Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer


Bladder Cancer Treatment in Turkey- Cost, Top Doctors & Hospitals

Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer, particularly among older adults and men. Recent estimates have shown that 614,298 people were diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022, which is a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year. According to the same report, the United States recorded 80,404 new cases, making it the country with the second-highest number of diagnoses after China.

Bladder cancer is often detected through symptoms such as frequent urination, pelvic pain, and bone pain. However, the high cost of treatment and surgery remains a concern in many Western countries. You will find that in countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia, patients continue to struggle for timely and affordable bladder cancer treatments. As a result, a growing number of patients are seeking treatment abroad where they can get affordable urology treatments and enjoy a small vacation on the way. Turkey particularly stands out as a leading country, attracting millions of international patients each year. You will specially find high-quality and cost-effective bladder cancer treatment in Turkey. 

What are the Indications for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Turkey? 

Even though bladder cancer is a common condition that claims thousands of lives every year, on-time treatment can be a game-changer in most cases. So, if you are struggling with bladder problems and wondering whether you have bladder cancer or not, knowing the indications for bladder cancer treatment might help. With proper details, you will be able to decide whether you need to undergo bladder cancer treatment in Turkey or not. Here are some common indications for bladder cancer  surgery/treatment:

  • Hematuria, a condition where blood is seen in urine, which makes the urine appear bright red or darker red in colour. However, in some cases, urine looks normal, and blood is only detected through a lab test.
  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination or the urge to urinate frequently
  • Back pain

Therefore, if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms or see discoloured urine and worry that you might have bladder cancer, consult with a urologist or your primary healthcare provider immediately. While these symptoms do not always indicate bladder cancer, a timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to identifying any underlying condition early and beginning the treatment plan.

What are the Grades of Bladder Cancer?

Whether you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer or suspect if you might have it, you will need to know about the different grades of it.  The grade refers to how cancer cells appear under a microscope, which helps doctors predict how quickly the cancer is likely to grow and spread. Here are the stages or grades of bladder cancer:

■ Low-grade bladder cancer:

In low-grade bladder cancer, the cancer cells appear more like normal bladder tissue in both size and structure. These tumours tend to grow slowly and are less likely to invade the muscular wall of the bladder or spread to other parts of the body. While still requiring treatment, low-grade tumours are considered less aggressive.

■ High-grade bladder cancer:

High-grade bladder cancer has abnormally looking cancer cells and bears little resemblance to healthy bladder cells. These tumours tend to grow more aggressively and are more likely to invade the bladder wall and spread to nearby organs or distant parts of the body. High-grade bladder cancer usually requires more aggressive and comprehensive treatment.

What are the Different Types of Bladder Cancer?

Today, the healthcare system has advanced rapidly, and you can access advanced bladder cancer treatment with the benefit of high success rates in Turkey. Here, cities like Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya offer advanced healthcare technology and medical facilities along with globally acclaimed surgeons/urologists for optimal treatment and care. Also, if you are worrying about bladder cancer treatment in Turkey, knowing about the different types of bladder cancer can help-

■ Urothelial carcinoma:

Urothelial carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. It originates in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These specialised cells expand when the bladder is full and contract when it's empty. Since the same cells line the ureters and urethra, urothelial carcinoma can also develop in those areas.

■ Adenocarcinoma:

Adenocarcinoma is another type of bladder cancer that develops in the cells that create mucus-secreting glands of the bladder. This type of bladder cancer is quite rare, accounting for only a small percentage of all bladder cancer cases.

■ Squamous cell carcinoma:

Squamous cell carcinoma is often associated with chronic irritation or inflammation of the bladder. Common causes include long-term urinary tract infections or prolonged use of urinary catheters. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common but can be more aggressive, varying from person to person.

■ Mixed or Combined Bladder Cancer:

In some cases, a patient can also need a combination of two or more types of bladder cancer. These mixed-type cancers are often more complex and develop as a result of long-standing, untreated bladder conditions. The management of these cancers usually requires a more comprehensive and personalised treatment.

What are the Different Options for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey offers a range of options for bladder cancer treatment in Turkey that include both therapies and surgical procedures. Here, we will discuss treatment options available for bladder cancer treatment in Turkey:

■ Non-Surgical Bladder Cancer Treatment Options (Therapies)

Below are the primary non-surgical therapies used for treating bladder cancer in Turkish hospitals:

  • Radiation therapyIn radiation therapy, high-energy radiation is used externally to target and destroy cancer cells in the bladder. This method is often used in combination with other treatments or when surgery is not feasible.
  • Immunotherapy This therapy utilises the body's immune response to fight cancer. BCG and other such agents are directly administered into the bladder to stimulate an immune response against bladder cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. These drugs are either delivered systemically through the bloodstream or intravesically directly into the bladder.
  • Targeted therapy: The targeted therapy treatment method uses specific drugs such as erdafitinib or enfortumab vedotin to block the growth of cancer cells by targeting specific genetic mutations or proteins involved in cancer progression.

■ Surgical Bladder Cancer Treatment Options

Surgical intervention is usually recommended to patients when bladder cancer has advanced or is unresponsive to non-surgical treatments. The surgical procedures for the same are:

  • Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT): Used for early-stage cancers, TURBT is a minimally invasive bladder cancer treatment procedure that is performed through the urethra to remove tumours from the bladder lining.
  • Partial Cystectomy: Partial Cystectomy involves removing a portion of the bladder containing the tumour. This approach preserves part of the bladder and is often followed by either chemotherapy or radiation.
  • Radical Cystectomy:Radical cystectomy is the complete removal of the bladder and becomes necessary when cancer has spread deeper into the bladder wall or surrounding structures. This procedure includes the removal of nearby lymph nodes and the reconstruction of urinary diversion, such as using a piece of the intestine to create a new pathway for urine to exit the body.

Other surgical methods for bladder cancer treatment in Turkey include installing an artificial urethral sphincter, urethral sphincter biopsy, urinary diversion and bladder fabrication.

How is Recovery After Bladder Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

When you think about opting for bladder cancer treatment in Turkey, you must also be curious about the recovery process and duration. Although the recovery period widely varies from patient to patient depending on the type of bladder cancer treatment/surgery you have, for example, if you have undergone a partial cystoscopy, you will have a shorter recovery duration in comparison to the radical cystoscopic procedure, where the entire bladder has been removed for the treatment of bladder cancer. 

However, the average recovery duration of bladder cancer treatment can range from 2-6 weeks to several months. This duration includes your hospital stay, home recovery and slowly healing and resuming your regular work. Also, one must not forget that even if the entire bladder has been removed for treatment, patients who have suffered from bladder cancer previously are at the highest risk of developing other types of cancer.

What is the Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost in Turkey vs. Other Countries?

Nowadays, we have several effective options for bladder cancer treatment in Turkey that can help you overcome this life-threatening illness. However, the cost of these treatments widely varies from one country to another. For instance, several Western countries have a higher cost of bladder cancer treatment/surgery, while others, such as Turkey, have a lower cost than most Western countries, making it one of the most sought-after places for bladder cancer treatment. Here, we will discuss a brief cost comparison of bladder cancer treatment in Turkey.

Country Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost
Turkey €4,000 - €10,000
Europe €18,000 - €30,000
UK €15,000 - €25,000
USA €25,000 - €50,000

Turkish cities like Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya possess many reliable and world-class bladder cancer treatment centers where you can get quality treatment and surgical procedures at the most reasonable and affordable prices.

Why Get Bladder Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Many patients choose Turkey for their bladder cancer treatment and surgery. And there is more than one reason for this. Turkey offers some of the best bladder cancer treatment centres, renowned medical experts and advanced healthcare infrastructure. The success rate for bladder cancer treatment in Turkey is also considerably high. Finally, the hospitals in Turkey offer cost-effective treatment options that help people avail themselves of quality urological care at affordable prices.

Turkey is increasingly being recognised for providing advanced bladder cancer treatment at a fraction of the cost seen in the U.S., UK, and Western Europe. Patients receive care from internationally certified oncologists and urologists using the latest diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical techniques such as TURBT, radical cystectomy, and intravesical therapies like BCG.

Thanks to favorable exchange rates and a more affordable healthcare infrastructure, patients coming to Turkey benefit not only from top-tier medical care  but also from considerable savings, without sacrificing safety or treatment standards.

With JCI-accredited hospitals, English-speaking staff, and customised medical tourism packages, Turkey is a preferred country for patients seeking comprehensive bladder cancer care, whether for early-stage tumours or complex cases requiring surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Explore the cost comparison chart below to see the financial advantages of choosing Turkey for your bladder cancer treatment.

Country Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost
Turkey €4,000 - €10,000
Europe €18,000 - €30,000
UK €15,000 - €25,000
USA €25,000 - €50,000

If you are considering getting bladder cancer treatment in Turkey, you need to be aware of how to proceed. Along with a plethora of other attractions, Turkey is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscape. With unique characteristics, the country is divided into a number of towns and localities. These include Istanbul's bustling streets, the stunning coastlines of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and the ancient remains of Ephesus.

For the bladder cancer treatment to be performed in Turkey, a medical visa is required. The following should be considered before applying for a Turkish medical visa:

  • A minimum of 180 days should elapse before your passport expires on the date you intend to go.
  • You should confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for entry and departure stamps.
  • One month before the scheduled departure date, you must apply for a medical visa.

Many Europeans can enter Turkey without a visa for brief stays. For some people, a visa may be given upon arrival, valid for up to 90 days during a 180-day term. The best course of action while planning a trip is to research the precise admission criteria according to your country.

The history, culture, food, and nightlife of Turkey are all very remarkable. Whether you're looking for historical sights, delicious food, or UNESCO sites, Turkey has it all. These must-see sites in Turkey are a must-visit for anyone thinking about getting bladder cancer treatment in Turkey:

Turkey has a rich history, a vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and an active nightlife. Turkey has something for everyone, from UNESCO sites and delectable cuisine to historical landmarks. Those considering coming to Turkey for an AMS Tactra penile implant should certainly check out the following must-see locations:

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Troy
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Pamukkale
  • Blue Mosque
  • Mount Nemrut

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, that's okay! Once you've travelled to Turkey for erectile dysfunction therapy, you can begin strategising.

Urinary diversion is considered the latest or most advanced bladder cancer treatment in Turkey. Transurethral cystectomy, partial cystectomy and radical cystectomy are other modern surgical options for the condition.

The bladder cancer treatment cost in Turkey can vary depending on the type of treatment needed, hospital infrastructure, etc. However, the general charge for cystectomy in Turkey ranges between $4,000 and $13,000.

Yes, Turkey is globally considered one of the best countries for bladder cancer treatment with its best bladder cancer treatment centres, advanced medical infrastructure and cost-effective treatment options.

The recovery period cannot be the same for every patient. Usually, it takes one to two weeks to recover after a bladder cancer surgery in Turkey.

Patients typically receive radiation therapy for bladder cancer treatment five days a week, with the therapy taking up to 4-7 weeks to complete.
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