Understanding the Cost of Oral Cancer Treatment: What Patients Should Know

A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Costs Involved in Oral Cancer Treatment and How to Manage Them
Oral cancer treatment in India involves multiple stages, from diagnostic testing to surgery and post-treatment rehabilitation. Understanding the cost structure is crucial for patients and their families to manage their financial resources effectively. This blog breaks down the financial aspects of oral cancer treatment, highlighting key treatment components such as diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation, and provides tips on how to reduce these costs through available options.
1. Diagnostic Testing Costs for Oral Cancer
Understanding the Diagnostic Process and Associated Costs
- Oral Cancer Screening: ₹500 to ₹3,000 (initial consultation and basic oral exam)
- Imaging Tests:
- CT Scan: ₹3,000 to ₹12,000
- MRI Scan: ₹6,000 to ₹25,000
- PET Scan: ₹18,000 to ₹30,000
- CT Scan: ₹3,000 to ₹12,000
- Biopsy: ₹800 to ₹20,000 (depending on the type of biopsy – fine needle aspiration or core biopsy)
Early detection through oral cancer screenings and imaging tests is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, and these tests are often the first expenses a patient will incur.

2. Surgery Costs for Oral Cancer Treatment
The Financial Impact of Surgery in Oral Cancer Care
- Tumor Removal Surgery: ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 (depending on tumor location and complexity)
- Reconstructive Surgery: ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 (for restoring oral functions and appearance after tumor removal)
- Lymph Node Dissection: ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 (removal of affected lymph nodes if cancer has spread)
Oral cancer surgeries can range in complexity and cost, depending on whether reconstructive surgery is needed for functional restoration of speech and swallowing. Larger surgeries may require longer hospital stays, which also increase overall costs.
3. Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Oral Cancer
Cost Breakdown of Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatments
- Chemotherapy: ₹10,000 to ₹60,000 per cycle (cost varies depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs used)
- Radiation Therapy: ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 (for a full treatment course, typically 4-6 weeks)
- Chemoradiation: Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cost up to ₹5,00,000 or more.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are crucial for treating advanced oral cancers and reducing the risk of recurrence, but they come with substantial costs. The financial impact can vary based on the stage of cancer and the recommended treatment regimen.
4. Rehabilitation and Post-Treatment Care Costs
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation and Follow-Up Care
- Speech Therapy: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per session (essential for patients who have difficulty speaking after surgery)
- Swallowing Therapy: ₹500 to ₹2,500 per session
- Physiotherapy: ₹500 to ₹3,000 per session
- Follow-up Consultations: ₹500 to ₹3,000 per visit (for regular check-ups post-treatment)
Post-treatment rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of oral cancer recovery to restore functionality and improve quality of life. These services, although critical, can add significant costs to the treatment journey.
5. The Role of Targeted and Immunotherapy in Oral Cancer Treatment
Emerging Treatment Options and Their Cost Impact
- Targeted Therapy: ₹1,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 per cycle (used for cancers with specific genetic mutations)
- Immunotherapy: ₹2,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 per cycle (for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic oral cancers)
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are emerging as effective treatments, especially for advanced and metastatic oral cancer. However, these therapies are expensive, and their availability in India is still growing.

6. Financial Assistance and Support Programs for Oral Cancer Patients
How to Manage the Financial Burden of Oral Cancer Treatment
- Government Health Schemes: Programs like Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY can cover a significant portion of the treatment cost for eligible patients. PM-JAY can cover upto ₹5 Lakh per family per year (cashless at empanelled hospitals).
- Charitable Organizations and NGOs: Various organizations provide financial support for cancer patients, including free or subsidized treatment.
- Hospital Financial Assistance: Many cancer hospitals in India offer payment plans or discounted rates for economically disadvantaged patients.
Exploring these options can reduce the financial burden on patients and their families during treatment.
7. Total Estimated Cost of Oral Cancer Treatment in India
Estimating the Financial Commitment for Oral Cancer Treatmen
The overall cost of oral cancer treatment in India can vary based on several factors, including:
- Early-stage oral cancer: ₹2,00,000 to ₹7,00,000
- Advanced oral cancer: ₹10,00,000 to ₹20,00,000, especially when chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies are involved.
These costs can vary based on the type of treatment chosen, hospital location, and individual treatment plans.
Conclusion: Managing the Financial Aspects of Oral Cancer Treatment in India
Oral cancer treatment can be expensive, but with early detection, government schemes, and financial assistance programs, it is possible to manage the costs effectively. Personalized treatment plans, combined with alternative funding options, can make oral cancer care more accessible. It’s essential for patients and families to understand the costs involved and plan ahead to ensure the best possible care.
Disclaimer:
Readers should not treat any information as medical advice for their conditions. It is very important that an in-person consultation be conducted with an expert before taking any medication/treatment.