Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment in India

India offers comprehensive and affordable care for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin cancer, with top specialists like Dr. Ankur Bahl. Treatment in India costs between $4,000–$10,000, depending on disease stage and therapy. The same treatment can cost $40,000–$70,000 in the USA and $18,000–$28,000 in Thailand. With world-class cancer hospitals and internationally approved therapies, India delivers up to 80% cost savings with high survival outcomes.

What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)?

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. It arises from Merkel cells, which are located in the epidermis (top skin layer) and are involved in the sensation of touch.

• MCC grows quickly and is known for early metastasis (spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs).
• It is 10–40 times less common than melanoma but significantly more dangerous if not treated promptly.
• MCC is associated with Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) and often seen in older adults or immunosuppressed individuals (e.g., transplant recipients or those with HIV).

What Are the Types and Risk Factors?

Types of MCC Based on Spread:

• Localized MCC – confined to the skin.
• Regional MCC – spread to lymph nodes.
• Metastatic MCC – spread to lungs, liver, brain, or bones.

Risk Factors Include:

• Chronic sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Immunosuppression (HIV, organ transplants)
• Merkel cell polyomavirus infection
• Older age (usually over 65)
• Fair skin and light-colored eyes
• Previous skin cancers or radiation exposure

What Are the Symptoms of MCC?

• Firm, painless, red, blue, or purple skin nodules
• Rapid growth within weeks or months
• Lesions typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as face, neck, or arms
• May bleed, ulcerate, or crust over
• Swollen lymph nodes, indicating regional spread

Due to its rapid progression, early detection is crucial.

How Is MCC Diagnosed in India?

India’s leading oncology hospitals follow international protocols to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Steps:

• Dermatological assessment using dermatoscopy
• Skin biopsy followed by immunohistochemistry (IHC): CK20, synaptophysin, chromogranin
• PET-CT or MRI scans for full-body staging
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for spread detection
• Polyomavirus testing (optional but useful for prognosis)

Diagnosis and staging are usually completed within 3–5 days of arrival in India.

What Is the Detailed Treatment Protocol in India?

Early-Stage MCC (Localized):

• Wide local excision with margins of 1–2 cm
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to check for spread
• Optional radiation therapy to the surgical site

Regionally Advanced MCC:

• Lymph node dissection if SLNB is positive
• Radiation therapy to surgical and lymph node areas
• Immunotherapy as adjuvant treatment (depending on risk factors)

Metastatic MCC (Stage IV):

• Systemic immunotherapy: checkpoint inhibitors like Avelumab, Pembrolizumab, or Nivolumab
• Radiation therapy to relieve pain or manage symptoms (brain/liver metastases)
• Chemotherapy (e.g., Cisplatin + Etoposide) – used rarely if immunotherapy fails

Follow-Up Plan:

• PET-CT or MRI scans every 3–6 months
• Clinical exams for recurrence signs
• Viral marker tracking in MCPyV-positive patients

What Technologies and Devices Are Used in India?

Indian oncology hospitals use state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapeutic equipment to ensure optimal treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma:

• PET-CT, MRI, and CT scanners – for accurate staging and follow-up
• Immunohistochemistry tools – for CK20, chromogranin, and other markers
• High-precision radiotherapy systems – including IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy) and IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)
• Molecular diagnostic platforms – to detect Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and test for PD-L1 expression
• Onco-immunology labs – for therapy planning and response monitoring
• Hospital information systems (HIS) – for international patient coordination and telemedicine follow-up

Why Choose India for MCC Treatment?

India is rapidly becoming the top global destination for skin cancer treatment, including rare conditions like MCC. Here's why:

• 70–80% cost savings compared to the US or Europe
• NABH- and JCI-accredited hospitals (international standards)
• Availability of FDA/EMA-approved immunotherapies
• No waiting time for surgery or treatment initiation
• World-class oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists
• Dedicated international patient services – visa assistance, interpreters, travel support

Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?

Dr. Ankur Bahl is one of India’s leading oncologists in the field of rare and skin cancers, including Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

• Over 18 years of experience in advanced oncology
• Fellowships and training in the UK and USA
• Specializes in immunotherapy and precision oncology
• Experience in treating foreign patients from 30+ countries
• Offers pre-arrival video consultations and remote follow-ups
• Practicing at India’s top cancer hospitals

What Is the Cost Breakdown of MCC Treatment in India?

Note: The cost depends on stage, response to treatment, number of immunotherapy cycles, and hospital choice.

How Does the Cost Compare Internationally?

India delivers equal or better clinical outcomes at one-fourth the cost compared to the US, making it an excellent choice for uninsured or self-paying patients.

What Procedures Are Used and When?

• Wide Local Excision (WLE): First-line for Stage I and II tumors
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Detects regional spread; helps avoid full lymph node dissection if negative
• Lymph Node Dissection: If SLNB is positive or clinical nodes are enlarged
• Radiation Therapy: Adjuvant or palliative for advanced/local recurrence
• Immunotherapy: First-line for metastatic MCC or relapse after surgery
• Chemotherapy: Reserved for select non-responders to immunotherapy

What Are the Key Advantages of Getting Treated in India?

• Comprehensive oncology under one roof – surgery, radiation, chemo, immunotherapy
• Precision diagnostics – from histopathology to viral profiling
• Multilingual coordination teams for African, Middle Eastern, CIS, and Asian patients
• Fast-track medical visas and accommodation support
• Global-standard infection control & patient safety protocols
• Customized follow-up and recovery plans for overseas patients

What Is the Journey for International Patients?

Step-by-Step Treatment Pathway:

• Email reports for free medical opinion
• Receive diagnosis review, treatment plan, and cost estimate
• Hospital issues visa invitation letter
• Travel to India – airport pickup and hotel support arranged
• Undergo PET-CT, biopsy review, and staging tests
• Surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy begins as per protocol
• Discharge with full medical records and instructions
• Follow-up via video consults and email once you return home

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare, fast-growing skin cancer that requires prompt, expert-led treatment. India offers a unique advantage with its blend of clinical excellence, cost-efficiency, and advanced technology. Foreign patients benefit from the experience of specialists like Dr. Ankur Bahl, world-class hospitals, and seamless care coordination. Whether for surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy, India provides comprehensive and compassionate oncology care that meets global standards—at just a fraction of the international cost.