Oncology in Istanbul: Diagnosis, Second Opinion and Treatment Coordination
For international patients with a diagnosis or suspicion of cancer, New City Clinic coordinates assessment and treatment at the oncology centres of its partner hospitals in Istanbul. The treatment plan is determined after a physician’s examination and a review of your reports.
What does New City Clinic do?
New City Clinic is a health tourism intermediary; it does not diagnose or treat. Our role is to get your reports to the right physician, to arrange appointments, tests, accommodation, transfers and interpreting, and to be a single point of contact throughout. Decisions on diagnosis and treatment belong to the oncology physicians at the partner hospitals.
How is the assessment carried out?
Cancer treatment is usually planned not by one physician but by a multidisciplinary tumour board, where specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, radiology and nuclear medicine review your case together.
- Review of your existing pathology report and, where needed, the slides
- Assessment or repetition of imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT)
- Biopsy and molecular testing where considered necessary
- Staging and a written treatment recommendation
Treatment approaches used in oncology
Which approach or combination is appropriate is decided by your physician according to the type and stage of the disease and your general health. In general, oncology draws on the following:
- Surgical oncology: removal of the tumour by operation
- Medical oncology: chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and hormone therapy
- Radiation oncology: radiotherapy
- Nuclear medicine: diagnostic imaging and certain treatments
- Supportive care: pain management, nutrition and psychological support
Second opinion
If you want to be sure about your diagnosis or the treatment you have been offered, a second opinion can be given on your reports before you travel. The physician will say whether the existing documents are enough to comment on and which further tests would be needed. A second opinion does not replace your care at home; it helps you decide with more information.
Which cancers can you contact us about?
New City Clinic coordinates assessment and treatment for many types of cancer, including rectal, colon, stomach, pancreatic and bone cancers and brain tumours. The information below is general; each patient’s plan is set individually by the tumour board.
Rectal cancer
Assessment brings together colonoscopy and biopsy results with a pelvic MRI and CT. Depending on the stage, treatment is usually a combination of radiotherapy, drug treatment and surgery; the board decides the sequence.
Colon cancer
The diagnosis is made by colonoscopy and biopsy, and spread is assessed with CT. For localised disease, surgery is the main treatment; drug treatment may be added afterwards depending on the stage.
Stomach cancer
After endoscopy and biopsy, CT and, where needed, endoscopic ultrasound or diagnostic laparoscopy are carried out. Treatment often combines surgery with drug treatment before and after the operation.
Pancreatic cancer
CT, MRI and endoscopic ultrasound establish whether the tumour can be removed surgically. Surgery is planned for suitable patients; for others, drug treatment and, where appropriate, radiotherapy.
Brain tumours
There are many types, benign and malignant; assessment is by MRI. Depending on the type and location, neurosurgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment are used alone or together.
Bone cancer
After imaging, a biopsy is planned and taken at an experienced centre. Depending on the type, treatment may include limb-sparing surgery, drug treatment and radiotherapy.
For patients from Europe, the Middle East and Africa
New City Clinic coordinates oncology care for patients travelling from European countries, the Middle East and Africa. Istanbul has direct flights from many capitals in these regions, and the assessment starts from your reports before you travel.
- You can send your reports in English or in your own language; the necessary translations are arranged.
- For patients from countries that need a visa, a hospital appointment and invitation letter is provided for the application.
- Airport welcome, accommodation close to the hospital and arrangements for a companion are organised.
- Your treatment summary is prepared in English so that you can share it with your oncologist at home.
Partner hospitals with oncology centres
Oncology care is coordinated at the following partner hospitals, which have oncology centres. The hospital is chosen according to your condition, your physician and your preference.
How the process works
- 1
Send your documents
Pathology report, imaging reports and images, discharge summaries and a list of your medication.
- 2
Physician’s review
Your file goes to the relevant oncology physician; missing tests and a possible pathway are set out for you in writing.
- 3
Plan and quote
The expected tests, treatment steps, length of stay and itemised costs are given in writing.
- 4
Treatment in Istanbul
Airport welcome, accommodation, appointments and interpreting are organised by New City Clinic.
- 5
Follow-up
You receive your treatment summary and reports to share with your physician at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a second opinion before travelling?
Yes. Once you send your reports and images, a physician reviews them remotely; the definitive plan is usually confirmed after examination and any further tests.
Which documents should I send?
The pathology report, CT/MRI/PET-CT reports and, if possible, the images themselves, operation and discharge reports, blood tests and your medication list.
How long would I need to stay in Istanbul?
It varies widely: an assessment may take a few days, radiotherapy several weeks, and drug treatments may involve repeated visits. The duration is stated in your written plan.
Can I continue treatment in my own country?
In many cases, yes. Your plan and reports are prepared so that they can be shared with the oncologist who follows you at home.
Can you give any assurance about the outcome?
No. No institution can guarantee the result of cancer treatment. Your physician will explain expectations and risks for your situation openly.
How is the cost determined?
It depends on the tests required and on the type and length of treatment. An itemised written quote follows the physician’s assessment.
New City Clinic blog
This page is for general information and is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A treatment plan is determined only after a physician’s examination and assessment of your tests. In an emergency, contact your local medical services.
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