FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about appointments, insurance and what to expect. Medical questions are answered in general terms; your own situation is discussed at the consultation.
Your visit
How do I make an appointment?
Write on WhatsApp to +90 532 374 81 15 for the quickest answer, call the same number, or send the form on the contact page. Consultations are held Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 17:00.
Where is the practice?
At Selenium Plaza, Hakkı Yeten Caddesi, Dikilitaş, Beşiktaş, on the European side of Istanbul. The full address and a Google Maps link are on the contact page.
What should I bring to the first consultation?
Any biopsy or pathology reports, imaging such as CT, MRI, PET or ultrasound with their written reports (on disc or as files), a list of your medicines, a summary of previous treatment and your insurance details if you plan to use them.
Which insurers are accepted?
Allianz, AXA, Anadolu Sigorta, Mapfre Sigorta, Bupa Acıbadem Sigortası, SenCard, Banka Sigortaları and TBMM Sigortası. Cover depends on your own policy, so check with your insurer before the visit.
How much does a consultation cost?
Fees are discussed at your first visit.
Does Prof. Hafız see children?
The practice sees adult patients.
About head and neck surgery
What does an ear, nose and throat and head and neck surgeon treat?
Diseases of the ear, nose, throat, mouth, voice box, thyroid and salivary glands, and the lymph nodes of the neck. Prof. Hafız's work is centred on tumours of these regions and the surgery that treats them.
I have a lump in my neck. Should I be worried?
Many neck lumps are enlarged lymph nodes from an infection or harmless cysts. A lump that lasts more than a few weeks, grows, or is hard and painless should be examined by a specialist, particularly in adults who smoke.
I have been hoarse for several weeks. Should I be examined?
Yes. Hoarseness that lasts more than a few weeks should be checked with an examination of the voice box. Most causes are harmless, but a lesion of the vocal cords is treated most simply when it is found early.
What is nerve monitoring in thyroid surgery?
The nerves that move the vocal cords run directly behind the thyroid. During the operation a small electrode records the response of the vocal cord muscles, so that the nerves can be identified and protected while the gland is removed.
Will I need radiotherapy as well as surgery?
That depends on the type and stage of the tumour and on the pathology report of the removed tissue. After the operation the report is discussed with you, and any further treatment is explained and planned.
From abroad
Can Prof. Hafız look at my reports before I travel?
Yes. Send your reports and imaging on WhatsApp. Prof. Hafız reviews them and tells you whether a consultation in Istanbul is the right next step and what it would involve, before you book travel.
Is the practice authorised to treat international patients?
Yes. The practice holds the International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, certificate no. ST-1667.
In which languages is this website available?
Turkish, English, Arabic and German. Use the language switch at the top of every page.
Talk it through with Prof. Hafız
Consultations at Selenium Plaza, Beşiktaş, Monday to Saturday. Write on WhatsApp, call, or send a message with your reports.