Pathology in Turkey

Pathology is a branch of medical science that deals with the study of the nature and causes of diseases. It involves the examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and autopsies in order to study and diagnose diseases. Pathology plays a vital role in nearly all aspects of medicine, including diagnostic testing, monitoring of chronic diseases, as well as advanced blood transfusion and genetic research technologies. It is also integral to the diagnosis of cancer. 

A physician who specializes in pathology is known as a pathologist. They work alongside general physicians and any other specialists. They help other healthcare providers reach diagnoses and alert your doctor to any changes in your health. Many of the decisions about your treatment will be based on the results of your pathology tests. In most cases, patients never meet a pathologist during the course of treatment although their role is crucial. Pathologists will send the results of your test (pathology report) to your doctor, who will explain the results to you since the reports are written in technical medical language. The pathology report usually includes a general description of the specimen received in the lab, a detailed description of what the pathologist sees while examining the specimen, and the final diagnosis.

Some of the most common pathology procedures include:

• Full blood count
• Iron studies
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) quantification
• International Normalized Ration (INR)
• Urinalysis
• Bone marrow aspiration
• Biopsy
• Pap test.

How Long Should I Stay in Turkey?

After a pathology procedure, you should be able to leave the hospital or clinic right away. However, since it may take around 7 days until the pathology report is ready, it is advisable that you stay until the report is complete. Once the report is ready, you will need to meet your doctor who will explain the results to you, and possibly discuss the best treatment plan based on the diagnosis. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery times vary, depending on the type of pathology procedures you underwent. Most pathology procedures do not require any recovery time, but it is recommended that you rest for the remainder of the day. After biopsy and bone marrow aspiration, you need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a week, and to take several days off work. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Soon after your pathology procedure, you will be given detailed aftercare instructions. Make sure to follow all of the instructions. The long-term aftercare following pathology procedure depends on the pathology report. You and your doctor will discuss a treatment or management plan based on the report. It is important that you undergo all the necessary treatment. You can choose to have these treatments in Turkey or back at home with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

Pathology procedures are safe, highly successful, and is mostly accurate. The continuous advancement and deeper understanding of the field have made this possible. In the last century, we have seen significant reductions in numerous illnesses across the world, as well as major advances in blood transfusion, treatment, and vaccination, thanks to the pioneering work of pathologists. However, there is always a risk of inaccurate results. Some pathology procedures, such as biopsy, also carries the risk of bleeding, infection, pain, and injury to a nearby organ. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to pathology. It has a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all diseases.

Pathology in and around Turkey

About Turkey

Where East meets West – Turkey is considered to be both Asia and Europe, with 95% of its landmass being located in Asia. Rich in culture and history, a land once inhabited by some of history’s greatest empires, including most recently the Ottoman Empire and long before that, the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Of Turkey’s 1,200+ medical facilities, of which many are JCI-accredited and this includes an even mix of publicly and privately owned hospitals and clinics.

700,000 annual medical tourists are drawn to Turkey each year, traveling from all across the globe, particularly from within Europe and the Middle East, many of which travel for Pathology procedures. Dental, Cosmetic, Bariatric, and Reproductive procedures are most common, including Veneers, Hair Transplants, Gastric Bypass Surgeries, and IVF. Popular medical tourism destinations outside of the capital, Ankara, of course, include Istanbul and other regions like Antalya and Izmir.

Popular Parts of Turkey

With a population of around 85 million, Turkey has a landmass of nearly 800,000 square km. The capital city is Ankara, located inland, however, Istanbul is the most populous and most recognized city in Turkey with some 15 million inhabitants. Straddling both Europe and Asia, the city attracts 13 million tourists each year, making it the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world.

Additional well-frequented locations encompass Antalya nestled in the southern part of the country, as well as Izmir perched in the west. Paradoxically, the eastern region of the country sees less influx of tourists. One major contributing factor is the enduring Kurdish-Turkish conflict, exacerbated further owing to its geographical closeness to conflict-laden nations such as Syria and Iraq.

Sun-chasers seeking a blend of affordability and indulgence invariably find themselves drawn to the southern holiday resorts like Marmaris and Bodrum. These locales are a magnet for those yearning for 5-star luxury hotels, offered at reasonable prices and with all-inclusive perks, for their vacation getaway.

The discovery of the world’s oldest known megalithic site at Gobekli Tepe in the South-Eastern Anatolia Region has cast much doubt over mankind’s ancient history and consequently attracts a sizable number of ‘History Tourists’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be over 11,000 years old, built during a time humans were understood to be simple hunter-gatherers.   

Weather and Climate in Turkey

Enjoying a Mediterranean location, Turkey's south coast is graced by refreshing sea breezes. Despite this, the summer months from June through August witness soaring heat with temperatures often climbing into the 40s (104°F). The transitional seasons of spring and autumn bring more temperate weather, and winters are quite mild.

Turkey's vast expanse leads to a variety of weather patterns across its regions. The central parts of the country predominantly feature a semi-arid steppe climate, while the northern Black Sea region showcases far milder conditions compared to the southern Mediterranean Sea region.

Do take note of the potential problem of mosquitos and sandflies, particularly during summers in coastal areas. It's advisable to take proper protective measures against them. Though malaria cases are extremely rare, always consult a healthcare professional for appropriate advice before embarking on your trip.

Getting around in Turkey

Istanbul’s famous Ataturk International Airport sits 24 km outside the city and is home to the ever-popular Turkish Airlines. Most other major airlines service Ataturk, which is often used as a stopover destination for travelers between Europe and Asia. All the other major cities are serviced by their own international airports, with several low-cost domestic airlines joining them together, including AtlasGlobal, IZair, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress.

For those preferring to travel by land, Turkey has a few express train routes linking the major cities, most notably, Istanbul to Ankara. City buses are reliable and good value, whilst taxis are cheap, but be sure to negotiate the price before beginning any journey.

Tourist Visas in Turkey

Visa restrictions are relatively light, with a 90-day per visit allowance readily available for many nationalities. Still, e-visas need to be procured in advance, for a fee, by travelers hailing from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, China, and Spain. Conversely, passport holders from countries including France, Germany, Russia, and Singapore are granted visa-free entry.

For nationals from India and Pakistan, conditional e-visas are offered upon arrival, but solely at Ataturk International Airport. These visas have a validity of just 30 days. For comprehensive information on visa requirements, it is recommended to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Additional Information

1. The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency where $1 USD is worth about 18 TRY, having experienced heavy fluctuations recently.
2. ATMs are in abundance across Turkey and accept all bank cards (Visa, Mastercard). Credit card and Amex payments are accepted in most restaurants and outlets, with more local food vendors or food market stalls, only accepting cash. Tipping is expected as service is not included at restaurants, this is usually between 5-10%. Taxi rides tend not to be tipped, just rounded up.
3. Turkish is the local language with the eastern Kurds speaking Kurdish too. English is spoken by many locals working in tourist locations, including major cities.
4. Islam (99.8%) is by far the main religion in Turkey, with a tiny Christian population (0.2%). Turkey is, however, a secular country where there is no ‘official’ state religion. Various elements of traditional culture remain, with much being modernized or ‘Westernized’.
5. There are many public holidays, most notably Labor Day and Commemoration of Ataturk in May, Ramazan Feast in June, Kurban Bayrami in August, and Republic Day at the end of October.