Ependymoma is a rare tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord, requiring specialized neuro-oncology care. India offers high-quality treatment options including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy at affordable prices. Dr. Ankur Bahl is a leading oncologist offering expert care tailored for international patients. The treatment cost in India ranges from $6,500 to $14,000, depending on the stage, tests, and treatment plan.
Ependymoma is a rare type of glioma that arises from the ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. These tumors can affect both children and adults and often require immediate, highly specialized intervention due to their critical location in the central nervous system (CNS).
Ependymomas are classified based on location, age group, and histopathological grading by the WHO (World Health Organization).
|
Grade |
Description |
Behavior |
|
Grade I |
Myxopapillary ependymoma & subependymoma |
Benign, slow-growing |
|
Grade II |
Classic ependymoma |
Moderate growth, local spread |
|
Grade III |
Anaplastic ependymoma |
Aggressive, rapid growth |
Ependymoma treatment varies significantly based on:
The goal of treatment is always maximum safe tumor resection followed by adjuvant therapy to reduce recurrence.
|
Test |
Purpose |
Cost (USD) |
|
Neurological & Physical Exam |
Assess reflexes, coordination, symptoms |
$50–$100 |
|
MRI Brain + Spine (with contrast) |
Determine tumor size, location, spread |
$500–$700 |
|
CT Scan (optional) |
If MRI is contraindicated |
$250–$400 |
|
Biopsy or Surgical Pathology |
Tissue confirmation and WHO grading |
Included in surgery |
|
Histopathology |
Cell morphology and mitotic activity |
$200–$300 |
|
CSF Cytology (if needed) |
Checks for leptomeningeal spread |
$200–$300 |
|
Genetic/Molecular Testing |
Identifies markers like RELA fusion or NF2 |
$400–$600 |
|
Blood Tests & Organ Function |
Liver, kidney, CBC, coagulation profile |
$100–$150 |
Each patient gets a personalized treatment plan based on tumor location, histology, and health status.
|
Tumor Site |
Surgical Approach |
Technology Used |
|
Brain (Supratentorial/Posterior Fossa) |
Craniotomy |
Neuro-navigation, Intraoperative MRI, Brain Mapping |
|
Spinal Cord |
Spinal Laminectomy or Microsurgical Resection |
Microscopes, Neuromonitoring |
|
Deep Tumors |
Endoscopic-assisted Microsurgery |
Endoscopy + Minimally invasive approach |
Post-surgical monitoring in ICU for 1–2 days
Rehabilitation begins within 2–3 days of surgery
Surgery Cost: $4,000 – $7,000
Hospital Stay: 5–10 days
|
Radiation Type |
Usage |
Duration |
Cost (USD) |
|
IMRT (Intensity-Modulated RT) |
Most commonly used for precision |
5–6 weeks |
$2,000–$3,500 |
|
SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery) |
Small, localized tumor or recurrence |
1–3 sessions |
$2,000–$3,000 |
|
Proton Therapy (Select centers) |
Pediatric or sensitive cases |
6 weeks |
$10,000+ |
Chemotherapy Cost:
Cost Range: $2,000 – $6,000 per drug cycle
Access: Through clinical trials or compassionate use programs
|
Phase |
Duration |
Purpose |
|
Diagnostics & Planning |
3–5 days |
Diagnosis, MRI, biopsy, blood tests |
|
Surgery |
5–10 days |
Tumor removal |
|
Recovery & Imaging |
3–4 days |
Post-op MRI, assessment |
|
Radiation Therapy |
5–6 weeks |
Eliminate residual tumor cells |
|
Chemotherapy (if needed) |
4–6 months |
Reduce recurrence, systemic control |
|
Follow-up Care |
Ongoing |
Monitor for recurrence, manage health |
|
Grade/Stage |
Treatment Outcome (5-Year Survival) |
|
Grade I (Localized) |
85%–95% (with surgery alone) |
|
Grade II (Resected) |
70%–80% (with adjuvant radiation) |
|
Grade III (Aggressive) |
30%–60% (multi-modal treatment) |
Ependymoma treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach combining surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy. Treatment is highly personalized depending on tumor location, grade, and age of the patient.
Goal: Maximum safe tumor resection
Types:
Cost: $4,000 – $7,000
Hospital Stay: 5–10 days
Used post-surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells
Techniques available:
Cost: $2,000 – $4,000
Duration: 5–6 weeks (daily sessions)
Less effective than in other CNS tumors, but used in:
Common drugs: Vincristine, Carboplatin, Etoposide
Cost per cycle: $300 – $700
Total cost (6–8 cycles): $1,800 – $5,000
Cost: $2,000 – $6,000 (varies widely)
|
Treatment Component |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
|
Initial Consultation + Neurological Exams |
$100 – $200 |
|
MRI Brain/Spine |
$500 – $700 |
|
Surgical Procedure (Brain/Spinal) |
$4,000 – $7,000 |
|
Radiation Therapy |
$2,000 – $4,000 |
|
Chemotherapy (Total for 6–8 cycles) |
$1,800 – $5,000 |
|
Targeted Therapy (If needed) |
$2,000 – $6,000 |
|
Hospital Stay (7–10 days) |
$700 – $1,200 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
$6,500 – $14,000 |
|
Country |
Average Total Cost (USD) |
|
India |
$6,500 – $14,000 |
|
United States |
$80,000 – $120,000 |
|
Thailand |
$20,000 – $35,000 |
|
UK |
$60,000 – $90,000 |
|
Singapore |
$40,000 – $60,000 |
India is a globally respected destination for affordable, effective, and advanced ependymoma treatment. With the guidance of renowned oncologist Dr. Ankur Bahl, international patients receive comprehensive care that meets global medical standards. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, India ensures a patient-first approach that is both compassionate and cost-effective.