Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer) Treatment in Turkey: Indications, Prices & Recovery

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of malignant cancerous cells in the inner lining of the stomach. Factors such as age, dietary habits, and pre-existing gastric conditions can contribute to the development of this disease. They tend to grow slowly over the years and mostly remain asymptomatic. This delay in noticeable symptoms makes early diagnosis and treatment difficult, and the disease is often detected only when it has advanced and begun to affect someone’s daily quality of life.

Many patients oftentimes mistake the early symptoms of stomach cancer for common digestive issues, as these signs tend to be vague and non-specific. 

Fortunately, with advancements in medical technology and innovative treatments, there is hope for a successful treatment and recovery, even when the disease is discovered in the later stages. Stomach cancer treatment in Turkey offers the best solution for patients seeking timely medical care and successful health results. With state-of-the-art facilities and skilled surgeons, Turkey is equipped to provide a high success rate even in such critical treatments as this. This page will be your guide to everything relating to stomach cancer treatment in Turkey, from costs to the best doctors.

What are the Indications for Stomach Cancer Treatment in Turkey? 

In its early stages, stomach or gastric cancer does not often present any noticeable signs or symptoms. However, as the disease progresses and the cancer spreads, several symptoms can appear, such as early satiety during meals, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Although these symptoms may not always be directly linked to stomach cancer, it is important not to ignore them and to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis increases the chances of effective treatment and recovery. The indications for stomach cancer treatment in Turkey include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent or severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood
• Dark, tarry, or sticky stools
• Pain or discomfort when swallowing
• Difficulty swallowing

Consult a healthcare specialist if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. Identifying the cause through diagnostic tests and evaluation can help them determine the right course of treatment. The sooner you get the proper stomach cancer treatment, the higher the chances of survival will be for you.

What are the Options for Stomach Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey has become a hub for stomach cancer treatment, offering a range of stomach cancer treatment options, all within a reasonable cost. Our top Turkish hospitals are JCI and TUSKA accredited and offer treatment options that are tailored to every patient’s treatment needs.

Also, the expertise of Turkish doctors and surgeons is unmatched, with most having received training in the US, UK, and Europe. These are the options for gastric cancer treatment that you can avail yourself of by travelling to Turkey: 

■ Endoscopic Resection:

Endoscopic resection is a minimally invasive procedure that is ideal for patients with early-stage stomach cancer. When the cancerous cells are confined to the inner layers of the stomach, doctors perform endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection to remove the affected tissue. These techniques help preserve most of the stomach and offer fast recovery.

■ Partial Gastrectomy:

Gastric cancer surgery is often the recommended treatment approach that aims to treat this cancer. Partial gastrectomy for stomach cancer is the surgical removal of the cancerous part of the stomach along with nearby healthy tissue and lymph nodes. This procedure eliminates the tumor completely while preserving as much of the stomach as possible. 

During the procedure, surgeons carefully remove surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

■ Total Gastrectomy:

In more advanced cases, where the cancer has spread throughout the stomach or the tumor cannot be removed completely, a total gastrectomy is needed. This procedure involves removing the entire stomach, and in some cases, parts of the esophagus and small intestine that are connected to it. The digestive tract is then reconstructed to allow food passage.

■ Chemotherapy for Stomach Cancer:

Chemotherapy for stomach cancer treatment uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. It can be administered before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to prevent recurrence, or as a palliative treatment in advanced cases. Our expert Turkish oncologists use the latest targeted therapies and combination regimens for minimum discomfort and maximum effectiveness.

■ Radiotherapy for Stomach Cancer:

Radiotherapy involves the use of high-energy radiation beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, oftentimes in combination with chemotherapy for the best results. In cases where surgery is not possible, radiotherapy helps relieve symptoms, reduce pain or bleeding, and control tumor growth.

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

Depending on factors such as the location of cancerous cells in the stomach, the stage of the disease, and metastases to surrounding tissues or organs, the right treatment option for your condition is determined by the healthcare providers. 

Apart from gastric cancer surgery, other treatment methods like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be performed to reach optimal efficacy in treatment. Your oncologist will evaluate your overall health status, presence or absence of metastases, and medical history to choose the best course of stomach cancer treatment in Turkey. Here are the steps taken while performing a gastrectomy for stomach cancer: 

• Step 1: You will be given general anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
• Step 2: Your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen to access the stomach.
• Step 3: The surgeon further examines the stomach and surrounding tissues to assess the extent of the cancer.
• Step 4: Next, your surgeon will remove the part of the stomach containing the tumour in a partial gastrectomy or the entire stomach during a total gastrectomy.
• Step 5: Nearby lymph nodes are also removed during the procedure to prevent the cancer from spreading.
• Step 6: Turkish surgeons then reconnect the remaining stomach (if partial gastrectomy) or the oesophagus to the small intestine (if total gastrectomy) to restore digestive function.
• Step 7: The incision will then be closed using sutures, and you will be taken to the recovery room for postoperative care.

How is Recovery After Stomach Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

The healing process after partial gastrectomy for stomach cancer generally depends on the width of the part removed. You may lose weight from the first month to 6 weeks following the recovery period. After 3 to 6 months, you can get back to your regular diet. However, you must attend regular follow-up check-ups to ensure the efficacy of the treatment. During these visits, your doctor will check your response and healing after the treatment and adjust your medication regimen accordingly. 

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial in some instances to detect the potential recurrence of the cancer. You must follow the terms and conditions provided by your doctor for a speedy recovery after the procedure. Avoid performing strenuous activities or tasks that can negatively impact your healing process.

Why Opt for Stomach Cancer Treatment in Turkey? 

Turkey is the hub of excellent medical care and has emerged as the top choice for international patients seeking medical care that can guarantee promising health results at affordable prices. Unlike Western countries, where treatment is expensive, Turkish cities like Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul offer partial gastrectomy surgery cost starting from only $16,000. Apart from the gastrectomy surgery cost, Turkey also has some of the best hospitals and renowned oncologists providing successful treatment results even in critical cases. Here are the benefits of choosing Turkey for your stomach cancer treatment:

■ Affordable Prices:

Gastrectomy surgery costs in Turkey are significantly lower compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for international patients, where they can save up to 50% on treatment costs without compromising on quality.

■ Short Waiting Times:

In Turkey, patients don't have to wait months to access cancer treatment. With a well-organised healthcare system, patients can receive prompt medical attention, mainly after the consultations, ensuring a timely diagnosis and treatment.

■ State-of-the-art Facilities:

Turkish hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology, including advanced diagnostic tools and treatment machines, ensuring accuracy in treatment and long-term health benefits for the patients. 

■ Experienced Doctors and Surgeons:

Turkish doctors and surgeons are highly trained and experienced. Most of them have received international recognition for their expertise, which makes them a reliable choice for critical cancer treatments.