Best Doctors in India for Neuroblastoma Treatment
- Stroke Specialist & Neurologist, Mumbai, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
- Gleneagles Global Hospital Parel Mumbai
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Shirish M Hastak is one of the best Stroke Specialists in India with a specialization in Neurology.
- Dr. Hastak underwent training in stroke management under world-renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Vladimir Hachinski at the Western University of Canada.
- He holds more than 30 years of experience as a neurologist among which he has spent 2 decades mastering stroke management.
- Neurologist, Chennai, India
- Over 33 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Arulselvan V L is one of the finest Neurologists in India, with an overall experience of nearly 33 years.
- Dr. Arulselvan was bestowed with an Excellence Award for aptitude in Anatomy in his academics.
- He takes a holistic approach to treating conditions like Myelitis, Encephalitis, Meningitis, Cerebral or Brain Aneurysm, PSR, PBC, Brain Tumor Surgery, and Sleep Disorders and performs different therapies.
- He has a periodical ‘JIAN’ under his name.
- Neurologist, Chennai, India
- Over 34 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Panneer A is one of the most renowned Neurologists in India with over 34 years of research and clinical experience in the field.
- Dr. Panneer A has great expertise in Migraine treatment and neurological disorders management.
Best Hospitals in India for Neuroblastoma 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.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that is caused by immature nerve cells that are found in different areas of the body. This condition commonly arises in and around the adrenal glands. However, it may also occur in other areas of the abdomen as well as in the chest, neck, and near the spine, where groups of nerve cells exist.
Commonly neuroblastoma affects children who are five years of age or younger, but it sometimes occurs in older children as well.
Certain forms of neuroblastoma disappear on their own, but others may require multiple treatments. Treatments generally depend on several factors.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma can vary depending on the part of the body being affected.
Neuroblastoma in the abdomen: The most common form of neuroblastoma is neuroblastoma in the abdomen, which can cause signs and symptoms such as-
- Abdominal Pain
- A mass under the skin which isn’t tender when touched
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
Neuroblastoma in the chest: This causes signs and symptoms such as –
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Changes to the eyes; this can include drooping eyelids and unequal pupil size
Other signs and symptoms that might indicate neuroblastoma include the following-
- Lumps of tissue under the skin
- Eyeballs that seem to protrude from the sockets
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dark circles, similar to bruises, around the eyes
- Back pain
- Bone pain
If your child is showing any signs and symptoms that you find worrisome, then you need to consider seeing your doctor.
Causes & risk factors
Cancer generally begins with a genetic mutation that allows normal and healthy cells to continue growing without responding to the signals to stop, which normal cells do. Cancer cells continue to grow, eventually multiplying out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells eventually end up forming a mass or a tumor.
Neuroblastoma begins in neuroblasts, which are immature nerve cells that form on a fetus as part of its development process. As the fetus matures, neuroblasts turn into nerve cells and fibers as well as the cells making up the adrenal glands. Most neuroblasts mature by birth, but sometimes a small number of immature neuroblasts are found in newborns. In most cases, these neuroblasts mature or eventually disappear within some time. Others, however, form a tumor, which is termed neuroblastoma.
The initial genetic mutation that leads to neuroblastoma is still unknown.
Several lifestyle factors like body weight, physical activity, diet, and tobacco use are known to play a major role in several types of cancers. These factors, however, take many years to influence cancer risk, and therefore, they are not considered to play much of a role in childhood cancers, like neuroblastomas.
There are also no environmental factors are known to increase the chance of getting neuroblastoma.
Children who have the familial form of neuroblastoma, usually come from families having one or more members who have had neuroblastoma as infants.
Children having familial neuroblastoma can sometimes develop two or more of these cancers in different organs. For example, they can develop it in both adrenal glands or in more than one sympathetic ganglion.
According to certain studies, children with birth defects might have an increased risk of developing neuroblastoma. It is possible that some of the links between birth defects and neuroblastoma might be related to changes in genes that happen during fetal development.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, your doctor might use the following tests and procedures-
Physical Exam
Your child’s doctor will most likely conduct a physical exam for checking any signs or symptoms. You will also be asked questions about your child’s habits and behaviors.
Urine and Blood Tests
These can help to indicate the cause of any signs or symptoms that your child is experiencing.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests such as CT scan, X-RAY, MRI, or MIBG scan can help to reveal a mass which can indicate a tumor.
Biopsy
If a mass is found, your child’s doctor is likely going to remove a sample of the tissue for laboratory testing. This is known as a biopsy.
Removing a sample of bone marrow for testing
Your child might also need to undergo bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow aspiration procedures, as this can help to see if the cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
Once the neuroblastoma has been diagnosed, your doctor might need to do further testing to determine the extent of the cancer and to see how far it has spread.
The stages are indicated from O to IV. The lower the stage is, the less severe the cancer is. By stage IV, the cancer is considered to be advanced and have spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment
Your child’s doctor is going to select the treatment plan based on several factors. Factors can include the age of your child, the stage of your cancer, the type of cells involved in the cancer, and whether there are any abnormalities in the chromosomes and genes.
Treatment options can include any of the following:
Surgery
Surgery involves surgeons removing cancer cells surgically, with the help of scalpels and other tools. In children with low-risk neuroblastoma, surgery to remove the tumor is usually the only treatment needed.
Whether your doctor can remove the tumor completely, depends on the location and size of the tumor. Tumors that are attached to nearby vital organs, like the lungs or the spinal cord, might be too risky to remove.
If the neuroblastoma is intermediate or severe, surgeons generally try to remove as much of the tumor surgically, after which other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation might be used to kill the other remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
This treatment involves using chemicals to destroy cancer cells. Unfortunately, this treatment also damages healthy cells, which can include the cells in the hair follicles and in the gastrointestinal system, which can cause side effects.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, in order to destroy cancer cells. Children with low-risk or intermediate-risk neuroblastoma might go for this treatment. It is generally considered if surgery and chemotherapy are unsuccessful. Children having severe neuroblastoma might also need radiation therapy after chemotherapy and surgery to prevent the cancer from occurring again.
However, it is important to note that though radiation therapy affects the area where it is aimed, some healthy cells may be damaged by the radiation as well.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs that work by signaling your body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
BMT
Children suffering from severe neuroblastoma might need to receive a transplant using stem cells collected from bone marrow
Before BMT, which is also known as stem cell transplant, the child will need to undergo a procedure that filters and collects stem cells from his/her blood. The stem cells are stored for later use. Then high doses of chemotherapy are administered to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body. The child’s stem cells are then injected into your body, where they are now able to form new, healthy blood cells.
Complications
Neuroblastoma can lead to the following complications:
Spread of cancer – Neuroblastoma can spread or metastasize to different parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, bone marrow, skin, and bones.
Spinal Cord Compression – Tumors can grow and press on the spinal cord, which can cause spinal cord compression, which may further lead to pain or even paralysis.