Kidney Cancer Treatment

Kidney Cancer Treatment


Kidney Cancer Treatment in Turkey- Cost, Top Doctors & VISA Guide

Kidney cancer is the 13th most common cancer globally and accounts for around 2.4% of all cancer cases. Every year, around 330,000 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed. A significant number of kidney cancer-related deaths occur in Western countries, primarily due to the lack of timely access to proper treatment. In countries such as Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, high-quality care is often either difficult to access or prohibitively expensive for many patients. Therefore, if you are struggling to find quality oncology treatment, you can consider getting your kidney cancer surgery in Turkey. 

As a result, an increasing number of patients are opting for medical tourism options for kidney cancer treatment in Turkey.  Some of the most important reasons for this are that Turkish cities like Antalya, Istanbul and Izmir are widely preferred for kidney cancer treatment, thanks to their state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, highly experienced specialists, and significantly lower treatment costs. So if you're looking for high-quality yet affordable kidney cancer surgery, Turkey is one of the best countries offering medical expertise and cost-effectiveness.

What are the Indications for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Kidney cancer can present itself with various symptoms, and early diagnosis is important for effective treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to consult a nephrologist or urologist for an accurate diagnosis. Based on the stage and severity of the condition, your doctor will recommend treatment options such as medication, therapy, or kidney cancer surgery. Here are some indications for kidney cancer treatment in Turkey:

In the early stages:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain in the flank
  • Detection of mass in the kidney through imaging

In the advanced stages:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of Appetite
  • High blood pressure

What Are the Different Procedures for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Turkey? 

There are various treatment options available for kidney cancer treatment in Turkey. Your doctor will suggest a certain type of treatment based on your health condition. Here are some common kidney cancer treatments in Turkey:

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy is a surgical process where a surgeon removes the cancerous kidney using a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube that is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. This minimally invasive surgery is beneficial for patients with advanced-stage kidney cancer and offers benefits like reduced recovery time, less pain, and minimal scarring.

Partial Nephrectomy

In a partial nephrectomy, only the cancerous portion of the kidney is removed, preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. This procedure is recommended when the tumour is small and localised, and the kidneys can still function normally after the surgery.

Cytoreductive Surgery 

Cytoreductive surgery is performed to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. This is often followed by immunotherapy to target and destroy remaining cancer cells. This method is commonly used in advanced or metastatic kidney cancer cases.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Kidney cancer treatment for advanced stages includes a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These therapies work by enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight cancer or by specifically targeting cancer cell growth, which slows the progression of the disease.

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used in quite a few cases. They are usually used to relieve pain or reduce tumour size in inoperable or late-stage cases.

Open Kidney Cancer Surgery

Open surgery is the traditional method for kidney cancer removal in which a large incision is made to access the kidney. While still available, it has largely been replaced by laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques in Turkey due to their quicker recovery time, reduced risk of complications, and minimal bleeding.

What is the Step-by-Step Procedure for Kidney Cancer Treatments in Turkey?

There are a number of kidney cancer treatment methods in Turkey. However, surgery remains the most common treatment method, especially in the form of radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy, depending on the stage and location of the tumour. Here is the step-by-step procedure breakdown for radical nephrectomy:

  • The patient is placed under general anaesthesia so they are fully unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
  • Small incisions are then made in the abdominal area, between the ribs and the hip. This is minimally invasive and allows access to the kidney through a laparoscope.
  • A laparoscope is inserted through one incision to guide the surgeon. Other small surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions.
  • The surgeon carefully detaches the affected kidney from surrounding tissues, blood vessels, and the ureter. Once it is fully freed, the kidney is removed from the body through one of the incisions.
  • After the kidney is removed, the surgical instruments are withdrawn, and the incisions are closed with sutures/surgical glue. Finally, they apply a sterile dressing to promote better healing.

Partial Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

  • The procedure for a partial laparoscopic nephrectomy is similar to a radical nephrectomy, but only the cancerous tissue is removed in this method, while the rest of the kidney is preserved. This option is suitable for patients with smaller or localised tumours.

How is Recovery After a Kidney Cancer Surgery in Turkey?

If you are planning to undergo the kidney cancer surgery in Turkey, it’s natural to have some concerns regarding your recovery such as when you can return to work, resume daily activities, or how long your post-operative restrictions will last. Understanding the typical recovery process can help you prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Kidney cancer surgery is a major medical procedure, and recovery depends on the type of surgery performed, your overall health, and how well your body responds to treatment. 

  • Patients are discharged from the hospital within 1–2 weeks after surgery. Full recovery takes around 6 to 12 weeks.
  • Recovery time can take up to 12 weeks or more, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s condition.
  • Patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery for monitoring, pain management, and wound care.
  • It’s normal to experience some pain, tiredness, or discomfort during the first few weeks. Medication and adequate rest can help manage this.
  • Light activities can usually be resumed after a couple of weeks. However, avoid strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, or bending for at least 6 weeks, or until cleared by your doctor.
  • Regular follow-ups will be scheduled by your doctor to monitor your healing and to ensure there are no signs of infection or complications.
  • A balanced diet should be maintained, and patients should stay well-hydrated to support healing and boost immunity.

What is the Cost of Kidney Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

When you think about undergoing a kidney cancer treatment, the first thing that flashes in your mind is the cost. Knowing the average cost of kidney cancer surgery is a major help before you step in. Kidney cancer treatment costs in Turkey are comparatively lower than in other first-world countries like Spain, Germany US, the UK and Canada. Therefore, people from these backgrounds prefer to visit Turkey for cost-effective and efficient kidney cancer treatment. Here is the cost comparison of kidney cancer treatment in India vs other countries:

Country Kidney Cancer Treatment Cost
Turkey €4,000 - €15,000
Europe €6,900 - €17,518
UK €12,991 - €40,586
USA €20,000 - €60,000

Why Get Kidney Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Choosing Turkey for your kidney cancer treatment comes with a range of advantages. Every year, millions of international patients travel to Turkey for their cancer treatment, drawn by its reputation for high-quality care, affordability, and patient-friendly services.

  • World-class medical infrastructure
  • Highly skilled and experienced kidney cancer experts
  • Outstanding success rates
  • Excellent vacation opportunity
  • Higher cost-efficiency
  • Financial assistance and expert guidance
  • Experiencing an outstanding amalgamation of healthcare standards plus hospitality

When facing a serious diagnosis like kidney cancer, access to reliable, advanced, and affordable treatment becomes a top priority. Opting for a kidney cancer treatment in Turkey means placing your health in the hands of internationally trained specialists while benefiting from state-of-the-art medical technology, all at a significantly lower cost compared to Western countries.

From radical nephrectomy to partial laparoscopic surgery, Turkey offers a full spectrum of kidney cancer procedures tailored to the needs of each patient. The cost of kidney cancer treatment in Turkey starts from €4,000 and can go up to €15,000, depending on the complexity of the case and whether therapies like immunotherapy or targeted drug treatments are involved.

These competitive prices come without compromising on quality, thanks to Turkey's well-developed healthcare system and thriving medical tourism industry. Many hospitals also offer comprehensive treatment packages that include pre-surgery consultations, hospital stays, post-operative care, and even accommodation and transportation support for international patients.

In short, Turkey stands out as one of the top destinations for getting kidney cancer treatment, offering unmatched value, clinical expertise, and a patient-centred experience.

Country Kidney Cancer Treatment Cost
Turkey €4,000 - €15,000
Europe €6,900 - €17,518
UK €12,991 - €40,586
USA €20,000 - €60,000

Istanbul should be your top travel destination in Turkey. Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city and the country's economic hub. Istanbul also has Turkey's largest and busiest airport. Discovering the city's culture, history, and other tourist attractions draws people from all over the world.

To travel to Istanbul for a kidney cancer surgery in Turkey, you must obtain a medical visa first. Before applying for a Turkish medical visa, consider the following:

  1. Your passport must expire at least 180 days after the date of proposed travel.
  2. Check that there are enough blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
  3. Apply for a medical visa at least 30 days before your anticipated departure date.

Citizens of several European countries can enter Turkey without a visa, according to the European Travel Association. Most Europeans can easily obtain a visa upon arrival, valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, boasts several historical sites, a flourishing arts and cultural scene, delectable cuisine, and a spectacular nightlife. Istanbul has something for everyone, from UNESCO sites and lively bazaars to beautiful architecture and scenery. If you're thinking about getting kidney cancer treatment in Istanbul, here are few places you should definitely go:

  • Galata Tower
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Blue Mosque
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Grand Bazaar

If you're unsure of where to start or what to look for, don't worry. You can plan your perfect timetable once you're in Istanbul for your medical operation.

There are various treatment options for kidney cancer in Turkey. For severe cases of kidney cancer, surgery is usually recommended. If there is a chance of recurrence of the disease, immunotherapy may be suggested.

There is no one-size-fits-all type of treatment for kidney cancer. Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you about the most suitable kidney cancer treatment for your medical condition based on the severity of your condition.

It depends on when the disease is diagnosed. If kidney cancer is detected at an early stage, there is a higher chance of complete recovery from the treatment. However, there are now various types of advanced treatment and surgery options available for kidney cancers that are diagnosed at a later stage.

The cost of kidney cancer surgery or treatment can vary from one hospital to another in Turkey, depending on the expertise of the medical team, hospital infrastructure and type of treatment. You can ask your healthcare provider about the cost estimation of your treatment.

It usually depends on the kind of kidney cancer treatment you will undergo. A comparatively simple nephrectomy takes less time than open kidney removal. Generally, a kidney cancer surgery can take up to 3 hours. Ask your doctor about any of your queries relating to kidney cancer treatment.
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