Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in Turkey: Cost, Recovery Process & VISA-Guide

Neck and head cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the head and neck region. With the abnormal growth and spread of cells in the tissues of the head and neck area, this cancer can cause debilitating symptoms affecting the head and neck lymph nodes. While this cancer might remain undetected during the initial stages, the later stages can present with detectable symptoms. Early detection is important, as prompt diagnosis and treatment help improve the chances of successful recovery.

Head and neck cancer treatment in Turkey offers international patients the opportunity to save 60-70% on medical expenses while at the same time accessing prompt medical intervention. This ensures ordinary people can access quality care without breaking the bank. The shorter waiting times eliminate delays in medical care, allowing better outcomes due to timely treatment. If you want access to advanced technologies, expert oncologists, and comprehensive care plans, travel to Turkey for your subsequent treatment. This page will be your guide to everything related to getting head and neck cancer treatment in Turkey with CureTurkey.

What are the Indications for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Even though the symptoms might remain undetected during the initial stages of the disease, the condition can appear with a variety of symptoms during the later stages. Since these types of cancer generally develop from the head and neck lymph nodes, they can lead to debilitating symptoms and lead to progression of the condition if not treated at its earliest.

Some of the common signs of this cancer are swelling around the head or neck region, along with non-healing sores on the lips, tongue, and inside the mouth. If you experience any of the symptoms of this disease and see them persist or worsen with time, it is an indication that you should consult an oncologist. Here are some of the indications that suggest a patient’s need for head and neck cancer treatment in Turkey:

• A persistent sore throat.
• Persistent earaches or symptoms of ear infections(especially when your ear looks normal to healthcare provider).
• Frequent headaches.
• Pain in your face or neck that won’t go away.
• Pain in your upper teeth.
• Pain when you chew or swallow.
• Hoarseness or voice changes.
• Trouble breathing or speaking.

While the symptoms mainly depend on the type and stage of the cancer, you may also notice:

• A lump in your throat, mouth, or neck.
• A mouth or tongue sore that doesn’t heal.
• Frequent nosebleeds, bloody saliva, or phlegm.
• A white or red patch on your gums, tongue, or inside your mouth.
• Swelling in your jaw, neck, or one side of your face.

What are the Diagnostic Tests for Head and Neck Cancers?

Before undergoing head and neck cancer treatment in Turkey, you will have to undergo some diagnostic tests and screenings to determine your eligibility for the head and neck oncology surgery. Along with these diagnostic tests, your oncologists and medical care team will also evaluate your overall health reports, medical history, and severity of the condition to find the most suitable course of treatment for you. Some of the trusted diagnostic techniques include:

• Endoscopy: This diagnostic procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera into the nose or mouth to closely examine the head and neck region, including areas that are difficult to view externally.
• Biopsy: In a biopsy, a tissue sample is collected from the suspected area and sent to a pathology lab to check for the presence of cancerous cells. This is one of the most definitive ways to diagnose cancer.
• Radiography: Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans help determine the location, size, and potential spread of the tumor. CT scans offer more detailed images compared to standard X-rays.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This imaging technique uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of the head and neck. MRI scans are particularly helpful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities and determining the extent of cancer spread.

These diagnostic methods help doctors identify head and neck cancers and curate a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What are the Options for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Once you submit your diagnostic reports to your care team, they will determine the most suitable treatment approach for you. It will be decided based on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. Here are some of the standard methods used for head and neck cancer treatment in Turkey:

■ Surgery:

Surgery is the first-line treatment method for cancers in the head and neck region. It involves the physical removal of cancerous tissues or tumors. The type of surgery performed will depend on the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. In some cases, reconstructive surgery will follow to restore appearance and function.

■ Radiation Therapy:

This treatment uses high-energy beams such as X-rays and proton beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used as a primary treatment, especially for early-stage cancers, sometimes in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Advanced techniques like IMRT are widely available in Turkish hospitals to precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

■ Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful anti-cancer drugs to kill or control the growth of cancer cells. It is used when cancer has spread beyond the initial site or in conjunction with other treatments for the best results. In head and neck cancer cases, chemotherapy helps shrink tumors before surgery or radiation and prevent recurrence after treatment.

■ Targeted Therapy:

Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to block specific molecules or pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow and divide. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, these drugs specifically target cancer cell mechanisms and reduce harm to normal cells. It is useful for treating cancers that don’t respond well to standard treatments or are genetically predisposed to certain mutations.

How is Recovery After Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Following the head and neck cancer treatment in Turkey, you will need to follow a special diet and lifestyle plan to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications. While you may experience some discomfort like swelling and inflammation after the surgery, they will mostly subside within a week or two. You will be given pain management and wound care medications to take care of the incision site. During your recovery period, avoid performing any strenuous activities that can lead to unnecessary complications.

You should strictly follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the doctors to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. You must attend all the follow-up consultations where your response and progress will be checked by the doctors, who will further adjust your medication regimen accordingly. These postoperative appointments help in speeding up the healing while keeping track of the potential cancer relapse.

Why Opt for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Given below are some of the compelling reasons that make Turkey the top choice for cancer treatments, especially head and neck cancer:

■ Advanced Oncology Technologies:

Turkish oncology centres are equipped with the latest technologies, including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, and IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy). This ensures precision and effectiveness, delivering targeted treatment with minimal side effects.

■ Highly Qualified Oncologists:

With a large number of internationally trained oncologists, Turkish treatment teams collaborate to provide holistic treatments, resulting in successful outcomes. CureTurkey’s head and neck cancer specialists are trained with international standards to offer high success rates even in the most complex cases.

■ Affordable Yet High-Quality Care:

One of the primary reasons for choosing Turkey as the treatment destination is its affordable head and neck cancer surgery cost, which is up to 60-70% cheaper than in the US or UK. A head and neck oncology surgery costs in the US are around $50,000, while the same quality treatment costs only $15,000 in Turkey.

■ Short Waiting Times:

Unlike many Western countries, Turkey offers shorter waiting times, allowing prompt cancer treatment in emergency cases. You can beat the lengthy waiting lists of the USA and UK, with Turkish treatment, which is available right after the consultation and diagnosis, minimising delays in care.