Patients from 105+ countries have trusted us
Join hundreds of happy patients who choose the right treatment and care.
Get A Quote
Minimum Cost
$ 3000
Maximum Cost.
$ 15000
- Days In Hospital 5 days
- Outside Hospital Stay 15 days
- Success Rate 66%
Overview of Prostate Cancer in India
For men, the prostate is a walnut-shaped gland located just behind the bladder. Prostate cancer can occur if the cells in the prostate begin to grow and multiply inappropriately. The enlargement of the prostate due to this cell duplication may cause pain, obstruction of urination, and blood in the urine. Because prostate cancer typically progresses so slowly, doctors often consider the nature of the cancer cells before deciding on treatment options, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
In India, the cost of treating prostate cancer ranges from $1,400 to $13,400 US. The cost generally depends on the patient's age, the oncologist's experience, the severity of the cancer or disease, the patient's overall health, and the potential side effects of the therapy. The cost of treatment in the United States can be as high as USD 250,000, which is significantly higher than the stated range.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small gland in male anatomy that is shaped like a walnut and located behind the rectum and beneath the bladder. The fluid from this small gland mixes with semen to help sperm stay healthy during the process of conception and pregnancy.
Prostate cancer is a severe disease. It is also common. Thirteen of every 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, most people receive their diagnosis before their cancer has metastasised or spread outside of the prostate glands. At this stage in cancer diagnosis, and with treatment, often the cancer will be eliminated. In the United States, prostate cancer is still responsible for over 35,770 deaths per year.
Types of Prostate Cancer:
Depending on what types of cells are involved and how aggressive the disease is, prostate cancer can take on several types. It is essential to understand this diversity to determine patient management and treatment plans effectively. The main types of prostate cancer are as follows:
Adenocarcinoma
More than 95% of prostate cancer cases involve this type, making it the most common. Prostate fluid, which is part of semen, is made in the prostate and by glandular cells surrounding the urethra. Acinar adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of adenocarcinoma and can be further classified based on growth characteristics. Ductal adenocarcinoma is usually more aggressive and is uncommon.
Small Cell Carcinoma
Small cell carcinoma is a rarer form of prostate cancer compared to other types, and generally grows and spreads faster. It is usually discovered at a later stage because it originates from neuroendocrine cells and is typically not associated with a higher PSA level. Most small cell carcinoma of the prostate is treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or focused surgery, usually all together, because it tends to be very aggressive.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This uncommon type of prostate cancer does not develop in the glandular cells of the prostate. Squamous cell carcinoma is generally more aggressive and less responsive to hormonal therapy than adenocarcinoma. Symptoms commonly associated with the urinary tract may occur, and management may entail a different approach, such as radiation therapy and surgery.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma
This kind of cancer can spread to the prostate from the cells lining the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Although it is uncommon, bladder cancer is frequently linked to transitional cell carcinoma. Both the central location and any metastasis to the prostate are typically addressed during treatment.
Neuroendocrine Tumours
These are a class of uncommon cancers that develop from the prostate's neuroendocrine cells. They might be pretty aggressive, such as small cell carcinoma, or they can be very slow-growing tumours. Depending on the exact kind and severity of the tumour, there are many treatment options.
Sarcomas
Extremely uncommon, prostate sarcomas develop from the prostate's connective tissues. They may need chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery because they tend to be aggressive.
Knowing the prostate cancer's grade and stage is essential for choosing the best course of treatment and forecasting how the disease will likely develop. A thorough examination of the grading and staging of prostate cancer is provided below:
Grading of Prostate Cancer
The appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope is used to assess prostate cancer because it shows how likely it is to grow and spread rapidly. The Gleason score is the most often used grading scheme.
Gleason Score
The cancer cells in Grade Group 1 (Gleason score 6 or lower) resemble healthy prostate cells and are probably going to grow slowly.
The cancer cells of Grade Group 2 (Gleason score 7) are more aberrant and somewhat aggressive.
A more aggressive type of cancer is indicated by Grade Group 3 (Gleason score 7).
The cancer cells in Grade Group 4 (Gleason score 8) are highly aberrant and are probably going to proliferate and spread more quickly.
Prostate cancer in Grade Group 5 (Gleason score 9–10) is the most aggressive type and is likely to grow and spread quickly.
The two most prevalent cell patterns seen in the biopsy samples are added together to create the Gleason score, which is rated on a scale of 1 to 5. For instance, the Gleason score would be 3+4=7 if the most prevalent pattern obtained a grade of 3 and the second most frequent one received a grade of 4.
Staging of Prostate Cancer
The term "stage" describes the degree to which cancer has progressed across the body. Considering the size and spread of the tumour (T), the involvement of neighbouring lymph nodes (N), and the existence of metastases (M), the TNM (Tumour, Node, Metastasis) approach is the most often used method for staging prostate cancer.
TNM system
T (Tumour):
T1: Because of an increased PSA level, the tumour is typically discovered by chance during surgery for another ailment or a biopsy.
T2: During a digital rectal exam (DRE), the tumour is palpable and limited to the prostate.
T3: The tumour may affect the seminal vesicles and spread outside the prostate capsule.
T4: The tumour has developed in the pelvic wall, rectum, or bladder, among other adjacent tissues.
N (Nodes):
N0: No involvement of regional lymph nodes.
N1: Neighbouring lymph nodes have been affected by the cancer.
M (Metastasis):
M0: No metastases to other places.
M1: Distant organs like the liver, lungs, or bones have been affected by the cancer.
Staging Groups
Stage I: The cancer has a low Gleason score, is limited to the prostate, and cannot be felt.
Stage II: The cancer has a higher Gleason score and is still limited to the prostate, albeit it may be palpable.
Stage III: The cancer has reached neighbouring tissues in addition to the prostate capsule.
Stage IV: The cancer has progressed to distant bodily sections or neighbouring lymph nodes.
Procedure:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the application of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by stopping the development, division, and generation of new cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be beneficial for both newly diagnosed patients with metastatic prostate cancer and those with a tumour that is continuously developing.
Immunotherapy
To fight cancer, immunotherapy enhances your immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Some men with metastatic prostate cancer that is constantly spreading, have little to no disease symptoms, and have not usually had chemotherapy, may be candidates for sipuleucel-T vaccine therapy.
Surgery
In India, several surgical techniques for prostate cancer include the following:
Prostatectomy: the excision of lymph nodes, the prostate gland, and seminal vesicles.
Laparoscopic prostatectomy: The prostate gland is removed with a tiny incision, robotic tools, and a camera. This treatment is less unpleasant.
In cases of advanced disease, a bilateral orchiectomy involves surgically removing both testicles.
Radiation Therapy
In external-beam radiation therapy, X-rays are directed at the malignant cells through external equipment.
Although proton therapy uses protons rather than an X-ray beam, it is nonetheless classified as an external radiation treatment.
Inserting a radioactive substance directly into the diseased region is known as brachytherapy, a type of internal radiation therapy. The radiation from the radioactive substance kills the malignant cell.
Hormonal Therapy
In hormone therapy, certain drugs are used to prevent the hormone testosterone from being produced. Among these drugs are:
The purpose of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists is to prevent the testicles from producing testosterone.
AR inhibitors: By blocking the receptors that testosterone uses to function, androgen receptor inhibitors prevent testosterone's impact.
Active Surveillance
Due to the side effects of treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, patients with very low risk who are diagnosed early are typically not treated. Therefore, it is common practice to monitor patients for any signs of deterioration gradually. The standard course of treatment should then begin if the malignancy worsens.
Focal Therapies
Cryosurgery: This treatment uses localised heat and cold therapy to kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Cancers of low to moderate risk are treated with it.
HIFU: High-intensity focal ultrasonography, or HIFU, employs sound radiation to kill cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissues. Despite its attractive features, it might not be the preferred course of treatment for specific individuals.
Best Doctors in India
Cost of Prostate Cancer in India
Top Hospitals in India
Indications of Prostate Cancer:
Depending on the disease's stage and extent, prostate cancer symptoms can change. Prostate cancer frequently exhibits no signs in its early stages. As the cancer spreads, symptoms could become more noticeable and include something like:
Erectile and Ejaculatory Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to obtain or sustain an erection.
Ejaculation that hurts
Reduced volume of semen
Lower Extremity Symptoms
Lower limb swelling or pain
Legs or feet that are numb or weak
Urinary Symptoms (In Advanced-stage Prostate Cancer)
Having trouble urinating
Urine flow that is weak or intermittent
Urinating frequently, particularly at night, and experiencing pain or burning when doing so
Urine with blood in it
Lack of ability to empty the bladder or urinate
Other Advanced-stage Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Bone pain, particularly in the ribs, back, or hips
Unaccounted-for weight loss
Weakness and exhaustion
Prostate cancer treatment and management outcomes can be considerably increased by identifying these signs and obtaining medical help as soon as possible.
Risk Factors:
Certain risk factors can raise the chance of prostate cancer, even though the precise cause is unknown. Modifiable risk variables are those that lifestyle choices can adjust, while non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be altered.
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
Age: Men under 40 are rarely affected by prostate cancer; however, after age 50, the risk rises sharply. Men over 65 are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the majority of cases.
Family history: The risk is more than doubled if you have a father, brother, or son who has prostate cancer. If several family members are impacted or if a family member received a diagnosis early in life, the risk is significantly greater.
Genetics: Prostate cancer risk may be raised by specific hereditary genetic mutations. Prostate cancer risk is increased by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are frequently linked to breast and ovarian cancer. Other genetic disorders, like Lynch syndrome, can also raise the likelihood of getting this illness.
Ethnicity or race: Compared to men of other races, African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer in African American males is also more likely to occur in more aggressive types and at a younger age. Furthermore, Asian and Hispanic males are less likely to be at risk than Caucasian men.
Geographically, prostate cancer incidence rates differ by region; Asia, Africa, and South America have lower rates, whereas North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean have higher rates. It is thought that nutritional, lifestyle, and environmental factors are involved.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Diet: Prostate cancer risk may be raised by a diet heavy in red meat and high-fat dairy products and low in fruits and vegetables. The risk may be reduced by eating a well-balanced diet high in plant-based foods.
Obesity: An elevated risk of advanced prostate cancer has been associated with obesity. This risk can be decreased by maintaining a healthy weight through consistent exercise and a well-balanced diet.
Physical activity: A lower risk of prostate cancer is linked to regular physical activity. Exercise enhances general health, lowers the risk of several cancers, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Smoking: Some research indicates that smoking may raise the chance of aggressive prostate cancer. However, the exact relationship between smoking and prostate cancer is less clear than it is for other cancers. Giving up smoking can lower the risk of several malignancies and enhance general health.
Chemical exposure: Prostate cancer risk may be raised by exposure to specific chemicals, such as those used in agriculture or the rubber industry. This risk can be mitigated by limiting exposure to hazardous substances and adhering to workplace safety regulations.
Possible Causes and Biological Mechanisms for Prostate Cancer
Genetic, hormonal, and environmental variables are thought to play a combined role in the development of prostate cancer:
Hormonal influence: The development and operation of the prostate are significantly influenced by androgens, or male hormones like testosterone. Prostate cancer may arise as a result of elevated androgen levels or modifications in androgen metabolism.
Genetic changes: Prostate cells may proliferate unchecked, which may eventually develop in cancer, due to genetic mutations and changes in specific genes that control cell growth and division. To learn more about the genetic foundation of prostate cancer, research is still being conducted.
Infections and inflammation: Prostate infections, including STIs, and chronic inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) have been proposed as possible risk factors. Research is currently ongoing to determine whether inflammation and prostate cancer are related.
Environmental and lifestyle factors: Prostate cancer risk can be influenced by a person's diet, level of physical activity, exposure to chemicals, and other lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of disease and enhance overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
There live the blind texts separated they right at the coast of the Semantics.
A particular kind of cancer called prostate cancer arises in the prostate gland, a tiny, walnut-shaped organ found in the male reproductive system. Although it usually grows slowly, this common cancer in males has the potential to become aggressive.
Erectile dysfunction, poor urine flow, blood in the urine or semen, trouble initiating or halting urination, and frequent urination, especially at night, are five possible early indicators of prostate cancer. If you encounter any of these symptoms, it's essential to see a doctor because other problems can potentially cause them.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the average five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is extremely high, over 100%. Accordingly, the majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to live for at least five years, and frequently for considerably longer. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that the 10-year survival rate is 98%, a high rate.
Age, family history, ethnicity, and genetics are some of the factors that raise a man's risk of prostate cancer, while the precise cause is unknown. There may also be a role for lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and food.