Professor Gideon BacharDeputy Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department
Israeli specialists have extensive experience in treating various types of malignant tumors of the oral cavity at any stage. Utilizing the latest advancements in medicine, they ensure a high percentage of patients achieving stable remission.
The doctors at Top Ichilov apply the most modern types of therapy, both surgical and conservative. Various surgical operations are performed here, and when necessary, they are combined with radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Despite the high quality of therapy, the cost of oral cavity cancer treatment in Israel is quite affordable for patients with varying income levels. Here, you can meet people who have come for treatment from the USA and the UK, Russia, Ukraine, and other former CIS countries.
Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment in Israeli Clinics — Current Methods
The most relevant methods for treating malignant pathologies of the oral cavity include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In cases of small tumors, surgical operation and radiation therapy have approximately the same effectiveness. The choice of one method or another is determined by the expected functional outcomes and the risk of complications.
Surgery
Surgery is the preferred treatment method, especially in the case of squamous cell carcinomas. If the tumor is small and at stage I-II, access is made through the oral cavity. In cases where the tumor is larger or has metastasized, the intervention is more extensive and may involve the upper or lower jaw in addition to soft tissues. In some cases, partial or complete removal of the jaw — maxillectomy or mandibulectomy — may be performed.
In late stages, when the malignant process has spread to the cervical lymph nodes, a neck dissection is performed. Lymph nodes are removed from one side of the neck, significantly improving further outcomes.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is usually prescribed after surgery and represents a type of adjuvant treatment — that is, treatment conducted additionally to improve prognosis. Typically, radiotherapy is prescribed for patients after surgical removal of tumors at stage II and beyond. Radiation is performed on modern linear accelerators — high-precision devices that allow for even distribution of ionizing radiation within tumor tissues while sparing healthy tissues. The patient is required to undergo a certain number of radiation sessions, each lasting several minutes.
If the tumor is very small, it may be possible to remove it with radiotherapy alone. As noted above, in such cases, the effectiveness of radiation therapy and surgery is approximately the same.
Chemotherapy
Systemic chemotherapy agents, like radiotherapy, are mainly used as an additional treatment method after surgery has been performed on the patient. Typically, drugs from the group of uracil derivatives and platinum compounds are prescribed. The course consists of several cycles, during each of which the patient receives several infusions of chemotherapy agents through a central catheter or port system.
Targeted Therapy
Modern targeted drugs significantly improve the prognosis for treating squamous cell carcinomas localized in the head and neck area (80-90% of all oral cavity cancer cases). These drugs can specifically target cancer cells and do not exert as pronounced systemic suppressive effects on the body as classical chemotherapy agents. Monoclonal antibodies specific to the epidermal growth factor and tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be used for the treatment of oral cavity tumors.
Rehabilitation
Since the therapy for head and neck tumors is associated with traumatic effects on important functional structures, after completing the treatment course, the patient may need rehabilitation. At this stage, specialists in reconstructive surgery, speech recovery, chewing and swallowing functions, as well as dentists, dietitians, and other doctors work with the patient.
Numerous positive reviews about oral cavity cancer treatment in Israel confirm the high level of professionalism of Israeli oncologists and their commitment to using the most modern and effective therapy methods. The treatment course is always tailored to best match the individual clinical picture and health status of the patient.
Send your records — an Ichilov physician will reply within 1–2 days, free of charge.
Diagnosis
Examinations usually take three to four days, during which the patient undergoes several types of diagnostics. To learn more about the types of studies you will need to undergo, you can use a video consultation. One of our oncologists will communicate with you via Skype and answer any questions you may have. For those patients who have gone through such a remote video consultation, the first in-person consultation at the clinic is provided free of charge.
First Day — Consultation
At the airport, you will be met by a translator-coordinator — a clinic employee responsible for coordinating doctors, translating your medical documentation, and assisting with any other questions. Together with them, you will go for an appointment with a specialist at the clinic. The doctor will review your medical history and prescribe several types of diagnostics.
Second Day — Studies
- Computed Tomography or MRI.
- Ultrasound Diagnostics.
- Biopsy and histological examination of tumor tissues.
- PET-CT with fluorine-18 agents.
- Endoscopic diagnostics.
Third Day — Consultation
On the final day, a medical commission is convened, and the specialists involved determine the type and stage of the tumor, as well as select the treatment program.
How Much Does Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of oral cavity cancer treatment in Israel differs significantly from the prices typical for European or American clinics. When comparing the cost of similar procedures, medical tourists from the USA or Germany can save at least 30-45% of their funds in Israeli hospitals.
Advantages of Top Ichilov
- Doctors with a unique level of training and extensive clinical experience. Many of our specialists are well-known in the professional community abroad and conduct their own research in the field of cancer treatment.
- Examinations are conducted using state-of-the-art equipment and laboratory techniques, allowing for the rapid establishment of the exact type of tumor and the selection of the optimal treatment program.
- The widest range of modern treatment procedures — gentle and conventional surgical operations, radiation therapy on high-precision equipment, systemic and targeted drugs.
- Each patient receives free assistance from a personal translator-coordinator. The rooms are clean and cozy. The atmosphere in the clinic is calm, promoting a positive mood.
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