What is the Cost of Oral Cancer Treatment in India?
Oral cancer is a significant health concern in India. Approximately 1 in 59 men and 1 in 139 women are affected by oral cancer, accounting for over 30% of all cancers in the country. If not diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer can be fatal. The approximate cost of treating oral cancer in India is ₹5,00,000, depending on the severity of the disease. Let's understand why this treatment is so costly.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the mouth. It is commonly referred to as mouth cancer as it develops in the mouth and/or throat region. It can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or the back of the throat.
Some of the common causes of oral cancer are:
- Smoking
- Excessive use of tobacco
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history
- Certain HPV strains
- Poor oral hygiene
- Weakened immune system
Types of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a collective term for several different diseases. It has various types, as mentioned below:
Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type of oral cancer. It starts in the squamous cells that line the inside of your mouth and throat.Minor Salivary Gland Carcinoma
It starts in the small salivary glands located throughout the mouth and throat lining.Verrucous Carcinoma
It is a rare type of oral cancer that usually grows slowly and has a good prognosis when diagnosed early.Mucosal Melanoma
This is a type of skin cancer that can also occur in the mouth. It starts in the melanocytes, which produce pigment in your skin and mouth.Lymphoma
This type of cancer starts in the lymphatic system, a part of your immune system. It can occur in the lymph nodes in your neck or mouth.Sarcoma
Another type of rare cancer that starts in the connective tissues of your mouth, such as bones, muscles, and nerves.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
If you observe the following signs, contact your doctor immediately:
- Mouth sores that won’t heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Lump in the mouth or neck
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Numbness in the mouth
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in your voice
- Ear ache
Treatment of Oral Cancer
When diagnosed, treatment options for oral cancer may include:
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for oral cancer. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor. In some cases, surgery may involve removing the tumor, surrounding tissues, or even lymph nodes in the neck or mouth.Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy, high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. It is delivered externally through specialized machines, or internally through radioactive implants placed near the tumor, depending on the situation.Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a well-known cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is often used in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy.Targeted Therapy
These drugs target specific vulnerabilities in the cancer cells, helping to stop their growth or spread.
Cost of Treating Oral Cancer in India
Here is an idea of the cost of treating oral cancer for your further understanding.
Surgery
The cost of surgery in India is around INR 1,50,000 to INR 3,00,000.
Radiation Therapy
Various kinds of radiation are widely available to treat cancer.
- External beam radiation therapy: Approx. INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000
- Internal radiation therapy: Approx. INR 60,000 to INR 5,16,337
- Image-guided radiation therapy: Approx. INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy: Approx. INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000
Proton Therapy
This therapy precisely delivers a beam of protons to disrupt tumor cells. It costs around INR 15,00,000 to INR 20,00,000.
Chemotherapy
There are various types of chemotherapy.
- Oral chemotherapy cost: The starting cost is INR 56,000 per session.
- Intravenous chemotherapy cost: Starting from INR 18,000 per session.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Oral Cancer in India
The cost of oral cancer treatment in India can vary depending on several factors:
- Stage and type of cancer: Treatment for advanced stages or more complex cases might cost more.
- Hospital and city: Metropolitan cities might have higher costs for treating oral cancer.
- Treatment plan: The specific types of treatment used will impact the overall cost.
- Surgeon or doctor: A specialist or highly experienced doctor might charge more.
Conclusion
While the cost of oral cancer treatment in India can be substantial, early detection and timely treatment can save your life. It has been observed that patients can live for years after the diagnosis of the disease. You need to consult with a qualified oncologist to navigate the treatment options and potential finances. Most importantly, you need to explore the health insurance plans for cancer care that significantly aid your financial management and provide better quality medical assistance of every kind.
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