Esophageal Cancer | Medotilglobal Healthcare

Introduction

Esophageal cancer is a malignant condition affecting the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells within the esophageal lining, often leading to difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and unintended weight loss. There are two primary types: squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, typically found in the lower portion near the stomach. Risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obesity. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. With advances in medical care, esophageal cancer management has become more precise, offering patients improved survival and quality of life.

Cost Comparison

The cost of esophageal cancer treatment varies widely anywhere in the world, depending on the hospital, the stage of cancer, the type of treatment, the number of therapy sessions required, the patient’s overall health condition, post-operative complications and care, etc. The average cost of esophageal cancer in India is USD $10800.

But be assured as the cost of Esophageal cancer in India is just a fraction of developed nations.

Avg Cost of treatment - $10800
Maximum cost of treatment - $20200

Medotil's Pledge: No Hidden Costs, Only Fair Prices!

Treatment costs may vary depending upon several conditions so to get a detailed treatment plan contact us below.

Factors affecting Cost of treatment

Type of Treatment Required

Surgery: Procedures like esophagectomy or minimally invasive surgeries can be costlier.
Radiation Therapy: Advanced methods like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) may increase costs.
Chemotherapy: Cost depends on the drugs used, their frequency, and the duration of treatment.
Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy: These cutting-edge treatments are more expensive.
Endoscopic Treatments: For early-stage cancer, less invasive procedures can be more affordable.

Stage of Cancer

Early-stage cancers may require less intensive treatment, reducing costs.
Advanced-stage cancers often involve multimodal treatments, increasing expenses.

Treatment options

Treatment options for esophageal cancer in India are comprehensive and tailored based on the stage of cancer, overall health of the patient, and specific medical needs. Here are the main treatment options:

Surgery

Esophagectomy: Removal of the affected portion of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes. The remaining esophagus is connected to the stomach.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Involves smaller incisions and faster recovery, often used in early-stage cancers.
Endoscopic Resection: For very early-stage cancers, involves removing cancerous tissue through an endoscope.

Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers high-energy rays to target cancer cells.
Brachytherapy: Internal radiation therapy where radioactive material is placed inside or near the tumor.
Often combined with chemotherapy for advanced cases.

Chemotherapy

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Given before surgery to shrink tumors.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Palliative Chemotherapy: Used in advanced cases to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Targeted Therapy

Focuses on specific genetic mutations or proteins in cancer cells.
Commonly used drugs: Trastuzumab for HER2-positive esophageal cancer.

Immunotherapy

Boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Drugs like Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are used for advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer.

Endoscopic Procedures

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): Removes small, early-stage cancerous tissues.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD): For slightly deeper lesions.
Stent Placement: To relieve swallowing difficulties in advanced cases.

Palliative Care

Focuses on improving quality of life by managing pain, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms.
Includes stenting, feeding tubes, and supportive therapies.

Combined Modality Therapy

A combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Robotic Surgery

Advanced robotic-assisted procedures for precise removal of tumors, available in top-tier hospitals.

How Medotil Global Assists International Patients

Medical Visa Assistance

Guides patients through the process of obtaining a medical visa for India.
Provides necessary documentation support, such as invitation letters from hospitals.

Accommodation Arrangements

Helps secure comfortable and affordable lodging near treatment centers.
Offers a range of options, including guest houses, hotels, or serviced apartments.

Food Services

Assists in arranging dietary preferences, including international cuisines and special diets for medical needs.

Transportation Support

Provides airport pickup and drop-off services.
Offers reliable transportation for hospital visits and local travel.

Hospital and Doctor Selection

Recommends top hospitals and connects patients with experienced specialists in their specific condition.
Ensures access to advanced medical treatments and technology.

Tourism Services

Organizes visits to famous tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Kerala, and other cultural landmarks.
Tailors travel plans based on patient preferences and recovery needs.