Gastric Cancer Specialist in Ahmedabad

Gastric cancer, commonly known as stomach cancer, is a formidable health challenge faced by many worldwide. In Ahmedabad, a city equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, there are numerous specialists dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and researching this disease. These specialists, with their profound expertise and relentless dedication, have made significant strides in improving the survival and quality of life of patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. This document aims to introduce and highlight these exemplary professionals in the field of gastric cancer treatment in Ahmedabad.

What is Gastric cancer?

Gastric cancer, often referred to as stomach cancer, is a type of malignancy that begins in the stomach lining. It's primarily characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells that can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the epithelial cells, producing mucus and other substances.

Symptoms often include discomfort or pain in the stomach, nausea, appetite loss, and weight loss. Risk factors for developing gastric cancer include age, diet, stomach conditions like gastritis, and certain genetic conditions. Despite being a significant global health issue, advancements in medical science offer hope for successful treatment and management. That's where gastric cancer specialists come in, and Dr. Viraj Lavingia is one of the leading names in this field.

How do I find a reputable Gastric cancer specialist in Ahmedabad?

Finding a reputable gastric cancer doctor in Ahmedabad can be overwhelming, given the number of options available. However, there are some key factors to consider while searching for the right specialist for you or your loved one.

Referrals: Ask for recommendations from your primary care physician, family, and friends who may have had experience with gastric cancer treatment in Ahmedabad.
Credentials and experience: Research the specialist's credentials, including their educational background, training, certifications, and years of experience in treating gastric cancer.
Specializations: Look for specialists who have expertise in treating specific types or stages of gastric cancer.
Hospital affiliation: Consider specialists who are affiliated with reputable hospitals or medical centers known for providing comprehensive and advanced care for gastric cancer patients.
Reviews and ratings: Check online reviews and ratings of the specialist to get an idea of their reputation and patient satisfaction rates.

Based on these factors, Dr. Viraj Lavingia stands out as a highly qualified and experienced gastric cancer specialist in Ahmedabad.

When choosing a gastric cancer specialist, there are several crucial factors to consider:

Expertise and Experience: Evaluating the specialist's expertise and years of experience in treating gastric cancer is critical.
Treatment Approach: Understand the treatment methods the specialist employs. It can include surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these.
Communication Style: Choose a specialist you're comfortable talking to and who supports your need for information. They should be able to clearly explain your condition's treatment options and answer any questions you might have.
Patient Reviews: Patient reviews can provide insights into how a doctor practices medicine, as well as how their medical practice is operated.
Hospital Quality: Consider the quality of care at the hospital where the specialist treats patients. Hospital quality matters because patients at top-rated hospitals have fewer complications and better survival rates.
Insurance Coverage: It's practical to choose a specialist who participates in your health insurance plan to minimize the out-of-pocket cost of your cancer treatment.

Considering all these factors, Dr. Viraj Lavingia has proficiency in various treatment methods, years of experience, a patient-first approach, positive patient reviews, affiliation with top-rated hospitals, and acceptance of various insurance plans, making him an ideal choice for gastric cancer treatment.

Why should I see a Gastric cancer specialist in Ahmedabad?

Gastric cancer is a complex disease that requires specialized care from trained professionals. Dr. Viraj Lavingia's clinic in Ahmedabad offers state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, enabling accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans for gastric cancer patients.

Choosing to see a gastric cancer specialist in Ahmedabad offers numerous benefits, including:

Expertise and Specialized Knowledge: Gastric cancer specialists have extensive training and experience in treating this type of cancer, making them the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals to manage your condition.
Advanced Treatment Options: Specialists are equipped with the latest technology, techniques, and resources to provide comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer patients.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Gastric cancer specialists often work in a team with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nutritionists, to develop an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Better Outcomes: Studies have shown that patients treated by specialists have better outcomes and survival rates compared to those who receive treatment from non-specialized doctors.
Emotional Support: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be challenging, and gastric cancer specialists are trained to offer emotional support and counseling throughout your treatment journey.

What treatment options are available for Gastric cancer in Ahmedabad?

Gastric cancer treatment in Ahmedabad encompasses various methods tailored to the patient's specific condition and needs. Dr. Viraj Lavingia, a renowned gastric cancer specialist in the city, provides several treatment options, including:

Surgery: This is often the main treatment for early-stage gastric cancer. It involves removing the part of the stomach with the cancerous cells, along with some healthy tissue around it.
Chemotherapy: This approach encompasses the utilization of medicinal agents to eradicate cancer cells or inhibit their proliferation.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment method harnesses the power of high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation, aiming to eradicate cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
Immunotherapy: This treatment enhances the body's inherent immune system to combat the cancer.
Targeted Therapy: This treatment targets the changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread. Certain targeted therapies function by inhibiting the activities of specific enzymes, proteins, or other molecular entities that play a crucial role in the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells.
Palliative Care: For advanced esophageal cancers, palliative care is used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is the cost of Gastric cancer treatment in Ahmedabad?

The cost of gastric cancer treatment in Ahmedabad can vary significantly based on the type of treatment, the stage of the cancer, the specialist's fees, and the hospital's facilities. On average, surgery for gastric cancer may range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000, while chemotherapy sessions can cost anywhere between INR 20,000 and INR 2,00,000 per cycle, depending on the drugs used.

Radiation therapy typically costs between INR 1,00,000 and INR 2,50,000, and targeted therapy or immunotherapy treatments can run into several lakhs per cycle. However, these are just ballpark figures, and the actual cost can vary based on individual circumstances. It is always advisable to discuss the cost with your healthcare provider to get a better understanding of the potential financial implications. At Dr. Viraj Lavingia's clinic, they provide patients with cost-effective and personalized treatment plans that best suit their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the symptoms of gastric cancer?

The most common symptoms of gastric (stomach) cancer include:

Discomfort or pain in the abdomen, usually above the navel

Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Feeling full after eating only a small amount

Bloating or swelling in the abdomen

Fatigue and weakness

Blood in the stool or vomit (can indicate bleeding in the stomach)

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)

How curable is stomach cancer?

The curability of stomach cancer depends heavily on the stage at which it is diagnosed.

Early-stage stomach cancers (stage 1): Surgery can often be curative for early-stage stomach cancer. In these cases, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 70%.

Later-stage stomach cancers (stages 2-4): The prognosis is not as good for later-stage cancers. The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 stomach cancer is only around 6%. In these cases, treatment may focus on controlling the cancer and managing symptoms rather than achieving a cure.

What age is stomach cancer common?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults. Here are some key points about the typical age range for stomach cancer:

The risk of developing stomach cancer increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is around 68 years old.

It is relatively uncommon in people younger than 50, though it can still occur at younger ages.

Most cases (around 60%) are diagnosed in people aged 65 and older.

The incidence is highest among those in their late 60s to 80s. Rates begin to increase sharply around age 50-55.

Only about 3-4% of stomach cancers occur in people under age 40.

How painful is stomach cancer?

Here are some common ways stomach cancer may cause pain:

Abdominal pain: As the tumor grows, it can cause persistent pain or discomfort in the abdomen, particularly in the upper abdomen near the stomach area.

Back pain: Stomach cancer can sometimes spread to the back muscles and bones, leading to back pain.

Pain due to obstruction: If the tumor obstructs the passage of food through the stomach, it can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Referred pain: The pain from stomach cancer can radiate or be referred to other areas like the chest, shoulders, or arms.

Bone pain: In advanced stages, if cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause significant bone pain.

Can a CT scan detect stomach cancer?

Yes, a CT (computed tomography) scan can be an effective tool for detecting stomach cancer. Here's how a CT scan can help diagnose stomach cancer:

Tumor visualization: CT scans can provide detailed cross-sectional images of the stomach and surrounding organs. These images can reveal the presence of tumors or abnormal growths in the stomach lining or wall.

Tumor size and location: The CT scan can precisely determine the size, location, and extent of the stomach tumor, which is crucial for staging and treatment planning.

Lymph node involvement: CT scans can often detect if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which can indicate a more advanced stage.

Metastasis detection: CT imaging can also reveal if the stomach cancer has metastasized (spread) to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

Biopsy guidance: CT scans can assist doctors in guiding a biopsy needle to the tumor site, enabling them to obtain tissue samples for further analysis and confirmation of cancer.

What are the different stages of gastric cancer?

Here are the stages: Stage 0 (Tis, N0, M0)

Stage I:

Stage IA (T1, N0, M0)
Stage IB (T1 or T2, N0, M0)

Stage II:

Stage IIA (T1 or T2, N1, M0)
Stage IIB (T3, N0 or N1, M0)

Stage III:

Stage IIIA (T1 to T3, N2, M0)
Stage IIIB (T4a, N0 to N2, M0)

Stage IV (any T, any N, M1)

These stages are determined based on the extent of tumor growth (T), whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N), and whether it has metastasized (M) to distant organs.

What is the prognosis for gastric cancer?

Yes, a CT (computed tomography) scan can be an effective tool for detecting stomach cancer. Here's how a CT scan can help diagnose stomach cancer:

Tumor size and location: The CT scan can precisely determine the size, location, and extent of the stomach tumor, which is crucial for staging and treatment planning.

Lymph node involvement: CT scans can often detect if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which can indicate a more advanced stage.

Metastasis detection: CT imaging can also reveal if the stomach cancer has metastasized (spread) to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

Biopsy guidance: Dr. Viraj Lavingia, a Gastric Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad, believes that a CT scan helps guide a biopsy needle to the tumor site, enabling them to obtain tissue samples for further analysis and confirmation of cancer.

Is gastric cancer hereditary?

Yes, gastric cancer can have a hereditary component. Some hereditary syndromes associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer include:

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC): HDGC is caused by mutations in the CDH1 gene responsible for producing an E-cadherin protein. Mutations in this gene can lead to an increased risk of diffuse-type gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. Individuals with a family history of HDGC may undergo genetic testing to identify CDH1 mutations.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome: Li-Fraumeni syndrome is caused by mutations in the TP53 gene and is associated with a higher risk of various cancers, including gastric cancer.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is caused by mutations in the STK11 gene and is characterized by the development of polyps in the digestive tract, as well as pigmented spots on the lips, mouth, and hands. Individuals with this syndrome have an increased risk of various cancers, including gastric cancer.

What are the risk factors for developing gastric cancer?

Several risk factors can increase a person's chances of developing gastric cancer or stomach cancer. The major risk factors include:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterial infection in the stomach is a major risk factor, responsible for around 60-70% of gastric cancers.

Diet: A diet high in smoked, salted, and preserved foods, as well as low in fruits and vegetables, can increase risk.

Smoking: Tobacco use, including cigarette smoking, is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer.

Observational Cautions: Age: The risk of gastric cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring after the age of 50.

Gender: Gastric cancer is more common in men than women.

Are there any preventive measures for gastric cancer?

Yes, several preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment: As H. pylori infection is a major risk factor for gastric cancer, getting tested and treated for the infection can significantly lower the risk. According to Dr. Viraj Lavingia, a Gastric Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad, "Eradicating H. pylori infection through antibiotic therapy is one of the most effective ways to prevent gastric cancer, especially in high-risk populations."

Dietary modifications: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting consumption of smoked, salted, and preserved foods can help reduce the risk of gastric cancer.

Chemoprevention: In some cases, Dr. Viraj Lavingia, a Gastric Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad, recommends using certain medications or supplements, such as aspirin or antioxidants, as a preventive measure for high-risk individuals.