Israeli doctors have accumulated immense experience in the therapy of cancer diseases of the female reproductive system over the past decades. Today, in Israeli clinics, patients begin their treatment program just a few days after diagnosis, which includes the most effective methods — surgical, radiological, and chemotherapy.
At the Top Ihilov center, specialists with vast experience in the therapy of oncogynecological pathologies consult patients, which allows maintaining an average clinic-level five-year survival rate for patients with such a diagnosis at around 80-90% and higher.
Treatment Methods for Vulvar Cancer in Israel
Malignant neoplasms in this location account for less than 1% of all cancer cases worldwide, but they make up to 5% of all oncogynecological pathologies. Tumours most often occur on the labia majora and in 90% of cases are represented by squamous cell carcinoma, arising from epidermal squamous cells — the most typical type of skin cells. Melanomas and basal cell carcinomas are less common.
Risk factors include older age, infection with human papillomavirus, smoking, HIV, a history of precancerous conditions of the reproductive organs, and chronic skin diseases of the labia.
Treatment methods for vulvar cancer in Israel focus on two main goals — complete eradication of malignant cells and, if possible, maximal preservation of reproductive function (at the patient's request).
Surgery
If the neoplasia is diagnosed at an early stage, local excision may be performed — the neoplasm is removed along with a portion of the surrounding healthy tissues.
At later stages, surgical techniques such as radical resection within wide margins (removing healthy tissues within approximately 1 cm from the tumour) and various types of vulvectomy (partial or total — with the removal of part or all of the vulva) may be used.
In most cases, lymph node dissection in the pelvic area is also required. To preserve as many healthy lymph nodes as possible and prevent complications associated with lymphadenectomy (such as lymphedema), the sentinel biopsy method (preliminary diagnosis) may be used, where resection is planned only for those lymph nodes that are involved in the malignant process.
Typically, surgical treatment is combined with reconstructive surgery, which allows restoring the aesthetics of the vulva using skin flaps taken from other areas of the body.
Radiotherapy
If the pathological process has spread significantly, radiation therapy may be prescribed (as part of surgical treatment — before or after surgery). The therapy involves targeting the pathological focus with high-energy particles emitted by a radioisotope or generated by a special device — a linear accelerator. Radioisotopes are usually used in contact therapy (brachytherapy), while linear accelerators are used for sessions of external beam radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Treatment of vulvar cancer in Israel may also involve the use of chemotherapeutic agents capable of disrupting the growth of rapidly dividing cells. Such agents include various platinum compounds, cytostatic antibiotics, anthracycline derivatives, alkylating agents, etc. The drugs can be administered using different regimens, including combination and high-dose therapies, depending on the stage of cancer development. Typically, they are administered intravenously, through a port system.
Diagnosis of Vulvar Cancer in Israel
A distinctive feature of the Top Ihilov center is the ability to receive a consultation from a specialist and answers to all questions even before arriving in Israel. This is done through a video consultation via Skype. It is important to note that patients who have received a video consultation undergo an in-person appointment with a specialist completely free of charge.
The speed of diagnosis and treatment of vulvar cancer in Israel is best understood through patient reviews. For example, according to them, a complete examination in most Israeli clinics takes no more than three days.
First Day — Consultation
After meeting with the clinic manager, the patient travels with them to Top Ihilov, where they have their first consultation with an oncogynecologist.
Second Day — Investigations
- Physical gynecological examination.
- Colposcopy.
- Biopsy.
- PAP test.
- Blood test (including tumor markers).
- Cystoscopy or proctoscopy.
- Chest X-ray.
- CT or MRI.
Third Day — Consultation
A consultation of doctors led by the leading oncogynecologist determines the exact type of neoplasia and selects the therapy program.
Treatment of Vulvar Cancer in Israel — Prices
The cost of treating vulvar cancer in Israel is determined by a considerable number of factors, primarily the stage of the disease and the extent of the pathological process. In mild cases, only a small resection is required, while in severe cases, comprehensive treatment involving a group of specialists from different profiles (chemotherapists, radiologists, etc.) may be necessary, so the price is determined individually.
Nevertheless, the cost of relevant procedures in Israeli clinics is at least 30% lower compared to American, Canadian, or German hospitals.
Advantages of Top Ihilov
- Specialists with unique knowledge and experience in the detection and therapy of malignant tumours of the female reproductive system.
- Rapid diagnosis takes only a few days, using the latest equipment for examinations.
- The clinic's doctors apply effective treatment procedures, striving not only to ensure a stable remission but also to preserve reproductive function whenever possible. Their arsenal includes various types of surgical operations and modern methods of radio- and chemotherapy.
- While in the hospital, the patient stays in a cozy room, surrounded by the attention of doctors, and benefits from the assistance of a personal manager (translation of medical documents, solving organizational issues, coordinating doctors, etc.).