Lung Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Lung cancer is a type of cancer in which there is the occurrence of abnormal growths in the lungs. In most cases, the lung tumors are malignant, i.e. they spread throughout the body by destroying the healthy tissues around them. Due to this reason, lung cancer is a very life-threatening type of cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. It is therefore advisable to visit a well-equipped hospital for the best and most comprehensive cancer treatment in Whitefield in order to tackle this disease efficiently.

What are the common signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

Lung cancer does not present itself with any symptoms till it has spread to a fairly large extent. However, some of the most common symptoms which can be considered as red flags for lung cancer are: It is strongly recommended to consult the

• A persistent, worsening cough, which may be accompanied by coughing up blood or sputum (Haemoptysis)
• Wheezing
• Persistent chest pain aggravated by deep breathing, coughing or laughing
• Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Difficulty in breathing and/or shortness of breath
• Feeling tired
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Yellow coloration of eyes and skin in case the liver is infected
• Pain in the backbone, thigh bones (femur), pelvic region and ribs
• A headache, weakness, numbness of limbs, problems with vision etc.
• In some cases, it can cause Horner Syndrome, characterized by drooping of one eyelid and reduced sweating on one side of the face

What are the types of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer can be characterized into two types, based on the type of cells that constitute cancer. They are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (SCLC)

SCLC occurs in about one-fifth of the cases of lung cancer and is the most aggressive of all the lung cancers. Often, by the time it is discovered, it would be in its advanced stages. At this stage, chemotherapy is likely to be more effective.

In Limited-stage SCLC, the cancer cells are found in one lung and may be found in the tissues between the lungs and in nearby lymph nodes. If cancer is found in the other lung, in the lymph nodes of the other lung, or other parts of the body, it is called Extensive-stage SCLC.  

Risk Factors and Causes:

The risk factors for SCLC are as follows:

• Smoking: An overwhelming majority of the fatalities due to lung cancer occur due to smoking. Even second-hand smoke can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Air Pollution: Continuous, long-term exposure to polluted air emitted from automobiles, factories etc. increases the risk of lung cancer slightly.
• Exposure to asbestos: People who work in mines, mills, textile plants, shipyards etc are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis and therefore are at a greater risk of developing a type of cancer known as Mesothelioma, which starts in the inner lining of the chest cavity.
• Exposure to Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium in the soil and rocks break down. This invisible, tasteless and odorless gas exposes the lungs too small amounts of radiation and increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Exposure to carcinogens: Substances like arsenic, chromium, nickel, diesel exhaust etc are potentially cancer-causing agents.
• Personal or family history: A person who has already had lung cancer is at very high risk of developing another lung cancer.

NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC):

NSCLC is the most common lung cancers and is of several types based on the type of cells found in a tumor.

• Adenocarcinoma: This cancer usually originates in the cells that secrete substances like mucus. It is more common in women than men.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: These start in the flat cells lining the insides of the airways in the lungs.
• Large cell carcinoma: They can appear in any part of the lung and spread quickly, making it harder to treat.

DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER:

The doctor assesses the medical history and condition of the patient by enquiring about the patient's symptoms, medical and personal history, lifestyle etc. It is strongly recommended to consult the top oncology doctors in Whitefield for accurate diagnosis in the earlier stages of the condition.

Chest X-ray: This procedure is carried out to detect the causes of any respiratory symptoms.

Scanning and Imaging: CT scan (Computerized Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can be performed to determine the stage of cancer and also the extent of its spread.

PET (Proton Emission Tomography): This is used to find out if there is an active tumor tissue growth.

Sputum Testing: This is a simple test in which the cells in the sputum are examined to check if they are cancerous.

Bronchoscopy: The airways are examined through a thin, fiber-optic cable inserted through the nose or mouth to reveal the areas affected by a tumour.

Thoracentesis: A sample of the fluid is removed from the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs to assess the staging and diagnosis of this disease.

Thoracotomy: It is a surgical procedure in which the chest is opened and the tumour is removed and examined.

Mediastinoscopy: An endoscopic procedure which involves examining the chest cavity between the lungs through a surgically inserted probe to collect the sample of lymph nodes in order to detect the presence of cancer cells.

Surgical procedures are performed by the excellent cancer surgeons in Whitefield who are experts and have a great deal of experience in performing such complex operations.

What are the treatments for lung cancer?

Our oncology doctors are known for their lung cancer treatment in Whitefield. Some of the treatment options are:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy

The patient may receive a single method of treatment of a combination of treatments.

• Wedge Resection: A tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue are removed.
• Lobectomy: In this operation, a single lobe of the lung is removed.
• Pneumonectomy: Here, the surgeon removes the entire lung.
• Sleeve Resection: In this procedure, the diseased section of a large airway is removed, and the healthy ends are reattached.
• Radiation therapy: It is a local treatment that uses high energy rays to kill or reduce the cancer cells.
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): It is directed at cancer's location from a machine outside your body.
• Brachytherapy: This method is used to help remove blockages of the large airways by cancer.
• Chemotherapy: This is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by either killing them or blocking the division
• Targeted therapies: These are advanced cancer treatments that focus on specific genetic anomalies of cancer cells.

In any kind of cancer, the first and the most important step is to visit a qualified doctor as early as possible. Cancers are most treatable in their early stages. Therefore, consult the best oncologist in Whitefield for an accurate diagnosis and world-class treatment options.

Important Factors To Know About Kidney Transplantation Surgery

Kidney Transplant

The kidneys are a pair of organs located on either side of the body which help in eliminating wastes and excess fluids from the body in the form of urine and balancing the amount of acids, salts, and potassium in the body. They form a vital component of the body's urinary and endocrine systems and their proper functioning is essential in helping a person lead a good quality of life. Therefore, when, due to various factors, the kidney is damaged beyond repair, a kidney transplant becomes imminent.

Kidney Transplant Surgery is a treatment of the final resort, a medical procedure in which the defective kidney is replaced by a healthy kidney taken from either a living or deceased donor. It is performed in case of ailments like chronic kidney failure and is also preferred by the people as opposed to spending the remainder of a person's life being repeatedly hooked to a dialysis machine. In a kidney transplant surgery, the healthy kidney is transplanted or inserted into the recipient's body by connecting the artery and the vein of the donor's kidney to those of the recipient and connecting the recipient's bladder to the ureter of the donor kidney.

1. What are the criteria for kidney transplant eligibility?

This procedure is resorted to if the patient is suffering from chronic kidney failure wherein the person's kidney is irreversibly damaged. This can happen due to many reasons such as advanced stages of type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, debilitating effects of some over-the-counter medications, inherited diseases like polycystic kidney disease, amongst others. So far as the donor is concerned, he/she should be healthy enough with no major health issues like diabetes. Apart from these, there should obviously be a match between the donor and the recipient.

2. How a kidney transplant surgery performed and what are the steps involved in it?

At the outset, certain tests are performed with respect to the blood, heart, breathing and even urine in order to assess the compatibility of blood and tissue. This is also done to check for the presence of harmful viruses like the HIV.

Next, the transplant team briefs the patient and his/her family with regard to the procedure and the precautions to be taken. The feasibility, advantages, possible complications and potential risks of the surgery are also laid out in front of the patient and his/her family. After the surgery, a qualified nephrologist physically examines the patient. Sometimes, the transplant team might also include a dietitian who advises the patient regarding the nutritional care both before and after the transplant.

After the operation, the patient is required to stay in the hospital for some days to recover. During this time, he/she might be given immunosuppressants to blunt the effect of the body's immune system which might sometimes attack the donor kidney deeming it to be a foreign body. The patient is advised about the quantity of intake and duration of the medication. There might be certain side-effects including weight gain, compromised immune system and many more.

3. What is the success rate of kidney transplantation?

Whether or not a kidney transplant surgery was successful depends not just on a successful surgery; the reaction and acceptance of the recipient's body with regard to the new organ and its functioning is just as important. Having said that, it must be noted that in dire circumstances where the kidneys are severely damaged beyond repair, a transplant is the only long-term viable option left.

A transplanted kidney has a success rate of about 96% in case of deceased owner transplants within a year of the surgery and about 79% at five years after the transplant. In case of living donor transplant, the success rate is about 97% at one year and 86% at five years after the transplantation.

4. How is the quality of life after a kidney transplant?

Notwithstanding the above statistics, a kidney transplantation is undoubtedly a better option than dialysis. It offers a chance at leading a better quality of life, provided of course, that the recipient follows certain precautions recommended by the doctor for the rest of his/her life.

5. Can people consume alcohol after kidney transplant?

It is recommended to totally avoid drinking alcohol after such a major operation, as it increases the blood pressure and results in weight gain, both of which further stresses the kidneys and the body.

6. Is smoking weed dangerous or better for kidney transplant patients?

There hasn't been any conclusive evidence to show that weed is beneficial or harmful for transplant patients. But, since the body's immune system is particularly weakened after a transplant thanks to all the immunosuppressants, it is advised to desist from any kind of smoking.

If you have any queries or need any help, please contact us for Kidney Transplantation Surgery and Organ Donation.

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Open Heart & Bypass Surgery Treatment in Whitefield

Cardiovascular diseases, the class of diseases which affect the heart and its vessels, are one of the leading causes of death in India and the world. Many studies have also shown that Indians are generally more susceptible to heart ailments compared to the people in other parts of the world. Therefore, it is only prudent that we know about the different treatments available for various heart diseases and other conditions. Manipal Hospitals is an acknowledged leader in providing high-quality health care services and is, in fact, one of the best cardiology hospitals in Whitefield. Its emphasis on a patient-centric approach and clinical excellence, Manipal Hospitals Whitefield aims to make health care services affordable to the masses without compromising on the quality.

An open heart surgery is a traditional type of surgery where the chest is cut open in order to perform a surgery on the valves, muscles and the arteries. In this operation, the person is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine to ensure the blood flow remains normal while the surgery is taking place.

An open heart surgery may be needed for the following reasons:

• Repair or replace the heart valves which facilitate proper blood flow through the heart
• To repair the damaged and defective regions of the heart
• To insert devices like a pacemaker which enable a proper heartbeat
• Replace the damaged heart from a healthy donor

Steps involved in a heart surgery:

• General anesthesia is administered to the patient before the start of the operation
• An incision 8 to 10 inches wide is made in the chest and the breastbone is cut in order to expose the heart.
• The patient is then connected to a heart-lung bypass machine which diverts the blood away from the heart during the surgery.
• The blocked artery is bypassed with a healthy vein or artery.
• The breastbone is closed with a wire and the original cut in the chest is stitched up.

The experienced and qualified cardiologists at Manipal Hospitals Whitefield are skilled in performing such complicated procedures and adhere to internationally-accepted standards by following all the steps with great attention to detail, making us one of the best heart hospitals in Whitefield.

Risks of Open Heart Surgery

Even though this operation is performed with the utmost care, there are several risks involved in this surgery, including:

• Heart attack
• Lung and kidneys malfunction
• Infection and pain in the chest
• Loss of memory
• Difficulty in breathing
• Blood loss

A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery is the most common type of open-heart surgery. It is performed when one or more of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are partially or completely blocked.

There are two types of Coronary Bypass Surgeries:

Surgery treatment:

On-Pump Open Heart Surgery: In this, the patient is on a ventilator and under the influence of general anesthesia during the surgery. In this process, the heart is stopped with the help of a potassium solution and so the blood circulation is performed by a heart-lung machine. Grafts are used to reroute the blood around the blockage or to replace the blocked vessel. After the procedure, the heart is started again. The benefits of this process are that it is quicker since there is no heartbeat to contend with, and is suitable for unstable patients. But, it requires a longer stay in the hospital and has an increased risk of stroke.

Off-Pump Open Heart Surgery: This process resembles that of on-pump surgery, except that the blood flow is maintained by the heart even during the surgery. Instead of a heart-lung machine, surgical instruments are used to hold the area being grafted still. This process is slower since the heart is functioning during the procedure, but there is also a reduced risk of stroke, reduced hospital stay and is less expensive.

Recovery After Open Heart Surgery

After the surgery, the patient is kept in the ICU for a few days, following which he/she is made to rest in the hospital for about 6 weeks. The area where the incisions are made is regularly inspected for signs of infection. The patient is advised to get sufficient rest and sleep after the surgery. Other precautions include avoiding coffee in the evenings, taking pain medications etc. to aid proper sleep.

Though risky, the open heart surgery success rate is quite high and the mortality rate is very low, that is, only about 2-3 percent of the people who've undergone this process die as a result of the operation. The mortality rate and the risk of complications are proportional to the severity of heart disease.

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Orthopaedic Treatment: Knee, Hip & Joint Replacement

Orthopaedic Treatment

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which the diseased or damaged parts of a joint are removed and replaced with an artificial device, typically made of metal, plastic or ceramic. This artificial component is called a prosthesis and is designed to replicate the natural joint movements of the body as closely as possible. The most common joint replacements are performed in the knees and hips. The objective of joint replacement surgery is to provide relief from the severe pain, enable a smooth movement of the joints and improve walking and other activities of a person. Manipal Hospital is a premier Orthopaedic Hospital in Whitefield which is staffed with the best orthopaedicians and joint specialists who are adequately trained and qualified to perform various joint replacement surgeries flawlessly and in the most effective way.

The hip joint is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body located between the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis. It is a ball and socket joint. The joint surface is covered with a cartilage layer, which enables smooth movements of the joint. A number of diseases and conditions can cause damage to the cartilage. Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. This is performed to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits the daily activities of a person. Manipal Hospital is equipped with a highly qualified and skilled team orthopaedicians and a joint replacement who are experienced in handling this procedure with ease. Manipal Hospital is a highly preferred hospital for Hip Replacement Surgery in Whitefield thanks to the expertise of its surgeons as well as the latest technologies and practices employed there for providing the best-in-class care and treatment to its patients.

The knee is made up of the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). The meniscus, which is the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia serves as a cushion and helps absorb the shock during motion. As in the case of all joint surgeries, knee replacement is performed if a person is suffering from severe arthritis or knee injury. The main types of arthritis are; osteoarthritis, which mainly affects people who are elderly or in their old-age, inflammatory arthritis, which predominantly affects the middle-aged and younger population and Gouty arthritis. Manipal Hospital is a famous quaternary care center renowned for its effective Knee Replacement Surgery in Whitefield locality of Bangalore.

With the aim of providing quality healthcare services to the residents of Whitefield and surrounding localities, Manipal Hospital has emerged as one of the most reputed centers for joint replacement surgery in Whitefield. We emphasize both preventive and curative treatment options to provide the most effective solution for all the health care problems of our patients.

If you have any doubt regarding orthopaedic treatment, please contact 080-2502 7000 or book an online appointment with experienced orthopaedician or orthopaedic surgeons.

Best Multi-Specialty Hospital in Whitefield, Bangalore

Why Manipal Hospitals?

Manipal Hospitals is one of the best and multi-specialty hospital in Whitefield, Bangalore. And it is well known for its prompt healthcare treatment and as well as delivering individualized attention to our patients. Our hospital is continuously upgrading primary healthcare services which assure comprehensive treatment for each patient. Presently we have 55+ specialties and 2000+ expert doctors and surgeons and also we offering high-quality health care specialties at affordable costs.

Best Hospital & Healthcare Services

At Manipal Hospital, we share the common dream of giving you the comprehensive healthcare services. Our specialized health services have been designed to deliver the care, comfort and that is best suited to your needs. Our specialized doctors and surgeons have expertise in providing best treatment to the patients with specialties such as general medicine, cancer care, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, spine surgery, neurology, urology, orthopaedics, plastic and cosmetic surgery and other preventive and curative healthcare solutions.

Advantages of Manipal Hospitals

• 60+ Years of Excellence
• 75+ Lakh Lives Touched
• 2000+ Expert Doctors
• 55+ Specialities
• Health Checkup Packages

If you have any doubt on healthcare treatment, please feel free to call on toll-free +91-802 2221 111, our executives are always happy to assist you with more information.

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