What is Cancer?
Cancer may be a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other body parts.
The physical body is made up of trillions of cells, these cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to make new cells. When cells get older or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.
When this process gets defective, abnormal or damaged cells stay on growing and form lumps of tissue.
Tumors are often cancerous (metastatic) or non-cancerous (benign).
Cancerous tumors are also called malignant tumors, such tumors spread to nearby tissues and may travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors (a process called metastasis). Whereas non-cancerous tumors also called benign tumors don't spread to other body parts.
What are the Common Types of Tumors in Men?
Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and cancer of the liver.
What are the Common Types of Tumors in Women?
Breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer.
What are the Different Types of Cancer?
Here are some categories of cancers that begin in specific sorts of cells:
- Carcinoma - Liver or Kidneys - Carcinomas are the foremost common type of cancer. They're formed by epithelial cells; the cells that cover the within and outside surfaces of the body. There are many sorts of epithelial cells that frequently have a column-like shape when viewed under a microscope.
- Sarcoma - Muscle, Fat, Blood Vessels, Verves, Tendons, and the Lining of Your Joints - Sarcomas are cancers that develop in bones and soft tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and connective tissue (such as tendons and ligaments).
- Leukemia - Bone Marrow - Cancers that start in the blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow are called leukemias. These cancers don't form solid tumors. Instead, large numbers of abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells and leukemic blast cells) build up within the blood and bone marrow, crowding out normal blood cells.
- Lymphoma - Lymphatic System - Lymphoma may be cancer that begins in lymphocytes (T cells or B cells). There are two main sorts of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma – People with this disease have abnormal lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are usually derived from B cells.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – This is often a large group of cancers that start in lymphocytes. The cancers can grow quickly or slowly and may form from B cells or T cells.
- Multiple Myeloma - Mature Plasma Cells in the Bone Marrow - Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in plasma cells, another sort of immune cell. The abnormal plasma cells, called myeloma cells, build up within the bone marrow and form tumors in bones all through the body. Myeloma is also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler disease.
- Melanoma - Skin - Melanoma may be cancer that begins in cells that become melanocytes, which are specialized cells that make melanin (the pigment that provides skin its color). Most melanomas form on the skin, but melanomas can also form in other pigmented tissues, like the eye.
What are the Causes of Cancer?
There is no single cause or clear evidence of the cause of cancer. Scientists believe that it's the interaction of many factors together that produces cancer. The factors could also be genetic, environmental, or constitutional characteristics of the individual.
However, scientists have discovered some factors that make the onset of this disease worse.
Some of the Common Factors Include -
- Genetics
- Tobacco and other related narcotics
- Alcohol
- Exposure to unnatural radiation (such as UV rays) for an extended period of time
- Diet and lifestyle
- Exposure to certain chemicals for an extended time
- Infections
- Unhealthy environment
What are the Symptoms of Cancer?
Some common signs and symptoms that may be caused by cancer are -
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness that doesn’t recover with rest.
- Sudden weight loss or gain for an unknown reason
- Eating problems like not feeling hungry, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting
- Swelling or lumps anywhere within the body
- Thickening or lump within the breast or other parts of the body
- Pain, especially new or with no known reason, that doesn’t subside or gets worse
- Skin changes like a lump that bleeds or turns scaly, a replacement mole or a change in a mole, a sore that doesn't heal, or a yellowish color to the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Cough or hoarseness that doesn't go away
- Unusual bleeding or bruising for an unknown reason
- Change in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea, that doesn’t get away or a change in how your stools look
- Bladder changes like pain when passing urine, blood within the urine, or needing to pass urine more or less often
- Fever or nights sweats
- Headaches
- Vision or hearing problems
- Mouth changes such as sores, bleeding, pain, or numbness
What is the Cost of Cancer Treatment in Thailand?
Thailand offers affordable healthcare which is why it is one of the leading health tourism destinations in the world, especially within the Asia-Pacific region.
The cost of treatment in Thailand is lower than in some western countries and the United States. On top of that, Thailand offers room and nursing services (including stays in medical care or cardiovascular care units) at very low prices.
The cost of cancer treatment varies with treatment options, like surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiotherapy among which the sort of cancer is a major cost factor. However, it's found that the prices of public hospitals are usually 30 to 40% lower than those of private hospitals.
Cost Comparison
| Treatment | US | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 - $100,000 | $15,000+ | |
| $10,000 - $20,000 | $ 5000 | |
| Prostrate Cancer | $6,000 - $20,000 | $5700 |
Why Choose Thailand for Cancer Treatment?
- World-class Medical Facilities - Thailand is an increasingly popular destination for those seeking high-quality and affordable medical treatment. It's home to the first hospital in Asia that received the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation in 2002. There are some hospitals that are ISO certified too.
- Affordable Treatment - As mentioned above, compared to many other countries in the world, Thailand has extremely affordable healthcare. When it involves treatment in private hospitals, it's estimated that cancer treatment in Thailand will cost 60-70% less than hospitals in the US or UK.
- Easy Medical Tourist Visa - Passport holders from 49 countries are entitled to remain in Thailand for up to 15-30-90 days without applying for a visa (Visa Exemption scheme).
- Since 2013, people from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and therefore the UAE, are entitled to remain in Thailand for medical treatment for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Experienced Doctors - Many physicians were trained or studied abroad at medical centers of excellence and their international experience can provide you with the newest and safest techniques available worldwide. Furthermore, many of them are board-certified to practice in other countries (such as the US, Japan, UK, Australia, and German) for the same reason they also do speak English (or other foreign languages), but translation services are available to avoid any barrier issue.
What Payment Method is Accepted in Thailand?
- Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted in Thailand, not just for medical bills but also for other payments.
- Visa and MasterCard are the foremost popular payment methods. Electronic transfers from overseas are often made through certain banks.
Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Thailand
- Bangkok Hospital: Bangkok Hospital is one of the first private hospitals in Thailand. It has now established its reputation as a tertiary care hospital dedicated especially to Cancer and Cardiology.
- Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok: Established in 1980, the Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok is a global pioneer in giving the best international standard healthcare services. It is one of the largest private multi-specialty hospitals in South East Asia, with patients from over 190 countries annually.
- Bangpakok 9 International Hospital, Bangkok: It is a multispecialty and one of the leading private hospitals in Bangkok. It is accredited by the JCI and the Hospital Accreditation is issued by the Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement & Accreditation of the Ministry of Health (HAI).
- Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok: It is a multispecialty hospital with extensive medical and surgical departments supported by its advanced research departments and technologies.
- The Hospital is accredited by the Board of Medical Accreditation Consortium of Thai Medical Schools in compliance with the WFME Global Standards for Quality Improvement.
- Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok: Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is a JCI-accredited hospital and has been a recipient of many awards, namely,
- Hospital of the Year by the Thailand Healthcare Asia Awards 2020,
- The Model Private Hospital Award 2020 for being the top private hospital for academic activity in Thailand.
- Best Corporate Hospital Award 2019.
Top Oncologists in Thailand
- Prof. Dr. Tanaphon Maipang - Prof. Dr. Tanaphon Maipang is a renowned Surgical Oncologist having 50 years of experience. He is dexterous in performing Colon and Rectal Surgery, and Surgical Oncology.
- Dr. Savitree Maoleekoonpairoj - A renowned Surgical Oncologist having 50 years of experience. Her area of expertise is diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.
- Dr. Wirote Lausoontornsiri - He has gained proficient skills and knowledge as a Surgical Oncologist with 36 years of rich experience.
- Dr. Chanchai Nimitrvanich - Dr. Chanchai Nimitrvanich is a certified and experienced Surgical Oncologist with over 45 years of experience. He specializes in Surgical Oncology and Trauma Surgery.
Conclusion
Thailand continues to thrive in medical tourism with its latest technology and systems providing high-quality medical care to domestic and overseas patients. This is the reason every year the country welcomes numerous patients seeking cancer treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the Treatment Options for Cancer?
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery
- Hormonal Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Q. Which Cancer Treatment is Best for Me?
There is no single "best" treatment option for cancer, and what works for one person may not work for you. Factors that determine the best cancer treatment for you include the type of cancer, the site of metastasis in your body, previous treatments you have received for cancer, and treatments you are currently receiving for other diseases.
Q. How Do I Know if My Treatment is Working?
People react differently to different cancer treatments, so it is difficult to predict whether your cancer will respond to treatment or not.
Q. What are the Common Side Effects of Cancer Treatment?
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleeping problems and insomnia
- Lack of concentration and cognitive changes
- Hair loss
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