Colon Cancer Treatment in Israel

Colorectal (colon) cancer is the third most common oncologic disease in the US. Common risk factors include colon polyps, family history, colitis, age and ethnicity. Common early symptoms include bloating, diarrhea or constipation and blood in stool). However, as these generally are unspecific, regular screenings are important.

Treatment Program

Since colorectal tumors are aggressive, time is of the essence. The first stage of a colorectal cancer treatment program will involve a thorough investigation, which can be carried out in two of the best hospitals in Israel, Ichilov and Assuta Tel Aviv, and takes 5 business days.

Diagnostics:

• Laboratory tests (including tumor markers), and preparation for colonoscopy
• Colonoscopy with biopsy; samples are sent for express histopathological analysis.
• PET CT (to rule out mets)
• Colorectal surgeon’s consultation

Treatment:

Your treatment program will depend on the localization of the tumor and the extent of its spread beyond the intestine.

• If extra-intestinal spread (into omentum or lungs) has been detected during the PET scan, neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemotherapy is required
• If the tumor is not shown to have spread beyond the bowel, or if only intestinal lymph nodes are affected, the treatment of choice is surgery. The exact type of procedure will depend on the tumor’s size and location. During the procedure the surgeon will remove the affected section of the bowel and then reconnect the healthy parts of the intestine. Most surgeries of this type will not require you to have a permanent colostomy.

The final price of Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Israel program will depend on the exact diagnosis and the procedures required. Cost of package will include the following:

• Blood tests (CBC, SMAC, coagulation factors, electrolyte levels, tumor markers)
• Colonoscopy with intra-procedural biopsy (under general anesthesia)
• Express histopathologic study
• Whole-body PET-CT scan
• Colorectal surgeon consultation
• Routine preoperative preparation (ECG, anesthesiologist consultation)
• Surgical procedure (colectomy) with up to 7 days of hospitalization, express postoperative histopathologic study, and operating surgeon's postoperative follow up.