Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Posted on: Dec 5, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Imagine, one day, you notice a small lump in your throat and ignore it as a minor skin allergy. Soon, a nagging cough and inexplicable exhaustion force you to see a doctor. Unfortunately, what it turns out to be is much more serious—it’s thyroid cancer. After you come to terms with it, you start looking at the treatment options. Then, you are confronted with another harsh reality: the exorbitant cost of thyroid cancer treatment in India. That is why people are encouraged to understand the costs in order to plan better for medical emergencies and make informed decisions. Read on to discover the associated costs of treatment.

What is Thyroid Cancer Surgery?

In thyroid cancer surgery, the surgeon will remove all of the thyroid gland or a part of it. There are three types of surgeries – Lobectomy, Thyroidectomy, and Lymph Node Removal/Dissection. In lobectomy, one lobe of the thyroid, affected by cancer, is removed. This is recommended for small, localised cancers. Thyroidectomy involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland. If cancer has affected both the lobes or if the cancer is aggressive (like medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer), the best option to cure it is thyroidectomy. A lymph node removal procedure is done when cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

How much does Thyroid Cancer Treatment cost in India?

The cost of thyroid cancer treatment in India can range between INR 2 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs, depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the disease, the type of hospital, the duration of hospital stay, the city, experience of the oncologists, consultation fees, diagnostic tests, etc. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated cost –

• Diagnostic tests, scans, fine needle aspiration biopsies, consultations:

INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.

• Surgery:

Depending on the complexity of the case and hospital, it can cost between INR 1 lakh and INR 3 lakhs.

• Radioactive Iodine Therapy:

INR 50,000 to INR 1.5 lakhs per session

• Chemotherapy:

Each cycle can cost between INR 20,000 and INR 1 lakh.

• Radiation Therapy (if required) :

INR 1 lakh — INR 4 lakhs

• Hormone Therapy:

INR 1,000 to INR 3,000 per month

• Other expenses (hospital stays, supportive care, etc) :

INR 50,000 — INR 2 lakhs

What is the average cost of Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India?

If cancer is detected in the early stage, the average cost of treatment will be between INR 2,50,000 and INR 4,00,000. In an advanced stage of cancer, the treatment cost will be between INR 5,00,000 and INR 7,00,000 or more.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the treatment options and costs associated with the treatment of thyroid cancer, you must ensure your critical illness insurance has an adequate sum insured to cover the expenses. Cancer treatments are extensive and can lead to monetary distress if you don’t have a financial backup.

FAQs related to Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India

1. How is thyroid cancer treated?

The primary treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery if it has not spread to other areas. The other treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, thyroid hormone therapy, etc.

2. Is thyroid cancer curable?

Yes, thyroid cancer is usually curable if detected early and treated at the right time. It also depends on the type of cancer, stage, and the patient’s age and overall health condition.

3. What are the factors affecting thyroid cancer treatment in India?

The cost of thyroid cancer treatment depends on multiple factors, like type and stage of cancer, type of treatment, location, doctor’s competence, duration of treatment and hospitalisation, and patient’s medical history. If you have a health insurance plan, check if the costs are covered.

4. How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

If you experience any symptoms of thyroid cancer, like swelling in the neck, lump in the neck, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, constant cough, and hoarseness, your doctor will recommend some tests to diagnose the condition. These tests include physical exam, blood tests, ultrasound, MRI, CT/PET scans, etc.

5. What happens if my thyroid is removed? Will it regrow? If not, will it cause any other problems?

Once the thyroid gland is removed, it will not grow back. Thyroid hormones are necessary for metabolism. So, the patient must take thyroid hormone replacement medications throughout life to maintain the body's normal functions.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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