According to the World Cancer Research Fund International statistics, over 3 lakhs of women suffered from ovarian cancer in 2022; most incidents were reported in Europe, Polynesia, North America, and Southeast Asia. The situation looks even graver if we include the cases of other types of gynecological cancers. India is one of the most sought-after destinations for cancer care. In the case of gynecological cancer treatment, gynecologists and oncologists join hands to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment options to their patients.
Today, we will look at the best gynecology hospitals in India for cancer treatments and all you need to know about them.
What is gynecological cancer?
Any cancerous growth within the female reproductive system can be termed gynecological cancer. The different types of gynecological cancer include:
Cervical cancer
- The cancerous growth of cells and tissues begins in the lower part of the uterus (cervix).
- The most common cause of this type of gynecological cancer is chronic HPV and other infections in the region.
- Common symptoms are post-intercourse vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, and regular pain in the pelvic region.
Ovarian cancer
- The ovary is the organ in the female reproductive system that produces fertile eggs and female hormones. Cancer in ovarian tissues may disrupt ovulation and hormonal balance.
- Common symptoms are abdominal pain, difficulties in bowel movements or bladder habits, and unusual bloating.
- According to the best gynecology hospitals in India and other countries, ovarian cancers can be hard to detect. People often ignore symptoms, attribute them to minor health conditions, and delay consultations with their gynecologists.
Endometrial cancer
- This is one of the common gynecological cancers and begins in tissues of the uterine lining (endometrium) or muscle tissues around the uterus.
- Common symptoms are vaginal bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, painful intercourse, and pain sensation during urination.
Vaginal cancer
- This type of cancer occurs inside the muscular canal that connects the female genitalia or vulva with the cervix.
- The common symptoms are painful intercourse, unusual vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge.
Vulvar cancer
- This type of gynecological cancer occurs in the exterior part of the vulva or the female genitalia, and the pace of growth is slow.
- As it occurs on the exterior part, early detection is possible and can be treated successfully.
- The typical symptom is a persistent itching sensation around the vulva, visible lumps in the genitalia, and pain.
Fallopian tube cancer
- A fallopian tube in the female reproductive system connects the ovary with the uterus. Early detection of cancerous growth in the tube can be difficult, as symptoms can be easily mistaken for minor health conditions.
- The common symptoms include bloating, abdominal swelling, and pelvic pain.
Cancer treatments in the best gynecological hospitals in India
Some of the most advanced and innovative cancer treatments performed in the top 10 gynecology hospitals in India are:
- Robotic surgeries
- Cytoreductive surgery
- External beam radiation therapy
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- Multidisciplinary cancer treatments
Robotic surgeries allow for precision-based incision and removal of cancerous cells and tissues. As a result, patients enjoy faster recovery and limited post-surgery complications. The best gynecology hospitals in India use the most advanced Da Vinci robotic surgery system.
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is becoming popular for the removal of tumors and the treatment of ovarian and uterine cancers, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. Often, the best gynecology hospitals in India perform CRS in combination with HIPEC chemotherapy for the complete removal of cancerous cells and tissues.
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a noninvasive radiation therapy that uses linear accelerators and delivers radiation beams from different angles along the contour of a malignant tumor. Some more advanced EBRTs are Tomotherapy, 3-D conformal radiation, and EBRT using intensity-modulated radiation.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) involves generating a three-dimensional model of a malignant tumor along with tissues around the tumor and shaping the radiation beam per the 3D imagery. It allows precision control over the radiation therapy. So, IMRT allows minimal side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy, faster recovery, and fewer chances of recurrence. The best gynecology hospitals in India make advanced cancer-care options like IMRT accessible to medical tourists at competitive costs.
Multidisciplinary cancer treatments leverage the latest innovations in surgery, precision medicine, and immunotherapy to arrest cancer growth and prevent further cancer relapse in the affected region. Advanced cancer care infrastructure at any of the best gynecology hospitals in India helps conduct multidisciplinary treatments involving genetics, hormonal therapy, and immunological interventions.
Bottomline
Early detection and access to advanced cancer care technologies are critical for gynecological cancer treatments. The best gynecology hospitals in India and elsewhere suggest regular pelvic examinations, Papanicolaou tests, and vaccination to counter gynecological cancer risks. Advancements in cancer-care research, the availability of the best gynecologists in India and the growth of top-notch hospitals that provide dedicated treatment at affordable rates is propelling India to a leading position as a medical tourism destination for gynecological cancer treatment.