Brain cancer treatment in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Centers

Causes of brain cancer

Although researchers have conducted numerous studies, the exact causes of brain cancer remain a mystery. However, several factors may increase the risk of developing this tumor, including:

• Exposure to ionizing radiation: This includes radiation therapy to treat other cancers and exposure to natural radiation from the environment.
• Immunosuppressive treatments: These drugs, used to treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to infection and cancer.
• Excessive cell phone use: Recent research suggests that prolonged use of cell phones, especially by children, may increase the risk of brain tumors.
• Exposure to vinyl chloride: This chemical, found in certain materials and industrial products, is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Symptoms of a brain tumor

Brain and spinal tumors can present with a variety of symptoms, depending on their location and whether they are benign or malignant.

In general, clinical signs only appear at an advanced stage, when the tumor has grown large enough to affect the function of the brain or spinal cord.

The most common symptoms of a brain tumor are:

• Headache: Frequent, often worse in the morning or with exertion.
• Memory problems: Frequent forgetfulness, difficulty remembering events or people.
• Vision problems: blurred or double vision, or loss of visual field.
• Epileptic seizures: sudden, uncontrolled seizures.
• Abnormal movements: Shaking, clumsiness, lack of coordination.
• Speech disorders: Difficulty speaking, finding words, or understanding speech.
• Loss of balance: dizziness, staggering, frequent falls.
• Coma: prolonged loss of consciousness.
• Fine motor problems: Difficulty writing, handling fine objects.
• Difficulty swallowing: choking, regurgitation.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience one or more of these symptoms.

Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment of brain and spinal tumors.

Diagnosis of brain tumors

In Istanbul, the diagnosis of brain tumors mainly relies on two medical imaging techniques:

• PET scan: Detects approximately 85% of tumors. This examination is a valuable tool for confirming the presence of a tumor, as well as accurately determining its location and size.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Complements the PET scan by identifying potential tumors that may have gone unnoticed. Unlike the PET scan, MRI uses an electromagnetic field rather than radiation, providing detailed visualization of brain structures.

These examinations, often used together, optimize diagnostic accuracy and enable more effective patient management.

Treatment of brain tumors

Brain cancer treatment in Turkey is a complex and personalized process that combines different therapeutic options to optimize the chances of cure and preserve the patient's quality of life. Ongoing advances in oncology research in Turkey are helping to refine therapeutic strategies. More effective and less toxic alternatives are now available to our patients.

The main treatments used in the treatment of brain tumors are:

Surgical treatment

Surgery is often the first step in treatment with the goal of removing all or part of the tumor. The feasibility of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor. Surgical techniques include

• Craniotomy: Access to the brain through an opening in the skull.
• Cerebral mapping: Use of electrical currents to identify functional areas of the brain and minimize neurological risks during surgery.
• Cerebrospinal fluid drainage: Drainage of excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulated by the tumor to relieve intracranial pressure.

Chemotherapy:  Fighting cancer cells

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or orally and is often used in combination with radiation therapy or for recurrence after surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses beams of X-rays or other charged particles to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, after surgery to eliminate residual cells, or in the event of a recurrence.

Immunotherapy approach

Immunotherapy stimulates a patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This promising approach uses drugs or biological agents to activate immune cells or block the mechanisms that prevent the immune system from recognizing cancer.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy specifically attacks the molecular abnormalities present in cancer cells, thereby limiting damage to healthy cells. This approach uses drugs that block specific signaling pathways or inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells.

Terminal brain cancer: Chances of survival

The terminal phase of brain cancer represents the last stage of the disease when curative treatment is no longer an option. This period is characterized by the patient's great fragility, both physically and psychologically. The main objective is to alleviate suffering and accompany the patient in his last moments.

Before reaching this stage, the physician assesses how far the cancer has progressed and how well the treatment can cope with it. Based on this analysis, the oncologist provides a prognosis for the patient's chances of survival.

This prognosis takes into account several key factors:

• Tumor grade: The higher the tumor grade, the more aggressive and advanced the cancer.
• Type of tumor.
• The patient's age.
• Tumor size and location: A small tumor located in a surgically accessible area is more favorable than a large, difficult-to-access tumor.
• Chromosomal abnormalities: Certain chromosomal abnormalities may affect tumor behavior and response to treatment.

Accompaniment and palliative care

The terminal phase of brain cancer is a difficult and upsetting time. However, it does not have to mean suffering and abandonment. With quality medical and human care, it is possible to guide patients through a serene transition, surrounded by their loved ones.

During this phase, the relief of pain and other physical symptoms becomes a priority. Palliative care, provided by our multidisciplinary team in Turkey, plays an essential role in the care of patients and their families. We provide physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual support to help them cope with this difficult time.

Supporting our patients also includes open, caring communication. We respect our patients' wishes and involve them in decisions about their care.