Male Breast Cancer Treatment in India
Male breast cancer, though rare, is treatable with high success rates when detected early. India offers state-of-the-art oncology services at a significantly lower cost, with treatment ranging between $3,000 to $8,000, depending on stage and treatment type. In contrast, the same treatment in the USA costs $35,000–$60,000, and in Thailand $15,000–$25,000. With leading oncologists like Dr. Ankur Bahl, India combines affordability with clinical excellence.
What Is Male Breast Cancer?
Male breast cancer is a rare but significant form of cancer that develops in the small amount of breast tissue present in men. It accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases globally. Often overlooked due to its rarity, male breast cancer is usually diagnosed at a later stage, which can impact outcomes.
Despite its rarity, the disease behaves similarly to breast cancer in women and can be effectively treated when caught early. Raising awareness and understanding symptoms is crucial for early detection and a higher cure rate.
What Are the Types of Male Breast Cancer?
There are several types of male breast cancer, including:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common form, accounting for more than 80% of cases.
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive but potentially progressive if untreated.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Rare in men due to minimal lobular tissue.
- Paget’s Disease of the Nipple: A rare cancer involving the skin of the nipple and areola.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Aggressive and fast-spreading.
What Are the Symptoms and Risk Factors?
Common Symptoms:
- A painless lump in the chest area
- Nipple discharge (sometimes bloody)
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Swelling or redness around the nipple
Risk Factors Include:
- Age (most cases occur in men over 60)
- BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Liver disease
- Obesity (which raises estrogen levels)
- Radiation exposure
- Estrogen therapy
How Is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed in India?
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical Breast Exam: Initial physical assessment
- Mammography and Ultrasound: Imaging to detect abnormalities
- Biopsy (FNAC or core needle): Confirms cancer type
- Hormone Receptor Testing (ER, PR, HER2): Determines targeted treatment
- PET-CT or MRI: For staging and to detect metastasis
What Is the Detailed Treatment Protocol in India?
Step-by-Step Treatment Protocol:
1. Diagnosis Confirmation
- Biopsy and receptor profiling (ER, PR, HER2)
2. Staging
- PET-CT or whole-body CT scan
- Bone scan for bone involvement
3. Surgical Treatment
- Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM): Most common procedure
- Breast-Conserving Surgery: Rare but possible in early-stage disease
4. Chemotherapy
- Given pre- or post-surgery depending on stage
- Common regimens include FEC (Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide) or AC-T
5. Hormone Therapy
- Tamoxifen is typically prescribed for hormone receptor-positive cancers for 5 years
6. Targeted Therap
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin): For HER2-positive cancers
- Used in combination with chemo
7. Radiation Therapy
- Recommended in cases of large tumors or lymph node involvement
- Delivered using IMRT/IGRT techniques
8. Follow-Up & Surveillance
- Every 3–6 months for the first 2 years
- Includes physical exams, imaging, and lab tests
What Technologies and Devices Are Used in India?
India offers modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools, including:
- 3D Mammography and Ultrasound Machines
- Digital Pathology Labs
- PET-CT & MRI Scanners
- Linear Accelerators for IMRT/IGRT
- Targeted Drug Infusion Device
- Robotic Surgery (available in select centers)
Why Choose India for Male Breast Cancer Treatment?
- Up to 80% Cost Savings vs USA/Europe
- No Wait Times for surgery or chemotherapy
- World-Class JCI-Accredited Hospitals
- FDA/EMA-Approved Medications
- English-speaking medical staff
- Customized international patient services
- Visa assistance, airport pick-up, translator support
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?
- 18+ years of oncology experience
- Global training in USA, UK, and Singapore
- Expertise in male and female breast cancer
- Specialist in targeted and hormone therapy
- Trusted by patients from over 30 countries
- Offers second opinions and teleconsultations
What Is the Cost Breakdown of Male Breast Cancer Treatment in India?
|
Component |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
|
Consultation & Diagnostics |
$300 – $500 |
|
Imaging (Mammogram, PET-CT) |
$500 – $1,000 |
|
Biopsy & Receptor Testing |
$400 – $800 |
|
Surgery (MRM) |
$1,500 – $2,500 |
|
Chemotherapy (6–8 cycles) |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
|
Hormone Therapy (5 years) |
$200 – $400 |
|
Targeted Therapy (if needed) |
$3,000 – $5,000 |
|
Radiation Therapy |
$800 – $1,200 |
|
Total Estimate |
$3,000 – $8,000 |
How Does the Cost Compare Internationally?
|
Country |
Total Cost Estimate |
|
India |
$3,000 – $8,000 |
|
Thailand |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
|
USA |
$35,000 – $60,000 |
India provides the same quality of care at one-fourth the cost with internationally approved protocols and drugs.
What Procedures Are Performed and When?
- Mastectomy: First-line for most patients
- Chemotherapy: Pre- or post-surgery depending on the tumor
- Radiation Therapy: If lymph nodes are involved
- Hormonal Therapy: For ER/PR-positive tumors
- Targeted Therapy: For HER2-positive cancers
What Are the Key Benefits of Getting Treated in India?
- Transparent and affordable pricing
- Access to global drugs and devices
- International clinical standards (NCCN, ESMO)
- Multidisciplinary team care approach
- End-to-end patient coordination
- High survival rates with timely treatment
What Is the Medical Travel Journey for Foreign Patients?
- Submit medical reports online
- Receive treatment plan and estimate
- Hospital sends visa invitation letter
- Arrive in India – airport pickup arranged
- Consultation and investigations
- Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation initiated
- Discharge with full reports
- Follow-up via telemedicine from home
India is fast emerging as a global hub for affordable and high-quality male breast cancer treatment. With experienced oncologists like Dr. Ankur Bahl, modern diagnostic tools, FDA-approved therapies, and compassionate care — India offers hope and healing to international patients at a fraction of Western prices. If you or a loved one is facing male breast cancer, India offers a reliable, cost-effective, and internationally trusted treatment destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, male breast cancer is often curable, especially when detected at an early stage. Cure rates are high with proper treatment that typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Early-stage cancers (Stage I or II) have survival rates comparable to female breast cancer when managed with evidence-based protocols. Even advanced-stage cancers can be controlled effectively for long periods with systemic treatments such as immunotherapy, hormone blockers, or targeted drugs.
In most male breast cancer cases, a Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) is performed, which involves removal of the entire breast tissue along with axillary lymph nodes. This is due to the limited volume of breast tissue in men, which makes breast-conserving surgery (BCS) less feasible. However, in early-stage or localized cases, BCS may be an option, depending on tumor size and location. Patients may also explore reconstructive options post-surgery, though it's less commonly pursued in men.
Yes, hormonal therapy is strongly recommended for patients whose tumors are hormone receptor-positive (ER/PR+), which is common in male breast cancer. Tamoxifen is the most frequently used drug in men and is taken orally for a duration of 5 years or more to reduce the risk of recurrence. It works by blocking estrogen receptors on cancer cells, which helps prevent the tumor from growing or returning. This therapy significantly improves long-term survival.
Yes, many international patients prefer to return home after completing their surgery and initial chemotherapy cycles. If long-term hormonal therapy or additional chemotherapy is required, it can often be continued in your home country with periodic teleconsultations and follow-up through reports. Indian hospitals typically provide a detailed treatment summary, prescriptions, and a monitoring plan before the patient departs.
Absolutely. India is home to some of the best internationally accredited cancer hospitals (JCI and NABH certified). These institutions follow strict infection control protocols, clinical safety guidelines, and use state-of-the-art medical equipment equivalent to those in the USA or Europe. The oncology departments are staffed by highly qualified specialists, many of whom are trained internationally. Additionally, Indian hospitals are known for their personalized patient care, especially for foreign patients, including language support, airport pick-up, and accommodation assistance.