Prostate Cancer Treatment- Is treatment a costly affair?
The prostate is the small walnut-shaped reproductive part of men that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer develops when there is an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men that usually occurs in the age of 60s but now can be a risk in early years of age in men. If diagnosed early, this cancer can be treated successfully before it metastasis. Hence, regular screening is essential to diagnose the early stage of prostate cancer. There is no sure-shot way of preventing this cancer but by a healthy lifestyle and eating right, prostate cancer treatment and its risk can be reduced significantly.
Prostate cancer treatment cost in India is approximately USD $4900 to USD $5500 depending on the number of factors such as choice of hospital, doctor chosen, number of days in the hospital, tests, diagnostic procedures, and general health status of the patients.
Symptoms of prostate cancer-
The symptoms of prostate cancer include the following:
- Frequent urination
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Blood in urine or semen
- Change in bowel habits
- Sudden weight loss
- Hip pain, back pain, or pain in the pelvic
- Less flow in the stream of the urine
- Constant urge to urine especially in the middle of the night
- Burning sensation while ejaculating
Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai is the best cancer hospital in India.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer includes:
- Increased level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood
- DRE- Digital rectal examination
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis
- MRI scan or CT scan
The cost of a prostate cancer diagnosis isn’t high in India compared to other western countries. It usually varies between $500-$1000.
Prostate cancer surgery | India |
Open Surgery | $5000 USD |
Laparoscopic surgery | $6000 USD |
Robotic surgery | $7500 USD |
Cyberknife radiosurgery | $6600 USD |
Not all prostate cancer requires treatment right away, some men may also be kept in regular monitoring with a screening at regular intervals. Prostate cancer treatment in India depends on the spread of cancer in the prostate gland. The aim of the treatment of prostate cancer in India is to cure cancer at an early stage while the cancer is spread beyond the gland, the aim of the treatment is to expand the life and relieve the symptoms of cancer.
Surgery is the most preferred treatment if cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland. For early-stage prostate cancer, prostatectomy is the treatment where the surgeon removes the entire prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and some of the surrounding tissues. The cost of the treatment varies depending on the type of surgery, the technique used by the surgeon, skills and expertise, hospital, and other variables. Hence, it’s imperative to determine the exact cost of the treatment in India. The approximate cost for radical prostatectomy in India is USD $4000- $5500.
Some of the most common complications of the surgery are:
- Severe blood loss
- Operation site infection
- Venuso or pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis in the legs
- Damage to adjacent organs like intestines, especially during laparoscopic approaches
Some of the best cancer hospital in India that offers prostate cancer treatment are:
- Fortis hospital, Bangalore
- Fortis Hospital in Mulund, Mumbai
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Baby memorial, Calicut
- Star care hospital, Calicut
Some of the procedures carried out by the doctor include:
- Robotic surgery- radical prostatectomy
- Hormone therapy- cryotherapy
- Laser surgery- Brachytherapy
- HIFU- High intensity focused ultrasound
- Cyberknife treatment- Radiotherapy
India is the preferred destination for prostate cancer treatment in India and also surgery. Provides the best hospital quality treatment at the most affordable prices across the globe. India is the preferred destination because of highly experienced and skilled surgeons for the treatment of prostate cancer in India. Also, India offers world-class hospitals and surgeons with healthcare services and amenities.
Prostate cancer treatment cost in India ranges from USD $4800 – $7500 depending on factors such as the age of the patient, type of hospital, room category, the experience of the surgeon, and type of treatment procedure. Patients must consult a doctor as soon as they feel any of the symptoms of cancer. Prostate cancer surgery is a complex procedure, hence it’s vital to choose only the experienced surgeon and well-established healthcare facilities. The cost of laparoscopic surgery is 4.5 lakh to 5 lakh INR.
Prostate cancer treatment in India starts with USD 6750 inclusive of two travelers, 5 days in the hospital, 20 days outside the hospital.