Prostate Tumour Treatment Cost in Turkey

What is the Cost of Prostate Cancer Surgery in Turkey?

Affecting one out of seven men globally, Prostate cancer is now a common malignancy in the male population. 

With advanced medical facilities, Turkey efficiently addresses this issue and has now become a preferred destination for prostate cancer treatment for patients all over the globe. 

The prostate cancer surgery cost in Turkey ranges between USD 9,000 to USD 12,000. This cost includes surgery, price of anaesthesia and other consumables, operating room expense, and the hospital stay during surgery.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Diagnosed as an abnormal cell growth of the prostate gland, Prostate cancer is characterised by the formation of tumours. These tumours can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes, leading to metastasis.

The good news is that when identified at an early stage, prostate cancer can be treated. To identify the prostate cancer at an early stage, let’s look at some of its common symptoms:

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Difficulty in urination

• Interrupted urinary stream

• Blood in urine or semen

• Painful or burning sensation while urination as well as ejaculation

• Backache and persistent pain in the hips and pelvis

What are the Types of Prostate Cancer?

The treatment approach for prostate cancer varies with the type of prostate cancer. For example, prostate cancer, which is a slow-growing tumour, can be treated with minimal intervention, while the most aggressive forms, which are at the metastatic stage, need immediate and more intense treatment approaches.

Prostate cancer can be categorised into the following types:

• Adenocarcinoma

Accounting for almost 95% of cases, adenocarcinoma develops in gland cells and then grows slowly. It can be further classified into subtypes such as acinar, ductal, and mucinous adenocarcinoma.

• Small Cell Carcinoma

This rare but aggressive type of prostate cancer accounts for less than 1% of cases that grow quickly and can also spread to other parts of the body.

• Transitional cell cancer

It is also referred to as urothelial cancer and accounts for 1-2% of cases. It generally develops in bladder cells but can also occur in the prostate gland in its aggressive form.

• Sarcomas, carcinoid tumours, and other rare types

They are categorised under uncommon types with less than 1% occurrence and develop in different kinds of cells in the prostate including connective tissue, hormone-producing cells, and others.

What are the Types of Prostate Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

For the treatment of prostate cancer, several options are available depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. TSome of the treatment which affects the cost of prostate cancer treatment in Turkey are:

Surgery

In this procedure, the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue affected by cancerous growth are removed. For this, open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approaches are used.

Some common types of surgical procedures for prostate cancer include:

Radical prostatectomy

Surgery to remove the entire prostate gland, along with some surrounding tissue, is typically used to treat prostate cancer.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

A common procedure is to remove parts of the prostate gland through the urethra to treat urinary problems.

The cost of Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in Turkey ranges between USD 9000 and USD 11000.

Transurethral Evaporation of the Prostate (TUEVP)

This technique is similar to TURP, where electric currents are used to vaporise excess prostate tissue and aim to improve urine flow in men with prostate cancer.

Radiation Therapy

This is employed after prostatectomy where high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. A machine can be used to generate high-energy rays or some radioactive materials can be placed directly into or near the tumour.

The cost of prostate cancer treatment in Turkey involving radiation therapy ranges between USD 5000 and USD 7000.

Chemotherapy or hormone therapy

This approach is used to slow down the growth of prostate cancer by targeting the production of male hormones in the body. 

The cost of prostate cancer treatment in Turkey involving chemotherapy ranges between USD 1400 and USD 1700.

What are the Factors Affecting the Prostate Cancer Treatment Cost in Turkey?

Understanding the factors affecting prostate cancer treatment cost in Turkey is an important aspect for patients and their families as it directly affects the decision-making about both the quality and affordability of care.

Some of the common factors which might affect the prostate cancer treatment cost in Turkey include:

Type of Treatment Approach

The type of treatment affects the cost of prostate cancer treatment in Turkey. This is due to variable complexities, resources, and advanced technology used in each approach.

Type of Treatment

Hospital’s reputation and surgeon’s expertise

The choice of hospital can also affect the overall prostate cancer treatment cost in Turkey. Hospitals in metropolitan areas or those equipped with advanced facilities may charge higher for their comprehensive cancer as compared to smaller hospitals or clinics. Similarly, the surgeon’s expertise can influence expenses, with experienced surgeons often charging more for their services.

Post-Operative Care

The need for post-operative care, including medications, follow-up visits, and rehabilitation sessions, may add to the overall prostate cancer treatment cost in Turkey.

What are the Pre and Post-Treatment Costs for Prostate Cancer in Turkey?

For prostate cancer treatment in Turkey, various tests and follow-ups may add to the overall expenses apart from the surgery itself. These can be classified as:

Pre-Surgical Expenses

• Consultations and evaluations (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, digital rectal exam (DRE), biopsy, bone scan, CT scan, MRI, etc.): USD 800 - USD 1000

Post-Surgical Expenses

• Follow-up consultations and medications: USD 300 to 500

You should get an estimate of the treatment cost from the hospital before you proceed with the surgery to understand the specific expenses involved.

What is Involved in Post-Surgical Recovery after Prostate Tumour Treatment?

• Proper post-surgical care after prostate cancer surgery is essential for smooth recovery and prevention of complications. Here are some necessary guidelines that will help you heal better and faster after prostate cancer treatment.

• Follow the doctor’s prescriptions and suggestions regarding medicines and any physical exercise.

• Don’t do heavy lifting and any hectic activities during your recovery period.

• Consume a balanced diet with enough fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support the recovery process and overall health.

• Take only prescribed pain medications, and apply ice packs or heating pads as prescribed by your doctor to minimise pain and inflammation.

• Be sure to follow up with your healthcare team regularly for check-ups on your progress and to resolve any concerns that may arise.

Recovery from prostate cancer surgery is a slow process, so remain patient, listen to your body, follow up with your doctor, and reach out for support whenever you need it.