Cutting-edge technology gives new ray of hope for cervical and breast cancer patients at Fortis Mohali

Patiala, February 10, 2023: The Oncology Department at Fortis Hospital Mohali has revolutionised the treatment of cancer through cutting-edge technology wherein patients were completely cured when detected in the early stages of the disease.

Dr Shweta Tahlan, Consultant, Gynae Onco-Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, recently treated a 45-year-old woman who had been experiencing vaginal discharge and post-coital bleeding (bleeding after sexual intercourse). Medical investigations, including cervical biopsy, revealed that the Patient was suffering from invasive squamous cell carcinoma (Stage 1). As the cancer had been diagnosed at an early stage, Dr Tahlan performed Radical Hysterectomy (total surgical removal of the uterus along with the surrounding tissue and pelvic lymph nodes). She did not require any adjuvant treatment. The Patient was discharged on the fifth day of the surgery and has recovered completely.

Emphasizing on the early detection of cervical cancer, Dr Tahlan, said, “Early stage of cervical cancer may not produce any symptoms. However, symptoms may include postcoital or intermenstrual vaginal bleeding, irregular periods, post-menopausal bleeding, persistent or foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. Early cervical cancer can be treated through surgery alone, and one may avoid undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.”

On the benefits of regular screening, which is recommended for all women over the age of 25 years, Dr Tahlan, added, “Patients usually have no symptoms in pre-cancer stage and this can be detected by screening only. At this stage, Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure and Cone Biopsy (surgery to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix) can treat the patient without the need of Radical Hysterectomy, thus saving the uterus and ovaries.”

Highlighting the importance of HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, Dr Tahlan,  added, “The ideal age for vaccination of girls is 9-14 years of age, though the catch-up vaccination can be done till 26 years of age. Vaccination done in childhood or adolescence helps prevent cervical cancer in later years of life.”

Dr Naval Bansal, Endocrine and Breast Cancer Surgery expert, Fortis Hospital Mohali, recently treated a 38-year-old woman, who had carcinoma in her left breast. The patient approached Dr Bansal at Fortis Mohali where preliminary examination showed early-stage breast cancer. Giving consideration to the patient’s age, the team of doctors led by Dr Bansal conducted the Breast-Sparing Surgery along with Probe-Guided Surgery for Axillary Nodes (Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy).

Stating that Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy had transformed the treatment of breast cancer surgery, Dr Bansal, added, “The medical procedure is often considered for women with early-stage breast cancer and is a less invasive treatment method. A radioisotope and dye is injected and then we look for sentinel node using advance gamma probe. Once the sentinel lymph node is traced, it is sent for testing to detect cancer cells. The procedure helps prevent unnecessary removal of axillary lymph nodes and swelling of the arms.”

The tissue samples resected during the breast conserving surgery were sent to the in-house frozen section at Fortis Mohali. Subsequent medical examination reports showed complete removal of the breast tumour and tumour-free sentinel nodes. The patient was discharged on the next day of the surgery without any drain pipe.

In lieu of World Cancer Day, a special screening package for women which includes Mammography, Pap Smear and consultation with a gynaecologist is available at Fortis Hospital Mohali.