The otolaryngology department of the Israeli Ichilov Medical Center provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of head and neck diseases. The services offered include everything from cochlear implants to skull base surgery. This department is also responsible for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.
In the otolaryngology department, world-class surgeons work hand in hand with experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, neuro-radiologists, and support staff to offer each of our patients world-class medicine with a personalized approach, regardless of the type of cancer diagnosed.
Modern Treatment Methods for Pathology
In their practice, Israeli oncologists use the following highly effective techniques:
Types of Surgical Operations
- Transoral laser microsurgery is ideal for treating cancer of the vocal cords and supraglottis in early and intermediate stages. It is performed under suspended microlaryngoscopy using a CO2 laser. The tumor is incised and removed in parts (allowing for precise removal of the tumor by visualizing the margin).
- Open partial laryngectomy, vertical partial laryngectomy, or nearly total laryngectomy involves resection of a significant portion or all of the supraglottis while preserving both the true vocal cords and the epiglottis. Partial supracricoid laryngectomy includes resection of the vocal fold, thyroid cartilage, and paraglottic space, as well as supraglottic structures such as the epiglottis.
- Total laryngectomy is used for treating advanced or recurrent diseases. It involves complete resection of the larynx from the valley to the upper part of the trachea. Additional resection of the pharynx, such as the pyriform sinus or lateral wall of the pharynx, may be performed as needed due to tumor spread. The goal is complete resection of the tumor in one block. After resection, the proximal end of the trachea is sewn to the skin to create a permanent tracheostomy, and the mucosa of the pharynx is closed, thereby completely separating the airways from the upper digestive tract. Closure of the pharyngeal mucosa is performed either primarily or using a flap, or regional flap (usually a pectoral flap), or free tissue transfer, depending on the size of the pharyngeal defect and the patient's history of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy
Administered after surgery for throat cancer to destroy remaining tumor cells. Treatment may also be used as first-line therapy, either alone or in combination with radiation therapy, for patients whose throat cancer has already developed.
Radiation Therapy
A common treatment for throat cancer, often used as first-line treatment in the early stages of cancer. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat recurrent throat cancer. At Ichilov, radiation therapy sessions are conducted on modern TrueBeam sTX linear accelerators.
Chemoradiotherapy
This type of treatment combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is used as first-line therapy for laryngeal cancer. Chemoradiotherapy may be a treatment option for patients who prefer not to undergo surgery or who are not healthy enough for surgery. This method may also be an option for controlling cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
Targeted Therapy
Laryngeal cancer typically has an excess of epidermal growth factor receptor, or EGFR, a protein found on the surface of many cancer cells that helps them grow and divide. Since laryngeal cancer is characterized by a higher number of EGFR proteins than other types of cancer, drugs targeting this protein may be used in combination with radiation therapy to treat some early stages of throat cancer. Targeted therapy drugs are also successfully used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy to treat some advanced or recurrent forms of throat cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapeutic drugs designed to help the body's immune system identify and destroy tumor cells may be recommended when throat cancer does not respond to first-line treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.
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Diagnosis – Accuracy and Timeliness
At Top Ichilov, the diagnostic process is planned in advance, even before the patient arrives at the clinic. Usually, the entire examination takes 3 to 4 days.
First Day
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient meets with the attending physician. The specialist reviews the medical documentation brought by the patient, conducts an examination, and determines what symptoms and overall condition the patient is experiencing. At the conclusion of the consultation, the doctor decides what additional studies may be necessary to verify the diagnosis.
Second Day
On this day, the patient undergoes all diagnostic procedures prescribed by the doctor. These may include:
- CT or MRI scan;
- chest X-ray;
- laryngoscopy;
- PET scan;
- biopsy;
- laboratory blood and urine tests.
Third Day
Once the examination results are known, a medical council is convened. Israeli specialists collectively review all results, confirm the diagnosis, assess the prognosis, and select the most appropriate treatment plan for each specific case.
How Much Does Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx Cost in Israel
The final cost of treating any form of laryngeal cancer is determined based on the extent of prior diagnostics, the nature of the therapy performed, and the duration of rehabilitation. However, you can plan your trip budget in advance simply by ordering a free financial audit of treatment costs from any of the chat windows with an online consultant. This official document lists clinics specializing in the treatment of laryngeal cancer in Israel, a detailed description of prices for diagnostic and treatment procedures. The consultant will also create an individual medical program for you. It will include a list of studies to be conducted at the clinic, as well as possible treatment methods and approximate costs. In the comfort of your home, you can calmly review the possible offers from clinics, choose the most optimal one for you, and calculate your trip budget.