Melanoma Treatment in India

India offers comprehensive and affordable treatment for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, using globally accepted protocols and expert oncologists like Dr. Ankur Bahl. Total treatment costs in India range from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on stage and treatment modality. The same treatment could cost $35,000–$60,000 in the USA and $15,000–$25,000 in Thailand. India offers 70–80% cost savings while delivering quality outcomes, short wait times, and full medical support for foreign patients.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (pigment). While it often begins on the skin, melanoma can also develop in the eyes (ocular melanoma) or mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma).

Although melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths due to its aggressive nature and tendency to metastasize quickly if not treated early. According to global statistics, the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is above 90%, but this drops sharply when the disease spreads.

What Are the Types of Melanoma?

• Melanoma can be categorized into different types based on location and growth pattern:
• Superficial Spreading Melanoma: Most common, starts as a flat or slightly raised discolored patch.
• Nodular Melanoma: More aggressive, often appears as a raised bump.
• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Occurs in sun-exposed areas, common in elderly.
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Affects palms, soles, or under nails; more common in people with darker skin.
• Ocular Melanoma: Originates in the eye.
• Mucosal Melanoma: Occurs in mucous membranes such as nose, throat, vagina, or anus.

What Are the Symptoms and Risk Factors?

Common Symptoms:

• New mole or spot on the skin
• Change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole
• Asymmetry or irregular borders
• Itching, bleeding, or crusting
• Numbness or pain at the site

Major Risk Factors:

• UV radiation from sun or tanning beds
• Fair skin, red/blonde hair, light eyes
• Family history of melanoma
• Genetic mutations (e.g. CDKN2A, BRAF)
• Weakened immune system
• Large number of moles

How Is Melanoma Diagnosed in India?

India provides world-class diagnostics for melanoma at a fraction of global costs. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Clinical Examination: Initial skin check with dermatoscope.
• Biopsy: Excisional or punch biopsy confirms melanoma type and stage.
• Histopathology: Determines tumor depth (Breslow thickness), ulceration, mitotic rate.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Detects early spread.
• Imaging: PET-CT, MRI, and CT scans assess metastasis.
• Genetic Testing: BRAF mutation, NRAS, and others help decide targeted therapy.

What Is the Detailed Treatment Protocol in India?

India follows globally accepted protocols such as NCCN and ESMO, ensuring international standards at lower costs. Treatment depends on the stage and spread of the disease.

Early-Stage Melanoma (Stage 0–II):

• Wide Local Excision: Removal of the tumor with 1–2 cm margin of healthy tissue.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Done to detect early spread.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Available at select centers for precise removal on cosmetically sensitive areas.

Locally Advanced Melanoma (Stage III):

• Lymph Node Dissection: If cancer spreads to lymph nodes.
• Adjuvant Immunotherapy: Anti-PD-1 drugs like Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab.
• Targeted Therapy: For BRAF mutation-positive patients (Dabrafenib + Trametinib).

Metastatic Melanoma (Stage IV):

• Systemic Immunotherapy: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, or combination regimens.
• Targeted Therapy: BRAF + MEK inhibitors.
• Radiation Therapy: For brain or visceral metastases.
• Palliative Chemotherapy: When immunotherapy fails.

Follow-Up Plan:

• Physical exam and skin surveillance every 3–6 months.
• PET-CT or MRI scans periodically.
• LDH blood test as a prognostic marker in advanced cases.

What Devices and Technologies Are Used in India?

Indian hospitals are equipped with high-end oncology technology, including:

• Digital Dermatoscopes for accurate skin evaluation.
• PET-CT and MRI for advanced staging.
• Mohs Surgery Systems for skin-sparing procedures.
• Genetic Profiling using next-gen sequencing for BRAF, NRAS mutations.
• Robotic Radiation Units like CyberKnife for brain/liver lesions.
• Immuno-infusion pumps for precision drug delivery.

Why Choose India for Melanoma Treatment?

India is increasingly preferred by global patients because of:

• 70–80% lower cost than Western nations.
• No wait times for surgery or therapy initiation.
• JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals ensuring international quality.
• Globally trained oncologists and surgeons.
• English-speaking staff and multilingual patient support.
• Visa assistance, airport pickup, and lodging support.

Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?

Dr. Ankur Bahl is one of India's top medical oncologists specializing in solid tumors, including melanoma. International patients trust him for his:

• 18+ years in oncology, with training from Europe and the USA.
• Expertise in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine.
• Experience treating Stage III–IV melanoma with good clinical outcomes.
• Teleconsultations and second opinions available pre-travel.
• Strong focus on compassionate, personalized care.

What Is the Cost Breakdown of Melanoma Treatment in India?

Melanoma treatment in India is significantly more affordable compared to Western nations, without compromising on clinical outcomes. Here's a typical cost breakdown:

Costs may vary slightly based on the hospital, drug brand, and length of stay.

How Does the Cost Compare Internationally?

India offers up to 75% cost savings with the same FDA-approved medications, advanced technology, and board-certified oncologists.

What Procedures Are Performed and When?

Understanding when each treatment is used is critical for informed decision-making.

• Wide Excision Surgery: Primary treatment for early-stage melanoma.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: For facial or cosmetically sensitive areas.
• Lymph Node Dissection: For stage III cases with lymph node involvement.
• Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors): Stage III or IV melanoma.
• Targeted Therapy (for BRAF+): In advanced cases with specific mutations.
• Radiotherapy: Used to control metastatic spread, especially to the brain or liver.
• Palliative Chemotherapy: Used when other options fail, to improve comfort.

What Are the Advantages of Getting Treated in India?

Foreign patients choose India not just for affordability, but also for comprehensive, high-quality medical care. Benefits include:

• Access to advanced immunotherapy and molecular testing
• FDA-approved drugs used as per global protocols
• Seamless medical visa support and accommodation assistance
•  Digital medical records for easy transfer and follow-up
• Zero waiting lists—immediate appointments and surgery scheduling
• Multilingual staff, interpreters, and cultural sensitivity

India’s ability to combine affordability with excellence makes it a top destination for medical tourism in oncology.

What Is the Foreign Patient Journey in India?

India is well-equipped to manage the entire treatment journey for international patients. Here’s how a typical melanoma treatment journey looks:

• Submit Reports: Patients share medical reports, biopsy findings, and scans via email or hospital portals.
• Expert Review: Oncologists review records and suggest a tentative treatment plan within 24–48 hours.
• Visa Invitation Letter: Once treatment is confirmed, the hospital sends a visa support letter.
• Travel & Arrival: Patients book their flights and are welcomed at the airport by hospital coordinators.
• Initial Assessment: Additional tests (e.g., PET-CT, MRI) may be conducted to confirm staging and plan
• Treatment Begins: Surgery, immunotherapy, or other treatments are initiated
• Discharge: After treatment, patients are given a full medical report, follow-up plan, and prescriptions.
• Return Home: Patients fly back with digital records and scheduled online follow-ups.

Many hospitals provide multilingual support, translators, and help with accommodation and local travel.

Why India Is a Leading Destination for Melanoma Treatment?

Melanoma, particularly in its advanced stages, requires swift, specialized, and often multi-modal intervention. India has emerged as a global hub for comprehensive melanoma care—offering the full spectrum of diagnostics, surgical procedures, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy at a fraction of the cost compared to Western nations.

International patients benefit from:

• Up to 80% cost savings
• Access to internationally accredited hospitals (JCI/NABH)
• Globally approved medications (e.g., Keytruda, Opdivo, BRAF inhibitors)
• Highly trained oncologists with global experience like Dr. Ankur Bahl
• Seamless medical tourism support, including visa help, translators, and aftercare

Patients from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, CIS, and Southeast Asia frequently choose India not only for the affordability but also for the compassionate, personalized care and cutting-edge medical protocols it offers.