Oncology in Koh Samui

Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with cancer is called an oncologist.

An oncologist can design a treatment plan based on detailed pathology reports that shows the type of cancer the patient has, how much cancer has developed, how fast the cancer is likely to spread, and what parts of the patient's body are involved.

The field of oncology has three main areas, which include:

• Medical oncologists use chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and other types of targeted treatments to treat cancer. Most people think of medical oncologist as their primary cancer doctor. Medical oncologists help monitor and maintain patients' well-being, as well as helping patients manage side effects. Often patients follow up with their medical oncologist once their treatment is complete.
• Surgical oncologists perform the surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. They will help patients prepare for and recover from any surgical procedure they undergo during their cancer treatment. If your primary doctor suspects that you have cancer, a surgical oncologist is likely one of the first doctors you see. Surgical oncologists can perform biopsies, which involves removing a small tissue sample to be checked for cancer cells.
• Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy. They use high-energy photon beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Approximately one-half of all cancer patients will undergo radiation treatment during their cancer care.

Because most cancers are treated with a combination of therapies, you could see two or all three different oncologists during the course of your treatment.

Besides the three main areas, there are also several other areas of oncology. These include:

• Pediatric oncologists diagnose and treat cancer in children. Some types of cancer appear more often in children and teenagers, such as leukemia, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Some pediatric oncologists focus on conducting research on childhood cancers, while others specialize in certain types of cancer.
• Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers that affect women, such as cancer of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Additionally, they also treat complicated gynecological conditions that are not cancerous, such as fibroid tumors and endometriosis.
• Hematologist-oncologists diagnoses and treats blood cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. They may also specialize in the management of solid tumors.

Oncologists usually work with a variety of other medical professionals, including pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, oncology nurses, and oncology social workers. They may also work with doctors from other areas of medicine, such as neurologists, dermatologists, or urologists.

What does Oncology Involve?

There are many types of procedures to treat cancer. The types of procedures that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people who have cancer will only have one treatment. However, most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Below are the types of procedures to treat cancer:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the body and prevent them from growing. The drugs can prevent cell division, target the food source of the cancer cells’ (the hormones and enzymes the cells need to grow), and trigger apoptosis (a process in which cancer cells kill themselves).

• Chemotherapy drugs can be given in several different ways, including.
• Oral – taken in a pill or capsule form.
• Intravenously – through an infusion into a vein.
• Shots – injected with a needle.
• Topical – applying creams or gels into the skin. This type is used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs can also be given directly to cancer or directly to an area of the body, such as the abdomen or central nervous system.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses substances made by your own body, or in a laboratory, to improve or restore your immune system function. It can stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, stop or slow the growth of cancer cells, and help your immune system work better at destroying cancer cells.

There are several types of immunotherapy to treat cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies, treatment vaccines, and immune system modulators. Different types of immunotherapy may be given in different ways, such as intravenous (IV), oral, intravesical (directly into the bladder), or topical.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that are designed to specifically “target” cancer cells without affecting normal cells. It targets the cancer’s specific proteins, genes, or other tissue environment contributing to cancer survival and growth. These proteins and genes are found in cancer cells or in cells related to cancer growth.

The targeted drugs can block or turn off chemical signals that tell cancer cells when to divide and grow, stop making new blood vessels that feed cancer cells, change proteins within the cancer cells so the cells die, trigger the immune system to kill cancer cells, and carry toxins in the cancer cells to kill them.

• There are two types of targeted therapy:
• Small-molecule drugs, which is given through pills or capsules that you swallow
• Monoclonal antibodies, which are given through a needle in a blood vein.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses intense energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It most often uses X-rays, but other types of energy, such as protons may also be used.

Radiation therapy can be done in two ways:

• External-beam radiation therapy – this type of radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body. You will lie on a table, and the machine (called a linear accelerator) moves around you to deliver radiation from several different angles. It is a quick and painless procedure.
• Internal radiation therapy – also called brachytherapy, involves both temporary and permanent placement of radioactive sources in the body. During the placement of the radioactive sources, you will be given anesthesia.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy stops or slows the growth of cancer that uses hormones to grow. It works by blocking your body’s ability to produce hormones or interfere with how hormones behave in your body. It can reduce the chance that cancer will return by stopping or slowing its growth, as well as preventing or reducing symptoms in men with prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy is usually used to treat breast and prostate cancer. It can be taken in many ways, including orally, through an injection, and surgery.

Stem Cell Transplant

People whose blood-forming stem cells are damaged by the very high doses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy can undergo stem cell transplant to restore the cells. Blood-forming stem cells are vital since they grow into different types of blood cells that you need to be healthy. The stem cells will be given to you through an IV catheter. The process is very much like receiving a blood transfusion.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment for cancer is a procedure to remove cancer from your body. There are many types of surgeries to treat cancer, which differ based on the part of the body that requires surgery, the purpose of the surgery, the amount of tissue to be removed, and your preference. In general, the surgery can be open or minimally invasive.

• During open surgery, one large incision is made to remove the tumor, some healthy tissue, and some nearby lymph nodes.
• During minimally invasive surgery, a few tiny incisions are made instead of a large one. These incisions are made to insert a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) and special surgical tools. The laparoscope allows your surgeon to see the inside of the body, and the surgical tools are used to remove the tumor and some healthy tissue.

How Long Should I Stay in Koh Samui?

For chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, the treatment schedule may vary. You may have treatment every day, week, or month. It may also be given in a cycle, which is a period of treatment followed by a period of rest to give your body a chance to recover. For surgical treatment, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, and you need to stay in Koh Samui for at least 10 to 14 days. Your oncologist and/or medical tourism team will advise you on the length of stay in Koh Samui.

What's the Recovery Time?

The type of procedure you undergo determines the recovery period. While you may be able to get back to your normal routine within 10 days after laparoscopic surgery, you may need to wait around 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery. Your oncologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline.

What About Aftercare?

You will be given instructions on how to take care of yourself. Your surgeon or nurse will explain how to control your pain, how to take care of your wound, activities you can and cannot do, and how to spot signs of infections. You may also need to talk to a dietitian to help with eating problems caused by the treatment. You will need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your condition.

What's the Success Rate?

Cancer survival has improved significantly due to constant advancement and improvements in the field of oncology, including improvement in treatments and screening (allowing for earlier diagnosis). Still, you need to be aware of the risks, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

Are there Alternatives to Oncology?

There is no other alternative than to see an oncologist when it comes to cancer treatments. Some people may choose to undergo meditation, hypnosis, and acupuncture as well, usually to relieve the stress, anxiety, and pain that cancer can bring.

Oncology in and around Koh Samui

About Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Referred to as Samui, it was once a “backpacker’s paradise”. It has a bounty of natural wonders as well as man-made attractions such as the mummified monks and the glorious Buddha temples.

The idyllic atmosphere of Koh Samui makes it a perfect destination for both physical and mental wellbeing. It has become a preferred destination for medical tourism in the last few years. Visitors love the location and combine their holidays with medical and spa treatments.

The island has several sophisticated and state-of-art international hospitals such as the Bangkok Hospital, Samui, Bandon International Hospital, Samui International Hospital, and Thai International Hospital, Samui. These hospitals offer affordable and timely medical services to tourists who mainly come to undergo Cosmetic surgeries, Dental Aesthetic procedures, and Sex Reassignment surgeries. Such procedures when carried out in Koh Samui cost 20% to 25% less than the cost of the same treatments in their home countries.

With an eye on the possible growth within the realm of medical tourism, these hospitals are actively broadening the array of medical services they offer. They now furnish other types of procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmic surgery.

In addition to these extended services, they have a roster of highly competent doctors on hand. These medical professionals are clearly proficient in English, thereby effectively ensuring smooth and easy communication with patients arriving from different parts of the world.

Popular Areas in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is home to many amazing beaches, locations, temples, and markets and some of the major and popular attractions of the island are:

• Ang Thong Marine Park – Ang Thong Marine Park is a group of 42 tiny lush green islands with lofty limestone cliffs, crystal clear beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls, hidden coves, and lakes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Koh Samui, and it is easy to see why. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
• Wat Phra Yai – Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Koh Samui. The golden-colored, 12-meter tall Buddha statue is hard to miss, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists.
• Wat Plai Laem – Wat Plai Laem is an active Buddhist temple that is known for its beautiful architecture and its 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. It is a popular place to visit for both religious and cultural reasons.
• Na Muang Waterfall – It represents a set of two magnificent waterfalls. These lie about 7.5 miles southeast to Nathon Bay in inland.
• Chaweng and Lamai Beach – Are the two most popular beaches on the island. Chaweng beach is on the east coast of Samui and is known for its nightlife. Lamai beach has a more laid-back atmosphere, but it still has a variety of accommodation, dining & shopping choices, luxurious spas, and tourist spots.

Koh Samui’s other attractions include Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Koh Phangan island, Fisherman’s Village Bophut, Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram, and the Secret Buddha Garden. Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party held on the Koh Phangan island on full moon day.

Weather and Climate in Phuket

Nestled in a tropical climate, Koh Samui basks in hot and humid weather that extends throughout the year. The humidity level typically straddles between 70 and 85 percent, creating a warm atmosphere indicative of tropical locales. Meanwhile, the average temperature usually hovers around a cosy 28 degrees Celsius.

The island ushers in three distinctive seasons, specifically, hot, dry, and rainy, each of them bringing a unique texture to the overall climate.

• Hot Season is between March and September. The hottest period is March and April when the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and above. From May to September, it’s like a mini monsoon season with bright sunny days and light showers in the evening.
• Dry Season runs from December to February. The weather is pleasant with light cool winds. The sea is balmy and tourists flock the region during this season.
• Rainy Season is between September and November and the island faces its maximum rainfall with unpredictable weather and rough seas.

Getting Around in Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s airport is a private airport built by Bangkok Airways. It is still the main operator of flights to Samui. Flights to and from Bangkok operate almost every hour. It operates domestic flights to Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, and international flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong every day. Thai Airways to flies between Bangkok and Ko Samui.

Besides Bangkok and Thai Airways, Berjaya Air & Firefly of Malaysia and Silk Air of Singapore also fly to Samui Airport. Air Asia offers a special ‘Island Transfer’ which comprises a flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat, road travel to the port, and a ferry ride to Koh Samui.

Combined bus and ferry service from Surat Thani rail station or Surat Thani Airport are other options to reach Samui.

Moving around Koh Samui is easy as it is a small island and there are many transport options within Samui. They are songthaews, motorbikes, taxis, and cars and there are no tuk-tuks or buses.

• Songthaews – They are mini pick-up trucks that can accommodate 8-10 adults. They circle the main ring road of Samui and travel through the popular beach towns. The drivers pick you up from anywhere on the road.
• Metered Taxis – You can find them everywhere in the town. Despite having a meter, the drivers don’t use them. You need to bargain and fix a fare before you start your journey.
• Rent a Car – There are major car rental chains to book a car and they have a good collection of vehicles, but can be pricey. Then there are local car operators which are cheaper but can be unreliable.
• Scooter-taxis –These are the cheapest and quickest mode of transport.

Tourist Visas in Koh Samui

Visa Exemption or Visa Waiver Entry – Under a bilateral agreement, Thailand exempts nationals from 55 countries including the UK, USA, and many European countries from obtaining a tourist visa. The only condition is that tourists must have a passport that is valid for at least six months. They can get an arrival stamp on their passports, and stay in the country for a period of 30 days. They need not pay any visa fees, as it is not a visa on arrival rather just an entry stamp.

Visa on Arrival – Nationals from 24 countries like China and India with a valid Passport not expiring before six months, can get a visa on arrival at the airport. The visa permits them a stay of 15 days. There are designated immigration counters at the airport for issuing the visa.

Here are some additional tips for tourists applying for a visa on arrival in Thailand:

• Make sure that you have all of the required documents, including a valid passport, a return flight ticket, and proof of funds.
• Be prepared to pay the visa fee, which is 2,000 Thai baht.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your purpose for visiting Thailand.

Additional Information

• The main currency of exchange is the Thai Baht. One US dollar is worth about 34.5559 Thai Baht as of 2023. You can also use debit and credit cards.
• Most of the major banks operate in Samui Island. They exchange all major currencies and traveller’s cheques.
• ​​​​​​​You can find ATMs everywhere in Koh Samui. They accept both local as well as international debit cards. However, they charge you a small transactional fee when you withdraw from your country’s bank account.
• ​​​​​​​The locals of Koh Samui speak Thai – the official language of Thailand. People also understand and speak English to a certain extent, since the island is a famous tourist destination.
• ​​​​​​​Buddhism and reverence to the monarchy are striking aspects of Samui culture. It has a large Buddhist Thai population along with a traditional Muslim fishermen community.
• ​​​​​​​Important public holidays include:

1. The Chinese New Year in February
2. ​​​​​​​The Thai New Year (Songkran) in April
3. ​​​​​​​The Festival of Lights (Loi Krathong) in November
4. ​​​​​​​Christmas and New Year