Colon cancer, a major section of the large intestine, is among the most common cancers, ranking third in the structure of all oncological diseases. The intestine itself is the second organ in the human body, after the lungs, most often affected by malignant neoplasms. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it often remains asymptomatic for many years, manifesting itself only in the later stages. At the top Israeli clinic Ichilov, special attention is paid to early diagnosis, which allows for successful treatment of this serious disease in almost 90% of cases.
Colon cancer treatment in Israel is effective at any stage, thanks to the highest skill and extensive experience of local specialists, the use of the latest international protocols and advanced techniques, as well as the availability of state-of-the-art medical equipment that allows for rapid disease recognition and safe performance of complex surgical interventions. Treatment at Ichilov offers high chances of overcoming cancer and returning to a full life.
Treatment Methods for Colon Cancer in Israel
Colon cancer usually develops from polyps—benign neoplasms that can eventually transform into malignant tumors if not adequately treated. Treatment methods are selected strictly individually, taking into account the size, structural features, and localization of the neoplasm, the stage of the disease, and the overall condition of the patient. Treatment of colon cancer without surgery in Israel is impossible—surgical intervention is the primary and most effective way to combat this disease, especially in the early stages when the tumor is still small and the malignant process has not affected other organs.
Surgical treatment at the Ichilov medical center is performed using gentle laparoscopic techniques. This allows for smaller incisions, thereby reducing trauma to healthy tissues, minimizing blood loss, lowering the risk of recurrence, and shortening the recovery period. Sometimes, in addition to laparoscopy, Israeli surgeons use the transanal endoscopic microsurgery method to remove colon tumors, where access to the surgical area is achieved through the anus, meaning no incisions or punctures are made. The most commonly used types of surgical interventions include:
- Polypectomy. Performed at the earliest stages of the disease, it involves the removal of degenerated polyps. Conducted as part of a colonoscopy.
- Colectomy. A minimally invasive surgery that removes the affected segment of the colon, often along with nearby lymph nodes to eliminate the risk of metastasis. Afterward, the doctor stitches the healthy parts of the large intestine together.
- Resection. Involves the removal of a larger part of the colon. Used for large neoplasms and the presence of metastases. Ichilov surgeons strive to preserve the organ's functionality and the patient's ability for natural bowel movements. However, in some cases, it is impossible to connect the ends of the colon after resection, and then doctors create a colostomy—a hole in the abdominal wall for the excretion of fecal matter.
Chemotherapy is also an effective method used for colon cancer treatment in Israel. It is typically used before and after surgical intervention: in the first case, to reduce the size of the tumor and its growth rate, and in the second case, to prevent recurrences and micrometastases. As an independent method, chemotherapy can be applied as part of palliative treatment, aimed at alleviating symptoms and prolonging the life of cancer patients in advanced stages with extensive metastases.
At Ichilov, new-generation chemotherapy drugs are used, which have pronounced anti-tumor effects and minimal side effects, allowing for excellent results without harming the patient's body.
Radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, is primarily used as an adjunctive method, complementing surgical intervention. It is based on the effect of ionizing radiation on the tumor, with rays that kill malignant cells. Radiation treatment is used, in particular, to prevent the spread of metastases. It can be external, where the radiation source is at a certain distance from the body (linear accelerators are used for this), and internal, where the source is placed directly in or near the affected tissues.
Treatment methods for colon cancer in Israel also include biological therapy. This involves the use of special drugs, some of which recognize and destroy cancer cells at the molecular level, while others stimulate the immune system to actively fight them. Such drugs are not only highly effective but also have almost no negative impact on the body.
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Diagnosis of Colon Cancer in Israel
Colon cancer has symptoms similar to other gastrointestinal diseases, making accurate diagnosis extremely important. This is necessary not only for timely detection of the tumor but also for determining its extent and exact location. At Ichilov Hospital, high-sensitivity diagnostic equipment is used to examine patients suspected of having colon cancer, guaranteeing accurate results. The entire process consists of three stages and takes an average of 3–4 working days.
Stage 1. Consultation with a Doctor
Upon arriving in Israel and settling into a hotel, the patient, accompanied by a representative from the clinic's International Department, who acts as their personal curator, goes for a consultation with a leading specialist. The doctor conducts a thorough examination, reviews the results of previous tests (if the patient has them), and prescribes a series of additional procedures necessary to clarify the diagnosis and develop the most optimal treatment plan.
Stage 2. Examination
Diagnosis of colon cancer in Israel is conducted within one to two days (depending on the volume of the diagnostic program) and includes the following laboratory and instrumental studies:
- Colonoscopy. The key diagnostic method for colon cancer—it allows for the accurate detection of malignant neoplasms at the earliest stages. Conducted using a colonoscope—a super-thin flexible tube equipped with a tiny video camera that is inserted into the colon through the rectum.
- Biopsy. Performed during colonoscopy and involves taking a sample of the tumor for further analysis, which helps determine the nature of the neoplasm (benign or malignant).
- Blood tests: clinical, biochemical, and for specific tumor markers.
- PET-CT. A modern medical imaging method that combines the capabilities of positron emission and computed tomography. It can not only detect the tumor but also assess the extent of its spread and determine the presence of tiny metastases in both nearby and distant organs.
- Capsule Endoscopy. Involves the use of a PillCam capsule, which is a tiny video camera in the shape of a pill. Swallowed by the patient, it moves through the intestine while taking pictures of its walls, which the doctor then evaluates to assess the condition of the organ.
Additionally, computer and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and other studies may be required to identify secondary cancer foci in nearby organs and lymph nodes.
Stage 3. Therapy Program
When the research results are ready, a council of leading specialists at the clinic—oncologists, endocrinologists, oncological surgeons, radiologists, and chemotherapists—analyzes the obtained data and develops a personalized treatment plan for the patient based on it.
Colon Cancer Treatment in Israel: Cost
Examination and treatment of colon cancer at Ichilov costs 30–50% less than in medical institutions of a similar level in Germany and the USA. There is no fixed price; it depends on a number of factors. To find out the approximate cost, one needs to contact a clinic representative, who will create a preliminary treatment and diagnostic plan and calculate an estimate during a free consultation. The final price will be known after the examination and approval of the therapeutic strategy. Foreign patients who choose colon cancer treatment in Israel are always surprised by the relative affordability of the prices.
Why Treat Colon Cancer at Ichilov
Colon cancer treatment in Israel receives only positive reviews for the following reasons:
- High professionalism of Israeli doctors.
- Treatment according to the latest protocols.
- Use of revolutionary techniques and new-generation drugs.
- High-precision diagnostic and treatment equipment.
- Affordable cost.
- Individual approach.
- First-class service and additional services for foreign patients.