|
|
|
|
Gwalior, 11th March 2021: While a high index of suspicion is required to detect bone cancer in its early stages, most people are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed that leads the condition to worsen. In order to raise awareness among the masses and highlight the advancements made in the treatment module of Orthopaedic Oncology, Max Super Specialty Hospital Patparganj, New Delhi organised an interactive session today.
Apart from raising awareness, the main aim of the session was to announce the launch of the monthly OPD which will now be conducted at Max Patient Assistance Center, Shri Diagnostic Center, Gwalior. Dr Vivek Verma who will be present from Max Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi for the OPD also briefed about two interesting cases from Gwalior, who were successfully treated for bone cancer recently.
“Orthopaedic oncology is a branch that deals in the management of bone and soft tissue cancer. Even though these cancers are rare but they are very aggressive and often patients have to undergo amputation if they are not treated by specialist in bone and soft tissue cancer services. A lot of progressive developments have taken place in the last decade and now we are able to perform limb saving surgery in more than 90 percent of bone cancer cases which were previously amputated. The advent of advanced treatment modules has improved the outcomes and is paving way as the latest breakthrough in the treatment of such cancers.” Said Dr Vivek Verma, Senior Consultant & Head, Orthopedic Oncology, Max Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi
Lack of awareness among the masses about the disease and similarities in the symptoms with infections, swelling in the bones or some other medical conditions are one of the significant factors leading to delayed diagnosis and thus preventing effective treatment module.
Patient Mr Sandeep Sahni (Name changed) from Gwalior was diagnosed with Giant Cell tumor of the pelvis and was initially undergoing treatment at a Government Cancer Centre in Delhi. But due to the progression of the large growing tumor, his surgery was postponed multiple times. Having his condition worsening, his family decided to undergo a second opinion and consulted Dr Vivek Verma.
“Patient Sahni presented with a tumor arising from the pelvic bone which had grown enormously inside the rib cage. There was enlargement of kidney due to obstruction by the tumor, and was a challenging case to preserve his lower limbs. While amputation was the last resort to remove the tumor, yet our team decided to put him on a specific drug which helps in shrinking the size of the tumor and reducing the blood supply to the tumor. A specialised 3-D model of his pelvis was designed to remove the tumor with precise margins and at the same time preserving his functions by retaining his hip joint. Making a complete recovery, he was not only saved from his limb amputation but now for over two years, he is disease free and living a productive family & professional life.” Said Dr Vivek.
Another patient from Gwalior, Mrs Kamla Garg (name Changed) who had persistent pain in her wrist for over six months was diagnosed with aneurysmal Bone cyst (ABC) of Ulna near the wrist (forearm bone). Having made several visits to various doctors and specialties, she was advised for different surgeries namely cleaning of bones and bone grafting, removal of bones etc. Opting for a second opinion, she made a visit to Dr Vivek Verma at Max Hospital, Patparganj where she was offered a new minimally invasive suture less surgery.
“She was diagnosed with Aneurysmal bone cyst or ABC, which is a locally aggressive type of bone tumor. Earlier such lesions were treated with open surgeries with insertion of bone graft inside, but with the understanding of the disease biology, such tumors are now treated with new modalities like percutaneous sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a fluoroscopic machine localises the tumor zone and a small size needle is inserted to clean the cavity without making any incision. Further a special chemical known as sclerosant is injected to kill the tumor cells and allows faster healing. While this advanced modality is useful only in specific cases, also requires rich skills and experience of the surgeon to handle the chemical as it may cause injury to the adjoining structures if it flows out of the targeted cavity. Post procedure the patient is doing fine and pain free, and the need for bone graft is eliminated.” Said the treating doctor, Dr Vivek.
While early detection is helpful in improving the survival rates by upto 70%, often the treatment module varies depending on the type and stage of bone cancer. The treatment of bone cancer depends on the stage, each and every patient is evaluated in detail by a multidisciplinary team of specialized doctors. A treatment plan is thus made on day one, and started as soon as possible after the initial evaluation. It is a surgical procedure where the tumor is completely removed while at the same time saving the form and function of the limb. Amputation is required in only percentage of patients, which is very rare.
“However recent advancements in the diagnosis of bone cancer have proved to be a game changer for the patients as well as the surgeons in deciding the best treatment modules. While suspicion for a bone cancer is the last resort for a doctor during diagnosis, but with the rapid growing technology, it is now possible to accurately and precisely diagnose the areas affected with bone cancer, at an early stage. Bone and soft tissue cancer require a specialised care to achieve cure and regain good function post-surgery. A multi-disciplinary has made it possible not only to cure the disease but also to achieve good functional outcomes.” He added
