on the structures in that area, leading to complications such as difficulty in breathing and swallowing, chest pain, pain caused by pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, and accumulation of fluid in the chest, which can compress the lung nearby and make breathing even more difficult.
Prevention
In order to prevent this condition, it is important to reduce your exposure to asbestos. Workers who might encounter asbestos fibers include:
- Asbestos miners
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Electricians
- Insulators
- Demolition workers
- Selected military personnel
- Shipyard workers
- Home remodelers
- Brake mechanics
If you are any of the above, then it is important to ask your employer, whether you have a risk of asbestos exposure on the job.
Remember to follow all safety precautions in your workplace, which includes wearing protective equipment. It is also best if you shower and change out of your work clothes before you are taking a lunch break or going home. You can talk to your doctor to ask if you need to take any further precautions.