Liver cancer treatment in Turkey

How much does liver cancer treatment cost in Turkey?

Liver cancer surgery costs an average of €8,000 in Istanbul, Turkey. Depending on the extent of the disease, the type of operation and the clinic chosen, the lowest price for liver cancer surgery in Turkey is €4,200 and can go as high as €17,000.

Biopsy	450 €
Liver chemoembolisation	4.200 €
chemotherapy	1.650 €
CyberKnife®	4.100 €
NanoKnife®	2.500 €
Tomotherapy	8.500 €
Complete liver cancer treatment	17.000 €

Liver cancer treatment in Turkey: a complete guide

Under the principle of medical tourism, a French person has the right to plan liver cancer treatment in Turkey. There are several reasons for taking this decision. Knowing that the patient is not alone when making the decision. The supervision of the attending physician (and, where appropriate, equivalent specialists) is essential.

As a travel agency specialising in interventions and operations abroad, we do not intervene in the therapeutic or care support process. The role of our advisers is to define all the logistical aspects of your stay: booking the hotel, coordinating travel to the health establishments, ordering plane tickets, etc

Before going into more detail about how we work, we’d like to look at a few of the questions that are regularly asked about this condition. These explanations, although well documented, in no way replace the diagnosis and recommendations of a specialist.

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer occurs when malignant cells have formed in liver tissue. The liver is a vital organ, located in the upper right-hand part of the abdomen. As soon as a complication is detected, it is essential to intervene. This part of the body performs a number of essential functions.

For example, it is responsible for producing bile, a substance that greatly facilitates the digestive process. It also helps to detoxify the blood.

Despite scientific progress, the number of cases worldwide is set to increase, according to recent studies.

An article published by the newspaper Libération (the journalist himself quotes the Journal of Hepatology) explains that “905,700 people were diagnosed with liver cancer and 830,200 people died of it worldwide in 2020”. Forecasts suggest an increase of “more than 55%”, on this basis, between now and 2024.

Given these forecasts, prevention is essential. Early detection increases the chances of recovery.

Read our feature on liver transplants in Turkey and pancreatic cancer treatment in Istanbul.

Who is affected by liver cancer (age, sex, etc.)?

Liver cancer mainly affects people aged 60 or over, although there may be exceptions. According to the Libération article, the disease “affects men more than women, and the risk increases with age”.

A healthy lifestyle is also one of the causes of liver cancer. Over-consumption of alcoholic beverages, being overweight and certain co-morbidities increase the risk of contracting the disease. These include chronic infection with the hepatitis B and C viruses, cirrhosis, and metabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

The figures given above are worrying, but there are treatments available . These include transplantation, one of the most common operations. It is not without risk, but offers a chance of remission for some patients. Liver resection, involving partial removal of the liver, is another option. Finally, the medical profession may recommend ablation. The cancer cells are then destroyed in a targeted manner.

This is where a medical trip to the land of the Bosphorus can be arranged. But why is this sometimes the preferred option?

Why go to Turkey to treat liver cancer?

There are a number of reasons why patients turn to a specialist in Turkey, whether in Istanbul or elsewhere. Here is a selection of the most frequently cited reasons.

1. The cost of treatment

The mechanics of health insurance reimbursement are not enough to make a difference. Despite this participation, liver cancer treatment represents a significant cost, whether at the time of diagnosis, intervention or remission.

There are many small, prestigious clinics in Turkey, frequented by international patients throughout the year. As a result, the French who make Turkey their destination are looking for high-quality treatment at more affordable rates .

2. Turkey, a world reference for organ transplants

While the first point is valid in many cases, it is particularly relevant to the condition we are discussing here. In the words of TRT Français (the French branch of Turkish Radio and Television), Turkey “has succeeded in becoming one of the world’s leading destinations for organ transplants, following in the footsteps of South Korea, Europe and the United States”.

An entire dossier would have to be devoted to studying this phenomenon to understand all its implications. Let’s highlight one of them: the “cultural” one. Living organ donation is still a major taboo in Turkey. In the absence of post-mortem“opportunities”, it was necessary to “overcome the critical constraints linked to operations between living donors and sick recipients”.

It’s an astonishing process, which has led local specialists to redouble their technical skills in order to successfully carry out the treatments. Although this is not a competition, it is reflected in the success rate of transplants. Depending on the source, it varies between 85 and 95%. This is to be distinguished strictly from the remission rate for liver cancer. The two medical procedures, although correlated in certain situations, remain distinct.

3. A different, more relaxing environment

Our agents leave no stone unturned when organising a client’s travel and accommodation arrangements. The context in which the treatment takes place helps to ensure that the operation is approached in the best possible conditions. Turkey itself offers an ideal setting for letting go; its magnificent landscapes and the prevailing climate in certain regions are valuable assets.

The sense of service is also particularly well developed in this country, where many talents come together. Once again, according to the more accessible prices , the ‘extras’ are more numerous, even when the establishment does not claim any specific luxury. It’s all part of the national medical culture.

How do you organise your medical trip to Turkey?

First and foremost, we would like to remind you of the importance of having the procedure validated by a sworn professional. Only he/she can confirm the need for treatment and the associated procedures.

Once the choice has been made, there are several steps to follow. Only in certain cases is it necessary to obtain a medical visa .

Whatever the case, our travel agency does its utmost to simplify this essential trip . From the moment you arrive at the airport, our teams are at your service. In particular, we have links with the best hospitals and clinics in the region. When you fill in the information requested, which is treated in the strictest confidence, we will send you a tailored medical quote .

Why entrust the preparation of my medical stay to an agency?

Thanks to this personalised service, you benefit from..

• Absolute responsiveness. If a problem arises (difficulties communicating locally, delays beyond our control, etc.), we will immediately look for a solution.
  
• Total transparency. All the essential information is communicated to you in advance. You know how much the various services cost.
  
• An on-site presence. We don’t just work online. Our customers benefit from assistance “on the ground”, throughout the treatment.

We are always available, whatever the time of year. Liver cancer treatment is a stressful medical procedure – our help makes it easier to cope. You don’t have to worry about everything to do with taxis, cateringand so on. You can always make special requests.

Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss them. Our experts will be able to answer all your questions. If you choose this option , your medical trip to Turkey will take place under the best possible conditions.

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Frequently asked questions about liver cancer in Turkey