Skin Cancer Treatment in Israel
The term skin cancer may refer to one of the following diseases:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC / basalioma) – one of the most common types of cancers; develops in the "basal epithelial cells" basaliomas are generally considered to have a low metastatic risk. Sun exposure is a major risk factor for this cancer – roughly 2 out of 3 tumours appear on areas of the skin, which are routinely exposed to the sun.
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
The most common methods of skin cancer treatment are cryosurgery and electrocoagulation. Radiation may be indicated when the tumour is unresectable on account of its localization (i.e. corner of the eye, nose, etc.).
Treatment Program and Prices
Please note that if you send us a high-resolution image of the affected area on your skin, we will be able to make a preliminary assessment of your condition even before you travel to Israel.
Listed below is our treatment program basaliomas and squamous cell carcinoma. If you've been diagnosed with melanoma, please see our melanoma treatment program.
Basalioma Treatment
BCC can usually be diagnosed from a photograph or during a physical exam. In most cases, the treatment of choice will be a MOHS surgery.
The surgery will take place at the modern Assuta Tel-Aviv Hospital.
The price of the procedure is comprised of:
- Surgical intervention (the extent of which depends on the tumour's localization)
- Disposable surgical materials and equipment
- Histopathological study
The surgery will be performed by Dr. Baruch Kaplan, a leading expert in MOHS surgery and Head of Sheba Hospital's Oncological Dermatology Department.
Cosmetic stitches will be removed approximately 10 to 12 days following the operation.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
If the skin lesion cannot be identified from a photograph, a series of diagnostic tests will be required to determine its type and rule out metastases.
The first stage of the skin cancer workup will involve a dermatologist exam. Our patients are usually examined by Dr. Sharon Baum, who serves as the Deputy Head of Tel HaShomer Medical Center's Department of Dermatology. Laboratory tests will also be performed to rule out inflammatory skin diseases; additionally a CMP blood test is required before imaging can take place.
The lesion will then be biopsied. You will receive the pathology results within 5 business days. As squamous cell carcinoma is known to metastasize into lymph nodes and/or other organs, in case it is identified, a whole body PET/CT scan or CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis will be scheduled. Please note that while a CT scan is less expensive than a PET/CT, it is less sensitive and involves a bigger radiation dose.
The next stage of your treatment will involve a consultation with a surgeon specializing in MOHS, following which a surgery will be scheduled. The procedure will take place at Assuta Hospital and will involve the resection of the malignant mass(es) and lymph node mets (if such are present). This is why the final cost of the procedure depends on the disease's extent and tumour(s)' location and spread.
