BestClinic.co.uk provides information on radiotherapy treatment in Turkey and helps you book an operation with qualified Turkish doctors. This content is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
Price of a radiotherapy session in Turkey
The average price of a radiotherapy session in Turkey is €225. The minimum price is 150 euros and the maximum price is 300 euros, with a variation in the overall cost for a complete treatment ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 euros, depending on the number of sessions required (generally between 20 and 40 sessions), including consultation fees, preliminary examinations and post-treatment follow-up.
| Radiotherapy for sarcoma | 2900 € |
| Radiotherapy for brain tumours | 2900 € |
| Radiotherapy for brain tumours | 1800 € |
| Radiotherapy for colorectal cancer | 2900 € |
| Radiotherapy for kidney cancer | 2900 € |
| Radiotherapy for ovarian cancer | 2800 € |
| Radiotherapy for stomach cancer | 2700 € |
| Radiotherapy for breast cancer | 750 € |
| Radiotherapy for lung cancer | 1850 € |
| Radiotherapy for prostate cancer | 1850 € |
| Radiotherapy for throat cancer | 2950 € |
| Radiotherapy for uterine cancer | 3600 € |
| Stereotactic radiosurgery | 4050 € |
| Tomotherapy | 9050 € |
Introduction
Radiotherapy enables cancer to be treated with the least possible negative impact. It can be considered a versatile method. It can be used to treat all types of cancer at any stage of the disease. Oncologists can also combine it with other approaches such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy is a highly technical approach. Its application requires a high level of expertise, with the risk of serious complications. It’s very important to be able to count on the intervention of a leading specialist! This is why many international patients decide to invest in a medical trip to Turkey.
This country on the borders of Asia Minor and Europe is home to experienced radiotherapy specialists. It is also home to some of the best oncology hospitals in the world. These establishments use state-of-the-art equipment. Radiotherapy in Turkey is therefore a good investment.
What is radiotherapy in Turkey?
Radiotherapy has been used to treat cancer since the 1890s. The effectiveness of the method was quickly recognised. This is why it is now used to treat 60% of cancer patients. But what does radiotherapy involve in Turkey? It boils down to sending a dose of high-intensity ionising radiation to the area of the tumour.
The aim of the method is to reduce or eliminate the cancerous mass. It also kills each malignant cell. There are different types of radiotherapy. Here are the most commonly used methods.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy is a method ofexternal radiotherapy. This procedure is the most popular for treating cancer. It requires the use of a telecobalt device. This sends high-energy gamma rays to the tumour.
The radio-oncology specialist must define the size and shape of the beams precisely. He can then avoid damaging healthy tissue with the rays. During the session, the patient must lie on a table and remain motionless.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiotherapy. The radiation oncologist’s job is to insert a capsule containing a source of caesium, cobalt or iridium into the patient’s body. The doctor may use a needle or a special tool.
The radioactive source is temporarily placed in a specific location. It then releases a dose of radiation that reaches the tumour or cancer cells directly. Brachytherapy means that the area to be treated can be precisely targeted. There is therefore no risk of the radiation affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is a non-invasive technique. It is an alternative to surgery. Radiosurgery encompasses a number of different techniques.
The first is stereotactic radiotherapy or SRT. This is an innovative version of teletherapy. Its application requires the use of a special machine called a linear accelerator or LINAC. The method involves sending small doses of high-energy radiation per day to the targeted area.
There is also Gamma Knife radiosurgery. This method requires the use of a machine developed by a neurosurgeon named Lars Leskell. The machine sends focused beams of gamma rays to the targeted area. Radiosurgery is indicated for treating :
- A localised or secondary primary brain tumour,
- A small malignant tumour in the lungs, prostate for men, breast or cervix for women, pelvis, pancreas or other organ,
- A small lesion,
- A number of advanced cancers.
Radiotherapy to lymph nodes
This is the type of radiotherapy used to treat a cancer affecting the lymph node or lymphoma. It uses beams of radiation to destroy the malignant tumour.
Metabolic or internal-vector radiotherapy
Metabolic radiotherapy is used to treat certain thyroid cancers. It is a practical method. A drug containing a radioactive substance is administered orally. The drug binds to the cancer cells and destroys them.
Read our report on chemotherapy in Turkey.
How is radiotherapy carried out in Turkey?
Preparation
Radiotherapy treatment in Turkey always begins with a consultation with a radiation oncologist. The radiation oncologist must determine the method to be used and the dose of radiation on the basis of a precise diagnosis. He will take into account
- The type of cancer,
- The stage of the disease,
- The location of the tumour,
- The treatment procedure already carried out,
- The patient’s general state of health.
The doctor will schedule a number of tests, such as MRI and CT scans. These examinations enable him to identify precisely the area to be targeted, and so draw up a better treatment plan. He must then give the patient various instructions.
Treatment
The patient is expected at the hospital or clinic on the day of treatment. The medical team installs the patient on the table. The X-ray machine will then do all the work, but under the supervision of the therapists. The therapists are in constant contact with the patient via an intercom system . The treatment lasts just a few minutes. If there is the slightest problem, the process will be interrupted.
Convalescence
Radiotherapy in Turkey does not require a hospital stay. The doctor must, however, arrange regular check-ups. The first appointment should take place a few days or a week after the treatment. He will check on the effect of the therapy and the progress of the patient’s health. He will also be able to detect any complications in good time. Good follow-up also speeds up recovery.
Read our report on the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in Istanbul.
What are the risks and side-effects of radiotherapy in Turkey?
Radiotherapy in Turkey is described as a non-invasive treatment technique. However, it does have a number of side-effects, including :
- Fatigue,
- Radiation-related skin problems such as redness, dryness or itching,
- Temporary hair loss,
- A reduction in blood cells if the treatment is combined with chemotherapy,
- Nausea.
Why have radiotherapy in Turkey?
Turkey has earned the title of reference destination for radiotherapy. Many international patients have travelled here for medical treatment. Several Turkish hospitals offer this treatment, including :
- Medical Park, which has earned the title of centre of excellence for its ability to provide high-quality medical care;
- Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, renowned for the expertise of its radiologists;
- Anadolu Medical Centre, a multi-specialty facility with JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation,
- Memorial Hospital, a world-class private medical centre located in the Turkish capital.
Each Turkish hospital has experienced staff. The medical team has been trained to provide quality service and care to patients. The facilities also have awide range of modern X-rayequipment . They offer effective treatment at a reasonable price. All this indicates that radiotherapy in Turkey is a better option.
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Frequently asked questions about radiotherapy in Turkey
How much does radiotherapy cost in Turkey?
There are so many factors that could vary the cost of radiotherapy in Turkey. These include the type of radiotherapy, the duration of treatment, the experience of the radiotherapy professional, the facility chosen by the patient, etc. The average cost varies between 3,500 and 24,460 usd.
What is the success rate?
If the X-ray equipment used is efficient and the medical team is highly competent, the result is often better. The patient treated can expect to live longer. The success rate for treatment is as high as 95% in Turkey.
How long does a course of radiotherapy last in Turkey?
The doctor generally proposes a daily radiotherapy session, 5 days a week. Treatment lasts around 6 weeks. It all depends on the result obtained. International patients should therefore stay in Turkey for at least 2 months.
Does radiotherapy in Turkey hurt?
A radiotherapy session is painless. The patient feels no pain. However, sometimes the body reacts badly to the rays sent to eliminate the cancer. This can lead to various side effects.
Where is the best country for radiotherapy?
Germany, Spain, the Republic of Korea and Thailand can offer the best radiotherapy treatment. However, Turkey remains the ideal destination. It boasts the best radiologists specialising in oncology, as well as modern equipment.
How do I organise my trip to Turkey for radiotherapy?
Using a specialist agency makes it easier to organise medical travel for radiotherapy in Turkey. It includes several services in its package, such as accommodation, transport, treatment, translator, etc.