Patient: Mr. Fracis K.
Medical Condition: Pancreatic Tumour
Country: Uganda
Doctor: Dr. Harshal Gadhikar
Mr Francis K., 53 years old, a Ugandan citizen, an asymptomatic, underwent annual health check-up in his own country, in which his PSA was found to be elevated 5.32ng/ml, ref 0 -2ng/ml. USG abdomen and pelvis was then done which revealed a normal prostate but a pancreatic mass was accidently discovered. A follow-up CT scan was done which revealed pancreatic masses in the head of the pancreas.
Patient’s insurance company referred him to Med Access India for further treatment. Patient had his questions which were addressed by Med Access Medical team before he travelled to India for treatment.
The first challenge was to establish accurate Diagnosis. Best gastroenterologists, specialists in his condition, were selected to seek multiple opinions to arrive at correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Blood tests and tumour marker Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) tests as well as CT scan, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and PET scans were prescribed. After investigations review, it was confirmed that the patient was having pancreatic tumour.
Biopsy was advised to confirm whether the tumour was cancerous or not. First biopsy results were inconclusive as it was difficult to retrieve sufficient amount of tumour cell because of the location and size of the tumour.
Biopsies for pancreatic tumours are known often be difficult to do because of the location of the pancreas and because pancreatic tumours are smaller. Med Access decided to get the biopsy done in another city, at Endoscopy Asia, a world-class, state of art tertiary care for diagnostics and therapeutic Gastrointestinal and Pancreato- bilary Endoscopy and Gastroenterology. ERCP –Guided biopsy was repeated twice here to arrive at definitive conclusion. It was diagnosed as benign tumour but “precancerous” and if left untreated, it can become cancerous over time.
Med Access selected world-renowned onco-surgeon for the treatment. He advised Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) within six months. As the patient did not have any symptoms, therefore, he wanted to weigh risk and benefits associated with immediate surgery option.
The patient underwent successful surgery within a year and is doing well.
Med Access Value-addition in this Medical Case Management:
- Selection of the best doctors
- Selection of the right diagnostic centres
- Accurate diagnosis establishment
- Right treatment plan established and implemented
- Best treatment outcomes and smooth patient experience
- Total guidance support and coordination of the case
