Vertex Oncology Dr Giri

  Sham was a 52-year-old man who first noticed bleeding per rectum about eight months ago. At first, the bleeding was slight and intermittent, so he didn’t worry much. But over weeks, the bleeding became more persistent and occasionally mixed with mucus. Along with this, he sometimes felt discomfort during bowel movements and occasional cramps. Sham visited his local doctor, who examined him and diagnosed common benign conditions based on Sham’s symptoms—“It looks like you have hemorrhoids or maybe a fistula,” the doctor said. Sham was prescribed medication for piles and advice on diet and lifestyle changes. The doctor reassured him it was nothing serious. Over the next several months, Sham followed the treatment but noticed no improvement. Instead, his symptoms worsened—bleeding increased, he lost weight unintentionally, and his bowel habits changed, sometimes alternating between diarrhea and constipation. Still, he hesitated to seek another opinion, assuming the problem was just ...

  Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India, but the good news is that early detection can save lives. Most cancers do not appear suddenly — they usually give warning signs. However, many of these symptoms overlap with common illnesses, which makes people ignore them. That’s why identifying “red-flag” symptoms becomes important. These are specific features that make a symptom more likely to be cancer and reduce the chance of false alarms. Let’s look at some of the most common cancers in India and the key signs to watch out for. 1. Oral Cancer Common symptoms: Non-healing ulcer > 3 weeks, white or red patch, difficulty in swallowing, lump in cheek. Red-flag sign: Ulcer or patch that is hard or bleeds when touched . 👉 If you chew tobacco, smoke, or drink alcohol, these symptoms should never be ignored. 2. Breast Cancer Common symptoms: Lump in the breast, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, change in shape or size. Red-flag sign: Lump that is hard, irre...

  Why Radiation Therapy is Crucial in Preventing Breast Cancer Recurrence One of the biggest concerns for breast cancer survivors is the chance of the disease coming back. Recurrence can happen in the breast area (local), nearby lymph nodes (regional), or in distant organs like bones, lungs, or liver. Modern cancer treatment combines surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy to reduce this risk. Among these, radiation therapy plays a vital role in preventing local and regional recurrences after surgery. A Real-Life Lesson Recently, a patient came to us with locoregional recurrence —meaning the cancer had returned in the same area within a year after her initial treatment. She had undergone surgery and chemotherapy but defaulted (skipped) radiation therapy . Unfortunately, without radiation, the cancer cells left behind after surgery had a chance to regrow, leading to recurrence much sooner than expected. This case highlights the importance of comple...

  When people hear about the potential benefits of fasting, a common question arises: “Can fasting cure cancer?” The simple answer is no—fasting alone cannot cure cancer. But growing research suggests that fasting, or specially designed fasting-mimicking diets, may play a supportive role when combined with standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. 🔬 How Fasting Affects Cancer Cells Cancer cells and healthy cells respond to fasting very differently. Starving the enemy: Cancer cells thrive on glucose (sugar). During fasting, glucose levels drop, and normal cells adapt by using ketone bodies. Cancer cells, however, struggle with this switch, which may make them more vulnerable. Stress resistance in healthy cells: Normal cells go into a protective, low-activity mode when fasting. Cancer cells, because of genetic mutations, keep growing and thus stay exposed to treatment damage. Reduced growth signals: Fasting lowers levels of insulin, IGF-1,...

  HPV-related head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a significant concern in India, contributing to a substantial portion of global HPV-related cancer cases. Here are key points highlighting the prevalence and impact of HPV-related HNCs in India: 1. Prevalence of HPV in HNCs National Data: Studies indicate that the prevalence of HPV in HNC patients in India varies widely, with an overall pooled prevalence of 33% (95% CI: 25.8–42.6) across different regions. This is slightly higher than the global average of 24.4% for oral cancers. Regional Variations: The prevalence is higher in eastern regions (47%) compared to western regions (19.8%), reflecting geographical disparities. 2. Oropharyngeal Cancers HPV Association: Oropharyngeal cancers are more frequently associated with HPV, particularly in the Indian context, where they are among the most common HPV-related cancers. Incidence Trends: There is an increasing trend in oropharyngeal cancer incidence, partly attributed to H...

  Cancer treatment has become more advanced than ever before. Today, no single doctor can handle all aspects of cancer management. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pathology, radiology, and supportive care — each plays a crucial role in giving patients the best outcome. This is where the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MDT Board) comes in. What is an MDT Board? An MDT Board is a team meeting where specialists from different fields come together to discuss a patient’s case. It usually includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other experts when required (like nutritionists, palliative care doctors, psychologists, etc.). They review the patient’s reports, scans, and biopsy findings and then design the most suitable, personalized treatment plan . Why is it Important? Holistic Care: Patients benefit from the knowledge and expertise of multiple specialists instead of just one doctor’s opinion. Better Accurac...