Oral Cancer Treatment in Turkey
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How Oral Cancer Is Treated in Turkey: What to Know About Clinics, Doctors, and Costs
Oncology
Oncology
We organize treatment in the best clinics
  • At the clinic's price without markups
  • with full doctor support

We organize treatment in the best clinics
  • At the clinic's price without markups
  • with full doctor support

When it comes to oral cancer, delay is not an option. From the stage of the disease to the choice of clinic, a lot can change within just a few weeks. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, there were 389,846 new cases of oral and lip cancer recorded in 2022.

However, survival rates directly depend on the stage at which treatment begins. For instance, in Turkey, with early diagnosis, the five-year survival rate can reach 80–90%, while in advanced stages it barely exceeds 30% (PubMed).

Turkey has built a well-organized system – from initial diagnosis to postoperative care. The country has both the expertise and the necessary equipment, along with doctors who specialize specifically in head and neck oncology. This article covers the key aspects of oral cancer treatment: methods, real survival rates, costs, and the best clinics.

What the research data says

In one retrospective study conducted at a Turkish clinic and published in PubMed, the three-year survival rate of patients with non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity was analyzed. The overall survival (OS) rate was 61%, and the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 55%. The highest rates were observed in those who underwent surgical treatment without additional chemoradiotherapy – 81.4% three-year OS.

According to another study published in PubMed in 2024, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer significantly depends on the stage of the disease. In patients with early diagnosis, it can reach up to 84%, whereas in late-stage cases, it drops to around 51%. This highlights the importance of seeking medical care promptly and starting treatment as early as possible.

Another analysis conducted among patients over 65 years old with head and neck tumors showed that the five-year overall survival rate for oral cancer is about 32.2% (Turkish Journal of Oncology). These findings once again confirm that both the disease stage and the choice of treatment method play a crucial role. As a rule, surgical intervention combined with radiation or chemotherapy provides the best chance for long-term recovery, especially in localized tumor forms.

How is treatment carried out in Turkey?

  •  

    • Surgical removal of the tumor (including resection of the jaw and neck if necessary)
    • Radiation therapy: as a primary treatment or in combination with surgery.
    • Chemotherapy: especially for aggressive or advanced forms.
    • Targeted therapy: if specific mutations are detected.
    • Immunotherapy: used in specific cases, especially in recurrences.

     

    Important: even at the planning stage, patients undergo PET-CT, MRI, and extended biopsy to accurately determine the tumor boundaries and choose the most sparing approach.

In Turkish clinics, treatment is based on international protocols. Doctors convene in consultations to determine the most effective treatment plan.

How long does the treatment last approximately?

  • Diagnostics:

    4-6 days (PET-CT, CT, biopsy, consultations with an ENT specialist, oncologist, and maxillofacial surgeon).

  • Surgery:

    Hospitalization lasts about 7-10 days, longer in cases of extensive procedures.

  • Reconstructive surgeries (for extensive tissue removal):

    an additional 7-10 days of inpatient stay.

  • Radiation therapy:

    about 6 weeks (daily, without days off).

  • Chemotherapy (if indicated):

    from 2 to 6 cycles, each lasting 2-4 weeks.

The duration of treatment depends on the tumor’s location, stage, the need for reconstruction after surgery, and the type of therapy. In most cases, a combined approach is used – surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Treatment may last from 1 to 3 months, and in complex cases – up to six months. We help patients plan each stage in advance, determine when they can return home, and estimate the total duration of their stay in Turkey.

How much does the treatment cost?

  • from €135 to €360
    Oncologist consultation:
  • from $300
    MRI:
  • from $500 to $750
    PET-CT:
  • from $1300
    One course of chemotherapy:
  • from $680 to $5200
    One course of immunotherapy:
  • from $3500
    Radiation therapy:
  • from $15,000
    Removal of ENT tumor:

Prices in Turkey are lower than in Europe or the USA, but the quality is high.

Oral cancer treatment clinics in Turkey

1. Liv Hospital Ulus
1. Liv Hospital Ulus

Liv Hospital Ulus – a JCI-accredited clinic known for its oncology center. It offers both minimally invasive surgeries for early-stage cancers and combined treatments for complex oral cancer cases. The clinic actively uses Da Vinci robotic systems and MR Linac Unity equipment for precise radiotherapy. Among its specialists are oncologist Prof. Dr. Meltem Topkalkeceli Selam and oncologic surgeon Ebru Esen.

 

Key Advantages of Liv Hospital Ulus:

  • Use of Da Vinci robotic surgery
  • Application of MR Linac Unity for precise radiation therapy
  • Digital planning of chemo- and targeted therapy using AI
  • Experience with early-stage tumors without extensive surgical procedures

 

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.livhospital.com
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/LivHospital
  • Twitter: x.com/livhospital
  • LinkedIn: tr.linkedin.com/company/liv-hospital
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/livhospital
  • Address: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cad. Canan Sok. No:5, 34340 Beşiktaş İstanbul
  • Phone: +90 (212) 999 80 99
2. International Medical Center Acibadem
2. International Medical Center Acibadem

International Medical Center Acibadem network includes more than 20 clinics that actively apply modern treatment methods such as IMRT, proton therapy, Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and CAR T-cell therapy. For patients with oral cavity tumors, organ-preserving surgeries and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) are available. Specialists from different fields are involved in treatment, including radiation oncologist Prof. Mehmet Ufuk Abacıoglu and pediatric oncologist Prof. Funda Vesile Corapcıoglu.

 

Key Advantages of Acibadem:

  • Combined approach to treating oral cavity tumors
  • Availability of radiosurgery using Gamma Knife and CyberKnife
  • Robotic surgeries performed with the Da Vinci system
  • Option for TORS (transoral robotic surgery)

 

Contact Information:

  • Website: acibademinternational.com
  • Email: info@acibademhealthpoint.com
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/acibademsaglik
  • Twitter: x.com/acibademsaglik
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/acibadem-healthcare-group
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/acibademsaglik
  • Address: Atatürk, Feza Sok. No:3, 34642 Ataşehir/İstanbul
  • Phone: 905369060904
3. Medicana International Hospital
3. Medicana International Hospital

Medicana International Hospital is part of the Medicana Health Group network and has been operating since 1992. The clinic offers advanced programs in surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. For patients with oral cavity tumors, LINAC with IMRT, brachytherapy, and Gamma Knife are used. Diagnosis involves PET-CT and nuclear medicine methods. The treatment team includes pediatric oncologist Prof. Tezer Kutluk, medical oncologist Prof. Mutlu Demiray, radiation oncologist Prof. Zehra Füsun Tokatlı, oncohematologist Ender Soydan, and nuclear medicine specialist Dr. Meryem Kaya.

 

Key Advantages of Medicana International Hospital:

  • International JCI accreditation
  • Wide range of treatment methods, including combination therapy
  • Use of LINAC and IMRT for precise radiotherapy
  • Access to PET-CT and proton therapy

 

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.medicanainternational.com
  • Email: medicanacc@medicana.com.tr
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/medicanahealthgroup
  • Twitter: x.com/medicanahealt
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/medicanasaglik
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/medicanahealthgroup
  • Address: Küçükbakkalköy, Allianz Tower, Kayışdağı Cd. No:1
  • Phone: +90 850 4601010

Best Doctors for Oral Cancer Treatment in Turkey

1. Erkan Kayikcioglu - medical oncologist
1. Erkan Kayikcioglu - medical oncologist

Dr. Erkan Kayikcioglu is a specialist who combines clinical experience with active scientific research. For over 14 years, he has been treating patients with cancers of varying complexity, focusing on personalized medicine and modern approaches such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. His background includes work in major public and private hospitals as well as teaching at a medical university. He is deeply involved in studying biomarkers, developing prognostic indices, and publishing scientific articles in international journals.

2. Mehmet Ufuk Abacioglu - radiation oncologist
2. Mehmet Ufuk Abacioglu - radiation oncologist

Professor Mehmet Ufuk Abacıoglu is one of the most respected radiation oncologists in Turkey, with over 25 years of experience. His expertise covers a wide range of tumors, including head and neck cancers. In addition to treating patients, he teaches at a university, reviews scientific articles, leads working groups, and participates in international oncology associations. With more than 190 scientific publications, numerous conference presentations, and a high citation index, he holds a strong reputation in the professional community.

3. Gulyuz Ozturk – pediatric oncohematologist
3. Gulyuz Ozturk – pediatric oncohematologist

Professor Gulyuz Ozturk has been treating pediatric oncohematologic diseases for over 40 years. She heads the pediatric bone marrow transplantation department, bringing vast clinical experience that includes international training in Bristol, UK. She is also the founder of several key bone marrow transplant units in Turkey. Dr. Ozturk treats severe conditions, including those requiring complex therapy for head and neck tumors in children.

Treating oral cancer requires not only modern equipment but also experienced doctors who know how to manage complex cases, choose the right therapy for each patient, and maintain quality of life after treatment. Above is a selection of leading specialists truly worth considering if you are looking for effective and personalized care.

How Experts Medical helps you choose a clinic and doctor

  • We study your diagnosis and the specifics of your case.
  • We select several clinics that have specialized doctors and modern equipment.
  • We transfer your documents directly to medical departments, rather than through general forms.
  • We receive specific treatment plans and costs from each clinic.
  • We compare approaches, timeframes, and scope of interventions and provide objective information.
  • If necessary, we can arrange online consultations so you can speak with a doctor in person before your trip.

Choosing a clinic is one of the most difficult steps for a patient. We help make this process calm and well-informed. Instead of simply giving a list of hospitals, we select those that have actually treated patients with similar diagnoses and have proven success.

We never work with clinics based on “who pays more.” The only thing that matters is where you can truly get help. This approach helps avoid unnecessary steps, reduce costs, and choose the best place for treatment.

Recovery after oral cancer treatment

  • Rehabilitation includes restoring chewing, speech, swallowing, and appearance – especially after surgeries involving removal of tongue, cheek, or jaw tissues. Possible side effects of radiation therapy include dryness, pain, taste disturbances, swelling, and soft tissue fibrosis.

     

    How recovery takes place:

    Speech therapy and nutritional support – to restore speech and eating.

    Physiotherapy – to reduce swelling and minimize scarring.

    Psychological support – to address anxiety, depression, and changes in appearance.

    Surgical prosthetics (if part of the jaw or facial tissues was removed) – this stage is planned 3-6 months after the main treatment.

  • How Experts Medical Helps:

    We stay in touch even after discharge, provide consultations, and monitor follow-up examination schedules.

    We assist with organizing repeat consultations, prosthetics, and rehabilitation.

    If medication, test samples, or medical documents need to be shipped – we handle the logistics.

     

    We understand how important it is not only to achieve treatment results but also to return to normal life – with normal eating, speech, and a smile.

 

Conclusion

Treating oral cancer requires a clear plan, an involved doctor, and a supportive team by your side. In Turkey, you can find all of that. With us, you receive more than just appointments and schedules – you get real support, from selecting the right specialist to overseeing your recovery. Our goal is to help you focus on what truly matters: getting well. We take care of everything else.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bring someone close to me?

Yes, of course. We can help arrange the trip for your relative too: accommodation, transfer, and assistance – everything is taken care of.

 

2. How much do your services cost?

We do not charge patients. You pay only directly to the clinic. Our support is completely free for you.

 

3. How soon can treatment begin?

Usually, it takes about 3 to 7 working days to organize and confirm everything. In urgent cases – even faster.

 

4. I find medical terms confusing. Who will explain everything to me?

We explain every step in simple terms. And we are always there so you can ask any questions you have.

 

5. What if complications arise after surgery?

You will stay in touch with your doctor and with us. We will promptly send your scans and test results and get recommendations.

 

6. Can I get a second opinion if I’m already being treated in my country?

Yes. Sometimes a second opinion helps review the diagnosis or adjust the treatment plan.

 

7. What if I’m offered unnecessary tests or procedures?

We will review the cost estimate. If the doctor includes something unnecessary – we’ll remove it. We’re on your side.

 

Dr Nataliia
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