Medical tourism is extremely popular, attracting patients from all over the world with its high level of medical care. Many choose Israel primarily due to its unique combination of advanced treatment methods and an individual approach to each case.
Many patients come to Israel for the treatment of oncological diseases, including medullary cancer, confident that optimal conditions will be provided for fighting this disease. The importance of cutting-edge approaches in Israeli medicine is confirmed by the collegial review of each case, where experienced specialists collaboratively develop the most effective treatment strategies.
Moreover, excellent accommodation conditions provided by clinics such as Ichilov contribute to creating a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, which plays an important role in the recovery process. The option to use personal accompaniment services enhances this experience, providing patients with additional support and confidence during their stay in the country.
About the Disease
Medullary cancer is a malignant tumour that develops from the cells of the thyroid gland. Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, medullary cancer arises from cells called parafollicular cells or C cells, which produce calcitonin. It usually occurs due to mutations in the RET gene, which plays a key role in controlling cell growth and division. This mutation can be inherited or occur randomly.
Medullary cancer typically causes discomfort in the form of an enlarged thyroid gland (under the "Adam's apple" on the neck), difficulty swallowing, changes in voice (hoarseness or breathing issues), and may also be accompanied by neck pain. This cancer can also lead to elevated calcium levels in the blood, which can cause feelings of fatigue, weakness, and digestive problems.
Treatment Methods for Medullary Cancer
In Israeli clinics, treatment methods are selected considering the latest medical advancements and the individual characteristics of each patient. The focus is on applying the most effective and innovative approaches to combat this disease.
Surgical Intervention
One of the main treatment methods for medullary thyroid cancer is surgical intervention. The surgery can be total (thyroidectomy), where the entire thyroid gland is removed, or partial (hemithyroidectomy), where only the affected area is removed. In certain cases, a central lymph node dissection may be performed – the removal of lymph nodes in the neck area. After surgery, the patient needs to undergo hormone replacement therapy to compensate for the deficiency of thyroid hormones.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to destroy residual cancer cells remaining after surgery or to treat metastases in other organs. Radiation can be delivered externally or internally (by introducing a radioactive substance into the tumour). In patients with medullary thyroid cancer, radiation therapy may be used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, in the presence of metastases in other organs, as well as to alleviate symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath.
Targeted Therapy
An innovative approach in the treatment of medullary cancer that targets specific molecular targets in cancer cells is targeted therapy. This method allows for individualized treatment, improving the effectiveness of combating the tumour and reducing side effects, significantly enhancing the patient's quality of life and recovery prognosis.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment method based on activating the patient's own immune system to fight cancer cells. This approach differs from traditional methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy and has the potential for long-term disease control, as well as achieving prolonged remission, even in advanced stages of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for medullary cancer, although less common compared to other treatment methods, may be used in cases where other approaches are ineffective or insufficiently effective. The goal of this method is to destroy cancer cells using specific drugs, but it is often accompanied by significant side effects, requiring careful monitoring and management by medical staff.
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Medullary thyroid cancer is a insidious disease that is asymptomatic in its early stages. That is why accurate and timely diagnosis plays a key role in successful treatment. In Israeli clinics, it is conducted on high-precision equipment, ensuring maximum accuracy of results. All procedures are planned in advance and carried out promptly, allowing for quick initiation of treatment and not wasting precious time.
Day One
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient meets with the attending physician. The consultation includes a detailed examination and medical history of the patient, as well as an examination by an endocrinologist. During the examination, the condition of the thyroid gland is assessed, and preliminary plans for further diagnostic procedures are discussed.
Day Two
On this day, you will undergo a series of diagnostic procedures, including:
- Blood tests for thyroid hormones, calcitonin, tumour markers, and other indicators.
- Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid gland under ultrasound guidance.
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck, chest, and abdomen.
- PET-CT (positron emission tomography) – if necessary.
Day Three
Once the results are ready, the attending physician gathers a panel of specialists from related fields, including endocrinologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. This collegial approach helps avoid medical errors and combines the expertise of various specialists to develop an individualized treatment plan that is most suitable for each clinical case and significantly improves the overall prognosis.
- Needle Biopsy: Cancer Treatment in Israel
- Computed Tomography
- Diagnosis – PET CT
- Ultrasound
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treating medullary cancer at Ichilov Clinic is calculated based on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the need for surgical intervention, the use of medications, and the duration of stay in the clinic.
If you are interested in exact figures, please contact us for a consultation at the phone number listed on the website. The consultant will provide detailed information about the clinic's pricing policy, expected treatment costs, and additional services, as well as answer any questions regarding the treatment process and accommodation conditions.
Advantages of Treating Medullary Cancer in Israel
- Highly qualified specialists: Israel is home to the best oncologists and surgeons with a global reputation, who have extensive experience in treating medullary cancer.
- Modern equipment: Israeli clinics are equipped with the latest technology for diagnosing and treating cancer, allowing for minimally invasive surgeries and achieving high results.
- Individual approach: Treatment plans are developed for each patient, taking into account all factors affecting their health.
- Access to innovative treatment methods: Israel employs the most advanced methods for treating medullary cancer, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
- Comfortable conditions: Patients in Israeli clinics receive not only high-quality treatment but also comfortable accommodation.
Do not ignore the signs of the disease! Even before arriving at the Israeli clinic, you can request a consultation with the necessary specialist. Once our specialists agree on the time and date, you will be able to communicate with an expert via Zoom and receive specific recommendations, as well as learn which existing methods in world medicine best suit your condition. Do not waste time! The sooner you start treatment, the higher your chances of recovery.