Israel has long been renowned for its high level of medical care, attracting tourists from around the world. The country's medical tourism center features modern clinics equipped with advanced medical technology.
The Ichilov Clinic in Israel is a leader in the successful treatment of oncological diseases, including adenoid cystic carcinoma. The professionalism of the medical staff, years of experience, the use of modern treatment methods, and a collegial approach ensure high survival rates and quality of life for patients. The accommodation conditions in the clinics also meet the highest standards of comfort and safety, making Israel an attractive place for treatment and recovery.
About the Disease
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant tumour that develops from glandular tissue. It can occur in various organs, such as the salivary glands, lacrimal glands, breast, lungs, pancreas, and others.
Causes
- Heredity: family history of adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Radiation exposure: radiation therapy in the area where the tumour later develops
- Congenital anomalies: some congenital developmental anomalies may be associated with an increased risk of developing adenoid cystic carcinoma
Symptoms
- Salivary glands: swelling in the face or neck area, pain, numbness, difficulty swallowing
- Lacrimal glands: swelling in the eye area, tearing, pain
- Breast: lump in the breast, change in breast shape or size, discharge from the nipple
- Lungs: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Pancreas: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
Treatment Methods for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
In Israel, all advanced treatment methods are available for patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of cancer, the location of the tumour, the overall health of the patient, and individual characteristics.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumour is the primary treatment method for adenoid cystic carcinoma. The surgery can be performed in various ways, and the choice of method depends on the size of the tumour, the stage of the disease, and the overall condition of the patient:
- Open surgery: a traditional method where the surgeon makes an incision in the area of the tumour.
- Laparoscopic surgery: a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon makes several small incisions and uses special instruments to remove the tumour.
- Robotic surgery: the latest method where the surgeon controls a robotic system that performs the surgery with high precision.
Surgical treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma can be radical (aimed at complete removal of the tumour) or palliative (aimed at reducing the size of the tumour and alleviating symptoms).
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is also used to destroy cancer cells in adenoid cystic carcinoma. It may be administered before surgery to reduce the tumour size, or after surgery to prevent recurrence.
Types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation therapy: the radiation source is located outside the patient's body.
- Brachytherapy: the radiation source is placed inside the patient's body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is also one of the main treatment methods for adenoid cystic carcinoma. Anticancer drugs are used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles consisting of several sessions. The drugs are delivered into the patient's body through a vein, and less frequently prescribed in the form of pills or infusions. Chemotherapy can be used as primary treatment to reduce the size of the tumour before surgical intervention, as well as after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells or in case of disease recurrence.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer. It can be used as standalone treatment or in combination with other treatment methods. The use of immunotherapy drugs activates the immune system to combat cancer, leading to a reduction in tumour size and halting disease progression.
Types of immunotherapy:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors: drugs that block molecules that suppress the immune system.
- CAR-T cell therapy: genetically engineered T-cells from the patient that are reprogrammed to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is used when mutations in genes lead to cancer development. It can be used as standalone treatment when cancer progresses after other treatment methods. In combination with other treatment methods, it enhances treatment effectiveness. As a result, when the tumour is sensitive to the drugs, it slows or halts tumour growth.
Latest Treatment Methods
In Israel, new treatment methods for adenoid cystic carcinoma are constantly being developed. Some of the most promising directions include:
- Gene therapy: using viruses to deliver genetic material into cancer cells, leading to their death.
- Viral therapy: using viruses to destroy cancer cells.
- Nanotechnology: using nanoparticles to deliver drugs to cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
In Israeli clinics, the diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma is conducted using high-precision equipment, allowing doctors to obtain the most complete picture of the disease. All procedures are planned in advance and carried out in a timely manner so that patients do not lose precious time.
Day One
The first day in an Israeli clinic begins with a consultation with a leading oncologist. During the examination, the doctor reviews the patient's medical history, asks questions about their well-being, symptoms, and family history. The doctor also conducts a thorough physical examination, paying attention to any signs of the disease, and orders necessary laboratory and instrumental studies to obtain comprehensive information about the nature and stage of the cancer.
Day Two
On the second day, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, which may include:
- Blood tests: complete blood count, biochemical blood analysis, tumor markers.
- Ultrasound examination: abdominal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, lymph node ultrasound.
- Computed tomography (CT): chest CT, abdominal CT, pelvic CT.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): brain MRI, spinal MRI.
- Positron emission tomography (PET-CT): whole-body PET-CT.
Day Three
On the third day, after collecting all the data, the doctors consult with each other and create an individual treatment plan for the patient. The discussion involves oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, chemotherapists, and radiologists. This collegial approach helps avoid medical errors and combines the expertise of different specialists in developing the ideal treatment scheme that will be most effective in the specific clinical case.
Thanks to the coordinated work of the medical team and advanced equipment, patients in Israeli clinics receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis — PET CT
- Ultrasound
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treatment at the Ichilov Clinic is calculated based on various factors, such as the stage of the disease, treatment methods, duration of stay in the clinic, and individual patient characteristics.
If you need an accurate cost estimate, please contact for a consultation at the phone number provided on the website. The consultant will provide detailed information about the treatment program, prognosis, and costs, as well as answer all questions regarding the treatment process and conditions of stay in the clinic.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of medical expertise and experienced specialists.
- Use of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.
- Individual approach to each patient.
- Modern medical facilities and equipment.
- High standards of comfort and patient care.
Do not ignore the signs of the disease – your health is worth being attentive to any changes in your body. For those who are concerned about their health condition, there is an opportunity to request a consultation with the necessary specialist even before arriving at the Israeli clinic. You can contact them via Skype or Zoom, providing the results of preliminary studies. This will allow you to receive specific recommendations and learn which of the existing methods in world medicine best suit your condition.