Oncology in Budapest

Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with cancer is called an oncologist.

An oncologist can design a treatment plan based on detailed pathology reports that shows the type of cancer the patient has, how much cancer has developed, how fast the cancer is likely to spread, and what parts of the patient's body are involved.

The field of oncology has three main areas, which include:

• Medical oncologists use chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and other types of targeted treatments to treat cancer. Most people think of medical oncologist as their primary cancer doctor. Medical oncologists help monitor and maintain patients' well-being, as well as helping patients manage side effects. Often patients follow up with their medical oncologist once their treatment is complete.
• Surgical oncologists perform the surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. They will help patients prepare for and recover from any surgical procedure they undergo during their cancer treatment. If your primary doctor suspects that you have cancer, a surgical oncologist is likely one of the first doctors you see. Surgical oncologists can perform biopsies, which involves removing a small tissue sample to be checked for cancer cells.
• Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy. They use high-energy photon beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Approximately one-half of all cancer patients will undergo radiation treatment during their cancer care.

Because most cancers are treated with a combination of therapies, you could see two or all three different oncologists during the course of your treatment.

Besides the three main areas, there are also several other areas of oncology. These include:

• Pediatric oncologists diagnose and treat cancer in children. Some types of cancer appear more often in children and teenagers, such as leukemia, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Some pediatric oncologists focus on conducting research on childhood cancers, while others specialize in certain types of cancer.
• Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers that affect women, such as cancer of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Additionally, they also treat complicated gynecological conditions that are not cancerous, such as fibroid tumors and endometriosis.
• Hematologist-oncologists diagnoses and treats blood cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. They may also specialize in the management of solid tumors.

Oncologists usually work with a variety of other medical professionals, including pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, oncology nurses, and oncology social workers. They may also work with doctors from other areas of medicine, such as neurologists, dermatologists, or urologists.

What does Oncology Involve?

There are many types of procedures to treat cancer. The types of procedures that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people who have cancer will only have one treatment. However, most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Below are the types of procedures to treat cancer:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the body and prevent them from growing. The drugs can prevent cell division, target the food source of the cancer cells’ (the hormones and enzymes the cells need to grow), and trigger apoptosis (a process in which cancer cells kill themselves).

• Chemotherapy drugs can be given in several different ways, including.
• Oral – taken in a pill or capsule form.
• Intravenously – through an infusion into a vein.
• Shots – injected with a needle.
• Topical – applying creams or gels into the skin. This type is used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs can also be given directly to cancer or directly to an area of the body, such as the abdomen or central nervous system.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses substances made by your own body, or in a laboratory, to improve or restore your immune system function. It can stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, stop or slow the growth of cancer cells, and help your immune system work better at destroying cancer cells.

There are several types of immunotherapy to treat cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies, treatment vaccines, and immune system modulators. Different types of immunotherapy may be given in different ways, such as intravenous (IV), oral, intravesical (directly into the bladder), or topical.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that are designed to specifically “target” cancer cells without affecting normal cells. It targets the cancer’s specific proteins, genes, or other tissue environment contributing to cancer survival and growth. These proteins and genes are found in cancer cells or in cells related to cancer growth.

The targeted drugs can block or turn off chemical signals that tell cancer cells when to divide and grow, stop making new blood vessels that feed cancer cells, change proteins within the cancer cells so the cells die, trigger the immune system to kill cancer cells, and carry toxins in the cancer cells to kill them.

• There are two types of targeted therapy:
• Small-molecule drugs, which is given through pills or capsules that you swallow
• Monoclonal antibodies, which are given through a needle in a blood vein.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses intense energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It most often uses X-rays, but other types of energy, such as protons may also be used.

Radiation therapy can be done in two ways:

• External-beam radiation therapy – this type of radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body. You will lie on a table, and the machine (called a linear accelerator) moves around you to deliver radiation from several different angles. It is a quick and painless procedure.
• Internal radiation therapy – also called brachytherapy, involves both temporary and permanent placement of radioactive sources in the body. During the placement of the radioactive sources, you will be given anesthesia.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy stops or slows the growth of cancer that uses hormones to grow. It works by blocking your body’s ability to produce hormones or interfere with how hormones behave in your body. It can reduce the chance that cancer will return by stopping or slowing its growth, as well as preventing or reducing symptoms in men with prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy is usually used to treat breast and prostate cancer. It can be taken in many ways, including orally, through an injection, and surgery.

Stem Cell Transplant

People whose blood-forming stem cells are damaged by the very high doses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy can undergo stem cell transplant to restore the cells. Blood-forming stem cells are vital since they grow into different types of blood cells that you need to be healthy. The stem cells will be given to you through an IV catheter. The process is very much like receiving a blood transfusion.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment for cancer is a procedure to remove cancer from your body. There are many types of surgeries to treat cancer, which differ based on the part of the body that requires surgery, the purpose of the surgery, the amount of tissue to be removed, and your preference. In general, the surgery can be open or minimally invasive.

• During open surgery, one large incision is made to remove the tumor, some healthy tissue, and some nearby lymph nodes.
• During minimally invasive surgery, a few tiny incisions are made instead of a large one. These incisions are made to insert a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) and special surgical tools. The laparoscope allows your surgeon to see the inside of the body, and the surgical tools are used to remove the tumor and some healthy tissue.

How Long Should I Stay in Budapest?

For chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, the treatment schedule may vary. You may have treatment every day, week, or month. It may also be given in a cycle, which is a period of treatment followed by a period of rest to give your body a chance to recover. For surgical treatment, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, and you need to stay in Budapest for at least 10 to 14 days. Your oncologist and/or medical tourism team will advise you on the length of stay in Budapest.

What's the Recovery Time?

The type of procedure you undergo determines the recovery period. While you may be able to get back to your normal routine within 10 days after laparoscopic surgery, you may need to wait around 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery. Your oncologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline.

What About Aftercare?

You will be given instructions on how to take care of yourself. Your surgeon or nurse will explain how to control your pain, how to take care of your wound, activities you can and cannot do, and how to spot signs of infections. You may also need to talk to a dietitian to help with eating problems caused by the treatment. You will need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your condition.

What's the Success Rate?

Cancer survival has improved significantly due to constant advancement and improvements in the field of oncology, including improvement in treatments and screening (allowing for earlier diagnosis). Still, you need to be aware of the risks, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

Are there Alternatives to Oncology?

There is no other alternative than to see an oncologist when it comes to cancer treatments. Some people may choose to undergo meditation, hypnosis, and acupuncture as well, usually to relieve the stress, anxiety, and pain that cancer can bring.

Oncology in and around Budapest

About Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and with A population of over 1.7 million, it is the most populous city in the country. Budapest is made up of three unified cities, Buda and Óbuda on the west bank of Danube and Pest on the east bank. The city is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its historic monuments, charming architecture, healing thermal waters, wonderful food, and lively nightlife draw millions of people each year.

Nowadays, an increasing number of people have chosen Budapest as their medical tourism destination thanks to its well-known excellent healthcare. Dental treatments along with cosmetic and plastic surgery are the most popular treatment that attracts medical tourists to Budapest. Premium Plastic Surgery Clinic and Dr. Molnar Clinic are two of the highest ranked medical facilities in Budapest. Medical tourists come to Budapest for the following reason:

• Experienced, highly qualified doctors and surgeons.
• The best and most modern medical facilities.
• A friendly environment with English speaking staff.
• Medical treatment at significantly lower prices.
• Beautiful city to enjoy while recovering.

Popular Areas in Budapest

There are many places to explore in Budapest. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Danube Panorama and Castle district is the most beautiful and romantic parts of Budapest with countless historical monuments; Andrássy Avenue and Heroes Square are home to the most impressive buildings such as the State Opera House; The banks of the Danube river is a great place to see many of Budapest’s best sights.

The Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the largest building in Hungary, was designed in the Gothic Revival style. The building gives an enchanting view from every angle, especially from the other side of Danube when tourists can see the whole building. Tourists can also go to Castle Hill, one of the most visited places in Budapest with beautiful buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

To escape the city, visit City Park where you will find a zoo, a replica of Transylvanian Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Széchenyi Bath. For visitors who wish to shop, try Ecseri Flea Marker, a fantastic flea market to find a bargain.

Weather and Climate in Budapest

Budapest has four distinct seasons.

• Summer in Budapest tends to be nice and warm with an average temperature ranging between 23 to 28 °C (73 – 82 °F). Summer lasts from May until mid-September. Heavy showers usually occur in May and June. Many tourists choose the summer to visit the city.
• The autumn in Budapest has moderate temperature with little rains and long sunny days, autumn starts from mid-September to late October.
• Winter can be really cold with only a little sunshine; the average temperature is 3 to -7 °C (27 to 19 °F). Winter lasts from November to March.
• Spring in Budapest is said to be one of the most beautiful times in the city when the green spaces are in full bloom. Spring starts from March to April and sees a rapid increase in the temperature.

Getting Around in Budapest

Ferenc Liszt International Airport (commonly referred to as “Ferihegy”) is the main airport in Budapest and in Hungary. The airport connects Budapest with many cities around the globe, mainly Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. There are several budget airlines that operate flights in this airport such as Wizz Air, EasyJet, and Ryanair.

To get to the city center, tourists can take a taxi or a bus. Taxis are relatively cheap, always make sure to use regulated taxis to ensure your safety. The fare for taxis is 300 HUF/Km (1.03 USD). A ride to Budapest from Ferenc Liszt International Airport usually cost around 7200 HUF (24.8 USD).

The bus is the cheapest option to get to the city center. Budapest’s airport shuttle bus (100E) connects Ferenc Liszt Airport with the city center (Deák Ferenc Square). The trip takes about half an hour. Purchase a ticket at the airport post office, BKK customer points in arrivals halls, the newsagents, and from the ticket machine at the bus stops. Bus drivers also sell tickets for 450 HUF (1.60 USD). It is better and simpler to purchase daily or multi-day passes which are valid for an unlimited number of trips within their validity periods. The multi-day pass costs 1650 HUF (6.15 USD).

The best way to explore Budapest is by walking because most tourist sites are within walking distance. An alternative to walking is cycling. Budapest offers a bicycle sharing system called BuBi. Metro, trams, trolleybuses, buses, and the HÉV suburban train line are also available to get around Budapest.

Tourist Visas in Budapest

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, and Canada can enter and stay in Hungary without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of EU/EEA members and 33 countries are granted visa-free entry for a maximum period of 90 days. The only condition is to have a passport valid for at least three months. Other foreign citizens need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

As a part of the Schengen Agreement, holders of the Schengen Visa do not need to apply for a new visa. The Schengen Visa is only issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).  1 USD is equivalent to 290 HUF.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from ATMs. Credit cards (mainly Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted in restaurants, hotels, and even most taxis. There are several hotels and guesthouses that will accept euros. Tipping is always appreciated but not necessary.
3. Local Language: The official language is Hungarian and is spoken by most of the population. Most people, especially in tourist areas, will know sufficient English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Budapest is home to one of the most populous Christian communities in Central Europe. Judaism is also a significant religion.
5. Public Holidays: Budapest celebrates Christian holy days as in the rest of Hungary. The city hosts many festivals around the year such as Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest Easter Festival, Music Festival in Spring, as well as Food and Frink Festivals. The date for these festivals may differ from year to year.