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.
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, application 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 tumor 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 tumor 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 facial 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
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Treatment Methods for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
In Israel, patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma have access to all advanced treatment methods. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, the overall health of the patient, and individual characteristics.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumor is the primary method of treating adenoid cystic carcinoma. The surgery can be performed in various ways, and the choice of method depends on the size of the tumor, 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 tumor.
- Laparoscopic surgery: a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon makes several small incisions and uses special instruments to remove the tumor.
- 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 tumor) or palliative (aimed at reducing the size of the tumor and alleviating symptoms).
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is also used to destroy cancer cells in adenoid cystic carcinoma. It can be applied before surgery to reduce the tumor and after surgery to prevent recurrence.
Types of radiation therapy:
- External 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 tumor before surgical intervention, as well as after surgery to destroy 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 tumor 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 tumor is sensitive to the drugs, tumor growth is slowed or halted.
Latest Treatment Methods
In Israel, new treatment methods for adenoid cystic carcinoma are continuously 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, presence of symptoms, and family history. The doctor also conducts a thorough physical examination, paying attention to all possible signs of the disease, and orders necessary laboratory and instrumental studies to obtain comprehensive information about the nature and stage of 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: abdominal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, lymph node ultrasound.
- Computed tomography (CT): chest CT, abdominal CT, pelvic CT.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): brain MRI, spine MRI.
- Positron emission tomography (PET-CT): whole-body PET-CT.
Day Three
On the third day, after gathering all the data, doctors consult with each other and develop an individual treatment plan for the patient. The discussion involves oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, chemotherapists, and radiologists. The collegial approach helps avoid medical errors and combines the experience of different specialists in creating 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
What is the Cost of Treatment in Israel
The cost of treatment at 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 characteristics of the patient.
If you need an accurate cost estimate, please contact the consultation 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.
- Application 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 concerned about their health condition, there is an opportunity to order 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 suits your condition.