Mastectomy Surgery Cost in India

The cost of a mastectomy can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Here are some key factors that affect the cost of a mastectomy:

• Type of mastectomy: There are different types of mastectomies, and their respective cost is very different from each other. For example, a simple mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, may be less expensive than a skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy, which aims to preserve as much of the breast tissue as possible. The cost usually increases with the complexity of the procedure. 
• Choice of Hospital- The cost of mastectomy surgery is usually higher at private hospitals compared to government hospitals. Furthermore, the technology available at the hospital, infrastructure, amenities, staff, diagnostic services, etc., may also influence the overall cost of treatment at a particular treatment center. 
• Surgeon’s Fee- The fees charged by the surgeon to carry out the procedure is one of the major components of the overall treatment cost. As mastectomy is a  complex surgery that needs to be performed with a higher degree of precision, it’s crucial to choose a surgeon with 10-12 years of experience. And an experienced surgeon is likely to charge more to operate. 
• Anesthesia Cost: Mastectomy is a long procedure, hence, anesthesia is administered for a longer duration, which may increase the overall cost. Whether general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation is used, the longer the surgery duration, the higher will be the charges. 
• Diagnostic Tests- A series of diagnostic tests are performed before mastectomy surgery, and all of them combined can make a significant difference in the overall treatment cost. Various tests performed before and after mastectomy include biopsy, mammogram, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, bone scan, etc. 
• Post-surgery Follow-ups- After a mastectomy, the patient needs to take regular follow-ups with the doctor to monitor the recovery and/or cancer remission. It helps to determine if the patient needs further therapy or treatment. 

As mastectomy is a medically necessary procedure, its cost is usually covered by health insurance. However, depending on the reason for which mastectomy is recommended for the patient, the cost coverage may be partial or complete. Therefore, it’s advisable to talk to the insurance provider to understand the coverage and other financial obligations related to mastectomy.