Skin cancer doesn’t always dominate the cancer conversation, but its presence is steadily growing. What was once seen as a concern mostly for light-skinned individuals or people living in high UV regions has become a more global issue. Rising exposure to sunlight, environmental changes, and delayed diagnoses are pushing skin cancer into the spotlight in places it didn’t previously affect as strongly.
Globally, more than 1.5 million people are diagnosed each year with skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma types.
Over the past decade, India has quietly but confidently built a name for itself as a reliable hub for cancer care. With modern oncology centers, trained specialists, and significantly lower costs than in Europe or North America, the country now attracts skin cancer patients from across the globe, especially from Asia, the Middle East, and even Western countries looking for affordable yet comprehensive care.
This article breaks down the current landscape of skin cancer treatment in India, what patients can expect, and how modern approaches are improving survival and quality of life.
India Perspective: Skin Cancer Success Rate by the Numbers
The success of skin cancer treatment in Indian hospitals is notably high – some centers report cure rates of around 95%, placing them among the global leaders in outcomes (The Lancet). When it comes to non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), cure rates following early-stage intervention, whether through surgical excision or cryotherapy, frequently exceed 90–95%, and the use of Mohs micrographic surgery pushes those numbers even higher, with cure rates reported between 97% and nearly 100% for certain tumors.
For melanoma, particularly early-stage or localized cases, survival rates are also encouraging; one tertiary center in India reported nearly 99% 5-year survival for localized melanoma treatment, though outcomes for metastatic cases can still be poor, underscoring the vital importance of early diagnosis and intervention (Frontiers in Oncology). Across the board, India’s success mirrors global standards, thanks to multidisciplinary care, advanced technology, and access to modern therapies.
Experts Medical: Who We Are and How We Can Help
At Experts Medical, we help patients from around the world get access to treatment abroad, especially for complex diseases like cancer. Our work starts with your medical case and ends when you’re safely back home with a treatment plan that fits your needs and budget.
We’re not a clinic, and we don’t charge patients for our services. Instead, we’re your medical coordinators. We match your case with verified clinics and top oncologists in India and other countries. Then we stay with you throughout the process: from document translation to hospital check-in, follow-up care, and even helping with paperwork for charitable funding.
Here’s how we support our patients:
Free Coordination:
We do not charge patients. Our compensation comes from clinics who partner with us.
Medical Document Review:
Our doctors analyze your test results and prepare questions for the receiving doctors.
Clinic & Doctor Matching:
You choose from several options based on price, technology, and success rates.
Online Consultations:
In many cases, we arrange a free or low-cost video consultation with your future oncologist.
Travel & Accommodation Help:
We assist with everything from visa paperwork to choosing a hotel near the clinic.
On-site Support:
A translator or medical assistant accompanies you during hospital visits if needed.
24/7 Contact:
You’re never alone. We’re available at any time to help with questions or complications.
Post-treatment Monitoring:
After you return home, we stay in touch and assist with remote follow-ups.
Methods Used to Treat Skin Cancer in India
1. Surgical Options
Surgery is often the first-line treatment, especially for localized skin cancer.
Tumor Excision: Removal of cancerous tissue with clear margins.
Lymph Node Dissection: For melanoma that may have spread.
In some cases, advanced techniques like neuronavigation are used, especially when cancer has spread to the brain or other organs.
2. Radiation Therapy
India is home to high-precision radiotherapy centers. Available technologies include:
CyberKnife (stereotactic radiosurgery)
IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)
TrueBeam Radiotherapy
3. Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy
Some patients require chemotherapy as a systemic treatment:
Standard Chemotherapy: Used in advanced-stage cancer.
Immunotherapy: Especially for melanoma, with drugs like Keytruda.
Molecular Therapy: Tailored to the genetic profile of the tumor.
4. Diagnostics and Imaging
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical. India offers:
PET-CT Scans
MRI (with or without contrast)
Biopsies and Histology Reviews
Typical Duration of Skin Cancer Treatment in India
Initial diagnostics: 3 to 5 days
Surgical treatment: 5 to 10 days of hospitalization, depending on complexity
Chemotherapy course: 1 month per cycle
Radiotherapy course: Varies from 10 to 30 sessions (1 to 6 weeks)
Genetic Testing / NGS: 10 to 14 days for results
Skin Cancer Treatment Costs in India
$3,000-$8,500
CyberKnife
$3,750-$5,600
IMRT Radiotherapy
$6,620-$14,350
Chemotherapy (1 cycle)
$350-$1,950
Immunotherapy
$150-$200
Oncologist consultation
These figures are all-inclusive estimates and typically cover doctor’s fees, hospital stay, and standard pre- and post-op care. Final prices depend on complexity and comorbidities, but you’ll know the full cost before you travel.
Where to Get Treated: Top Hospitals in India for Skin Cancer
1. Max Healthcare Hospital Network
Max Healthcare is a network of multi-specialty hospitals with a strong presence across India. They’ve become a go-to choice for patients from India and abroad looking for dependable, evidence-based medical care. Their clinical teams handle a wide range of specialties – from cancer care and neurosurgery to organ transplants and orthopedic reconstruction – and are backed by in-house labs, round-the-clock ICUs, and modern diagnostic infrastructure.
Skin cancer treatment here is supported by extensive diagnostics, surgical precision tools, and radiation technologies that allow for accuracy without harming nearby tissue. The use of systems like Da Vinci Xi and TrueBeam provides an edge in treating complex or hard-to-reach tumors. At the same time, the patient experience is kept in focus – from clean, private rooms to interpreter services for international visitors.
Dr. Anjali Gupta serves as the Consultant Oncologist at Max Healthcare with a specific focus on skin cancer treatment. Her clinical approach integrates evidence-based medicine with patient-centered care, making her one of the key specialists for dermatologic oncology within the Max network.
Skin Cancer-Specific Services:
Surgical oncology team experienced in skin, head, and neck cancer cases
Mohs-like layered excision techniques for precise removal
TrueBeam and IMRT radiation therapy for hard-to-operate tumors
Oncological plastic surgery for visible skin lesions
Diagnostic MRI 3T and PET-CT scans for early and advanced staging
Contacts:
Website: www.maxhealthcare.in
Email: int.query@maxhealthcare.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaxHealthcareHospitals
Twitter: x.com/MaxHealthcare
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/max-healthcare
Instagram: www.instagram.com/max.healthcare
Address: Max Super Speciality Hospital, No. 1, 2, Press Enclave Road, Mandir Marg, Saket Institutional Area, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi, 110017, India
Phone: +91 926 888 0303
2. Medanta
Medanta is a multi-specialty hospital network. Their approach to cancer treatment combines surgery, radiation, and medical oncology in one integrated system, so patients don’t have to bounce between departments or travel far for complete care. Their cancer care model leans on team-based planning, where specialists from different disciplines review and customize each patient’s treatment strategy together.
For skin cancer patients, Medanta’s strength lies in its infrastructure and coordination. The hospital has both plastic and reconstructive surgeons on board who often work in tandem with oncologists when dealing with facial or disfiguring lesions. This collaborative approach helps ensure both the disease and the resulting cosmetic outcomes are handled with equal care.
Medanta offers a robust oncology team for skin cancer care: Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid, Chairman and Head of Medical and Haemato Oncology, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Associate Director of Medical and Hematology Oncology, Dr. Bhuvan Chugh and Dr. Deepak Gupta, both senior Radiation Oncologists with 14 and 15 years of experience respectively.
Skin Cancer-Specific Services:
Robotic-assisted tumor removal for deep or hard-to-reach skin cancers
CyberKnife radiation for non-surgical treatment of localized skin tumors
Reconstructive surgery for facial or cosmetically sensitive lesions
Fortis Hospital Network is a group of private hospitals in India offering a wide range of services across specialties. Their facilities operate with a focus on high-end medical infrastructure and a team-based approach that brings different specialties together under one roof. Oncology is one of their core disciplines, supported by both advanced diagnostic equipment and multidisciplinary planning. Each cancer patient typically has a care team that may include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and support specialists.
Skin cancer cases at Fortis are typically handled by their surgical oncology units in coordination with dermatologists and plastic surgeons when needed. Patients who require systemic treatment have access to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation in one place. For lesions on visible or sensitive parts of the body, plastic surgeons may be involved from the start to minimize long-term scarring.
Here are top doctors specializing in skin cancer treatment at Fortis Hospital: Dr. Prateek Varshney – Director of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Kapil Kumar – Surgical Oncologist, and Dr. Vedant Kabra – Principal Director Surgical Oncology.
Skin Cancer-Specific Services:
Surgical removal of tumors with support from reconstructive surgery if needed
Coordination between dermatologists, oncologists, and plastic surgeons
Advanced imaging tools used for staging and follow-up
Immunotherapy and targeted drug therapies for melanoma cases
Contacts:
Website: www.fortishealthcare.com
Email: reachus@fortishealthcare.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortishealth
Twitter: x.com/fortis_hospital
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortis.healthcare
Address: Tower A, Unitech Business Park, Block – F, South City 1, Sector – 41, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122001
Phone: +91-124 4921021
4. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC)
Located in Chennai, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is a specialty hospital focused on advanced cancer care, with a particular emphasis on proton beam therapy. It operates as part of the larger Apollo Hospitals Group and is known for integrating diagnostic imaging, treatment planning, and therapy in one facility. Proton therapy, a form of radiation that targets tumors more precisely than traditional methods, is the primary treatment offered here and is used across several cancer types, including head and neck, pediatric, and certain types of skin cancers.
The hospital’s infrastructure is built around minimizing harm to healthy tissues, which is particularly valuable in treating tumors close to vital organs or sensitive areas like the face. This becomes relevant in skin cancers that are difficult to operate on or those located in complex regions. The facility houses specialized equipment such as the Proteus Plus and Cyclotron C230, both central to delivering accurate and effective proton therapy with minimal side effects. While surgical oncology is still part of their offerings, radiation-led therapy tends to be the primary path, especially for early-stage cancers or where surgery may lead to significant cosmetic or functional concerns. Top doctors specializing in skin cancer treatment at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre are Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Director with 30+ years experience, expert in Radiation Oncology, Dr. Sujith Kumar Mullapally, consultant with 18+ years experience in Oncology, and Dr. Sapna Nangia, Radiation Oncologist with 29 years of experience.
Skin Cancer-Specific Services:
Proton beam therapy as a non-invasive alternative to surgery
Targeted treatment for skin cancers in delicate facial or head-neck regions
Option for radiotherapy after surgery in cases with high-risk features
Evaluation by a tumor board for all skin cancer cases
Contacts:
Website: www.apollohospitals.com
E-mail: apcc@apollohospitals.com
Address: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, 4/661, Dr Vikram Sarabai Instronic Estate 7th St, Dr. Vasi Estate, Phase II, Tharamani, Chennai, , Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600096
Phone: +918062972768
5. Artemis Health Institute
Artemis Health Institute operates as a multidisciplinary medical center that brings together a broad range of specialties including oncology, neurology, organ transplantation, and more. The hospital has grown into a key player in India’s private healthcare sector, known for its clinical depth and diagnostic infrastructure. The cancer unit at Artemis is staffed by experienced oncologists and supported by radiology and surgical teams. Diagnostic accuracy is a central focus here, with specialists using PET-CT, MRI-3 Tesla, and other advanced tools to stage and monitor cancer progression.
Their treatment framework is built around collaboration, with weekly tumor board discussions, international second opinion options, and integration between departments. Complex cases are handled by teams that include radiologists, surgical oncologists, and support staff, with follow-up care and rehabilitation offered on-site. While the hospital also manages a range of organ transplant cases and other specialties, cancer care is one of its most structured and coordinated programs. Skin cancer cases typically go through a mix of surgical, medical, and supportive options depending on the cancer type and its location.
Leading doctors specializing in skin cancer treatment at Artemis Health Institute are Dr. Pooja Aggarwal, Dr. Monica Bambroo and Dr. Brahmita Monga.
Skin Cancer-Specific Services:
Surgical excision of skin tumors with intraoperative imaging support
Coordination with plastic surgeons for facial or cosmetically sensitive areas
Radiation options including high-precision linear accelerators
Leading Specialists for Skin Cancer Treatment in India
1. Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar
Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar brings over two decades of focused experience in medical oncology, treating a wide range of solid tumors including lung, breast, head and neck, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. He handles immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and chemotherapy across both adult and pediatric cases. His work is backed by clinical research, with over 40 publications and involvement in global and national clinical trials. International patients regularly seek his care, especially for complex cancers requiring personalized systemic treatments. His qualifications include training in Europe and certifications from respected oncology boards, reflecting a well-rounded clinical approach.
2. Dr. Vinod Raina
With great experience in oncology, Dr. Vinod Raina is known for his role in shaping modern cancer care in India. He has performed many cancer transplants, including allogeneic transplants, making him one of the most experienced in the country for high-risk procedures.Dr. Raina also has a background in bio-radiotherapy and pediatric chemotherapy. He was among the first in India to use high-dose chemotherapy paired with stem cell transplant. His experience extends beyond clinical practice into large-scale research, with involvement in investigator-led projects, primarily during his tenure at AIIMS.
3. Dr. Anil Thakwani
Dr. Anil Thakwani is a senior radiation oncologist with outstanding experience. His focus lies in radiation-based cancer treatment, including IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, and stereotactic therapies using technologies like LINAC and Gamma Knife. Dr. Thakwani is often involved in tumor board discussions and comprehensive care planning, especially for cancers in delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas. His international exposure includes training in California and Beijing, and his clinical work spans patients from multiple countries. He is also active in academic circles and medical education, contributing to the setup of oncology and nuclear medicine departments in India.
Final Thoughts
India continues to prove itself as a leading destination for affordable, high-quality cancer care. For patients facing the uncertainty of skin cancer, getting timely and effective treatment matters more than ever. With the right support and access to modern medical centers, the journey can be manageable and full of hope.
At Experts Medical, we’re here to make that journey easier. Whether you’re just starting out, need a second opinion, or are ready to travel for surgery or therapy, we walk with you every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out and let’s talk.
FAQ
How successful is skin cancer treatment in India?
When diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate for non-melanoma skin cancers is 85-90%, closely matching outcomes seen in the West. Access to surgical treatment, radiotherapy, and even immunotherapy has improved significantly in major oncology centers across India.
How much does skin cancer treatment cost in India?
The cost of treating skin cancer in India depends heavily on the type of procedure, the hospital’s location, and the complexity of the case. For example, chemotherapy is typically priced around $6,620-$14,350, while CyberKnife treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,500.
Is a biopsy required before starting treatment?
Yes. A biopsy is typically the first step to confirm the diagnosis, followed by imaging (like MRI or PET-CT) to stage the cancer. Based on results, a tailored treatment plan is created. In some cases, a second opinion or histology block review may also be done before proceeding.
Can international patients get help with travel, appointments, and translation?
Absolutely. We provide end-to-end support, including visa assistance, airport pickup, medical interpreters, hospital coordination, and post-treatment follow-up.
The information on the epxerts-medical.com website is provided for informational purposes only, is not a guide to action and should not be construed as a medical consultation or recommendations for treatment from the experts-medical.com site. All decisions on the choice of treatment methods and medical care should be made only by a specialised doctor after examining the patient's medical situation.