Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Surgery Cost in India - What Factors Determine the Price?

The total cost for breast cancer surgery can vary. This short explains the main factors that contribute to the final price, from the type of procedure to the choice of hospital.

Factors related to the surgery

The specific surgical procedure recommended for you is a primary factor in the total cost.

• Type of surgery. The cost depends on whether you have a lumpectomy (removing the tumour) or a mastectomy (removing the breast). The complexity of the procedure influences the price.
• Breast reconstruction. If you choose to have your breast rebuilt at the same time, this is a separate procedure that adds to the cost. The technique used for reconstruction also affects the price.
• Lymph node biopsy. Your surgeon may need to check the lymph nodes under your arm. The method used, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy, is a factor in the overall cost.

Hospital and post-operative factors

The environment where you are treated and the length of your recovery also play a part.

• Choice of hospital. Costs differ between hospitals based on their facilities and infrastructure.
• Length of stay. The number of days you need to stay in the hospital after your operation will affect the final bill. This depends on the type of surgery and your recovery.
• Room category. Hospitals offer different types of rooms, from shared wards to private suites. The category of room you choose is a significant cost factor.
• Medicines and supplies. The cost includes surgical consumables, medication, and any special equipment used during your procedure and hospital stay.

Additional treatments

Surgery is often one part of a larger treatment plan. The costs for these other treatments are separate.

• Further therapy. The cost of subsequent treatments that may be needed, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is not included in the surgical bill.
• Hormone or targeted therapy. If the cancer is hormone-receptor-positive or requires targeted drugs, this long-term treatment is an additional and separate cost.
• Follow-up care. The cost of post-treatment consultations, scans, and monitoring is also separate from the initial surgery.

The final treatment plan and its suitability can only be decided by a specialist. This decision is based on a detailed review of your personal medical reports and recent imaging.