Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India

An Overview of Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India

Thyroid cancer is a disease where there is an abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland. This is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck. It’s one of the most curable cancers if caught early. Fortunately, India is now among the best places for low-cost yet high-quality thyroid cancer treatment.

In this blog, we will take you through the stages of thyroid cancer, available treatments in India, approximate costs, best hospitals, survival rates, and all that you should know in 2025.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, which regulates your metabolism by producing hormones. It is more prevalent in women than in men and tends to occur in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60. While the majority of thyroid cancers develop slowly and are highly curable, there are more aggressive types. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly enhance the prospect of complete recovery, and so awareness and routine checkups become extremely important.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are four primary types:

• Papillary thyroid cancer – Most common and slow-growing.
• Follicular thyroid cancer – Second most common; spreads to lungs or bones.
• Medullary thyroid cancer – Often hereditary; needs genetic testing.
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer – Extremely rare and aggressive.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India

India provides extensive state-of-the-art thyroid cancer therapies at top-level hospitals at much lower costs compared to the US, UK, or other countries.

1. Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

Surgery to have a portion or entire thyroid gland removed is needed in most patients. The two types of surgery most commonly done are:

• Lobectomy: Removing only one lobe.
• Total Thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire gland.
• Post-surgery: the patient usually requires thyroid hormone replacement for a lifetime.

2. Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy

Radioactive iodine following surgery kills any residual cancer cells. It’s a non-invasive and targeted treatment employed particularly for papillary and follicular varieties.

3. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

Employed if the cancer has metastasized outside the thyroid, or RAI is not successful.

4. Chemotherapy

Rarity with which it’s employed for thyroid cancer, barring advanced stages like anaplastic cancer.

5. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

For repeated or metastatic thyroid cancers, new medications are employed to inhibit cancer cell growth.

Who Should Get Thyroid Cancer Treatment?

Thyroid treatment is usually prescribed to individuals who are diagnosed with papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic cancers. Here are a few cases where cancer treatment is necessary:

Patients with Thyroid Cancer

• Patients who are experiencing rapid cancerous cell growth in thyroid glands

Severe Symptoms

• Patients who are experiencing symptoms like a lump in the neck, breathing problems and trouble in swallowing.

Always consult a doctor to understand if you are the right candidate for this surgery.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India At a Glance

Thyroid cancer treatment in India typically costs ₹1,50,000–₹7,00,000 for domestic patients. For international patients, the cost estimate to roughly ₹1,80,500–₹10,00,000. Final costs vary by surgery type (hemithyroidectomy vs total), radioiodine (RAI) dose, hospital tier, length of stay, diagnostics, and follow-ups. Cancer Rounds provides itemized quotes and end-to-end support—including medical-visa assistance, travel coordination, interpreters, and post-treatment follow-up—to keep planning clear and stress-free. Thyroid Cancer treatment in India has become prevalent for its affordability and effectiveness.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment costs in India can broadly be categorised into the following approximate ranges:

Here’s an approximate cost breakdown for thyroid cancer surgery treatment:

Note: Costs vary by city, hospital, and individual patient condition.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Costs Accross Different Cities

Here is a city-wise estimated cost range for the entire thyroid cancer treatment in India, including surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, diagnostics, and supportive care.

Key points:

• The total treatment cost includes diagnostics, surgery (₹1-3 lakhs), radioactive iodine therapy (₹50,000–1.5 lakhs per session), chemotherapy (₹20,000–1 lakh per cycle), radiation therapy (₹1–4 lakhs), hormone therapy, hospital stay, medications, and supportive care.
• Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore may have slightly higher costs due to advanced facilities and surgeon expertise.
• The wide range reflects differences in treatment complexity, hospital type, duration of stay, and additional therapies required.
• Indian thyroid cancer treatment offers high-quality care at a fraction of Western costs, with total expenses typically between $3,000 and $11,500.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost for India versus Other Countries

Here is the cost range for thyroid cancer treatment in India compared to other countries:

• India: $3,000 to $9,500 (₹2,51,250 to ₹7,95,625) for complete treatment, including surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Turkey: $7,500 to $18,000 for similar treatments.
• UAE: $15,000 to $35,000, depending on the hospital and treatment complexity.
• USA: $85,000 to $180,000, with surgery alone costing $15,000 to $40,000.
• Australia/UK: Radioactive iodine therapy costs up to $10,000, while complete treatment can exceed $30,000.

India remains one of the most affordable destinations for thyroid cancer treatment globally, offering high-quality care at significantly lower costs.

Additional Expenses for Thyroid Cancer

1. Consultations & Diagnostic Tests

• Specialist consult: INR 1500 – INR 2500 (USD 17.44 – 29.06)
• Laboratory tests: INR 2,000 – INR 10,000 (USD 23.26 – 116.28)
• MRI: INR 4,000 – INR 25,000 (USD 46.51 – 290.70)
• Endoscopy: INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 (USD 116.28 – 581.39)
• Biopsy: INR 10,000 – INR 25,000 (USD 116.23 – 290.59)
• CT Scan: INR 3600 – INR 8000 (USD 41.86 – 93.02)
• PET Scan: INR 10,000 – INR 35,000 (USD 116.28 – 406.98)
• Fine Needle Aspiration: INR 5000 – INR 20,000 (USD 58.14 – 232.56)
• Exfoliative Cytology: INR 600 – INR 2600 (USD 6.98 – 30.23)

1. Post-Treatment Costs

• Medications: INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000
• Follow-up consultations: INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per visit

Unexpected Complications

• In case of unexpected complications, you may need extended hospitalization stays and medicines, which may add to the cost of your thyroid cancer treatment.

5 easy Steps to Get Treated in India

Share Case Details

Get Expert Opinion and Hospital Quotes

Get Visa Invitation & Hotel Recommendations

Get Received At Airport and Start Your Treatment

Travel Back and Get Followups Through Us

Book Consultation Chat on WhatsApp

Why Choose India for Thyroid Cancer Treatment?

Here’s why thousands of patients from all over the globe prefer India:

• Low-cost treatment (60–80% less expensive than in the West)
• Experienced oncologists
• Sophisticated surgical and diagnostic equipment
• English-speaking staff
• Short waiting time
• Complete medical tourism assistance

Survival Rate and Prognosis

Thyroid cancer has one of the highest survival rates among all cancers. According to current data:

Early diagnosis = Better outcome.

Factors Affecting Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Several elements influence the cost of thyroid cancer treatment in India. Key factors include:

• Location of Hospital: Costs vary significantly between cities and types of hospitals. Larger cities and private hospitals tend to have higher charges.
• Oncologist Expertise: The experience and specialization of the oncologist can impact the overall cost.
• Treatment Modality: The type of surgery (partial or total thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy affects the expenses. Complex procedures generally incur higher costs.
• Pre-treatment Diagnostics: Diagnostic tests like biopsies, scans, and consultations contribute to the initial expenses, ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
• Post-operative Care: Costs for ICU stays, medications, follow-ups, and rehabilitative care add to the overall expenditure.

Hospital Categories for Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Hospitals offering thyroid cancer treatment in India can be categorized as follows:

• Specialized Oncology Departments: Focused on head and neck cancers, including thyroid cancer.
• Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs): Collaborative teams ensure comprehensive care.
• Advanced Treatment Technologies: Hospitals equipped with therapies like IMRT or VMAT.
• Comprehensive Support Services: Facilities offering rehabilitation, nutritional support, and counseling.
• Expertise in Specific Subtypes: Some hospitals specialize in particular thyroid cancer types like papillary or anaplastic cancers.

Health insurance policies covering critical illnesses can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Comprehensive plans typically cover pre-hospitalization, hospitalization, post-hospitalization procedures, consultations, diagnostic tests, and specialized treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

How to Reduce Thyroid Cancer Treatment Costs

To minimize costs:

• Opt for government hospitals or affordable private facilities.
• Ensure comprehensive health insurance coverage for cancer care.
• Seek second opinions to explore cost-effective treatment options.
• Request detailed billing to identify hidden charges.
• Utilize public health programs where applicable.

By understanding these factors and planning effectively, patients can manage thyroid cancer treatment costs while ensuring quality care.

Health Insurance & Medical Tourism Assistance

International insurance is accepted by most Indian hospitals and full assistance is provided to foreign patients, including:

• Visa assistance
• Airport pickup
• Language translation services
• Personal care coordinators
• Help with accommodation for relatives

Taking the First Step Toward Recovery with Cancer Rounds

Thyroid cancer, though serious, is highly treatable. India’s world-class hospitals, experienced specialists, and accessible costs make it a trusted destination for care. For patients from the US, UK, Middle East, and Africa, treatment in India can be both life-saving and economically sensible.

Cancer Rounds is your dedicated care navigator and medical tourism partner. We simplify every step so you can focus on healing:

• Medical visa assistance and invitation letters
• Hospital selection & priority appointments with top thyroid cancer teams
• Transparent treatment estimates and cost guidance
• Travel & stay coordination (flights, accommodation, airport transfers)
• Language support with professional interpreters
• Dedicated care manager for on-ground support and daily updates
• Second opinions & multidisciplinary reviews of your case
• Post-treatment follow-up via teleconsults and continuity of care

In moments like these, clear information and compassionate coordination matter. Begin with the basics: talk openly with your doctors, ask the questions on your mind, and consider additional medical perspectives. With Cancer Rounds managing logistics and communication, the journey becomes more manageable—one deliberate step at a time.

Next step: Share your medical reports (scans, pathology, treatment history). We’ll match you with the right hospital and outline a personalized pathway, including timelines and budget options.