Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. As we already know the pancreas is one of the most vital glands in our body and is highly essential for normal functioning, pancreatic cancer can be life-threatening. In India, it is the 11th most prevalent form of cancer; the incidence of carcinoma in the pancreas in India is 0.5–2.4 per 1,00,000 men and 0.2–1.8 per 1,00,000 women.
However, due to the rapid advancement in medical science and technology, cancer treatment in India has reached new heights. There are many skilled oncologists in India who have limited pancreas cancer and its symptoms, thus helping many people live longer. Cancer patients from around the world also travel to India to avail the of pancreatic cancer treatment with the best possible outcome.
Let's take a look at the various treatment procedures you can avail in India.
What are the types of treatment available for pancreatic cancer in India?
Your pancreatic cancer treatment totally depends on the stage of your cancer and other factors. Beyond stage 1, the pancreatic tumor transforms into metastatic pancreatic cancer and spreads to the nearby lymph nodes in stage 2. Further, in stage 3 pancreatic cancer, the tumor also spreads to the regional arteries along with the lymph nodes and in stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the tumor spreads to other body parts like lungs and liver.
Given below in detail are all the options you have for pancreatic cancer prognosis in India
| Treatment | Things to know |
| Pancreatic cancer surgery for tumors in the pancreatic head (Whipple Procedure) |
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| Pancreas surgery for tumors in the pancreatic tail and body (Distal Pancreatectomy) |
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| Radiation therapy |
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| Chemotherapy |
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| Chemoradiation |
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| Targeted Therapy |
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| Total pancreatectomy |
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Confused with the ample hospital options you have in hand? We have listed down the best hospitals for you to receive the best possible treatment.
What are the best Pancreatic cancer treatment hospitals in India?
India has a plethora of reputed cancer care facilities. These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide the best care to patients worldwide. Even though pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at a much later stage, these hospitals have successfully treated thousands of patients and restored their faith in life.
Given below is the list of the best hospitals in major cities of India:
City | Pancreatic Cancer Hospitals |
| Mumbai |
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| Delhi |
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| Bangalore |
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| Chennai |
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If you need more information about pancreatic hospitals Enquire Here to find more about the best oncologists in Delhi.
India is filled with world-renowned cancer specialists. The doctors we have listed will support and guide you in every step you take towards defeating pancreatic cancer.
Who are the best pancreatic cancer specialists in India?
India has many leading pancreatic cancer specialists and surgeons with years of experience in the field of oncology. Their proficiency and expertise have led to timely pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment for countless patients worldwide. Following is the list of most reputed and experienced pancreatic cancer specialists in India so you can select the best for your treatment.
| City | Pancreatic Cancer Specialists |
| Mumbai |
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| Delhi |
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| Bangalore |
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| Chennai |
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If you believe in the healing powers of alternative medicines, see the list below to undergo the best Ayurvedic treatment for cancer.
Is there Ayurvedic treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing systems in the world. Having originated in India, there is no other place better than this country to undergo Ayurvedic treatment for pancreatic cancer. There are many Ayurvedic cancer hospitals in India that focus on alternative therapies and processes to excrete toxins from the whole body. These hospitals are equipped with all medical requirements to provide cancer patients with the best possible treatment. Moreover, they are exceptionally skilled at employing various methods of rejuvenation and restoration functions of the body using alternative medicines. The top 3 Ayurvedic hospitals for treating pancreatic cancer are:
| City | Hospital |
| Pune | Rasayu Cancer Clinic |
| Mumbai | Sino Vedic Cancer Research Centre |
| Haridwar | Patanjali Yogpeeth |
Don't worry about the cost when you chose India as your cancer care destination. From consultation and treatment to food and accommodation, everything is affordable in India.
What is the pancreatic cancer treatment cost in India?
Cancer treatment can be very heavy on the pockets. However, the cost of cancer treatment in India is very affordable. The country is at par medically with all developed nations of the world and offers the best possible treatment for all patients. At the same time, pancreatic cancer treatment costs are inexpensive when compared to the most developed nations of the world.
Pancreatic cancer treatment cost in India ranges from INR 5,25,000 to INR 7,35,000 (USD 6728 - USD 9420). Given below is a breakdown of costs on the basis of the different types of treatment available.
| Treatment | Costs |
| Chemotherapy | Starting from INR 22,000/session (USD 281) |
| Whipple Procedure | Starting from INR 5,57,000 (USD 7134) |
| Distal Pancreatectomy | Starting from INR 3,00,000 (USD 3842) |
| Total Pancreatectomy | Starting from INR 3,71,000 (USD 4752) |
| Radiation Therapy | Starting from INR 2,22,000 (USD 2843) |
What are the factors affecting the cost of cancer treatment in India?
The reason behind the stark difference between cancer treatment cost in India and other developed countries are:
- Currency: Indian currency has very less value if compared to USD, pound, euros, etc. This makes doctor’s consultation, treatment and cancer surgery costs in India very effective.
- Standard of Living: India’s standard of living is lower than the USA, UK, etc. Hence, facilities like transportation, transport, accommodation, medical treatment and food are affordable.
- Competition: There are many world renowned hospitals in India. Since patients have so many options to choose from, hospitals in India offer treatment at competitive prices.
- Hospitals: Government hospitals in India offer cancer treatment for free or at subsidized rates. This is one of the primary reasons behind the stark cost difference between India and other nations.
- Doctors: India has highly skilled and qualified oncologists who have successfully treated many patients while charging very less consultation fees. This is another significant reason contributing to the overall costs of pancreatic cancer treatment in India.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer does not have prominent signs and symptoms; when you get symptoms, they are often vague or you may even not notice them. This makes it difficult to diagnose cancer at an early stage. Some of the common symptoms are listed below:
- Problems in digestion
- Extensive pain in the upper abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Change in stool
- Jaundice
- weight loss
- Swollen gallbladder
- Blood clots
- Diabetes
Prevention is always better than cure. Look out for the risk factors and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What are the risk factors associated with the development of pancreatic cancer?
Now let us discuss the risk factors of pancreatic cancer that are common among most patients:
- Smoking is one of the major causes of cancer.
- Risk of pancreatic cancer is increased if you have a of Stomach ulcer, Diabetes etc.
- Alcohol is also one of the vital causes for pancreatic cancer.
- Chronic pancreatitis.
- Obesity.
- Genetical reasons: if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer then chances are there that you can also get the disease.
How can you prevent pancreatic cancer?
There are no established rules for preventing pancreatic cancer, however it is advisable to quit smoking because cigarettes are one of the major causes of pancreatic cancer.
Have a healthy weight, exercise regularly and increase the intake of fruits, vegetables and plenty of whole grains.
Consume foods that are rich in vitamin B because they reduce the risk of cancer.
Now that you know all the details about pancreatic cancer treatment in India, let us look at the types of pancreatic cancer for which you can get treated in India.
TYPES OF PANCREATIC CANCER TREATMENT IN INDIA | |
| Exocrine (Nonendocrine) Pancreatic Cancer - They develop from exocrine cells that make up the ducts and exocrine gland of the pancreas. The following are its 4 types: | |
| Also called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, it develops from the cells that create pancreatic enzymes and occurs in the lining of the ducts in the pancreas.
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2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma | This extremely rare form of pancreatic carcinoma forms in the pancreatic ducts.
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3. Adenosquamous Carcinoma
| This aggressive form of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor shows characteristics of both ductal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
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4. Colloid Carcinoma
| Colloid carcinomas most often develop in the head of the pancreas. It tends to develop from a type of benign cyst called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). |
| Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer - Also called islet cell tumours, they develop from cells in the endocrine gland of the pancreas. | |
| Benign Precancerous Lesions - Formation of cysts and benign tumours in the pancreas which can be precursors to pancreatic cancer. | |
FAQs
What is the survival rate of pancreatic cancer?
If the cancer is detected at an early stage and surgical removal of the tumor is possible, the 5-year survival rate is around 42%. However, if cancer has spread to surrounding organs or tissues, the 5-year survival rate is 14%. And if pancreatic cancer is diagnosed after cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate goes down to 3%.
How long does it take for pancreatic cancer to go from Stage 1 to Stage 4?
When cancer forms in the pancreas and shifts to other parts of the body like the lung, liver or stomach, doctors classify it as stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is very difficult to detect in its early stages as there are very few symptoms and current imaging techniques are not specific for cancer. Likewise, the progression of cancer is also very slow. However, once diagnosed in the later stages, the progression of the cancer cells is very rapid.
What are the symptoms of the last stages of pancreatic cancer?
The symptoms in the last stages of pancreatic cancer are:
- Pain in the back or abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Change in colour of stool
- Dark colored urine
- Abdominal bloating
- Changes in breathing
- Agitation and anxiety
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Change in skin colour to plain yellow
- Restlessness
- Withdrawing and/or speaking less frequently
