Melanoma Treatment Cost in India
Cost depends heavily on melanoma stage, tumour thickness, and whether lymph nodes or distant organs are involved — here's a realistic breakdown, with a free individualised estimate for international patients within 48 hours.
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Find Specialists →The Melanoma Treatment Cost in India generally ranges from approximately ₹50,000 to ₹20 lakh+ ($530 to $21,100+), depending on the stage of melanoma, tumor thickness, lymph-node involvement, whether the cancer has spread, and the type of treatment required. Wide local excision: ₹50,000–₹2L. Sentinel lymph node biopsy: ₹45,000–₹1.5L. Immunotherapy: ₹1L–₹5L+/cycle. Targeted therapy: ₹1L–₹4L+/month. Advanced melanoma treatment: ₹8L–₹20L+. Early-stage melanoma may be treated primarily with surgical removal of the tumor, while higher-risk or advanced melanoma may require sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph-node surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments. These are indicative estimates — your actual cost depends on tumour thickness, stage, and the treatment plan your oncology team recommends.
| Treatment Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Melanoma (Skin Cancer — Stages 0–IV) |
| Treatment Name | Wide Local Excision, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Radiation |
| Duration | Days (Surgery) to Several Months (Systemic Therapy) |
| Treated By | Dermatologist, Surgical Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist |
What Makes Melanoma Different?
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. It can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new pigmented lesion.
Unlike many small localized Skin cancers, melanoma has a greater potential to spread to lymph nodes and distant organs. This is why doctors carefully assess the tumor's depth, ulceration, lymph-node status, and other pathological features.
The treatment pathway can therefore look very different between two patients. For example:
- Small localized melanoma → surgery → follow-up
- Higher-risk melanoma → surgery + sentinel lymph node biopsy → possible additional treatment
- Advanced melanoma → immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy ± surgery/radiation
The National Cancer Institute identifies surgery as the primary treatment for localized melanoma and lists immunotherapy and targeted therapy among important treatments for advanced disease.
Melanoma Treatment Cost in India: Quick Estimate
| Treatment | Approximate Cost in India |
|---|---|
| Dermatologist consultation | ₹1,000–₹5,000 ($11–$53) |
| Skin biopsy | ₹2,000–₹15,000 ($21–$160) |
| Wide local excision | ₹50,000–₹2 lakh ($530–$2,100) |
| Sentinel lymph node biopsy | ₹45,000–₹1.5 lakh ($470–$1,580) |
| Lymph node surgery | ₹1–₹3.5 lakh ($1,050–$3,700) |
| Skin graft/reconstruction | ₹50,000–₹3 lakh ($530–$3,200) |
| Radiation therapy | ₹1.5–₹5 lakh+ ($1,600–$5,300+) |
| Immunotherapy | ₹1–₹5 lakh+ ($1,050–$5,300+) per cycle |
| Targeted therapy | ₹1–₹4 lakh+ ($1,050–$4,200+) per month |
| Advanced melanoma treatment | ₹8–₹20 lakh+ ($8,400–$21,100+) |
| Long-term metastatic treatment | ₹15–₹30 lakh+ ($15,800–$31,600+) |
*These are broad planning estimates and not fixed hospital prices. The final cost depends on the individual treatment plan, medicine selected, hospital, duration of treatment, and whether complications occur.
The Diagnosis Comes Before the Treatment Estimate
A suspicious mole or skin lesion is usually evaluated by a dermatologist. If melanoma is suspected, a biopsy is generally required.
The pathology report can provide information such as melanoma type, tumor thickness, ulceration, margins, mitotic activity or other pathological characteristics, and other features used for staging. Depending on the suspected stage, additional testing may be recommended.
Approximate diagnostic costs
| Diagnostic Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Dermatologist consultation | ₹1,000–₹5,000 ($11–$53) |
| Dermoscopy/skin examination | ₹1,000–₹4,000 ($11–$42) |
| Skin biopsy | ₹2,000–₹15,000 ($21–$160) |
| Histopathology | ₹3,000–₹15,000 ($32–$160) |
| Immunohistochemistry, when required | ₹5,000–₹25,000 ($53–$265) |
| CT/PET-CT/MRI for staging, when indicated | ₹5,000–₹30,000+ ($53–$315+) |
Not every patient requires all of these tests. The cost of staging can become significant when melanoma has features suggesting that it may have spread.
Surgery Is the Main Treatment for Localized Melanoma
For melanoma that has not spread beyond the original skin site, surgery is generally the central treatment. A wide local excision removes the melanoma along with a margin of surrounding normal tissue.
The approximate cost of melanoma surgery in India is ₹50,000–₹2 lakh ($530–$2,100). The cost can increase when:
- The lesion is large
- The melanoma is located on a difficult anatomical area
- General anesthesia is required
- Skin grafting is needed
- Plastic reconstruction is necessary
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed at the same time
The exact surgical margin depends on the characteristics of the melanoma and the specialist's treatment plan.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Its Cost
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be recommended for selected melanomas to determine whether cancer has reached the nearby lymphatic system. The procedure identifies and removes the first lymph node or nodes most likely to receive drainage from the primary melanoma.
The approximate sentinel lymph node biopsy cost in India is ₹45,000–₹1.5 lakh ($470–$1,580). The total expense may include lymphatic mapping, surgeon fees, anesthesia, operating room charges, pathology, hospital charges, and medicines.
A positive sentinel lymph node result can influence staging and discussions about additional treatment.
When Melanoma Reaches the Lymph Nodes
If melanoma spreads to regional lymph nodes, treatment becomes more complex. Depending on the clinical situation, management may include:
- Surgery
- Sentinel lymph node evaluation
- Therapeutic lymph-node surgery in selected patients
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy for tumors with appropriate mutations
- Radiation in selected situations
- Close surveillance
Lymph-node surgery may cost approximately ₹1–₹3.5 lakh ($1,050–$3,700). However, this is only one component of the total treatment cost. If additional systemic treatment is recommended after surgery, the overall cost can rise considerably.
Stage-Wise Melanoma Treatment Cost in India
Melanoma is commonly staged from Stage 0 through Stage IV. Unlike some cancers where stage alone gives a relatively straightforward treatment pathway, melanoma treatment also depends on tumor thickness, ulceration, lymph-node involvement, molecular findings, and whether the disease can be completely removed.
Stage 0 Melanoma
Stage 0 melanoma, also called melanoma in situ, is limited to the top layer of the skin. Treatment is usually surgical removal. Approximate cost: ₹20,000–₹80,000 ($210–$840). Some patients may require a wider excision depending on the lesion and location.
Stage I Melanoma
Stage I melanoma is generally localized. Treatment commonly involves wide local excision, with sentinel lymph node evaluation considered in selected cases. Approximate cost: ₹50,000–₹2 lakh ($530–$2,100). If sentinel lymph node biopsy is added, ₹1–₹3 lakh ($1,050–$3,200) may be a reasonable broad treatment-planning range.
Stage II Melanoma
Stage II melanoma remains localized but carries a higher risk of recurrence than many Stage I tumors. Treatment can involve wider excision and, depending on tumor characteristics, sentinel lymph node biopsy and consideration of additional therapy. Approximate treatment cost: ₹1–₹4 lakh ($1,050–$4,200). For selected high-risk patients, additional immunotherapy after surgery may increase the total expense.
Stage III Melanoma
Stage III melanoma involves regional lymph nodes or in-transit/satellite disease without distant metastasis. Treatment may involve surgery, lymph-node management, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or combinations of these approaches. Approximate treatment cost: ₹3–₹12 lakh+ ($3,200–$12,600+). Patients receiving multiple cycles of systemic therapy may have substantially higher expenses.
Stage IV Melanoma
Stage IV melanoma means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Treatment may include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery for selected metastatic sites, radiation, intralesional therapy in selected cases, and supportive or palliative treatment. Approximate treatment cost: ₹8–₹20 lakh+ ($8,400–$21,100+). Long-term treatment can cost more, particularly when systemic therapy continues for an extended period.
Immunotherapy Can Significantly Change the Treatment Budget
Immunotherapy has become an important treatment option for advanced melanoma and selected patients with higher-risk disease. Medicines used in melanoma treatment include checkpoint inhibitors such as:
- Pembrolizumab
- Nivolumab
- Ipilimumab
- Nivolumab + relatlimab
The exact medicine and treatment schedule depend on the patient's disease and treatment goals. A broad estimate for immunotherapy in India is approximately ₹1 lakh–₹5 lakh+ ($1,050–$5,300+) per cycle. Some medicines may fall outside this range depending on dose, brand, patient weight, treatment combination, and hospital.
Apollo Hospitals currently lists a broad Indian immunotherapy cost range of approximately ₹1 lakh–₹5 lakh, illustrating how widely treatment costs can vary.
A patient may receive multiple cycles over several months — for example, ₹2 lakh per cycle × 10 cycles = ₹20 lakh ($21,100). This is only an illustration, not a standard treatment schedule. The actual number of cycles and medicine selection must be determined by the treating oncologist.
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By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Azzocare's care team.Targeted Therapy and BRAF Testing
Some melanomas contain specific molecular changes that can be targeted with medicines. One important example is a BRAF mutation. For patients whose melanoma has an appropriate BRAF mutation, combinations such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors may be considered.
Examples of targeted medicines used in melanoma include dabrafenib, trametinib, encorafenib, binimetinib, vemurafenib, and cobimetinib. The National Cancer Institute lists BRAF/MEK-targeted approaches among treatment options for melanoma with appropriate molecular characteristics.
Approximate targeted therapy cost: ₹1–₹4 lakh ($1,050–$4,200+) per month. The actual cost depends heavily on the specific medicine and brand. Because targeted therapy is not appropriate for every melanoma patient, molecular testing may be important before selecting this treatment approach.
What Does Advanced Melanoma Treatment Cost?
Advanced melanoma can require prolonged treatment. A patient may receive immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, radiation, or combinations of these approaches depending on the location and biology of the disease.
A broad estimate for advanced melanoma treatment in India is ₹8–₹20 lakh+ ($8,400–$21,100+). For prolonged treatment, the cumulative cost may exceed ₹20–₹30 lakh+ ($21,100–$31,600+). This can happen when patients require many months of systemic therapy, multiple procedures, repeated scans, or treatment of complications.
Recurrent Melanoma Treatment Expenses
Melanoma can sometimes return after initial treatment. Recurrence may occur at or near the original site, in nearby lymph nodes, in-transit between the primary site and lymph nodes, or in distant organs.
Treatment depends on where the recurrence occurs and whether it can be removed surgically. Possible treatments include repeat surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, intralesional treatment, and combination therapy.
A recurrent melanoma treatment plan may therefore cost approximately ₹3–₹20 lakh+ ($3,200–$21,100+), depending on the extent of disease.
Does Melanoma Always Require Chemotherapy?
No. Traditional chemotherapy is no longer the only systemic treatment option for advanced melanoma. Modern treatment often involves immunotherapy or targeted therapy when clinically appropriate.
Chemotherapy may still have a role in selected circumstances, but the treatment decision depends on the disease characteristics and available options. If chemotherapy is recommended, the cost may be approximately ₹25,000–₹2 lakh+ ($260–$2,100+) per cycle. The total expense depends on the medicine, number of cycles, supportive treatment, and hospital charges.
When Is Radiation Used for Melanoma?
Radiation therapy is not required for every melanoma patient. It may be considered in selected situations, including some cases involving brain metastases, bone metastases, symptomatic distant disease, local or regional recurrence, and disease that cannot be completely removed surgically.
The approximate radiation therapy cost in India is ₹1.5–₹5 lakh+ ($1,600–$5,300+). The price varies according to the radiation technique, number of sessions, treatment area, and hospital.
Melanoma Surgery and Reconstruction Costs
Some melanoma lesions are located on areas where removing the tumor can leave a significant defect. Reconstruction may be needed on the face, nose, ear, eyelid, scalp, hands, or feet.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple wound closure | ₹10,000–₹50,000 ($105–$530) |
| Skin graft | ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh ($530–$1,580) |
| Local flap reconstruction | ₹75,000–₹2.5 lakh ($790–$2,600) |
| Complex reconstruction | ₹2–₹5 lakh+ ($2,100–$5,300+) |
The reconstruction may be performed by a plastic surgeon or another specialist depending on the location and complexity.
Melanoma Follow-Up Costs
Treatment does not necessarily end after surgery. Regular follow-up is important because doctors may monitor for recurrence and assess new or changing skin lesions. Follow-up may include dermatological examinations, lymph-node examination, imaging when clinically indicated, blood tests in selected situations, additional biopsies for suspicious lesions, and oncology consultations.
Approximate follow-up expenses may be ₹10,000–₹50,000 ($105–$530) per follow-up period, depending on the tests required. Patients receiving systemic treatment may require much more frequent monitoring.
Melanoma Treatment Cost in Major Indian Cities
Costs can differ between hospitals within the same city. The following are broad estimates for planning.
| City | Melanoma Treatment Cost |
|---|---|
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Delhi | ₹50,000–₹20 lakh+ ($530–$21,100+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Mumbai | ₹60,000–₹22 lakh+ ($630–$23,200+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Bangalore | ₹50,000–₹20 lakh+ ($530–$21,100+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Chennai | ₹50,000–₹18 lakh+ ($530–$18,900+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Hyderabad | ₹50,000–₹18 lakh+ ($530–$18,900+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Kolkata | ₹50,000–₹17 lakh+ ($530–$17,900+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Pune | ₹50,000–₹18 lakh+ ($530–$18,900+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Gurgaon | ₹60,000–₹20 lakh+ ($630–$21,100+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Ahmedabad | ₹50,000–₹17 lakh+ ($530–$17,900+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Lucknow | ₹50,000–₹16 lakh+ ($530–$16,800+) |
The lower end generally represents localized disease requiring surgery, while the higher end reflects more complex disease requiring systemic treatment.
Melanoma Treatment Cost in Other Countries
International patients may compare treatment expenses before deciding where to receive melanoma care.
| Country | Approximate Treatment Cost |
|---|---|
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in India | $530–$21,100+ (₹50,000–₹20 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in USA | $30,000–$150,000+ (₹28.5 lakh–₹1.43 crore+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in UK | $25,000–$100,000+ (₹23.8 lakh–₹95 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Germany | $25,000–$100,000+ (₹23.8 lakh–₹95 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in UAE | $20,000–$80,000+ (₹19 lakh–₹76 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Thailand | $15,000–$60,000+ (₹14.3 lakh–₹57 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Turkey | $10,000–$40,000+ (₹9.5 lakh–₹38 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Malaysia | $12,000–$45,000+ (₹11.4 lakh–₹42.8 lakh+) |
| Melanoma Treatment Cost in Singapore | $25,000–$100,000+ (₹23.8 lakh–₹95 lakh+) |
These are broad international planning estimates, not standardized country tariffs. Actual prices vary significantly depending on the hospital, treatment regimen, medicine, insurance, and duration of treatment.
What Symptoms Can Be Associated With Melanoma?
Melanoma can appear as a new skin lesion or develop within an existing mole. The ABCDE approach is commonly used to identify suspicious changes:
- A — Asymmetry: One half does not look like the other
- B — Border: The edges may be irregular or poorly defined
- C — Color: Color may vary within the lesion
- D — Diameter: Larger lesions may be more concerning, although melanoma can also be smaller
- E — Evolving: The lesion changes in size, shape, color, or appearance
Other warning signs may include a new unusual mole, a lesion that keeps changing, bleeding, persistent itching, crusting, a sore that does not heal, a dark line under a nail, pigment extending around a nail, and a changing lesion on the palm or sole.
Not every unusual mole is melanoma. A dermatologist should evaluate suspicious or changing lesions.
How Is Melanoma Diagnosed?
Diagnosis generally requires a biopsy. The doctor may first perform:
- Skin examination
- Dermoscopy
- Biopsy
- Histopathological examination
- Tumor thickness assessment
- Staging evaluation when appropriate
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy in selected cases
- Molecular testing when it may affect treatment
Imaging such as CT, PET-CT, or MRI may be used when there is concern about regional or distant spread. The exact tests depend on the suspected stage and clinical findings.
How Long Does Melanoma Treatment Take?
The timeline varies significantly. For a small localized melanoma, diagnosis → surgery → recovery → surveillance may be completed relatively quickly. More advanced melanoma can involve treatment over several months or longer.
A patient receiving systemic therapy may require multiple treatment cycles, regular blood tests, imaging, oncology consultations, monitoring for side effects, and treatment adjustments. Therefore, patients travelling internationally should obtain an estimate of both treatment duration and expected stay in India before travelling.
Expenses International Patients Should Plan For
The medical treatment cost is not necessarily the entire budget. International patients may also need to pay for:
- Visa
- Airfare
- Hotel
- Local transportation
- Food
- Attendant accommodation
- Additional diagnostic tests
- Follow-up visits
- Extended accommodation if treatment takes longer than expected
For a simple surgical case, these expenses may be relatively limited. For advanced melanoma requiring repeated immunotherapy or targeted therapy, the patient's stay and follow-up requirements may be substantially longer.
How to Compare Melanoma Treatment Quotations
When comparing hospitals, do not compare only the headline surgery price. Ask whether the quotation includes:
- Surgeon fee
- Anesthesia
- Operating room
- Pathology
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Hospital stay
- Medicines
- Imaging
- Follow-up
- Reconstruction
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation
- Additional consultations
An itemized quotation makes it easier to understand the actual financial commitment.
Azzocare's partner hospital network in Delhi NCR includes centres with established dermato-oncology and surgical oncology programs; our care team can help match your case to a hospital suited to your specific needs. See our overview of cancer treatment costs in India for context on how melanoma compares to other cancer types.
How Azzocare Helps International Patients
Azzocare connects international patients with verified dermatologists, surgical oncologists, and medical oncologists across Delhi NCR, coordinating every step at no extra cost:
- Free medical opinion and itemised cost estimate within 48 hours of sharing your reports
- Medical visa documentation and travel planning support
- Airport pickup and accommodation arranged near your hospital
- Interpreter support throughout consultations and admission
- A dedicated case manager from first contact through follow-up care
Whether you're weighing surgery alone versus sentinel lymph node biopsy, comparing hospitals for immunotherapy protocols, or looking into BRAF-targeted therapy for advanced melanoma, our care team can help shortlist the right hospital and specialist for your case before you travel.
Questions to Ask Your Melanoma Specialist
- What type of melanoma do I have?
- What is the melanoma stage?
- What is the tumor thickness?
- Is the melanoma ulcerated?
- Do I need wide local excision?
- Do I need sentinel lymph node biopsy?
- Has the melanoma reached the lymph nodes?
- Do I need BRAF or other molecular testing?
- Will I need immunotherapy?
- Could targeted therapy be appropriate?
- Will radiation be required?
- How many treatment cycles are expected?
- What side effects should I prepare for?
- How long will treatment take?
- What is included in the treatment quotation?
- What additional expenses should I expect?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does melanoma treatment cost in India?
The Melanoma Treatment Cost in India generally ranges from approximately ₹50,000 to ₹20 lakh+ ($530 to $21,100+ USD). Early melanoma may require only surgery, while advanced disease can require immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
What is the cost of melanoma surgery in India?
Melanoma surgery generally costs around ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh ($530 to $2,100). The price can increase if sentinel lymph node biopsy, reconstruction, or additional procedures are required.
How much does immunotherapy for melanoma cost in India?
Immunotherapy can cost approximately ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh+ ($1,050 to $5,300+) per cycle. The total expense depends on the specific drug, dose, treatment schedule, and number of cycles.
What is the cost of Stage 4 melanoma treatment in India?
Stage 4 melanoma treatment may cost approximately ₹8 lakh to ₹20 lakh+ ($8,400 to $21,100+) initially. Long-term treatment can exceed ₹20–₹30 lakh ($21,100–$31,600+) depending on the medicines and duration.
Is melanoma curable?
Localized melanoma can often be treated successfully with appropriate surgery. The outlook becomes more complex when melanoma has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Treatment decisions depend on stage, tumor characteristics, molecular findings, and the patient's overall condition.
Can melanoma be treated without surgery?
Surgery is the primary treatment for localized melanoma, but advanced or unresectable melanoma may be treated with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or other systemic approaches. Some patients may receive systemic treatment before or after surgery.
Does melanoma always require chemotherapy?
No. Modern melanoma treatment often uses immunotherapy or targeted therapy for appropriate advanced or high-risk cases. Traditional chemotherapy may be considered in selected circumstances.
What is BRAF testing in melanoma?
BRAF testing looks for specific changes in the BRAF gene that may help determine whether BRAF/MEK targeted therapy could be appropriate. It is not required for every patient, but molecular testing can be important when systemic therapy is being considered.
Does health insurance cover melanoma treatment?
Many health insurance policies cover eligible cancer treatment, but the exact benefits depend on the policy. Patients should check waiting periods, exclusions, co-payments, room-rent limits, cashless hospitals, and coverage for medicines and outpatient treatment.
How long does melanoma treatment take?
Early melanoma may be treated primarily through surgery and follow-up. Advanced melanoma can require systemic treatment for several months or longer, with repeated consultations, scans, and laboratory monitoring.
Legal Disclaimer
The costs mentioned on this page are approximate figures based on published estimates for melanoma treatment costs in India as of 2026. Actual pricing depends on the hospital chosen, the city, the stage and characteristics of the melanoma, the specific treatment plan, and each patient's individual medical needs. This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Treatment should not be selected on cost alone — accurate pathology, appropriate staging, experienced surgical care, and access to modern systemic treatments are all important parts of the treatment plan. For an accurate, individualised estimate, please consult a qualified melanoma specialist or reach out to our care team directly.
Mohammad Nafis Khan is an SEO and digital marketing professional with over 5 years of experience creating search-optimized, patient-focused content for healthcare and medical websites. He follows E-E-A-T principles to make complex healthcare topics clear and accessible, structuring articles around what patients actually search for.
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Dr. Md Ehsanullah is a physician with 4+ years of clinical experience in internal and general medicine. He completed his MBBS and MD from Asian Medical University, Kyrgyzstan, and currently practices at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. He reviews Azzocare's healthcare content for clinical accuracy, ensuring medical information aligns with current best practices and E-E-A-T principles.
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