What is the mouth cancer treatment cost in India?
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer is one of the most dreaded forms of the Big C. If you or your loved one is going through the tedious journey of beating cancer, you will be glad to know that mouth cancer treatment cost in India is very affordable and the treatment services are also world-class.
Mouth cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer globally. Also known as oral cancer, it can develop in any part of the mouth like lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). India has shown tremendous progress in the field of medical science, and the best oral cancer hospital in India are equipped with cutting-edge technologies and qualified healthcare specialists to provide advanced treatment at affordable prices. Mouth cancer treatment cost in India ranges from INR 2,35,000 (USD 3030) to INR 5,00,000 (USD 6447) with an average of INR 3,50,000 (USD 4512).
What does the oral cancer treatment cost in India city-wise?
City | Lowest Cost | Average Cost | Highest Cost |
| Delhi | INR 2,40,000 | INR 3,50,000 | INR 4,75,000 |
| Mumbai | INR 2,35,000 | INR 3,25,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
| Bangalore | INR 2,55,000 | INR 3,60,000 | INR 4,95,000 |
| Chennai | INR 2,50,000 | INR 3,50,000 | INR 4,80,000 |
| Pune | INR 2,35,000 | INR 3,25,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
| Ahmedabad | INR 2,65,000 | INR 3,60,000 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Kolkata | INR 2,60,000 | INR 3,60,000 | INR 5,00,000 |
What is the oral cancer treatment cost in India?
Mouth cancer treatment cost in India depends entirely on the stage and grade of the cancer cells as well as your overall general health. Given below is a detailed cost structure of treating mouth cancer in India.
Surgery
Surgical oncologists in India perform surgery to remove the tumour and cut away a margin of healthy tissues so that all cancer cells are removed entirely. If the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, then doctors perform a neck dissection surgery to remove the cancer cells. Further, doctors also recommend reconstructive surgery to build the mouth so patients can regain their full ability to eat and talk.
Oral cancer surgery cost in India: INR 1,50,000 - 3,00,000 (USD 1933 - 3867)
Radiation Therapy
In this method, radiation oncologists use high energy beams such as X-rays and protons to kill the cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapies
1. External beam radiation therapy: Here, a machine delivers the radiation beams targeting the tumour from different directions.
Cost of radiation therapy for mouth cancer in India: INR 70,000-100000 (USD 9000 - 12890)
2. Internal radiation therapy (IRT): Also known as brachytherapy, here radioactive materials are placed directly into the oral cavity so that the radiation dose is highly concentrated in the tumour.
Cost of radiation therapy for mouth cancer in India: INR ₹ 61,960 to ₹ 5,16,337 (USD 800 - 6655)
3. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): In this method, imaging tests like CT, MRI and PET along with special computer software to optimise the delivery of radiation. The approach involves imaging scans daily to determine an accurate position to deliver the radiation.
Cost in India: INR 300000-400000 (USD 3867 - 5156)
4. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): This method uses a highly advanced computer with a metal device called a collimator that allows the radiation beams to take shape of the exact dimensions of the treatment area.
Cost in India: INR 200000-300000 (USD 2578 - 3867)
5. Proton Therapy: This method, delivered through a device named cyclotron reduces the likelihood of side effects of radiation as the beams do not penetrate beyond the tumour. It is a recent advancement in the field of oncology and only Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai is equipped with this facility.
Cost in India: INR 1500000-2000000 (USD 19335 - 25780)
Chemotherapy
This therapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. The medicines are either given alone or with a combination of other cancer treatments.
Oral chemotherapy cost in India: Starts from INR 56,000 (USD 722)
Intravenous chemotherapy cost in India: INR 18000/session (USD 232)
As you can see, tongue cancer treatment costs in India, throat cancer treatment costs in India and all other types of mouth cancer treatments in India are very affordable and quite advanced. India is a leading nation in terms of medical science and also has exceptionally skilled oral cancer oncologists to deal with the most complicated case. Moreover, all the best mouth cancer hospital in India are equipped with modern equipment and state-of-the-art technology. If you compare India’s oral cancer treatment cost to the most developed nations of the world, you will find that India’s medical proficiency in dealing with the Big C is world-class and affordable at the same time.
Let's look at the expense of treating oral cancer in India and other nations:
Country | Average Cost |
| India | USD 4,512 |
| United States | USD 32, 500 |
| United Kingdom | USD 8,250 |
| France | USD 7,450 |
| Singapore | USD 11,000 |
Mouth cancer test cost in India
| Treatment | Definition | Cost |
| Biopsy | A small sample of the affected tissue is extracted to check for the presence of cancerous cells. | Mouth cancer biopsy test cost in India: INR 5000-25000 (USD 64 - 322) |
| Ultrasound scan of the neck | Sound waves produce a picture of neck and lymph nodes so doctors can detect any change in size or appearance of lymph nodes.
| Cost in India: INR 700-1300 (USD 9 - 17)
|
X-Ray | An imaging test for doctors to determine if the cancer has spread to the bone. | Cost in India: INR 200-500 (USD 2.58 - 6.45) |
| Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the lymph nodes | A fine needle is passed into the lymph node to withdraw some cells into a syringe so doctors can determine if there are cancer cells in the lymph nodes
| Cost in India: INR 2000-3000 (USD 25 - 38)
|
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan | MRI is done to determine if the cancer has spread from the mouth to the neck.
| Cost in India: INR 2400 - 6500 (USD 30 - 83.79)
|
| Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan | A series of X-rays to determine if the tumour exists in the oral cavity, lymph nodes, or elsewhere.
| Cost in India: INR 1000-4500 (USD 12.89 - 58)
|
What is the post-treatment cost of mouth cancer in India?
After your treatment is done successfully, there is a series of regular check-ups and possible X-rays or scans. While post-treatment costs for mouth cancer treatment in India will vary from person to person, here is an average breakdown to help plan your medical expenses better.
| Post treatment medicines | INR 10,000 - 50,000 (USD 193 - 644) |
| Daycare and accommodation (2-6 days) | INR 10,000 - 25,000 (USD 193 - 322) [Based on preferences and choices] |
What are the factors determining the cost of mouth cancer treatment in India?
Several factors determine the cost of oral cancer treatment in India. They are:
Hospital Factors | Medical Team Factors | Patient Factors |
| Type of hospital (Government, Trust or Private) | Technology and treatment approaches used | Stage and grade of the cancer |
| Accreditation of the facility | Type of surgery required | General health of the patient |
| Brand value of the hospital | Extent of the surgery | Accommodation services availed by the patient |
| Use of insurance or self-paid | Personal brand value of the doctor | Post-treatment care of the patient |
What are the best hospitals for oral cancer treatment in India?
India has a stellar reputation in the healthcare sector; patients from around the world travel to the country to avail the best quality cancer treatment. Oral cancer treatment is available at several hospitals across India. The hospitals have world-class infrastructure, a dedicated oncology department and the best mouth cancer doctor in India to provide comprehensive cancer care to patients. Here is a list of the five best hospitals for treating oral cancer in India; these hospitals are renowned for catering to many international patients as well as recognizing the special needs of patients and their families from foreign lands.
Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056
Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai offers world-class oral cancer treatment facilities including chemotherapy, surgeries, hormone therapy and radiotherapy. The hospital focuses on a multidisciplinary team approach (surgery, chemotherapy & radiation therapy) to manage cancers and is backed by the cutting edge sophisticated modern infrastructure.
Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160
TATA Medical Center in Kolkata offers comprehensive oral cancer care from diagnostics, therapeutic treatment, rehabilitation, preventive oncology to telemedicine. To facilitate oral cancer treatment, the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as Metabolic imaging, Molecular diagnostics and Robotic surgery.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020
Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai has both extraordinary national and international stature. The hospital provides treatment for different types of cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, Lung cancer, Leukemia, Colorectal cancer, Melanoma etc.
Amalodbhavi Nagar, Naga, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076
Apollo Hospital in Bangalore is a healthcare powerhouse with the latest cutting-edge technology in medical science. Patients from over 120 countries visit this hospital annually due to their success rate in treating cancer.
New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110060
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is often called the best mouth cancer hospital in Delhi NCR providing holistic cancer care with the latest medical procedures and technology. This mouth cancer hospital in Delhi houses India’s best oncologists who provide quality care to both Indian and international patients.
What are the different types of oral cancer in India?
As mentioned above, the oral or mouth cavity is the first part of the digestive tube; it includes the lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, inside lining of cheeks and lips, roof of the mouth and throat.
Mouth cancer is categorized into further types on the basis of the kind of cancer it starts in. They are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: One of the most common types of mouth cancer in India, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 9 out of 10 cases. These cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales and are found in many places around the body including the mouth and skin. If not detected early, squamous cell carcinoma treatment cost in India can rise a bit but not as much as the UK, USA or Singapore.
Less common types of oral cancer in India are:
- Sarcomas: They grow from the irregularities and abnormalities in the bone, muscle, tissue or cartilage around the tongue, gum and jaw bone.
- Lymphomas: They develop in the lymph tissue, which is an integral part of the immune system. The base of the tongue and tonsils also contain lymphoid tissue.
- Oral malignant melanomas: They develop in the melanocytes, the cells which produce the melanin pigment. Melanomas mostly arise in the skin but they may also arise from mucosal surfaces.
- Minor salivary gland carcinomas: They include several types of oral cancer that may develop on the minor salivary glands. These glands are located throughout the lining of the throat and mouth.
What are the side effects of oral cancer treatment?
There are certain side effects you will feel once your treatment for oral cancer is over. However, most of these side effects are temporary and they fade as you heal over time.
Common side effects post-surgery for oral cancer are:
- Pain
- Weakness or tiredness
- If the lymph node is removed from your neck, you may also feel ear numbness, weakness in your lower lip or shoulder weakness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloated face
- Trouble eating and drinking
Common side effect post-radiation therapy are:
- Skin discoloration like sunburn or suntan
- Loss of taste
- Hoarseness in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
There are some permanent or long-lasting effects of radiation therapy. These include:
- Thyroid problems
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Decreased production of saliva can lead to tooth decay
- Dry mouth
- Fracture in the jaw bone
- Lymphedema: Swelling of tissue near head and neck
- Increasing risk of stroke in the future due to damage to the carotid artery
Common side effects are chemotherapy are:
- Loss of hair
- Sores in mouth
- Weight and appetite loss
- Nauseous
- Change in texture of skin and nail
- Diarrhea
- Increased chances of infection due to low count of white blood cells
- Easy bleeding or bruising due to a low count of blood platelet
- Fatigue due to a low count of red blood cells
These side effects are subject to change from person to person depending on the type and dose of drugs given. Further, the diagnosis and treatment will also change from person to person depending on the location and grade of cancer.
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