What is Radiation Therapy Cost in Chennai?

Radiation therapy cost in Chennai - What to Expect

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. Both types work by damaging the DNA of cancer Cells. If you're planning treatment in South India, it's important to understand the radiation therapy cost in Chennai, which can vary depending on the hospital and technology used.

Radiation Therapy Cost in Chennai

The prices of radiation therapy in Chennai are lower compared to other states in India. The hospitals in Chennai have modern, sophisticated equipment and specialized doctors. An average radiation therapy treatment cost in Chennai can range somewhere between Rs. 2,32,000 to Rs. 5,38,000.

Detailed Breakdown by Type

• Conventional Radiation Therapy: Rs.1.25 lakh – Rs.2.5 lakh
• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy): Rs.2.5 lakh – Rs.5 lakh
• CyberKnife (Stereotactic Radiosurgery): Rs.3.3 lakh – Rs.6.6 lakh
• Proton Therapy: Rs.12.5 lakh – Rs.20.8 lakh

Radiation Therapy Cost in Different Indian Cities

Let us review the table to determine the approximate price of Radiation Therapy Cost Per Session in India.

Here, the following table highlights a better understanding of price ranges in different cities:

Radiation therapy is expensive in India due to the use of some advanced techniques. The entire radiation procedure price is different in each city in India.

Diagnosis

Before undergoing radiation therapy, your doctor may ask to perform the following diagnostic tests:

• Physical examination: The physician will first assess the symptoms of the patient and evaluate the patient physically.
• Imaging tests: Advanced imaging techniques such as CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be performed to get detailed visuals of the suspected cancerous organ.
• Endoscopy: A flexible tube equipped with a camera on one end is used to visually inspect internal organs and detect any medical abnormalities by the assessment of blood cell count.
• Biopsy: This involves the excision of the suspected tissue growth by health professionals and examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer and the type of cancer cell involved.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests help the doctor identify underlying medical problems by analyzing parameters, like blood cell counts, as they may indicate the cancer presence or other systemic conditions.

Main Factors that Influence the Cost of Radiation Therapy Treatment in Chennai

Some of the factors affecting radiation therapy treatment costs in Chennai include:

• The type and stage of cancer
• Price of diagnostic tests and procedures
• The specific treatment plan
• The type of hospital
• Doctor's and team expertise
• The required treatment session
• The type of radiation therapy (internal or external).
• Requirement of extra care
• Insurance coverage

Can We Work During Radiation Therapy?

Many patients are able to work during the process of radiation therapy. Some are able to work full-time, while others can manage either part-time or not at all. The amount of work the patient is able to do entirely depends on how they are feeling.

When the radiation therapy starts, the patient may not feel tired, but as time goes on, the patient may feel tired or weak. Once the treatment is finished, you may feel much better after 1-2 weeks.

Treatment of Radiation Therapy 

On the very first day of the treatment, the radiation therapist will take an X-ray, also known as a port film. Port films are taken every week to confirm if the patient has been positioned properly during each treatment process. Additionally, CT scans are also taken throughout the treatments.

Mainly, two types of radiation therapy exist that health experts use to treat cancers both internally and externally. Let's discuss them briefly:

External beam radiation therapy : It is the most common type of radiation treatment for cancer. A machine called linear accelerator directs the high-energy beams of radiation into the body. The linear accelerator moves around you to provide radiation from several angles as you lie on the table. It makes a buzzing sound and can be adjusted to deliver the precise dose of radiation that the doctor recommends. Another name for external beam radiation is teletherapy. 

During the procedure of external beam radiation therapy, the patient can go home on the same day after treatment. Each treatment session takes about 15-30 minutes.

This treatment session is painless. 

Internal radiation therapy: Internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body. The radioactive material is taken in various forms, such as seeds, capsules, or wires. In some cases, a liquid radioactive substance may be administered through an intravenous (IV) line, which circulates through the body to detect and destroy cancer cells.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

General Side Effects:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Skin irritation
• Dry, itchy scalp
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Pain while swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Burning sensation in the throat or chest
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating

Side Effects Based on the Treated Body Part

Head and neck:

• Dry mouth
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Thick saliva
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Tooth decay
• Mouth sores
• Change in tastes

Chest:

• Cough
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing

Abdomen:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Pelvis:

• Diarrhea
• Frequent urination
• Bladder irritation
• Sexual dysfunction

Summing Up

We have discussed the radiation therapy cost in Chennai. Radiotherapy or Radiation therapy price in Chennai is much more affordable compared with other states in India.

Early financial planning and understanding of available support mechanisms are key to managing radiation therapy treatment costs. Many popular hospitals in Chennai provide individuals with flexible payment options, insurance coordination services, and financial counselling to help families navigate these significant healthcare costs.