Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth or throat, affecting areas like the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or throat. It often begins as a sore or unusual growth that doesn’t go away.
Other signs may include a lump, rough patches (white or red), unexplained bleeding, numbness, or trouble with chewing or swallowing. Several factors can increase the risk, including smoking, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, and prolonged sun exposure to the lips. Early detection is important, so persistent changes in the mouth should be checked by a doctor.
Mouth cancer treatment in India is a multidisciplinary approach that primarily includes surgery and other supportive therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery is often the primary treatment for oral cancer, especially in the early stages. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much function as possible.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage, severity, and location of the oral cancer in patients.
Treatment Options
- Surgery
- Tumor Removal: Surgical removal of the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete eradication of cancer cells. In advanced cases, parts of the jawbone or tongue may also be resected.
- Neck Dissection: If cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, surgeons may perform a neck dissection to remove affected nodes.
- Reconstructive Surgery: After tumor removal, reconstructive surgery may restore appearance and functionality using tissue grafts or dental implants.
- Radiation Therapy
- External Beam Radiation: High-energy beams like X-rays or protons are directed at the tumor externally.
- Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds or wires are placed near the tumor for internal radiation.
- Radiation therapy is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy for advanced cases. Side effects include dry mouth, tooth decay, and jawbone damage.
- Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is often combined with radiation therapy to enhance effectiveness. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
- Targeted Therapy
- Targeted drugs attack specific chemicals in cancer cells, causing them to die. This therapy may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy and radiation.
- Immunotherapy
- Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and destroy cancer cells, particularly in cases where the cancer has recurred or spread.
Patients susceptible to undergoing mouth cancer treatment in India should discuss their symptoms and medical history with their family doctor first. The family doctor is the right person to recommend you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, head and neck surgeon, or surgical oncologist for further treatment at an affordable cost.
Who Should Get Mouth Cancer Treatment in India?
Patients with ongoing oral sores should consult their doctor. Some might find it hard to swallow or chew, or they may notice ulcers or lumps in their mouths.
Signs & Risk Factors of Mouth Cancer That Need Evaluation:
- Persistent Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing.
- Lumps, sores, or ulcers that don’t heal.
- White or red patches in the mouth.
- Trouble moving the tongue or jaw.
- Unexplained tenderness or pain.
- Recent voice changes or hoarseness.
- High-Risk Individuals
- History of chronic tobacco use (smoking or chewing). Tobacco is directly linked to increased chances of oral cancer.
- Regular use of khaini, gutka, or betel leaf.
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.
- Heavy alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco in combination with alcohol.
- Reverse smoking practices.
- Family History
- Those with a family history of oral cancer.
- Age Factor
- Individuals aged 40 and older (higher risk with increasing age).
Mouth Cancer Treatment Cost in India At a Glance
Before selecting your oncologist and hospital to undergo mouth cancer treatment in India or overseas, it is always good to compare the different costs. Tier-1 and tier-2 cities in India have the best government and private hospitals to support affordable mouth cancer treatment costs in India.
The cost of mouth cancer treatment in India typically ranges from INR 1,50,000 to INR 10,00,000 (approximately USD 3,000 to USD 11,676), depending on the complexity of the case, type of treatment, hospital, and city.
These figures represent only approximations of the total cost of mouth cancer treatment in India and are calculated without accounting for post-surgical complications. If the patients suffer from post-surgical complications, they may add up to the final billing amount.
Below is a table summarising the estimated costs for various treatments in both Indian Rupees (INR) and US Dollars (USD):
| Treatment Type | Cost Range (INR) | Cost Range (USD) |
| Surgery | ||
| – Tumor Removal | ₹150,000 – ₹400,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| – Neck Dissection | ₹200,000 – ₹450,000 | $2,800 – $6,000 |
| – Reconstructive Surgery | ₹200,000 – ₹500,000 | $2,800 – $7,000 |
| Radiation Therapy | ||
| – External Beam Radiation | ₹150,000 – ₹450,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| – Brachytherapy | ₹200,000 – ₹500,000 | $2,800 – $7,000 |
| Chemotherapy (per session) | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 | $130 – $400 |
| Targeted Therapy (per cycle) | ₹100,000 – ₹350,000 | $1,300 – $4,500 |
| Immunotherapy (per dose) | ₹168,000 – ₹378,000 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on the hospital, city, specific treatment protocol, and individual patient conditions. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for precise estimates.
Factors Influencing Mouth Cancer Treatment Costs in India
There are several factors to be considered to understand the expenses for mouth cancer treatment costs in India:
- Stages of Cancer: The cost of mouth cancer treatment depends on the patient’s stage of cancer, as well as the location, duration, and complexity of the disease.
- Treatment Method: Next, the recommendation of the treatment method significantly impacts the total cost.
- Location of the Healthcare Facility: The location, type, and reputation of the chosen hospital or cancer care center can affect the final cost.
- Other Factors: Doctor’s expertise, diagnostic centers, insurance coverage, medication costs, government policies, and subsidies can impact the final cost.
City-Wise Mouth Cancer Treatment Costs in India
The table below gives a city-wise breakdown of the minimum and maximum estimates of mouth cancer treatment costs in India, along with their USD equivalents. These are just approximations.
| City | Min Cost (INR) | Max Cost (INR) | Min Cost (USD) | Max Cost (USD) |
| New Delhi | 2,00,000 | 10,00,000 | 2335.23 | 11,676 |
| Mumbai | 2,80,000 | 5,00,000 | 3269.32 | 5838 |
| Bengaluru | 2,50,000 | 8,00,000 | 2919.04 | 9341 |
| Chennai | 1,40,000 | 16,00,000 | 1634.66 | 18,682 |
| Hyderabad | 2,50,000 | 10,00,000 | 2919.04 | 11,676 |
| Kolkata | 3,00,000 | 6,00,000 | 3502.85 | 7006 |
| Pune | 1,00,000 | 5,00,000 | 1167.62 | 5838 |
| Ahmedabad | 2,00,000 | 10,00,000 | 2919.04 | 11,676 |
| Chandigarh | 2,20,000 | 4,55,000 | 2568.76 | 5313 |
| Gurugram | 2,40,000 | 10,00,000 | 2802.28 | 11676 |
India vs. Other Countries: Affordable Mouth Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Here is an overview of the approximate cost in different countries for mouth cancer treatment overseas:
| Country | Approx. Range (USD) |
| India | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Turkey | 7,500 – 20,000 |
| Thailand | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| UAE | 6,000 – 25,000 |
| UK | 15,500 – 50,000 |
| USA | 17,000 – 153,000 |
The table above offers a holistic view of the approximate range of mouth cancer treatment costs in India and overseas..
Additional Expenses: Pre- and Post-Mouth Cancer Treatment
Pre-Treatment Evaluation
- Specialist Consultation: INR 1,725.80 – INR 3,451.60 (approximately USD 20 – 40)
- Blood Tests & Biopsies: INR 12,943.50 – INR 25,887.00 (approximately USD 150 – 300)
- Imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans): INR 17,258.00 – INR 43,145.00 (approximately USD 200 – 500)
Post-Treatment Expenses
- Follow-up Consultations: INR 1,294.35 – INR 2,588.70 (approximately USD 15 – 30) per visit
- Rehabilitation: INR 17,258.00 – INR 43,145.00 (approximately USD 200 – 500) depending on therapy required
- Medications (Chemotherapy/Targeted Therapy): Chemotherapy costs can vary widely, with some drugs costing between INR 86,290.00 and INR 1,035,480.00 per month (approximately USD 1,000 – 12,000). Targeted therapy costs in India can range from INR 50,000 to INR 5,00,000 per cycle (approximately USD 625 – 6,250).
- Radiation Therapy: INR 60,000 – INR 300,000 per session (approximately USD 720 – USD 3,600)
- Immunotherapy (if recommended): Immunotherapy costs in India can range from INR 50,000 to INR 5,00,000 per cycle (approximately USD 625 – 6,250).
Unexpected Complications
Both surgical corrections and supportive therapies may result in unexpected complications requiring prolonged treatment and hospital stays.
Bleeding, infections, numbness, flap failure, scarring, swelling, and difficulty eating and swallowing are some of the common unexpected complications associated with patients dealing with mouth cancer treatment. The additional treatment and hospital stay may add to your overall cost of mouth cancer treatment in India.
Insurance Coverage and Financing
Health insurance policies help reduce patients’ financial burdens. It is essential for patients and their family members to discuss this concern with their service providers.
Patients should also check for coverage of reconstructive surgeries, follow-ups, and supportive therapies. There are critical illness insurance, cancer-specific insurance, and general health insurance to choose from.
Tips to Reduce Mouth Cancer Treatment Costs in India
Here are a few tips on reducing the final bill amount and availing affordable mouth cancer treatment in India:
- Regular dental check-ups help individuals to keep an early check on their mouth cancer diagnosis.
- Quitting tobacco and alcohol addiction is an excellent tool for reducing the risks of developing it.
- Once detected positively, patients and their families should explore several government and private hospitals, insurance policies, and schemes for affordability.
- Plan your finances wisely with health insurance coverage.
- Explore EMI or zero-interest financing via medical lenders.
- Apply for hospital-based financial aid or international patient discounts.
Why Choose Cancer Rounds?
Mouth cancer treatment in India offers a cost-effective alternative to Western nations, with expenses depending on the cancer stage, treatment approach (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy), and hospital choice. Cancer Rounds emerges as a compassionate ally for patients, combining affordability with excellence in care. Our dedicated team provides end-to-end support—from connecting patients with leading oncologists to give personalised treatment plans and offering expert second opinions, all while fostering emotional well-being through open communication and empathy.
Recognising the challenges faced by families, we prioritise dignity and clarity, guiding patients through insurance processes and financial planning to reduce stress. With a steadfast commitment to transparency and reliability, Cancer Rounds ensures every individual receives attentive care, empowering them to focus on healing. Contact us today and make us your trusted partner for navigating mouth cancer treatment in India with confidence and grace.
