Thyroid Cancer Treatment cost in India
Thyroid cancer treatment cost in India can range from $3,000 to $9,500, which is equivalent to approximately 2,51,250 to 7,95,625 Indian rupees. Thyroid cancer treatment typically includes surgery, such as partial or total thyroidectomy, to remove the affected gland. Depending on the cancer type and stage, additional treatments like radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted drug therapy may be required. The overall cost varies based on the hospital, treatment plan, and patient condition. Early diagnosis and timely intervention significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Cost Range of Thyroid Cancer Treatment cost in India
Cost Inclusions
- Treatment as advised
- Hospitalization as per package
- Stay arrangement for one attendant during hospitalization
- Meals for the patient during hospital stay
- Doctor's fee and consultation
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What is a candiate for thyroid cancer treatment in India?
A candidate for thyroid cancer treatment in India must meet specific medical criteria to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment based on the type, stage, and severity of their condition. The following factors determine medical eligibility:
Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
A confirmed thyroid cancer diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, biopsy procedures, and blood tests.
Type of Thyroid Cancer
The treatment plan depends on the specific type of thyroid cancer. Some types are slow-growing, while others are aggressive and require a more intensive approach.
Common Types of Thyroid Cancer:
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC)
- Most common (80-85% of cases).
- Slow-growing and highly treatable.
- Treatment: Surgery (thyroidectomy) + Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI).
Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC)
- Accounts for 10-15% of cases.
- More likely to spread to the lungs and bones.
- Treatment: Surgery + RAI + Hormone Therapy.
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
- Rare (3-4% of cases), may be hereditary (linked to RET gene mutations).
- Can spread to the lymph nodes early.
- Treatment: Surgery + Targeted Therapy + Genetic Testing.
Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma (ATC)
- Most aggressive and rarest (1-2% of cases).
- Rapidly spreads to nearby tissues.
- Treatment: Surgery (if possible) + Radiation + Chemotherapy + Targeted Therapy.
Stage of Thyroid Cancer
Staging determines how far the cancer has s pread and influences the choice of treatment.
Thyroid Cancer Staging (TNM System)
Stage I & II (Early-Stage Cancer)
- Cancer is localized in the thyroid gland.
- Treatment: Surgery (thyroidectomy) is usually sufficient.
- Prognosis: High survival rate (above 90%) with early detection.
Stage III (Locally Advanced)
- Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Treatment: Surgery + Radioactive Iodine Therapy + Hormone Therapy.
- Prognosis: Good with timely intervention.
Stage IV (Metastatic Cancer)
- Cancer has spread to distant organs (lungs, bones).
- Treatment: Combination of Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Targeted Therapy.
- Prognosis: Depends on response to treatment.
Overall Health Condition of the Patient
The patient’s overall health status plays a critical role in deciding treatment options, especially for surgery and aggressive therapies.
Health Factors Considered:
- Age: Younger patients respond better to treatment.
- Heart and Lung Function: Chemotherapy and radiation can affect vital organs.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease may require additional medical management before treatment.
- Pregnancy Status: Pregnant women with thyroid cancer need specialized care—treatment is usually postponed until after delivery unless urgent intervention is needed.
Types of Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost
Types of Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India | Cost Range in USD |
Surgery The primary treatment involves removing part (lobectomy) or all (total thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland. Lymph node dissection may be required if cancer has spread. | 3500 - 5000 |
Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) RAI uses radioactive iodine to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. It is most effective for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer but unsuitable for pregnant women. | 3000 - 4500 |
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) High-energy radiation targets and kills cancer cells, mainly for anaplastic thyroid cancer or cases where surgery is not an option. It is often combined with chemotherapy for better results. | 4200 - 5500 |
Targeted Therapy Drugs that target specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth, like PARP inhibitors. | 700 - 900 |
Hormone Therapy (Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy) Patients need levothyroxine (T4 hormone) after surgery to replace lost thyroid function and suppress TSH, which could trigger cancer regrowth. | 500 - 1000 |
Targeted Therapy Drugs like Lenvatinib and Sorafenib block cancer cell growth by targeting specific genetic mutations. It is mainly used for medullary and advanced thyroid cancer that does not respond to RAI. | 1500 - 2500 per cycle |
Chemotherapy Anti-cancer drugs, such as Doxorubicin, kill rapidly growing cancer cells and are mainly used for anaplastic thyroid cancer. It is often combined with radiation therapy. | 800 - 1200 per cycle |
Immunotherapy Boosts the immune system to fight cancer, particularly for advanced thyroid cancer with specific genetic markers. Drugs like Pembrolizumab are used in clinical trials. | 2000 - 3500 per cycle |
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Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India Inclusions
Type of treatment as advised
Attendant stay and meals during hospitalization
Routine drugs and consumables required during hospitalization
Pre-anesthesia check up and clearance
Hospital stay and meals as per the package
Dressing examination and first consultation after discharge
Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India Exclusions
Pre-operative examination and tests related to staging of cancer
Hotel stay, meals and flights
Extended hospital stay
Post-operative follow-ups and medical management
Treatment for any other underlying medical conditions
Any complex investigations or drugs
Other Factors Affecting Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Size and location of the tumor
Stage and grade of cancer
Type of cancer
Choice of location, doctor and hospital
Pre-existing medical history
Type of surgery and approach
Type of approach drug used
Diagnostic Tests for Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Types of Tests Done Before Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India | Cost Range in USD |
Blood tests These include the basic blood investigations for the patient to check organ functioning, thyroid function (T3/T4/TSH) and tumor markers. | 50 to 80 |
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) A minimally invasive procedure where a thin needle extracts cells from the thyroid gland for examination. | 100 to 150 |
Ultrasound Imaging Helps determine the size, shape, and nature of thyroid nodules. | 30 to 50 |
Thyroid Scan (Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test) Determines if nodules are cancerous. | 100 to 150 |
CT Scan/MRI/PET Scan This includes radiology scans to check for an metastasis and establish the stage of the cancer. | 500 to 800 |
Why is India preferred as one of the best countries for thyroid cancer treatment?
India is one of the best destinations for thyroid cancer treatment, offering a combination of advanced medical infrastructure, experienced specialists, and cost-effective care. The country is home to top-tier hospitals like AIIMS, Apollo, and Fortis, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. These hospitals provide a range of treatment options, including surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and targeted therapy, ensuring comprehensive care for patients. Indian oncologists and endocrinologists are globally recognized for their expertise, with many trained at prestigious institutions worldwide.
This ensures that patients receive world-class treatment at a significantly lower cost compared to Western countries. While thyroid cancer treatment in the USA or UK can cost upwards of $12,000, in India, the cost ranges from $3,200 to $6,000, making it a highly affordable option without compromising quality. The country has also made significant progress in cancer awareness and early detection efforts, leading to improved treatment outcomes. Papillary thyroid cancer, the most common form of the disease, has a success rate of 95–99% in India, which is comparable to global standards.
The increasing focus on research and medical advancements has further contributed to better survival rates and patient care. Additionally, India is known for its medical tourism-friendly policies, with easy visa access, English-speaking medical staff, and personalized treatment plans. Many hospitals offer international patient support services, assisting with travel arrangements, accommodation, and post-treatment care. With high-quality healthcare, affordability, and a growing reputation in oncology, India has become an ideal choice for patients seeking effective and accessible thyroid cancer treatment.
Cost Comparison for Thyroid Cancer Treatment Price in India with Other Countries
Country | Cost in USD |
India | $3000 to $9500 |
Turkey | $7500 to $18000 |
UAE | $15000 to $35000 |
USA | $85,000 to $180,000 |
