In-Depth Guide to Ovarian Cancer Treatment in the UAE
09 Jul, 2024
Has ovarian cancer recently entered your life or the life of someone you care about? It's a lot to process, isn't it? Your mind is probably swirling with questions. What stage is the cancer? What treatment options are available? And most crucially, where can you find the best care to give you or your loved one the strongest fighting chance? The weight of these questions can feel crushing. You want to take action, but the complexity of cancer treatment, especially in an unfamiliar healthcare system, can be daunting. Where do you even begin? We want you to know that there's hope. The UAE has become a beacon for ovarian cancer treatment, offering advanced medical facilities and internationally acclaimed specialists. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every aspect of ovarian cancer treatment in the UAE, from diagnosis to recovery, empowering you with the information you need to make informed decisions and face this challenge head-on.
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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms:
a. Abdominal bloating: Feeling like your belly is swollen or larger than usual, even without eating much.
b. Pelvic or abdominal pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis that doesn't go away.
c. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly: Feeling full after eating only a small amount or having difficulty eating normally.
d. Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often than usual, without an increase in fluid intake.
e. Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation: Experiencing changes in your bowel movements, like constipation or feeling like you can't empty your bowels.
f. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, even after getting enough rest.
g. Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying or without changes in diet or exercise.
h. Menstrual changes: Changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or changes in flow.
Early detection and timely medical intervention are essential for the effective management of ovarian cancer symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
Diagnosis for Ovarian Cancer in UAE
a. Medical History and Physical Examination: Physicians begin by taking a detailed medical history, focusing on symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and pelvic discomfort. A thorough physical examination, including a pelvic exam, is conducted to detect any abnormalities or masses in the pelvic area.
b. Imaging Tests:
1. Transvaginal Ultrasound: This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the ovaries and pelvic organs. It helps identify ovarian masses, their size, shape, and characteristics.
2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): These tests are like super-detailed pictures of your abdomen and pelvis. They help the doctors see exactly where the cancer is and whether it has spread to nearby places like organs or lymph nodes.
c. Blood Tests: They take a blood sample to check your CA-125 levels. It's a marker that can show if there's ovarian cancer, but not every type of ovarian cancer makes this marker go up. Sometimes, other conditions can cause higher CA-125 levels too.
d. Biopsy: If the ultrasound and blood tests suggest ovarian cancer, they might do a biopsy. This means they'll surgically take out a tiny piece of tissue from your ovaries or nearby areas. Then, they check it under a microscope to confirm if there are cancer cells and what type of ovarian cancer it is.
e. Staging: After that, if they find cancer, they might do more surgery to see how far it's spread (that's called staging). They carefully look at your abdominal cavity to see if the cancer has moved beyond your ovaries to other parts of your pelvis or even farther.
f. Genetic Testing: For some people with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, they might suggest genetic testing. It checks for mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which can increase your chances of getting ovarian cancer.
g. Multidisciplinary Consultation: This is when a team of different specialists—like gynecologic oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and genetic counsellors—get together. They look at all the test results, make sure they agree on the diagnosis, and come up with a treatment plan that's just right for you.
Each step in the diagnostic process plays a crucial role in accurately diagnosing ovarian cancer, assessing its extent, and planning appropriate treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer in UAE
1. Surgery: When you find out you have ovarian cancer, the first step is usually surgery. The idea is to remove as much of the tumour as they can to figure out what stage the cancer is at and plan the next steps. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, they might take out one or both ovaries and the fallopian tubes (called unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). In more serious cases, they might also do a hysterectomy, which means taking out the uterus.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is when they use strong drugs to kill the cancer cells or make the tumours smaller. You can get it through an IV or directly into your belly (intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Sometimes, they'll give you chemotherapy before surgery (called neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour. After surgery, you might get more chemotherapy (called adjuvant) to make sure any leftover cancer cells are gone.
3. Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses powerful rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It's not as common for ovarian cancer as it is for some other types, but doctors might use it if the cancer hasn't spread too far and surgery isn't an option.
4. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific changes in the cancer cells that help them grow. For ovarian cancer, treatments like PARP inhibitors are effective against cancers with certain genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by boosting your body's immune system to fight the cancer cells. It's still being studied in clinical trials for ovarian cancer, but it could be a powerful treatment option in the future.
6. Clinical Trials: Clinical trials test new treatments or combinations of treatments. Joining one of these trials gives you access to cutting-edge therapies that aren't widely available yet. It's a chance to explore new possibilities and maybe even improve how well your treatment works.
7. Supportive Care: Throughout your treatment for ovarian cancer, supportive care is really important. It's all about managing your symptoms and side effects, like pain, making sure you're eating well, and helping you cope emotionally. This kind of care is designed to make your life better while you're going through treatment and recovery.
- Location: Abu Hail Road, Behind Ministry of Environment and Water, P.O.Box: 15881, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates
- Year Established: 1970
About The Hospital
- One of the largest private hospitals in Dubai
- JCI accredited
- Over 200-bed capacity
- Receives more than 500 patients daily
- More than 65 internationally qualified physicians
- Private and shared rooms with modern amenities
- 24/7 room service with a variety of food options
- Specialized menus prepared by experienced dieticians
- Blood bank services are available 24/7
- Safety measures and patient comfort prioritized
- Specialists in various fields including Cardiology, Dermatology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology & Dialysis, Pediatrics & Neonatology, Rheumatology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Asthma & Chest Clinic, Allergy Clinic, Rehabilitation and physiotherapy, Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation, Andrology, General & Laparoscopic Surgery and more.
2. Iranian Hospital
- Established Year: 1972
- Location: Al Wasl Rd - Al Bada'a - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
About The Hospital:
- It was established with the support of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and is a not-for-profit organization with a charity focus.
- Total Number of Beds: 220
- ICU Beds: 19
- Operation Theatres: 10
- Number of Surgeons: 2
- 220 premium in-patient beds and 25 sub-specialty clinics.
- Gastro-endoscopy centre and diagnostic imaging centre.
- 10 operation rooms equipped for laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.
- Fully automated advanced laboratory and the first cytogenetic and DNA diagnostic lab in the region.
- In-patient services include a 24-hour Emergency Department, ICU, CCU, Internal Medicine ward, Global Healthcare Services department for health tourist referrals, Men and Women surgical wards, Day Care Surgery ward, Cath-lab, Gynecology and obstetrics ward, Labour ward and Suits, Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ward, and Pediatric
- The hospital's mission is to provide top-notch healthcare services while fostering cooperation between Iran and the UAE.
- A committed team of highly skilled and dedicated experts in medical, nursing, and paraclinical services.
- Iranian Hospital, offers a wide range of medical treatments, including cardiology, surgery, dermatology, paediatrics, and more. It provides comprehensive healthcare services across various specialities to meet diverse patient needs.
How can HealthTrip assist with your treatment?
If you're seeking Ovarian Cancer Treatment, let HealthTrip be your compass. We support you throughout your medical journey with the following:
- Access to top doctors in 38+ countries and the largest health travel platform.
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- Post-treatment care and assistance.
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- 24/7 unwavering support, from hospital formalities to travel arrangements or emergencies.
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Success Rates for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in the UAE:
In the UAE, the success rates for treating ovarian cancer can vary, influenced by factors like the cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment protocols, and how patients respond to therapy. Hospitals like American Hospital Dubai and Mediclinic City Hospital Dubai are renowned for their high success rates in treating ovarian cancer. They use advanced treatment options, have multidisciplinary care teams, and employ state-of-the-art medical technologies.
These hospitals take a comprehensive approach aimed at not only curing the disease but also improving the quality of life for survivors. Their expertise and dedication contribute to achieving favourable outcomes for patients battling ovarian cancer in the UAE.
Cost of Ovarian Cancer Treatment in the UAE:
The cost of treating ovarian cancer in the UAE can vary quite a bit. It depends on factors like how advanced the cancer is, the specific treatments needed (like surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy), and where you decide to get treatment. Hospitals that offer more advanced technologies and personalized care may have higher costs.
If you're considering treatment, it's a good idea to contact hospitals directly to get detailed estimates of what it might cost. Also, check with your insurance to see what they cover. Some hospitals might have programs to help with costs, so it's worth asking about that too. Getting this information can help you plan and make decisions about your treatment with a clear understanding of the financial side of things.
In summary, ovarian cancer treatment in the UAE offers advanced care and hope, supported by leading hospitals and compassionate professionals. Patients can trust in tailored therapies and comprehensive support, empowering them on their journey to recovery and wellness.
