Affecting a vital organ, various types of heart neoplasms pose a real threat to the patient's life, requiring prompt and effective therapy. Comprehensive treatment of heart tumors in Israel includes progressive surgical and conservative methods that allow for the elimination of the tumor, alleviation of painful symptoms, and normalization of the patient's condition. Israeli cardiac surgeons and oncologists possess a high level of qualification and many years of experience, undergoing internships at the largest clinics in the world. Many of them are leading specialists in this field of medicine, respected in other countries. Numerous reviews from patients who have undergone treatment at Israeli clinics testify to the high professionalism of the doctors.
Diagnosis of pathology at the initial stage is complicated by asymptomatic progression, resulting in patients seeking medical help only at an advanced stage. Israeli clinics are equipped with the latest high-tech equipment, allowing for diagnostic examinations to be conducted with exceptional accuracy. In medical centers in Israel, treatment of cardiac oncopathologies is successfully performed even at late stages, deemed incurable in other countries. Studies show that therapy at an early stage of the disease ensures sustained remission or recovery in 75-80% of patients. The cost of treatment is significantly lower than in the USA and Europe, making it accessible to most medical tourists.
Treatment Methods for Pathology
The choice of treatment methods depends on the type and nature of the neoplasm, its size and location, and several other factors. Maximum effectiveness is achieved with the appointment of combination therapy.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal is indicated in the case of small primary tumors. If the tumor is localized on the surface of the organ and grows towards the pericardial cavity, the operation is performed endoscopically, without requiring large incisions. This gentle method has a minimal risk of bleeding and postoperative complications, as well as a shorter recovery period.
In cases of large tumors growing towards the inner part of the heart, open surgical intervention is indicated. In this case, the patient is most often connected to a heart-lung machine. This complex operation requires the highest skill and experience from the surgeon, and during the rehabilitation period, the patient remains in the cardiology department.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
In cases with a high risk of surgical intervention, when the tumor is located in an inaccessible place, or when other contraindications for surgery are present, the neoplasm is removed using sessions of stereotactic surgery. This gentle procedure, which is highly effective and not associated with the risk of bleeding or a prolonged postoperative period, is performed using a CyberKnife system. The neoplasm is irradiated with low-dose radioactive beams originating from multiple sources. By focusing directly in front of the tumor, they affect it with a cumulative power. Thus, the neoplasm is irradiated with a high dose that has a destructive effect, while the surrounding healthy tissues receive minimal radiation exposure.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy may be prescribed before surgical intervention to reduce the size of the neoplasm and facilitate its subsequent removal. After surgery, radiation is performed to destroy individual malignant cells and prevent recurrence. Radiation therapy sessions are also included in palliative therapy to alleviate painful symptoms and improve the condition of inoperable patients at terminal stages.
External beam radiotherapy is conducted in Israeli clinics using modern equipment that ensures precise irradiation of the tumor while minimizing negative effects on healthy tissues. The latest technologies are used to modulate the intensity of irradiation in different areas of the neoplasm. Contact radiotherapy (brachytherapy) is highly effective and significantly improves prognosis. In this method, a radioactive isotope is introduced directly into the tumor tissues. Internal irradiation of the neoplasm has a destructive effect on pathological cells while causing no harm to healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy courses are effective in cases of secondary tumors. Israeli clinics use the latest chemotherapy drugs with minimal toxicity, which have a gentle effect on the patient's body and cause minimal mild side effects. Chemotherapy may be prescribed before surgery, after surgical treatment, and as a palliative method.
Immunotherapy
The use of immunotherapeutic agents based on monoclonal antibodies is highly effective at any stage of the disease, even late stages. When introduced into the body, the antibodies overcome the masking of malignant cells, recognize them, and stimulate their destruction by the patient's immune cells.
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How Disease Diagnosis is Conducted
A comprehensive diagnostic examination necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning in Israeli clinics is typically completed within three days.
On the first day of their stay at the clinic, the patient meets with the treating oncologist. During the consultation, the doctor reviews the medical history, studies the patient's previous test results, conducts a physical examination, and orders necessary tests.
The patient undergoes the prescribed examinations, which include:
- complete blood count and biochemical tests;
- blood test for specific tumor markers;
- ultrasound examination (US) of the heart;
- visual examinations (CT, MRI) of the heart;
- ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
- echocardiography;
- coronary angiography of the heart vessels.
A medical council, which includes the oncologist and cardiac surgeon along with several other specialists, reviews the results of the examinations, makes a final diagnosis, and develops a treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The final amount depends on the type and nature of the neoplasm, the stage of the disease, and several other factors, and is determined after the treatment procedures are assigned. Overall, the cost of treatment in Israeli clinics is 30-50% lower than in Western European countries and the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Highly qualified experienced doctors, many of whom are world-renowned.
- Clinics equipped with the latest medical and diagnostic equipment.
- Professional performance of open-heart surgeries.
- Comfortable conditions for undergoing treatment.
- Affordable prices.
A heart tumor is not a death sentence; with timely initiation of comprehensive therapy, you can forget about the disease and return to an active life. Therefore, do not waste time, contact your chosen clinic, and start treatment.