No clinics available
At Medijump, we're making medical easy. You can search, compare, discuss, and book your medical all in one place. We open the door to the best medical providers worldwide, saving you time and energy along the way, and it's all for FREE, no hidden fees, and no price markups guaranteed. So what are you waiting for?
Treating primary bone cancer is a complex medical procedure aimed at removing or greatly decreasing the cancer in your bones. This procedure is detailed and utilizes advanced medical equipment, handled by trained healthcare experts.
There are several treatment options available for primary bone cancer. The type of treatment you have will depend on the type, location, size, and stage of your cancer, as well as your age, general health, and preference. The treatment option for primary bone cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery, and targeted therapy.
The price of getting a Primary Bone Cancer Treatment in South Africa can change a lot, based on a bunch of different things. These things can be how tricky the health problem is, what stage the cancer is at, and what specific treatments are being used. For instance, a simple surgery to remove a bone tumor might not cost as much as a difficult situation where the cancer has spread and needs a mix of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
On top of that, the price can also change depending on the health institution you choose. Famous hospitals and clinics might ask for more money because they have a good reputation, skilled doctors and nurses, and use modern machines. It's also important to remember that the kind of personal care and extra services provided can change the cost as well. This could include care from nurses, physiotherapy, diet tips, and mental health help.
Apart from the main treatment costs, you also need to think about the extra costs that might build up. This might involve the price of medicine, future check-ups, tests, physiotherapy sessions, and costs for a place to stay if the patient's family members are coming with them during their stay in South Africa.
Surgery for tumors in a leg or arm
Surgery is the most common treatment for primary bone cancer. It aims to remove the tumor, as well as some of the bone tissue surrounding it. Note that all types of surgery are performed under general anesthesia.
There are different types of surgery depending on the location of cancer:
Limb-sparing surgery – this surgery is done to remove cancer but keep the limb. It is performed in about 9 out of 10 people. During limb-sparing surgery, your surgeon will take out the affected part of the bone. Some normal-looking bone and muscle that surrounds it will also be removed. The bone that is removed will be replaced with a bone graft (a piece of healthy bone from another part of your body or from a “bone bank”) or an implant.
Surgery to remove the limb (amputation) – when it is impossible to remove all of cancer without affecting the leg or arm too much, the only effective treatment is to remove the limb. This type of surgery is uncommon and is done in about 1 out of 10 people.
Rotationplasty – this surgery may be needed when the tumor is located around the knee or in the thigh bone. This surgery involves removing the tumor, then the lower part of the leg is rotated 180 degrees and attached to the upper part of the leg so that your ankle becomes your new knee joint. To replace the lower part of the leg, an external prosthesis is used.
Surgery for cancers in other parts of the body
If the cancer is located in your lower jaw, part of the jaw where the tumor is can be removed. It will then be replaced with bones from other parts of your body. Surgery for other parts of your body, such as the pelvic bones, are complex and need to be planned carefully.
Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It is most often used to treat a type of primary bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma. During the procedure, you will lie on a table that slides into a special machine. The machine will move around you and aim the high-energy beams at specific points on your body.
This type of treatment is usually used before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove and reducing the chance of amputation. It may also be used in people with primary bone cancer that cannot be removed with surgery, or combined with other types of treatment.
With chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. The drugs are usually injected into a vein (intravenously) for several hours. It is an important part of treatment for Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma but is not typically used to treat chordoma and chondrosarcoma.
Cryosurgery is sometimes performed to replace surgery to remove tumors from the bone. It uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy uses a drug that is specifically designed to interact with a molecule causing cancer cells to grow. Doctors use denosumab (Xgeva), a monoclonal antibody, in targeted therapy. It is approved to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents who have giant cell tumor of bone that cannot be treated with surgery.
Your length of stay in South Africa depends on the type of treatment you have. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for 4 to 7 days and stay in the country for 10 to 14 days. The length of stay after chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy depends on your treatment plan or cycle. Your cancer team and/or medical travel team will be able to advise you on this matter.
Everyone recovers differently. It may take several months for your bone to fully heal after surgery. If you have had an amputation, it may take a year before your limb is completely comfortable. With therapy, you may be able to return to your normal routine, including work, when you do not experience any symptoms or side effects that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activity. Ensure to ask your employer to adjust your work schedule when you are undergoing therapy. It's crucial for patients to be aware of this, as giving the body ample time to heal can significantly enhance the success rate of the treatment.
After surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation are very important. Physical therapists will show you exercises to keep the muscles around your surgery site flexible and strong. Physical therapy will help you regain ease of movement and flexibility. Following the recommended rehabilitation program may offer the highest chance of good long-term limb function.
You may also need to attend checkups every 3 to 12 months after your treatment. These checkups are important to ensure that cancer has not come back and to help you manage any side effects from the treatment.
Primary Bone Cancer Treatment has been doing well, helping a large number of patients feel better and see notable improvement in their health status. The treatment is generally safe and many patients may be cured completely after successful treatment. The efficiency of this treatment relies on multiple things such as the kind and stage of the primary bone cancer, the patient's overall health state, and how quick and effective the treatment plan is carried out.
When the Primary Bone Cancer Treatment is carried out correctly, it doesn't just add more years to the patient's life but also enhances the quality of those years. Lots of patients are able to get back to their normal lives after they recover, showing how effective the procedure is. The success rate of the procedure is boosted by the high-tech medical tools and the skilled healthcare professionals in South Africa.
Many people take part in clinical treatments as an alternative to the primary bone cancer treatments mentioned above. A clinical trial is a study and research that is used to develop new treatments for cancer.
Considering the Primary Bone Cancer Treatment, it's crucial to arm yourself with sufficient knowledge about what you can anticipate before and after the intervention. A clear understanding of the process can help minimize fear and set pragmatic expectations, which can ultimately facilitate a smoother and more effective recuperation journey.
Prior to the procedure, healthcare professionals will carry out various diagnostic procedures to pinpoint the exact location and phase of the cancer. Such tests may encompass imaging procedures such as CT scans, MRI, or bone scans, a biopsy, or blood tests. It's imperative to share details about your medical background, any family incidence of cancer, and all medications you are currently taking. The medical team will offer a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, including the potential risks and advantages. They will also share vital preoperative directions to ensure your safety and the procedure's success.
Post the Primary Bone Cancer Treatment, the recovery journey varies for each individual since it significantly depends on the particular procedure conducted and the patient's overall health. The healthcare team will share post-operative care guidelines, typically involving wound management, pain control, dietary instructions, and physical therapy exercises. Regular follow-up visits will be planned to oversee the procedure's effectiveness and timely identify any potential cancer recurrence. These follow-up consultations may also involve imaging tests to evaluate the surgery's success.
In terms of symptoms, before primary bone cancer treatment, you may experience symptoms that stop you from enjoying your life. It can also spread to other parts of your body and threaten your life. After surgery, the symptoms should be relieved and your chance of being cured completely is good. It can be very hard to accept sudden changes in your ability to move and your looks. It is important to remember that those who love you will not see you any differently as a person. Let them know how you feel so they can help to support you.
It is important to know that primary bone cancer treatment does carry some risks and side effects, such as:
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
Enquire Now
South Africa is home to some of the world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges. Wildlife lovers come here from all corners of the globe in search of the "Big Five": lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephants. Coral reefs, shark dives, dragon-backed mountain ranges, white-water rafting, and golden beaches lapped by legendary surf breaks are some of South Africa's many other attractions. Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, visitors can learn about the nation's turbulent history. Travelers coming to South Africa for medical treatments do so for cost savings, advanced medical technology, and the internationally qualified and skilled doctors. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Primary Bone Cancer Treatment procedures. Medical Tourists travel from all across the globe, particularly from African countries with an inferior healthcare system. Popular destinations include the capital city, Pretoria, neighboring Johannesburg, and the stunning Cape Town.
With more than 57 million inhabitants, South Africa is the world’s 24th most populous nation. It is a multiethnic society with a large variety of cultures, languages, and religions. Known for its exhilarating outdoor adventure, fascinating wildlife, magnificent landscapes, and opulent history makes South Africa a truly magical destination
South Africa’s climate is determined by its situation in the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical zone and between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country is a year-round destination thanks to its varying regional climates. May to September is the Dry Season with little to no rain. The days are mostly sunny, but it gets cold in the evenings and mornings. The average temperature during this season is around 14 °C with June to August as the coldest months. The wet season starts in October and ends in April. There will be occasional short rain showers in the afternoon. The average temperature during the wet season is around 20 °C, but it can also be as high as 35 °C, especially in December, January, and February.
The main and the busiest airport in South Africa is the O.R. Tambo International Airport. The airport is located in Kempton Park, near Johannesburg and Pretoria. It serves as the primary domestic and international gateway to and from South Africa. The airport operates flights to other cities in South Africa as well as numerous major cities in the world including London, Singapore, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and Atlanta. There are also two other major international airports: Cape Town International and King Shaka International. The inexpensive way to travel around the country is by flying with budget airlines such as FlySadair, Kalula.com, and Mango.
South Africa has an excellent infrastructure and is easy to navigate. However, if you wish to visit several cities, expect to have at least one long-distance trip. You can travel around by bus, train, or rental car. There are several long-distance bus companies you can choose, such as Intercape, Translux, and Greyhound. The buses are relatively affordable and safe. They are generally equipped with air-conditioning and an onboard toilet. For short-distance travel, Baz Bus is the best choice. A one-way ticket fare starts at around 500 ZAR.
Although trains are slow, they are less expensive than flights and more comfortable than buses. Shosholoza Meyl long-distance trains serve Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, and several other major cities. This train is very affordable with tickets costing as low as 400 ZAR for a sleeper train. If you’re looking for a more luxurious train, try the Blue Train which offers comfortable compartments, good food, and wine for around 18,300 ZAR.
Taxis are available to get around major cities. Tourists can hail one directly from the streets. However, since the taxi ranks are not common, it is best to call for one. The base fare can be different in every city, ranging between 11 ZAR to 20 ZAR.
A valid visa is required if you wish to visit South Africa. Citizens of more than 60 countries can enter and stay for up to 90 days. Other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement must apply and obtain a visa to the nearest South Africa embassy or consulate. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 30 days after the expiration of their intended visit, and the passport must have at least two unused pages.