Thyroid cancer is a disease where there is an abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland—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.
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.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Most are found during regular check-ups or imaging scans. Nevertheless, here are some typical symptoms:
- A mass or swelling in the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes that persist
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food being stuck
- Shortness of breath, particularly when reclining
- Neck or throat pain
- Coughing (not caused by a cold or allergy) that persists
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Pressure or tightness in the neck or throat region
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Changes in appetite or regulation of body temperature
Diagnosis: How is Thyroid Cancer Detected?
Physicians employ a few tests for the detection of thyroid cancer:
1. Physical Exam:
Your physician will lightly touch your neck for any abnormal lumps or swelling in the thyroid region.
2. Ultrasound Exam
A neck ultrasound employs sound waves to make pictures of your thyroid. It assists in finding suspicious nodules and lymph nodes.
3. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy
A thin, short needle is put into the lump to get a sample of cells to examine on a microscope. It is the most precise method to diagnose cancer.
4. Blood Tests
Some blood tests can indicate thyroid cancer. These include:
- Thyroglobulin (after treatment, to find recurrence)
- Calcitonin (for medullary thyroid cancer)
- TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
5. CT Scan or MRI
These imaging procedures enable physicians to visualize whether the cancer has extended beyond the thyroid to adjacent structures or lymph nodes.
6. Radioactive Iodine Scan (RAI Scan)
This procedure employs a small dose of radioactive iodine to identify thyroid tissue and potential cancer extension, particularly in papillary and follicular thyroid cancers.
7. Genetic Testing (in certain instances)
For some rare forms such as medullary thyroid cancer, testing for inherited mutations (e.g., RET gene) can be performed.
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 Europe.
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.
Doctors For Thyroid Cancer
Dr. Vikram Pratap Singh
Surgical & Clinical Oncologist
35+ years of experienceSenior Consultant, Surgical Oncology
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi - India
Dr. Kapil Kumar
Surgical Oncologist
30+ years of experienceDirector & HOD, Surgical Oncology
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh – Advanced Oncology Care - India
Dr. Niranjan Naik
Surgical Oncologist
31+ years of experienceDirector
Fortis Hospital Gurgaon - India
Dr. (Col) Ranga Rao Rangaraju
Medical Oncologist
40+ years of experienceChairman, Medical Oncology
Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon - India
Dr. Surender Kumar Dabas
Surgical Oncologist
22+ years of experienceVice Chairman & HOD - Surgical Oncology & Chief of Robotic Surgery
BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi - India
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Cost of Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India (2025)
Here’s an approximate cost breakdown for thyroid cancer treatment:
Treatment Type | Average Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) |
| Surgery (Thyroidectomy) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Radioactive Iodine Therapy | ₹60,000 – ₹1,20,000 | $700 – $1,500 |
| Targeted Therapy | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000/month | $600 – $2,400/month |
| Radiation Therapy (EBRT) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Hormone Replacement (yearly) | ₹24,000 – ₹36,000 | $300 – $450 |
Note: Costs vary by city, hospital, and individual patient condition.
Best Hospitals for Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India
There are various world–class hospitals with highly skilled oncologists and modern cancer care units in India. Some of them are:
1. Delhi NCR:
- AIIMS, New Delhi
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket
2. Mumbai:
- Tata Memorial Hospital
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
- Fortis Hospital, Mulund
3. Bangalore:
- Manipal Hospital
- Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta
- HCG Cancer Centre
4. Chennai:
- Apollo Cancer Centre
- MIOT International
- Fortis Malar Hospital
5. Hyderabad:
- Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital
- Yashoda Hospitals
- Continental Hospitals
6. Kolkata:
- Tata Medical Center
- AMRI Hospital, Dhakuria
- Fortis Hospital, Anandapur
7. Ahmedabad:
- Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad
- HCG Cancer Centre
- Sterling Cancer Hospital
8. Pune:
- Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital
- Ruby Hall Clinic
- Sahyadri Hospitals
9. Kochi (Cochin):
- Aster Medcity
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
- VPS Lakeshore Hospital
10. Chandigarh:
- PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research)
- Fortis Hospital, Mohali
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali
All these hospitals provide complete care such as surgery, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and follow-up care—making them reliable centers for cancer treatment in India.
Best doctors for Thyroid Cancer Treatment in India
India is home to highly skilled oncologists with modern cancer care approaches. Some of the best doctors for thyroid cancer treatment include:
- Dr. Sowrabh Kumar Arora
- Dr. Nitin Leekha
- Dr. Vikram Kekatpure
- Dr. Rajashekhar C Jaka
- Dr. Surender Dabas
- Dr. Prof. Raj Nagarkar
- Dr. R. Padmakumar
- Dr. Vikas Goswami
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
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Survival Rate and Prognosis
Thyroid cancer has one of the highest survival rates among all cancers. According to current data:
| Type of Thyroid Cancer | 5-Year Survival Rate |
| Papillary | 98% – 99% |
| Follicular | 90% – 95% |
| Medullary | 75% – 85% |
| Anaplastic | 10% – 20% |
Early diagnosis = Better outcome.
Aftercare & Recovery
Follow–up care after treatment is important for long-term health:
- Routine blood work to check hormone levels
- Forever thyroid hormone pills (if whole thyroid removed)
- Every 6–12 months follow-up imaging
- Healthy eating and lifestyle
- Emotional counseling and support also aid recovery.
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
Thyroid cancer, though serious, is very treatable—particularly if detected early. India‘s world-class hospitals, experienced physicians, and affordable care have made patients from all over the world look to the subcontinent for hope and recovery.
If you are from the US, UK, Middle East, or Africa, thyroid cancer treatment in India can be a life-saving and economically savvy solution.
Numerous Indian hospitals also have specialized international patient services, which include medical visa assistance, travel arrangements, translators, and follow-up post-treatment care. This is designed to make patients’ stays while traveling abroad for thyroid cancer treatment smooth and stress-free.
