Meningioma Treatment Cost in India

What is Meningioma Treatment?

A meningioma is a tumour that is found inside the skull on the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord. There are multiple ways in which meningioma treatment may be done. The primary method is that of surgery.

Meningioma Treatment Approaches

1. Observation (Watchful Monitoring)

• Small, asymptomatic meningiomas that don’t impact daily life may not require immediate intervention. Instead, regular imaging tests, such as MRI scans, are used to track growth over time. This approach, often termed active monitoring, is typically advised for slow-growing tumors or patients (particularly older adults or those with mild symptoms) where the risks of treatment may outweigh the immediate benefits.

2. Surgery 

• Surgery is the primary treatment for meningiomas causing symptoms or affecting critical functions. The aim is to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible while protecting healthy brain tissue. Techniques vary based on the tumor’s size and location:

• Craniotomy: Temporary skull removal to access and excise tumors.
• Endoscopic Surgery: Camera-guided removal via small incisions or nasal pathways.
• Keyhole Microsurgery: Precision surgery through tiny openings for localised tumors.
• Pre-Surgical Embolization: Blocks blood flow to shrink tumors before removal.

If the tumor is near delicate brain structures, complete removal may not be possible. In such cases, partial removal followed by other therapies may be recommended.

3. Radiation Therapy 

• Radiation is used when surgery isn’t feasible, leaves residual tumor tissue, or is for recurring meningiomas. Options include:
  • External Beam Radiation: Targets the tumor with precise, high-energy rays.
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A non-invasive, highly focused method ideal for small or hard-to-reach tumors.
  • Proton Beam Therapy: Advanced radiation that spares surrounding healthy tissue, often chosen for tumors near sensitive areas like the optic nerves.

• Radiation may also be combined with surgery as a follow-up treatment to lower the recurrence risk.

4. Chemotherapy 

• While rarely used for most meningiomas, chemotherapy or targeted drugs may be considered for aggressive, recurrent, or atypical tumors unresponsive to surgery or radiation. 

Should Get Meningioma Treatment?

Meningioma treatment has grown in popularity for its effectiveness in removing cancerous brain tumors. Here’s what makes one eligible for the surgery:

1. Symptomatic Meningioma

• Symptoms for Meningioma can develop very gradually. They may vary depending on where the tumour grows, the brain or the spine. Some of the symptoms are headaches, vision alterations, an inability to smell, blurred vision, numbness, and speech problems.

2. Asymptomatic but Growing Meningiomas

• Meningiomas that are increasing in size over time, especially in patients with tumours growing on the brain’s critical structures.

3. Atypical and Malignant Meningiomas

• Atypical (WHO Grade II) and malignant (WHO Grade III) meningiomas are more likely to recur.

4. Elderly or High-Risk Patients

• Age, frailty, and comorbid conditions can influence treatment decisions. For elderly patients or those with serious health risks, a more conservative approach may be taken, such as monitoring or radiation therapy, based on tumor characteristics and the patient's health status.

Meningioma Treatment Cost in India at a Glance

Meningioma treatment costs in India can broadly be categorised into the following approximate ranges:

• Minimum Cost: INR 300,000 (about USD 3,500)
• Average Cost: INR 400,000 – INR 500,000 (about USD 5,000 – USD 6,000)
• Maximum Cost: INR 600,000 – INR 800,000 (about USD 7,500 – USD 10,000) 

These figures generally cover routine meningioma treatment performed without complications.

Factors Influencing Meningioma Treatment Cost in India

Several elements can push your meningioma treatment bill higher or lower. The main factors include:

1. Choice of Hospital

• Costs may differ based on the location and reputation of the hospital. Hospitals in Tier 1 cities in India can quote a higher price than hospitals in other Tier 2 cities.

2. Expertise of Medical Professionals

• The neurosurgeon’s expertise could have a significant impact on the costs of the treatment as highly experienced professionals may charge a higher fee.

3. Tumour Location and Size

• Costs vary when a tumour is growing in complex locations, as the treatment may need extensive procedures and equipment.

4. Government Policies and Subsidies

• The government provides certain policies to help reduce costs slightly.

5. Post-surgery expenses

• The patient might need multiple PET-CT scans and additional tests after surgical procedures alongside chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

City-Wise Meningioma Treatment Costs in India

Here is an overview of meningioma treatment costs in major Indian cities. USD equivalents are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations.

Table 1: Meningioma Treatment Surgery Cost Across Major Indian Cities in INR and USD

It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider for precise cost estimates.

India vs. Other Countries: Meningioma Treatment Cost

Medical tourists often compare multiple destinations for the best combination of cost and expertise. Below is a generalised comparison:

Table 2: Meningioma Treatment Surgery Cost Across India and Other Countries in USD

India's balance of affordability, infrastructure, highly trained specialists and best hospitals in india sets it apart and makes it a premium destination for neurosurgical procedures.

Additional Expenses: Pre- and Post-Brain Tumor Surgery

Pre-Treatment Costs

1. Consultations & Diagnostic Tests:

• Specialist consult: INR 1,500–INR 5,000 (USD 20 – 60)
• MRI/CT Scan: INR 5,000–INR 15,000 (USD 60 – 200)
• Blood Tests: INR 2,000–INR 5,000 (USD 25 – 65)
• Brain PET Scan: INR 11,950 –INR 23,900 (USD 138.90 - 277.80)
• Biopsy: INR 10,000 – INR 25,000 (USD 116.23 - 290.59)

2. Other Evaluations:

• If you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension, additional medical tests may be required.
• A neurological assessment is sometimes prescribed post-surgery to test cognitive function, motor skills, sensory perception, and reflexes. 

Post-Treatment Costs

• Medications: INR 3,000–INR 10,000 (USD 40 – 130)
• Physiotherapy: INR 1,500–INR 5,000 per session (USD 20 – 60 per session)
• Follow-Up Consultations: INR 1,500–INR 5,000 (USD 20 – 60)

Unexpected Complications

• In rare instances, re-hospitalisation may add to your expenditure.
• Other intracranial brain complications may include CSF leaks, seizures, internal bleeding, infections, and changes in brain functioning. 

Insurance Coverage and Financing

Most leading hospitals in India accept domestic and international insurance plans for Meningioma treatment costs in India, covering hospitalisation, ICU stays, and related medical expenses. Critical illness insurance policies may offer lump-sum payouts for meningioma diagnoses, aiding both medical and non-medical costs. To ensure clarity, review policy terms for coverage details and exclusions. International patients should confirm affordable Meningioma treatment eligibility under overseas treatment clauses and prepare necessary claim documents.

India’s affordable Meningioma treatment is further supported by governmental health schemes and hospital-insurer collaborations to ease financial planning. Transparent treatment costs in India and cost-effective care solidify its reputation as a hub for quality, budget-friendly neuro-oncology solutions.

Tips to Reduce Meningioma Treatment Expenses

Here are some tips that you can follow to save on meningioma treatment expenses:

• Research medical center prices in different hospital facilities as well as cities.
• Opt for package plans that include surgery service alongside post-operative medical care.
• Patients should check out treatment options in tier 2 cities for more affordable services.
• Link up with telemedicine services for post-operative meetings, which help cut travel expenses.

With such initiatives, it is possible to make well-informed and budget-friendly decisions and prioritise one's health.

Why Choose MediJourney?

While facing the actual treatment process, meningioma tumor surgery costs in India can take an emotional toll. At MediJourney, we simplify this journey. With years of expertise, we connect you to India’s most skilled and trusted neurosurgeons, ensuring access to affordable meningioma treatment in India without compromising quality.

Our team handles every detail—from coordinating consultations with expert neurosurgeons to exploring cost-effective treatment plans for your needs. Whether you seek care in India or require overseas support, we manage travel logistics, paperwork, and accommodations so you can focus solely on recovery.

Your well-being is our priority. We treat your journey with the care and dedication we’d extend to our own family, guiding you toward a healthier future.

Ready to take the first step? Connect with MediJourney to discuss your meningioma surgery costs in India. Healing begins with a conversation—let’s start yours today.

FAQs About Meningioma Treatment Cost in India

Q1. Is meningioma treatment successful?

Answer: Yes. Treatment for benign meningiomas has a high success rate. Over 90% of patients aged 20–44 have a five-year survival rate, and complete tumor removal can lead to even better outcomes.

Q2. How long does recovery take after surgery?

Answer: Most patients start recovering within 3–6 months. Many return to daily activities within 3–4 weeks, though full recovery can take up to a year, depending on the case.

Q3. Are non-surgical options available?

Answer: Yes. Treatments like Gamma Knife radiosurgery and IMRT offer non-invasive options, especially for inoperable or small tumors, with good control and minimal side effects.