Bladder Cancer Treatment in Turkey

Bladder cancer treatment in Turkey has positioned itself as a highly recommended option due to its advanced medical technologies, expert healthcare professionals, and competitive pricing. As a premier destination for medical tourism, Turkey offers a range of treatments suited to various stages and demographics affected by bladder cancer.

Understanding Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer, the 7th most common cancer in men and the 11th most common in both genders, primarily affects the bladder, a hollow organ in the lower pelvis that stores urine.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer typically begins in the cells lining the inside of the bladder. Notably, the majority of cases (75%) exhibit low-stage pathologies (non-muscle-invasive cancer), which can be efficiently managed with endoscopic surgeries. However, the recurrent nature of bladder cancer necessitates vigilant and continuous monitoring through imaging techniques like tomography, and ultrasonography, and endoscopic procedures like cystoscopy.

Risk Factors and Incidence

Bladder cancer bears several risk factors, with smoking and exposure to carcinogenic chemicals being the most significant. Men are more susceptible to bladder cancer, particularly those working in industries involving chemicals, paints, or petroleum. Genetic predisposition, certain infections, bladder stones, chronic irritation, and previous radiation therapy are also noteworthy contributors.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Early symptoms often include:

• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Painful urination
• In the later stages, symptoms may extend to weight loss, fatigue, kidney failure symptoms, and widespread pain.

Spread and Metastasis

Bladder cancer typically metastasizes to the lungs, bones, and liver via lymphatic and hematogenous routes, making early detection crucial for successful treatment outcomes.

Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

Cystoscopy

The primary diagnostic method is cystoscopy, which involves using a camera to visually examine the bladder. This procedure allows for biopsy sampling and is complemented by urine cytology and imaging techniques such as CT and MR.

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

TURBT involves removing bladder tumours using endoscopic resection under anaesthesia, which is essential for biopsy and pathway exploration.

Imaging Tests

Imaging studies, including CT, MR, and PET scans, help to stage the cancer and monitor its progression or recurrence.

Bladder Cancer Removal in Turkey

Radical Cystectomy

For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy remains the cornerstone treatment. Specifically, this involves the removal of the bladder along with adjacent organs and lymph nodes, depending on gender-specific anatomy.

Post-Surgical Care

Post-cystectomy, urinary diversion techniques such as forming an artificial bladder from intestinal segments facilitate urine passage.

Bladder Cancer Treatment Modalities in Turkey

Various treatment approaches are utilized based on the cancer’s stage and patient-specific factors:

Surgical Options

• Partial Cystectomy: Suitable for localized, low-grade tumours.
• Radical Cystectomy: Preferred for invasive cancers.

Radiation Therapy

Employing high-energy rays, radiation therapy targets and eradicates cancer cells through external beam radiation.

Chemotherapy

Administered systemically or intravesically, chemotherapy utilizes drugs to stop cancer cell proliferation. Commonly used agents include cisplatin, gemcitabine, and mitomycin.

Immunotherapy

Utilizing the body’s immune response, agents like BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) are administered directly into the bladder to combat cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Drugs like enfortumab vedotin and erdafitinib are prescribed based on specific cancer biomarkers that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Bladder Cancer Staging and Follow-Up

Bladder cancer is staged from 0 to IV, with staging guiding treatment strategies:

• Early Stages (0-I): Often managed with TURBT and possible intravesical therapy.
• Advanced Stages (II-IV): Require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Ongoing Monitoring

Patients undergo periodic cystoscopy, urine cytology, and imaging tests to monitor for recurrence and assess treatment efficacy.

Comorbidities and Treatment Alternatives

Patients with significant comorbidities or those opting to avoid cystectomy may consider multimodal therapy, which combines chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and TURBT. Consequently, patient consultation with medical oncologists is essential to evaluate the feasibility and potential side effects of this approach.

Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost in Turkey

Radical cystectomy costs in Turkey range from 6000 to 10,000 USD, making it a cost-effective option compared to Western countries without compromising on quality of care.

How Avicenna International Hospital Can Help

Avicenna International Hospital in Turkey specializes in state-of-the-art bladder cancer treatment, offering comprehensive services from diagnosis through post-treatment care. Moreover, our team of experienced specialists ensures personalized, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s needs. So, contact us today to learn more about our bladder cancer treatment programs in Turkey and begin your journey to better health.