Comprehensive Cancer Care at PGH Hospital
Cancer care involves more than treating the tumour itself. Diagnosis, staging, treatment selection, symptom management and follow-up all form part of the patient's care journey.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, systemic medicines such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or hormonal therapy, radiation treatment, or a combination of these approaches.
The oncology team at PGH Hospital works across these areas of cancer treatment, with the treatment plan determined according to the patient's diagnosis and clinical findings.
Cancer Treatment and Oncology Services
Surgical Oncology
Surgical treatment may be used to remove cancerous tissue in selected cases. Depending on the cancer, surgery may involve the breast, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid or gynaecological organs. The surgical approach depends on the tumour and the patient's individual circumstances.
Medical Oncology
Medical oncology includes systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapy. The medicines selected depend on the type of cancer, stage, pathology and other clinical factors.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer in selected situations. It may be recommended before or after surgery, alongside systemic treatment, or as part of treatment for certain cancers depending on the clinical plan.
Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer assessment and treatment may involve clinical examination, imaging, biopsy, surgery, systemic treatment and radiation therapy. The combination depends on the individual diagnosis and pathology findings.
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Oncology care may include cancers affecting the colon, rectum, stomach, oesophagus, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Treatment is planned according to the cancer type, stage and the patient's overall clinical condition.
Gynaecological Cancers
Care for gynaecological cancers may include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, endometrium and vulva. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, systemic treatment, radiation therapy or a combination of approaches.
Tumour Board Consultations
Complex cancer cases can benefit from discussion between relevant specialists. A multidisciplinary tumour board can bring together clinical information, pathology and imaging findings to support treatment planning.
How Cancer Care Is Planned
Cancer treatment is individualised. The clinical team considers the diagnosis, available investigations and the patient's overall health before recommending a treatment approach.
Multidisciplinary Review
Depending on the case, cancer care may involve surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. Multidisciplinary discussion can help bring different areas of expertise into treatment planning.
Diagnosis and Staging
Pathology, imaging and other investigations may be required to establish the type and extent of cancer. The investigations required vary according to the suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
Clear Communication
Cancer treatment can involve difficult decisions. Patients and families should have the opportunity to understand the diagnosis, treatment options, possible side effects and follow-up requirements before treatment begins.
Cancer Second Opinions and Treatment Planning
A second opinion can be useful when you want another clinical perspective on a cancer diagnosis or proposed treatment plan.
Relevant medical information may include pathology or biopsy reports, imaging reports, previous treatment records and other investigations. The available information helps the oncology team understand the diagnosis and consider appropriate treatment options.
A second opinion does not necessarily mean that the original treatment recommendation is incorrect. It can help patients understand their diagnosis and make a more informed decision about their care.
Speak With the Oncology Team
Bring your available medical reports, pathology information and imaging records to your consultation. The oncology team can review the information and explain the next appropriate steps.
Understanding Common Cancer Treatments
Surgery
Surgery may be used to remove a tumour or affected tissue in selected cancers. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the location, size and extent of the tumour and the patient's overall health.
Systemic Treatment
Systemic cancer treatments travel through the bloodstream and may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted medicines and hormonal treatment. The choice depends on the biology and stage of the cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses radiation to damage cancer cells in a targeted treatment area. It can be used in different stages of cancer treatment and may be combined with surgery or systemic treatment.
Cost, Insurance and TPA Support
Cancer treatment costs vary considerably depending on the diagnosis, investigations, treatment approach, medicines, procedures and duration of care.
PGH Hospital has arrangements involving NABH, Ayushman Bharat, Delhi Jal Board, GIC and TPA panels, as shared by the hospital. Eligibility and the treatment covered depend on the applicable scheme, policy and authorisation requirements.
Patients should confirm their eligibility, required documentation, pre-authorisation and any applicable out-of-pocket expenses with the hospital and the relevant insurer, scheme or TPA before planned treatment.
Support During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can affect energy levels, appetite, emotional wellbeing and everyday activities. Side effects vary according to the treatment and the individual.
Patients should tell their oncology team about new or worsening symptoms during treatment. Early communication can help the clinical team assess the problem and decide whether treatment, supportive medicines or further evaluation is needed.
Family members and carers can also play an important role in supporting appointments, medicines, nutrition and communication with the healthcare team.
Looking for Cancer Care in West Delhi?
Contact PGH Hospital to enquire about oncology consultations, cancer treatment options, second opinions and appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Care
Cancer treatment at PGH includes surgical, medical and radiation oncology services. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, radiation treatment or a combination of approaches. The appropriate treatment is determined according to the individual cancer diagnosis and clinical findings.
Yes. Cancer patients can seek a second clinical opinion regarding a diagnosis or proposed treatment plan. Relevant reports, pathology information, imaging and previous treatment records can help the oncology team understand the case and discuss appropriate options.
Not necessarily. Some chemotherapy regimens can be administered in a day-care setting, while others may require longer observation or hospital admission. The treatment setting depends on the medicines being given, the patient's condition and the clinical plan.
Hair loss depends on the chemotherapy medicines and treatment regimen being used. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause significant hair loss, while others may cause little or none. Your oncologist can explain the likely effects of the specific treatment being considered.
Some cancers can recur after treatment, while others may not. The risk depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, tumour characteristics and response to treatment. Follow-up care is important so that your oncology team can monitor your health and address new symptoms or findings.
The radiation treatment itself is generally not felt. However, side effects can develop during or after a course of radiation and vary according to the area being treated, the dose and the individual. Your radiation oncology team can explain the possible effects and how they can be managed.
This varies from person to person. Some patients continue working during treatment, while others may need to reduce their hours or take time away from work. Fatigue, side effects, the type of treatment and the nature of your work can all affect what is practical. Discuss your work routine with your oncology team so that your treatment and recovery can be planned appropriately.
Cancer staging is based on information about the tumour and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Depending on the cancer, staging may involve biopsy or pathology results, imaging and other investigations. The tests required vary according to the type of cancer.
No. Chemotherapy is one of several cancer treatments and is not appropriate for every cancer or every patient. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal treatment, chemotherapy or a combination of these approaches.
PGH Hospital has an arrangement involving Ayushman Bharat, as shared by the hospital. Coverage depends on the applicable scheme, eligibility criteria, treatment package and required authorisation. Patients should confirm the specific treatment and coverage applicable to their case with the hospital before treatment.