Solid Malignancies

1. What are Solid Malignancies?

Solid malignancies are cancers that develop as abnormal masses in organs or tissues. They are different from blood cancers such as leukemia, which primarily involve blood-forming tissues rather than forming a solid tumour.

2. Which cancers are considered Solid Malignancies?

They include many common cancers such as breast, lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, kidney, prostate, ovarian, and head and neck cancers, among others.

3. How are Solid Malignancies diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve physical examination, imaging such as CT, MRI, ultrasound or PET-CT, endoscopy where appropriate, blood tests, and biopsy with histopathological examination. Molecular or genetic testing may also be recommended for certain cancers.

4. How is the stage determined?

Cancer staging evaluates the size and local extent of the tumour, involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to distant organs. Imaging, biopsy, surgical findings, and specialized tests may all contribute to staging.

5. What treatments are available?

Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or combinations of these. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cancer and its stage and biological characteristics.

6. What is the role of surgery?

Surgery can remove localized tumours and may provide the best chance of long-term disease control in selected cancers. In some cases, surgery is combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or systemic therapy before or after the operation.

7. What is the role of targeted therapy and immunotherapy?

Targeted therapies act on specific molecular features of cancer cells, while immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer. Their use depends on the tumour's molecular and immunological characteristics.

8. What are the expected outcomes?

Outcomes vary considerably between different solid malignancies. Early-stage cancers may sometimes be treated with curative intent, while advanced cancers may require long-term systemic treatment aimed at controlling the disease, extending survival, and maintaining quality of life.

9. Why consider Solid Malignancy Treatment in India?

India has multidisciplinary oncology teams, experienced surgical and medical oncologists, advanced diagnostic and radiation facilities, modern cancer centres, and comparatively affordable treatment options for international patients.

10. How can Medavelle help?

Medavelle can facilitate preliminary review of pathology reports, imaging, molecular tests, and medical records; connect patients with appropriate oncology specialists; coordinate multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment; obtain an individualized cost estimate; and assist with travel, accommodation, hospital coordination, and treatment planning in India.