Assoc. Prof. Serap Yücel, MD

Assoc. Prof. Serap Yücel, MD is a Radiation Oncology specialist at Acibadem Atakent Hospital in İstanbul, where she works in the Radiation Oncology unit. Her clinical work centers on radiation-based cancer treatment, including radiotherapy and brachytherapy, for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, head and neck cancers, brain tumors and breast cancer.

Dr. Yücel graduated from İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine in 2001 and completed her specialty training in Radiation Oncology at İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine in 2008. From 2002 to 2008 she worked as an assistant doctor at İstanbul University Oncology Institute, and in 2007 she spent time as a clinical observer at Cookridge Hospital in Leeds, England. Between 2009 and 2011 she served as a specialist doctor at Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, and in 2011 she joined Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine. She has been part of Acıbadem Healthcare Services since 2014. She is a member of the Turkish Oncology Association, the Türk Radyasyon Onkolojisi Association, the Akciğer Kanserleri Association and ESTRO. Her co-authored publications include work on multifocality and axillary nodal involvement in early-stage breast cancer, the feasibility of breast conserving surgery in multifocal breast cancers, bone health in breast cancer patients and the role of radiotherapy in skin recurrence of a phyllodes tumor.

Clinical focus

Dr. Yücel plans and delivers radiotherapy for a range of solid tumors. Her areas of expertise include breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, head and neck cancers and brain tumors. Radiation treatment in these settings is typically considered as part of a broader cancer care plan, and the suitability of any approach depends on the type and stage of disease, prior treatments and the patient’s general condition.

In addition to external radiotherapy, she has expertise in brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation treatment in which a radiation source is placed close to or within the area being treated. Whether radiotherapy, brachytherapy or a combination is appropriate is assessed individually after review of the patient’s imaging, pathology and treatment history.

How Dr. Yücel works with international patients

Dr. Yücel consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound reports, laboratory and pathology results, operative notes and discharge summaries, and arranges appointments and the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the options. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their case before traveling.