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Proton therapy, also known as proton radiotherapy, is a type of radiation therapy to treat cancer and noncancerous tumours. Instead of using X-rays such as traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy uses energy from positively charged particles known as protons to send beams of high energy to the tumors. It is newer, advanced, and highly precise so it causes less radiation to surrounding healthy tissue. However, it cannot treat every type of cancer.
During the procedure, you will be positioned on a table and your body will be held by cushions and restraints. Proton therapy can be performed in two ways, with a machine that rotates around you or with a machine that does not move. If you undergo proton therapy with a machine that rotates around you, you will be placed on a table, gently slid into the spherical opening of the machine, and the machine will rotate around you to direct proton beams, but if you undergo proton therapy with a machine that does not move, your table will move instead of the proton therapy machine. No anaesthesia is involved during the procedure since it is painless.
You may need to stay in the hospital for about 8 days after the surgery, but you should aim to stay in Bulgaria for at least 14 more days. If you undergo therapy, your length of stay is determined by the number of cycles needed for your case.
Most people can resume their normal activities straight after the procedure, including returning to work and exercise. However, you can rest for the day if you feel the need to since radiation therapy can make you feel drained of energy.
Your doctor will likely tell you of any restrictions or diet to follow, which will depend on your specific case. You may notice skin redness similar to sunburn around the affected area, your doctor should tell you how to care for this. You may need to attend a periodic imaging test to see how the treatment is affecting the tumour.
The success rate for proton therapy depends on your condition and the time you get the therapy, the earlier you get treatment the higher the success rate is. In general, proton therapy has an 82% success rate. There are some side effects and risks that come with the procedure, including sore skin, hair loss in the treatment area, fatigue, headaches, as well as eating, mouth, and digestion problems.
If you do not want to undergo proton therapy or you are not an ideal candidate for the procedure, you can consider surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or traditional radiation therapy. Make sure to consult your doctor which one is best for you.
After proton therapy, you may be able to enjoy your life as you used to as your symptoms will be relieved. The risk of cancerous tumours spreading to other areas of your body will also greatly reduce and your survival rate may be increased significantly after the procedure.
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
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Bulgaria has plenty to offer and tourists are going to be very impressed with the country’s mountainous landscapes, beautiful Black Sea beaches, fascinating history, friendly locals, lively nightlife, and affordability. Although the country’s holiday tourism is very much on the radar, it is also actually quite popular with medical tourists, due to its modern medical centers, highly trained medical professionals, state-of-the-art equipment, affordable healthcare, and mineral baths, thousands of medical tourists visit this country each year. Most of the medical tourists come for dental treatment, orthopedic surgery, elective surgery, neurosurgery, as well as health screening.
Bulgaria’s laid-back capital city, Sofia, is truly a must-visit. It is full of museums, Ottoman mosques, communist architecture, chic galleries, Eastern Orthodox churches, amazing restaurants, and upbeat clubs. One of the most popular landmarks in the country is the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, which is an awe-inspiring church built between 1882 and 1912 to honor 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for the independence of Bulgaria during the Russo-Turkish war. If you want to relax on beautiful beaches visit Varna, which is a major tourist destination during the summer. The second-largest, city in Bulgaria is Plovdiv and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Tourists are attracted by the Roman Amphitheatre, Archeological Museum, and Tsar Simeon Central Garden.
Most international tourists will arrive at Sofia Airport, which serves flights to most numerous major cities in Europe and the Middle East. There are several budget airlines that operate flights from this airport, including Ryanair and Wizz Air. Domestic flights are available, but they tend to be expensive. Therefore, to travel from one city to another, trains and buses are the best option. Buses and trains are punctual and affordable. However, if you are in a hurry, you should avoid trains as they can be a little slow. To travel around big cities, taxis are widely available and are really cheap. Just make sure you choose a licensed taxi to avoid being overcharged.
While Bulgaria is not yet a part of the Schengen Area, it has a visa policy that is based on the Schengen system. Therefore, holders of Schengen Visa are allowed to enter the country. Additionally, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Australia, and the UAE, can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.
From June to August, Bulgaria experiences summer. The weather can get a bit hot and humid, with an average temperature of 19°C to 21°C. July is the wettest month in the country. Winter, from December to February, is usually freezing. Autumn and Spring bring pleasant weather.