Oncology

Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Istanbul

Thyroid cancer is usually noticed as a lump in the neck or found on an ultrasound done for another reason. The most common types, papillary and follicular, generally grow slowly, while medullary and anaplastic types need a different approach. New City Clinic coordinates assessment and treatment with the endocrine surgery and oncology teams of its partner hospitals in Istanbul.

Assessment and diagnosis

Before a treatment plan is made, the type and stage of the disease are established. This usually involves:

  • Ultrasound of the thyroid and neck
  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology
  • Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4); calcitonin for the medullary type
  • CT or MRI of the neck and vocal cord examination where needed

Treatment approaches

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Depending on the size, type and spread of the tumour, either the whole thyroid (total thyroidectomy) or one lobe (lobectomy) is removed, and neck lymph nodes are removed if the cancer has reached them. During surgery, care is taken to protect the nerve to the vocal cords and the parathyroid glands, which control calcium. Depending on the risk level, radioactive iodine is given after surgery. Patients whose whole thyroid has been removed take thyroid hormone for life. Follow-up is with blood thyroglobulin levels and neck ultrasound. For advanced disease that no longer takes up iodine, targeted therapy may be used.

  • Total thyroidectomy or lobectomy
  • Neck lymph node dissection where needed
  • Radioactive iodine treatment
  • Lifelong thyroid hormone; follow-up with thyroglobulin and ultrasound

The tumour board decides which methods are used and in what order. The treatment plan is determined after a physician’s examination and assessment of your tests.

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.
  • Check the visa or e-visa requirements for your passport on the official Turkish government website (evisa.gov.tr); once your treatment is planned, your appointment is confirmed in writing by the hospital.
  • 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. 1

    Send your documents

    Pathology report, imaging reports and images, discharge summaries and a list of your medication.

  2. 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. 3

    Plan and quote

    The expected tests, treatment steps, length of stay and itemised costs are given in writing.

  4. 4

    Treatment in Istanbul

    Airport welcome, accommodation, appointments and interpreting are organised by New City Clinic.

  5. 5

    Follow-up

    You receive your treatment summary and reports to share with your physician at home.

Frequently asked questions

Will my voice be affected after surgery?

The nerve that moves the vocal cords is protected throughout the operation, and most centres use nerve monitoring. Temporary hoarseness can occur; permanent problems are uncommon, and your surgeon discusses the risks with you beforehand.

When can I go home after radioactive iodine?

A short period of isolation is recommended after treatment, with some precautions for the people around you. The nuclear medicine team decides when you can fly home, based on the dose given.

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.

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.

Other cancer types

Back to the oncology section

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.

Get your free quote today

Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.

Include the country code, e.g. +44 7700 900000

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