Bone Cancer Treatment in Turkey: Costs, Best Doctors & VISA Guide

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops when the cells responsible for forming new bone grow uncontrollably. The tumor originates from bone-forming cells, which multiply and cluster to create malignant growths. Although this cancer is rare and accounts for about 1% of all cancers, it is aggressive and most commonly affects children and adolescents.

Early detection and timely interventions can improve survival rates; this is why recognising the symptoms of this disease is important. If persistent pain, unexplained swelling, or unusual fatigue is experienced, one should immediately prompt a consultation with a doctor.

If someone is suffering from the condition of osteosarcoma and is considering getting bone cancer treatment, Turkey offers access to high-quality patient care and advanced medical facilities.

Turkish medical institutions report high success rates even in complex cancer cases, showcasing their medical practitioners' and surgeons' experience and expertise. To get the best bone cancer treatment in Turkey, contact CureTurkey and you can avail consultations, a treatment plan, and accommodation, all within an affordable range. This page will be your guide to everything relating to availing bone cancer treatment in Turkey, including the treatment costs and best doctors.

What are the Indications for Osteosarcoma or Bone Cancer?

Osteosarcoma begins in the bone-forming cells and gradually affects the bone structure, causing pain, swelling, and other symptoms. While early-stage bone cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms, those that develop in later stages often worsen over time and impact a person’s quality of life.

Early diagnosis and treatment help in managing the disease effectively. Here are the most common signs of cancer that indicate a patient’s need for bone cancer treatment in Turkey:

• Initially painless lump or swelling, that becomes painful as the tumor grows
• Pain in the tumor site, especially if the tumor presses on nerves or muscles
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss.
• The affected area is limited in mobility or stiffness, especially in bone sarcomas
• Bone pain or fractures, if the cancer weakens the bone structure
• Redness or warmth near the tumor, when the tumor is close to the skin surface

What are the Options for Bone Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey offers a range of advanced bone cancer treatment options that are tailored to the patient’s condition, type of tumor, and the stage of the disease. Some of the common procedures performed for bone cancer treatment in Turkey include:

■ Surgery:

Surgery is often the first and most important step in treating bone cancer. The goal of a brain cancer surgery is to remove the tumor entirely while preserving as much healthy bone and surrounding tissue as possible. In many cases, surgeons perform limb-sparing surgery, which carefully excises the tumor and reconstructs the affected area using bone grafts or prosthetic implants. In severe cases where the tumor is extensive, amputation might be necessary. Turkish surgeons hold experience and specialise in performing advanced reconstructive techniques, helping patients retain mobility and function whenever possible.

■ Radiotherapy:

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Bone tumors require higher doses than other cancers for elimination, which can also affect nearby healthy tissue. Modern radiotherapy technologies in Turkey, like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), help doctors to focus precisely on the tumor and minimise any damage to the surrounding bones and muscles. Radiotherapy is commonly used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or when tumors are inoperable.

■ Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy utilises powerful drugs that travel through the bloodstream to kill cancer cells. While not all bone cancers require chemotherapy, it is frequently used for aggressive tumors or those that have spread to nearby tissues or blood vessels. Chemotherapy protocols in Turkey are carefully designed to cater to the patient’s tumor type and health, helping reduce the risk of tumor recurrence while managing side effects.

■ Targeted Therapy:

Targeted therapy is a newer form of brain cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules or pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow. Unlike chemotherapy, which can harm healthy cells, targeted therapy aims to minimise side effects while effectively reducing tumour size. In Turkey, patients have access to cutting-edge targeted drugs that are often used for tumors that are resistant to conventional treatments.

■ Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy works by strengthening the body’s own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. It is particularly useful for advanced or recurrent tumors. Turkish cancer centres are incorporating immunotherapy into multidisciplinary treatment plans and offering patients advanced options that improve long-term outcomes

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Bone Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

To make an informed decision regarding your cancer treatment, you must understand the intricate details regarding the bone cancer surgical procedures. Here’s how bone cancer treatment in Turkey is generally performed.

■ Pre-Surgery Preparation:

Here’s what pre-surgical preparation for bone cancer treatment in Turkey looks like:

• Medical Evaluation: The healthcare specialist will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to assess your tumor’s size and spread.
• Consultation: Your bone cancer doctors will discuss the planned procedure, anesthesia options, and recovery expectations. You will also receive detailed instructions on eating, drinking, and taking medications prior to surgery.

■ Surgical Procedure:

The type of surgery for bone cancer treatment depends upon the tumor’s location, size, and involvement of surrounding tissues. Common surgical options for bone cancer treatment in Turkey include:

• Curettage and Bone Grafting: The tumor is carefully scraped out, and the resulting cavity is filled with bone graft material to restore structure and strength.
• Wide Resection: During this surgery, the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue, is removed for complete elimination of cancer cells.
• Limb-Salvage Surgery: The tumor is removed while preserving as much of the limb’s function as possible. This surgery involves the use of reconstructive techniques to maintain mobility.
• Amputation: Amputation is reserved for severe cases where the tumor has spread extensively. This procedure removes the affected limb or part of it to prevent further spread of cancer.

How is Recovery after Bone Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Pain related to bone cancers often improves soon after the treatment. You will notice visible differences and can return to normal activities within three to four weeks post-surgery. However, you might have to undergo six months of rehabilitation to properly recover. A full recovery after bone cancer treatment in Turkey can take up to a year.

Ultimately, your recovery timeline depends on the cancer type, stage, and the combination of treatments you need. Your healthcare provider will inform you about your prognosis, based on your progress and response to treatment. However, you must attend the follow-up consultations where the bone cancer doctors will check your progress and track any signs of cancer relapse.

Why Opt for Bone Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey has become a leading destination for bone cancer treatment, where you can get advanced medical facilities and world-renowned oncologists, who offer high-quality treatment and successful outcomes. From initial diagnosis to rehabilitation, Turkey’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure that patients receive the highest treatment standards throughout their journey there.

Moreover, if you want to access quality healthcare at an affordable price, Turkey is your go-to destination. Turkey’s cost-effective medical treatment has made it one of the leading destinations for healthcare tourism. While osteosarcoma treatment costs can range from $30,000 to $40,000 per procedure in developed countries like the UK, USA, and Australia, the Turkish medical care centres offers the same type of treatment for as little as $18,000.

On top of that, Turkish oncologists and surgeons are internationally certified and trained to offer the best possible treatment while adhering to the healthcare guidelines and protocols. Anadolu Medical Centre, Medipol Mega University Hospital, American Hospital, and Medicana are some of the prominent hospitals in Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Antakya, and Izmir that offer high-quality treatment within a budget.

Along with these factors, the additional perks of all-inclusive treatment packages for international patients provided by CureTurkey also make Turkey a popular choice among international patients seeking cost-effective care that doesn’t compromise on quality.