About Palliative Radiation
Key Highlights
-
Effectively relieves pain from bone metastases and tumor pressure.Controls bleeding and reduces tumor size to alleviate symptoms.Helps prevent spinal cord compression and pathological fractures.Typically involves shorter, more focused treatment courses than curative radiation.Aims to improve overall quality of life and functional ability.Non-invasive and usually performed on an outpatient basis./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- To manage severe pain from bone metastases (e.g., in spine, pelvis, or long bones).
- To relieve symptoms of spinal cord compression or nerve compression.
- To control bleeding from tumors in areas like the lung, bladder, or cervix.
- To reduce airway obstruction or difficulty swallowing caused by tumors in the chest or esophagus.
- To shrink brain metastases causing headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits.
- To palliate symptoms from advanced, inoperable primary tumors causing local discomfort.
How to prepare
- Consultation with a radiation oncologist to discuss goals, benefits, and risks.
- Imaging scans (CT, MRI, or PET-CT) to precisely map the treatment area.
- A simulation session where the treatment position is set and skin markings are made.
- Review of current medications; some may need adjustment.
- Discussion of nutritional status and management of any existing pain.
- Informed consent process detailing the treatment plan.
Risks & possible complications
- Fatigue, which is common but usually temporary.
- Skin irritation, redness, or dryness in the treated area.
- Site-specific side effects (e.g., nausea for abdominal treatment, sore throat for neck radiation).
- Temporary worsening of pain or inflammation (pain flare) shortly after treatment.
- Low risk of damage to nearby healthy tissues or organs.
- Very low long-term risk of secondary cancers, though this is rare with palliative doses.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients return to normal activities immediately, as treatments are outpatient.
- Managing side effects like skin care with gentle products and avoiding sun exposure.
- Maintaining adequate hydration and a balanced diet to support healing.
- Regular follow-up with the oncology team to monitor symptom relief and manage any late side effects.
- Pain relief may begin within days to a couple of weeks after treatment starts.
- Integration with other palliative support services, such as pain management and counseling.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically outpatient)
-
Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for side effects to subside
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering palliative radiation in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with radiation oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform palliative radiation. MediFyr helps you compare radiation oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for palliative radiation compare across other countries where we have data.
A 72-year-old retired fisherman from Jaffa...
A 72-year-old retired fisherman from Jaffa presented with inoperable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Dr. Bar Orian implemented stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in five fractions. The patient, who lived alone and had limited Hebrew proficiency, showed remarkable tumor regression at 3-month follow-up with minimal side effects.
Radiation Oncologists for Palliative Radiation
Explore experienced radiation oncologists who regularly perform palliative radiation and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 17 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Liv Hospital Ankara