27 Nov, 2025
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27 Nov, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Raghunandan Ravinuthula Visweswara, Consultant - Radiation Oncology, HCG MNR Cancer Centre, Ongole.
Your oncologist will decide the course of your treatment after considering various factors. These factors are the current stage of your cancer, your overall health, and whether the complete surgical removal of the tumor is feasible.
Some of the primary treatment types for liver cancer are:
Surgery is the preferred treatment modality in liver cancer, especially if detected at an early stage. The two types of surgery are partial hepatectomy (resection of the cancerous section of the liver) and liver transplant, which involves the replacement of the diseased liver with a healthy liver.
Your oncologists may also prescribe various local therapies to kill the cancer cells. Common local therapies include microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy. The oncologists recommend these options when you are not eligible for surgery.
High-energy radiation beams shrink or destroy the liver tumors. The doctor may also recommend advanced techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, to accurately target the cancer cells while sparing your healthy tissues.
These therapies are usually used in advanced stages when the conventional treatments are unable to control the tumor growth. Targeted therapy targets vital processes in the tumor cells and prevents their growth and proliferation.
Immunotherapy boosts your immune system to fight against the cancer cells more effectively. It makes cancer cells more vulnerable to immune detection and killing.
Chemotherapy is also an option for treating liver cancer. You may require chemotherapy if you have advanced disease. It is generally used either alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
If you are diagnosed with liver cancer, the first question that needs to be answered is, "What is the cost of liver cancer treatment in India?"
Several factors influence the average cost of liver cancer treatment in India. These are the stage of cancer, the oncologist's expertise, the hospital's location, the number of sessions required, and the types of treatment needed. However, for most patients, the average cost ranges between ₹2 lakhs and ₹10 lakhs.
Treatment for early-stage cancer is relatively less expensive, thereby suggesting the importance of routine screening and consultation. If you are diagnosed at an early stage, the doctor may recommend localized therapies, such as surgery or targeted radiation.
The simple liver surgery cost is between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh. However, if the cancer is advanced and requires immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or transarterial embolization, the treatment cost can range from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh or more. This rise in cost is due to expensive drugs and multiple treatment cycles.
The cost is significantly higher for patients who require liver transplantation, and it generally ranges between ₹20 lakh and ₹30 lakh. The cost varies depending on the hospital, location, donor availability, and post-surgical care.
Overall, the total cost includes diagnostic tests, medications, hospital stay, and follow-up visits. Patients should plan their finances. If they have an insurance policy, they should consult with their insurance provider and obtain the necessary approvals in advance.
For more information on liver cancer surgery costs in India, please connect with HCG.
Liver cancer is generally diagnosed at the advanced stages because of absent, vague, or overlapping symptoms. In such cases, the combined treatment is usually required.
The cost is significantly higher when multiple therapies are used to treat liver cancer in India, such as surgery combined with ablation or embolization, followed by targeted therapy.
The data suggests a single procedure costing between ₹2 and 5 lakh, while the cost of multimodal or advanced treatment is ₹10-15 lakh or more, based on the number of therapy sessions. Follow-up care also increases the overall cost of treatment.
In cases of advanced disease requiring transplant, immunotherapy, and long-term medications, the total liver cancer treatment cost reaches ₹20-30 lakh or more.
There is significant variation in the combined treatment cost, and obtaining a detailed quotation for the treatment package from the hospital is important.
The table below elucidates the price range for liver cancer treatment in different Indian cities:
| Treatment Plan | Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India |
|---|---|
| Single procedure + Follow-up | ₹2-5 lakh |
| Multimodal treatment + Follow-up | ₹10-15 lakh |
| Multimodal treatment including liver transplant, immunotherapy, long-term medications + Follow-up | ₹20-30 lakh |
Your total liver cancer treatment cost includes not only the hospital bills and medications. It also has various indirect and hidden expenses that significantly increase the overall cost of treatment. Different indirect expenses associated with liver cancer treatment include:
Regular imaging tests, such as MRI, CT, and PET scans, and blood tests, such as alpha-fetoprotein levels, are performed before, during, and after treatment to assess response. These tests cost between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 per session, based on the hospital and test frequency.
Many patients have to travel from the small towns and villages to metro cities for specialized treatment. The cost of treatment for such patients also involves transportation, lodging, and meals. It generally ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh for the treatment duration.
Apart from the cancer medications, the patients with liver cancer also require medications for infection, pain, and other symptoms. These patients also require nutritional supplementation to maintain strength. It adds about ₹5,000–₹20,000 per month to the overall treatment cost.
Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and regular consultations are required after the major procedures, such as surgery or transplant. It may add about ₹15,000–₹50,000 or more to the overall cost of treatment for liver cancer in India.
Some patients may not be able to work during their treatment; additionally, their family members are also involved in their care. This may lead to a loss of income for both the patients and their family members. Although overlooked, this cost can be significant.
The indirect costs increase the overall cost by 20-40% and require optimal financial planning and insurance support.
There are significant city-wise variations in the liver cancer treatment cost. These variations are due to differences in hospital facilities, healthcare infrastructure, and cost of living.
If you are planning to receive treatment in metropolitan cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, the treatment costs may be high. You may expect the cost of advanced therapies to range from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh. This is due to the involvement of experienced oncologists, advanced equipment, and multispecialty hospitals.
However, if you are planning to get treatment in tier-2 cities such as Nagpur, Jaipur, Vijayawada, or Ranchi, your treatment costs are relatively lower. The average cost of liver cancer treatment in these cities ranges from ₹3 lakh to ₹8 lakh.
Hospitals in smaller cities offer basic treatments such as chemotherapy or ablation at ₹1.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh. However, such hospitals do not have advanced treatment options, such as immunotherapy or a transplant.
Your choice of the right city depends on your budget, the type of treatment, and the availability of specialized oncology facilities.
The liver cancer treatment cost varies widely because of the inclusion of several medical and non-medical components. Understanding these components helps patients plan better and avoid unexpected financial stress.
Patients with early-stage cancer have less expensive treatments, such as localized therapies. However, the treatment for advanced-stage liver cancer is significantly more expensive because of the need for multiple modalities, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or transplantation.
The cost is different for each type of liver cancer treatment. For instance, the liver cancer surgery cost is around ₹2–5 lakh, immunotherapy or targeted therapy costs about ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh per cycle, and the cost of a liver transplant is about ₹25 lakh or more.
The cost of private hospitals in metro cities, such as Delhi and Mumbai, is higher due to advanced facilities and expert specialists. In contrast, the cost in government or charitable hospitals is less.
Treatment involving experienced oncologists, robotic surgery, or advanced radiation procedures may increase overall treatment costs. Advanced technologies allow better outcomes and a shorter recovery period.
The overall cost of treatment for liver cancer in India also depends on the time spent in the intensive care unit, duration of hospital stay, post-surgical care, and nutritional support.
The cost of treatment for liver cancer depends on clinical and logistical factors. It is thus essential to obtain personalized cost estimates from the treating hospital.
Selecting the right hospital and the oncologist plays a role in the success of treatment for liver cancer in India. Patients and their care providers should consider several factors when choosing a hospital and an oncologist.
You should choose the hospitals accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals). Accredited hospitals maintain high standards of safety, hygiene, and quality of care.
Patients should also ensure that the facility offers advanced treatment options, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and liver transplant.
You should receive information about the medical team, including the surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists. They should review the team's qualifications, years of experience, success rates, and patient feedback.
You should look for facilities that offer advanced technologies, such as image-guided radiation therapy, robotic surgery, and advanced diagnostic imaging, as these enable more precise treatment and faster recovery.
Patients should request the detailed cost estimates and inquire about the payment options, insurance coverage, and post-treatment care. Some hospitals also offer rehabilitation programs and international patient support.
Easy access to transportation, accommodation, and follow-up facilities is important for patients who are traveling from smaller cities. Patients should also consider these aspects while choosing a hospital.
Patients should choose reputable hospitals with an experienced oncology team, such as HCG Cancer Centre, as this ensures effective treatment and provides logistical and emotional support throughout cancer treatment.
Various factors affect your duration of liver cancer treatment and hospital stay in India. These factors include the type of therapy, your cancer stage, and your overall health.
You should understand these timelines to plan finances, logistics, and support requirements.
For early-stage liver cancer, the patient undergoes a partial hepatectomy. It involves removing the tumor along with a portion of the liver. The hospital stay generally ranges from 7 to 10 days. The patients may expect complete recovery in about 6 to 12 weeks.
Liver transplant surgery is complex. The pre-transplant evaluation may take about 1 to 2 months. The surgery and hospitalization require 2 to 3 weeks. The patient needs prolonged monitoring and immunosuppressive medication after transplant.
These are minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures, and they may require 1 to 2 days of hospital stay for each session. Multiple sessions may be required over several weeks, depending on tumor size and treatment response.
These therapies are usually done on an outpatient basis, provided there are no complications. Radiation therapy involves daily or alternate-day sessions over 1 to 2 weeks. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy is administered in cycles. In some patients, it may last over several months.
Liver cancer treatment is expensive. The patients in India may have access to several sources of financial assistance. It may include insurance companies, government schemes, and NGOs.
Several private health insurance companies provide plans that cover liver cancer treatment. The cost includes hospitalization, chemotherapy, and other treatments. However, you should check the pre-existing disease clauses, limits, and waiting periods for expensive treatments, such as immunotherapy or liver transplant. Some insurance companies also offer cashless facilities at their network hospitals.
Programs, such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, provide financial support to eligible cancer patients for treatment, including complex procedures such as surgery.
NGOs, such as the Cancer Patients Aid Association, CanSupport, and Tata Trust, provide free medication, financial support, and medical bill concessions to underprivileged patients. Some hospitals also have charity funds to assist patients who cannot afford treatment.
Various hospitals have collaborated with banks to help patients obtain easier access to medical loans. Crowdfunding also helps families to raise funds for expensive treatments.
Patients unable to afford treatment costs should explore the options above in advance to avoid last-minute financial stress and ensure access to quality treatment.
The liver cancer treatment cost includes the actual treatment cost, as well as follow-up, rehabilitation, and long-term medication costs.
Your doctor provides a scheduled follow-up visit plan, particularly in the first 2 to 3 years after treatment. These visits include various tests, such as blood tests, ultrasound scans, MRIs, or CT scans, every 3 to 6 months.
The patients generally require physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs after major procedures, such as surgery or transplant, to regain mobility and strength. These add to the overall cost of treatment. Some patients also need nutritional counseling and dietary supplements.
Some patients require immunosuppressive medications after the transplant, targeted therapy drugs, or medications supporting the overall liver health. These medications also add to the overall liver cancer treatment cost.
Diagnosis with liver cancer not only causes physical stress but also affects psychological and emotional health. Counseling and therapy sessions for managing anxiety, depression, and stress also increase the cost of liver cancer treatment.
The liver cancer treatment cost may be high, especially in those with advanced-stage disease. However, careful planning and financial awareness can reduce the financial burden to some extent without compromising treatment quality.
You should compare the cost of private, multispecialty, government, and semi-government hospitals before choosing a hospital. Several hospitals also offer package deals that cover surgery, diagnostics, and medications. You should avail these packages if needed, as they may be cost-effective.
Ensure that your health insurance policy covers liver cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. You should prefer cashless hospitals to reduce upfront costs.
Avail yourself of the benefits of the government schemes by checking your eligibility. These schemes cover the majority of treatment costs for low-income families.
Several NGOs, such as CanSupport, Cancer Patients Aid Association, and Tata Trusts, offer financial support. They also provide free medications. Please explore these options.
If you are travelling to metro cities for treatment, opt for budget accommodations at the hospitals' guesthouses. It will significantly reduce your indirect expenses.
You may ask your oncologist to prescribe generic versions of expensive drugs whenever possible. These drugs are equally effective and more cost-efficient than branded ones.
Various hospitals, such as HCG Cancer Centre, raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Treating liver cancer in the early stages generally requires less complex and less expensive therapies.
HCG Cancer Centre is one of India's leading cancer care centers. It offers comprehensive liver cancer treatment with expert oncologists and advanced technology.
At HCG Cancer Centre, you are treated by a dedicated team for liver cancer treatment. It comprises the medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, and experienced staff. This ensures personalized treatment.
At HCG Cancer Centre, you also have state-of-the-art therapies, including liver resection, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, minimally invasive procedures, and liver transplant.
HCG is equipped with modern diagnostic tools, intensive care units, and advanced surgery rooms. This ensures high-quality and safe treatment delivered to you. It results in favorable outcomes.
The center also provides emotional support, rehabilitation, and follow-up care to improve your overall outcomes. These services assist in your rapid recovery.
HCG Cancer Centre provides you transparent cost estimates and offers insurance assistance to the patients. You are able to manage your expenses efficiently.
Additional Reading: Liver Cancer Awareness Month 2025
The cost of treatment for liver cancer varies significantly. Several factors influence the cost of your liver cancer treatment. These include the stage at which your cancer is diagnosed, the type of treatment recommended for you, the number of sessions you require, the hospital location, the experience of your treating doctors, and your overall response to treatment. You should plan for both the direct and indirect costs of liver cancer treatment. You should also explore various options for financial assistance, such as government schemes, NGOs, hospital charity funds, and medical loans, for financial benefits. Early diagnosis and timely treatment greatly reduce your cost of liver cancer treatment.
Dr. Raghunandan Ravinuthula Visweswara
Consultant - Radiation Oncology
MBBS, MD (RT)
Dr. Raghunandan is well-trained in advanced treatment modalities in radiation oncology like IMRT, IGRT, IMRS, SRS, SRT, Cyber Knife, Rapid-arc, 3DCRT, and HDR Brachytherapy. He has handled more than 12000 cases so far. Dr. Raghunandan is also a lifetime member of many international and national councils and societies, like the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India and the Radiosurgery Society. He has also participated in many workshops at international and national levels.
Appointment Link: Book an Appointment with Dr. Raghunandan Ravinuthula Visweswara.
