Skin cancer is a growing concern worldwide, but India has emerged as a leading destination for effective and affordable treatment. With advanced medical facilities, experienced specialists, and significantly lower costs compared to Western countries, India offers comprehensive care for skin cancer patients.
The average cost of skin cancer treatment in India ranges from USD 4,000 to 8,000, depending on the cancer type, treatment approach, hospital, and specialist involved.
Skin cancer arises from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, primarily due to DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Skin cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells, most often triggered by DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to excessive sun exposure or tanning beds. It typically develops in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands, but it can also occur on areas not ordinarily exposed.
The main types include:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | Most common and slow-growing; rarely metastasizes. |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | More aggressive; can invade deeper tissues and metastasize. |
| Melanoma | Less common but highly aggressive and life-threatening if not caught early. |
| Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Rare but very aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. |
| Diagnostic Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Skin Biopsy (Excisional or Punch) | Confirms cancer type and depth of invasion. |
| Dermatoscopy | Non-invasive visualization of skin lesions. |
| Lymph Node Examination | Palpation or ultrasound-guided biopsy to assess spread. |
| Imaging (CT, PET-CT, MRI) | Used in advanced stages or suspected metastasis. |
| Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) | Especially for melanoma to check nodal involvement. |
| Cancer Type | Stage | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | Localized | Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, topical 5-FU, Imiquimod, or cryotherapy |
| Advanced/Recurrent | Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (e.g., Vismodegib) | |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | Localized | Wide excision, electrodessication, or radiation (if inoperable) |
| Advanced | Chemotherapy (Cisplatin-based), Immunotherapy (Cemiplimab or Pembrolizumab) | |
| Melanoma | Stage I–II | Wide excision ± SLNB |
| Stage III | Lymph node dissection, adjuvant immunotherapy (Nivolumab, Ipilimumab) | |
| Stage IV | Targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors), checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1, CTLA-4) | |
| Merkel Cell Carcinoma | All stages | Surgery + Radiation; Immunotherapy (Avelumab, Pembrolizumab) for metastatic disease |
| Treatment Type | Drugs | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Immunotherapy | Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab | Advanced melanoma, metastatic SCC or Merkel cell |
| Targeted Therapy | Dabrafenib + Trametinib (BRAF V600E mutation) | Metastatic melanoma with BRAF mutations |
| Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors | Vismodegib, Sonidegib | Advanced BCC unfit for surgery or radiation |
| Stage | Frequency | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 0–II | Every 6–12 months for 5 years | Skin exam, dermoscopy, lymph node palpation |
| Stage III | Every 3–6 months (first 2 years), then annually | Imaging, blood tests, PET-CT as needed |
| Stage IV | Every 2–3 months | Full body imaging and response evaluation |
India offers several advantages for skin cancer treatment:
|
Treatment Component |
India (USD) | Turkey (USD) | USA (USD) |
| Skin Biopsy (Excisional/Punch) | $100 – $200 | $150 – $300 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Wide Local Excision (Simple) | $800 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
| Mohs Micrographic Surgery (BCC/SCC) | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
| Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (Melanoma) | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
| Immunotherapy (PD-1 Inhibitors per cycle) | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
| Targeted Therapy (per cycle) | $1,200 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
$15,000 – $30,000 |
| Radiation IGRT | $6000 | $15000 |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
| Radiation IMRT | $5000 | $15000 |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
| Radiation V-MAT | $6500 | $15000 |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
| PET-CT Scan | $300 – $500 | $700 – $1,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Follow-Up & Surveillance (Annual) | $400 – $600 | $800 – $1,200 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Dr. Ankur Bahl is a renowned Medical Oncologist with over 20 years of experience in treating various cancers, including skin cancer. He is the Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. Dr. Bahl has received advanced training in pharmacovigilance from the University of Oxford, UK, and is known for his empathetic approach and commitment to providing individualized care to his patients.
Post-treatment care includes regular follow-ups, skin examinations, and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.
Indian hospitals offer comprehensive support services for international patients:
These services ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for patients traveling from abroad.
India stands out as a premier destination for skin cancer treatment, offering a blend of affordability, advanced medical care, and personalized patient support. With experienced specialists like Dr. Ankur Bahl and world-class hospitals, patients can expect comprehensive care tailored to their needs.