What is the Skin Cancer Treatment Cost in India?

Affordable Skin Cancer Treatment in India: Estimated Costs and Types

India has developed robust medical infrastructure for effectively treating skin cancer. The prognosis is excellent for common, early-detected non-melanoma skin cancers like Basal Cell Carcinoma, with cure rates often exceeding 95%. However, success rates vary significantly based on the cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors.

However, the average cost for skin cancer treatment is approximately Rs. 2,10,000 to 4,20,000. Read on to know city-wise and treatment-specific cost breakdowns.

Cost for Skin Cancer Treatment in India

Skin cancer treatment in India is significantly more affordable than in other developed nations. Explore the costs of the top cities for skin cancer treatment in the list below.

Types of Skin Cancer Treatments and Their Estimated Costs

The cost of skin cancer treatment in India varies based on several factors, with the type of treatment being one of the most significant. Here is a cost breakdown for various skin cancer treatment options.

● Surgical Removal (Excisional/Mohs Surgery)

It is considered the most popular method, which involves large excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (layer-by-layer removal process), or excision. The estimated cost range is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.

● Radiation Therapy

Experienced oncologists often recommend this treatment when surgery is not feasible or when cancer affects deeper tissues. Radiation therapy targets and destroys cancer cells using advanced techniques over multiple sessions.

While it can be relatively expensive due to the latest equipment and specialist expertise involved, the estimated cost for a full course ranges between Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 2,50,000.

● Chemotherapy

Some severe skin cancer cases may require chemotherapy, which includes topical or systemic medications. Systemic chemotherapy (intravenous or oral), used for advanced skin cancers, can cause side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. Topical chemotherapy, used for pre-cancers or very superficial skin cancers, typically causes only local skin irritation and redness. The estimated cost can range between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000 per cycle.

● Targeted Therapy

This newly invented treatment approach is used for tumours with specific mutations (for instance, the BRAF mutation in melanoma). In some cases, it becomes a preferable choice due to its effectiveness and reduced side effects. When it comes to cost, it can range from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per month.

● Immunotherapy

Similar to targeted therapy, immunotherapy is also used for advanced or metastatic skin cancer cases. The cost can be quite high, typically ranging from Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 per cycle. This cutting-edge treatment is backed by advanced technology and extensive research, offering promising outcomes for complex cases.

Disclaimer: This cost-related information has been taken from different websites and can vary depending on several significant factors. So, it is better to consult with a healthcare professional.

Factors That Influence the Skin Cancer Treatment Cost in India

We have classified the factors into 3 distinct categories for better understanding:

1. Factors Related to Hospital

• Hospital type (government/trust/private)
• Self-paid or use of insurance, type of insurance
• Accreditation of the facility
• Reputation, specifically the brand value of the hospital
   

2. Factors Associated with Medical Team

• Type of treatment used.
• Type of anaesthesia
• Medicines
• Qualification/expertise of the oncologist
• Extent of the surgery needed (If surgery is the only option)

3. Factors Related to Patients

• Diagnostic tests
• Stage of cancer
• Type of cancer
• The hospitalisation facility selected by the patient

Additionally, the patient’s overall health and any supplementary treatments needed to maintain stability also play a crucial role in determining the treatment cost. It is advisable to consult experienced oncologists to obtain a precise cost estimate tailored to your case.