Breast Lump Surgery Cost in India

How much does a lumpectomy cost in India?

On average, lumpectomy surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 or more. This is an estimated price range, and the actual cost of surgery will differ from one patient to another depending on the complexity of the lump and the technique used for lump removal. Therefore, it’ll be best to consult a breast specialist to discuss the most suitable type of breast lumpectomy and their respective costs.

A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cancerous or benign lumps from the breasts. It is also called tylectomy, partial mastectomy, or breast-conserving surgery, which mostly involves removing a small portion of the breasts. The goal of lumpectomy is to maintain the appearance of the breasts while removing the abnormal tissues. It is most commonly performed to treat benign lumps. In addition, this surgery is also recommended as a method to remove early-stage cancerous lumps and prevent their recurrence.

Types of Lumpectomy Surgery & Their Costs in India

Some common types of breast lumpectomy surgery and their costs are given below-

• Simple Lumpectomy: Also called traditional or standard lumpectomy, this procedure involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy breast tissues. A simple lumpectomy costs around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 approx., but it may increase if the patient has multiple complex lumps.
• Partial Mastectomy: This is a more extensive type of breast lumpectomy where a larger portion of breast tissue is removed. The cost of partial mastectomy in India ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 approx.
• Quadrantectomy: As the name suggests, a quadrantectomy involves removing a quarter of the breast tissues that contain the benign/malignant tumor. This type of lumpectomy costs around Rs. 1.50,000 to Rs. 3,20,000 approx.
• Oncoplastic Mastectomy: This type of lumpectomy combines cosmetic technique with breast cancer surgery. It involves reshaping the breasts after tumor removal. The cost of an oncoplastic mastectomy is around Rs. 1,30,000 to Rs. 3,20,000 or more.

The type of lumpectomy is a major factor that affects the overall cost of the procedure, but there are various other factors, such as size and type of growth, patient’s overall health, surgeon’s fee, etc.

Cost of Different Types of Lumpectomy Surgery

Factors That Affect Breast Lumpectomy Cost in India

Various factors influence the cost of breast lumpectomy. The total cost is calculated after accounting for each factor. Some of the key factors are:

• Hospital or Clinic: The choice of hospital or clinic can significantly impact the cost. A renowned center with specialized facilities, modern technology, and extensive amenities is likely to charge a higher fee compared to a smaller and less specialized center.
• Location: The cost of healthcare services varies from one city to another. In India, the cost is higher in metropolitan cities compared to smaller cities. 
• Surgeon’s Experience & Expertise: A highly experienced surgeon is likely to charge more for consultations and to carry out the procedure.
• Type of Lumpectomy: A simple lumpectomy is less expensive than a more extensive lumpectomy, such as a quadrantectomy, as it requires additional effort and resources.
• Pre-operative Tests & Evaluations: A series of diagnostic tests(imaging tests, biopsy, blood tests, etc.) are carried out before a lumpectomy to carefully assess the lump, identify its severity, and the most suitable approach for treatment. These tests contribute to and affect the overall cost of lumpectomy.
• Hospital-Related Expense: The room rent, nursing fee, OT charges, and other expenses incurred during hospitalization also affect the cost of surgery. The expense may increase with prolonged hospitalization.
• Post-op Care: After the surgery, the patient requires wound care, medications, compression garment, dressings/bandages, and multiple follow-up consultations. This also affects the cost to a certain extent.

Besides the above-mentioned factors, other aspects, such as anesthesia fees, additional treatments (such as radiation therapy for cancerous lumps), etc., also impact the cost of lumpectomy.

Cost of Different Components of Breast Lumpectomy

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Lumpectomy Surgery? 

Yes, breast lumpectomy cost in India is covered under health insurance. The surgery is performed for the removal of breast lumps. And whether the lump is benign or cancerous, it is a medical concern, and treatment is deemed necessary. Thus, all health insurance providers offer ample coverage in the base policy. 

However, the extent of coverage for breast lumpectomy will vary for each patient depending on the terms and conditions outlined in their respective policies. Some common aspects of health insurance that are considered while determining the coverage include the following:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: Some health insurance policies may have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, which means that if breast cancer or related conditions were diagnosed before purchasing the policy, there might be a waiting period before the coverage becomes effective.
• Co-Payments & Deductibles: In some cases, there may be clauses that will mention that the patient needs to cover a certain amount of expense of the treatment before/after the insurance coverage. 
• Policy Inclusions & Exclusions: These aspects list down the expenses that are explicitly covered and not covered by insurance. 

To fully understand the coverage rules and regulations, it’ll be best to talk to the insurance provider. They can provide detailed knowledge and information regarding coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.