Cost of Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in Kolkata (2026) – Surgery, Chemo & Hospital Expenses Explained
For families in Kolkata and South Kolkata areas like EM Bypass, Mukundapur, Garia, Ruby Hospital area, Jadavpur, Santoshpur, Kalikapur, and Behala, the first question after a cancer diagnosis is often:
“How much will gallbladder cancer treatment cost?”
The honest answer is: the cost varies widely depending on stage of cancer, type of treatment, hospital chosen, and how early the disease is detected. Unfortunately, many patients only learn about costs when treatment is already underway, which adds emotional and financial stress.
This guide breaks down the realistic cost of gallbladder cancer treatment in Kolkata in 2026, based on typical clinical pathways, so patients can plan with clarity and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Why Treatment Cost Varies So Much in Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is not treated with a single standard procedure. Costs change based on:
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis
- Whether surgery is possible
- Need for chemotherapy or radiation
- Hospital category (private vs charitable)
- Length of hospital stay
- Complications or ICU care (in advanced cases)
👉 Early-stage detection usually means lower cost, simpler surgery, and better outcomes.
Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates in Kolkata)
⚠️ These are approximate ranges to help patients plan. Actual bills depend on hospital policy and treatment plan.
🔹 1. Consultation & Diagnosis Cost
- Specialist consultation: ₹800 – ₹2,000
- Ultrasound: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500
- CT scan / MRI: ₹4,000 – ₹12,000
- Blood tests & tumour markers: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
👉 Diagnostic phase total: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000
🔹 2. Surgery Cost (If Operable)
Gallbladder cancer surgery can range from simple to complex.
- Early-stage gallbladder removal with liver margin:
₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 - Extended surgery with lymph node clearance:
₹2,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 - Complex hepatobiliary surgery in advanced cases:
₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000+
👉 Earlier diagnosis = simpler surgery = lower cost
🔹 3. Chemotherapy Cost (If Required)
- Cost per cycle: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000
- Typical number of cycles: 4–8
👉 Total chemo cost: ₹40,000 – ₹3,20,000 (drug-dependent)
🔹 4. Radiation Therapy Cost (Selected Cases)
- Full course: ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000
(Not all gallbladder cancer patients require radiation.)
🔹 5. Hospital Stay & Supportive Care
- Hospital room charges: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per day
- ICU (if needed): ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 per day
- Medicines, nursing, disposables: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000+
Total Estimated Cost of Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
| Stage of Disease | Typical Total Cost Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Early-stage, surgery only | ₹1.2 lakh – ₹3 lakh |
| Surgery + chemotherapy | ₹2.5 lakh – ₹5 lakh |
| Advanced disease with multiple therapies | ₹4 lakh – ₹8+ lakh |
👉 These figures highlight why early detection reduces both medical risk and financial burden.
Hidden Costs Patients Often Don’t Plan For
Many families underestimate:
- Travel expenses for repeated hospital visits
- Loss of income during treatment
- Nutritional supplements
- Long-term follow-up scans
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
Planning these in advance reduces financial stress during recovery.
How to Reduce Gallbladder Cancer Treatment Cost
While cancer care is never “cheap,” patients can reduce unnecessary expenses by:
- Consulting a specialist early (avoids trial-and-error treatments)
- Getting proper staging before starting therapy
- Avoiding repeated investigations at multiple centres
- Choosing evidence-based treatment plans
- Asking for a clear written estimate before surgery or chemotherapy
Why Choosing the Right Specialist Saves Cost in the Long Run
An experienced gallbladder cancer specialist ensures:
- Correct diagnosis the first time
- Avoidance of unnecessary procedures
- Proper surgical planning
- Reduced risk of complications
- Faster recovery
This often lowers total treatment cost, even if the initial consultation fee seems slightly higher.
Expert Gallbladder Cancer Care in South Kolkata
Patients from EM Bypass, Mukundapur, Garia, Ruby Hospital area, Jadavpur, Behala, Santoshpur, and Kalikapur consult:
Dr. Pallabika Mandal
M.Ch (Surgical Oncology), AIIMS New Delhi
Specialist in Gallbladder & Hepatobiliary Cancers – Kolkata
She focuses on stage-appropriate, evidence-based treatment with transparent counselling about procedures and expected costs.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest gallbladder cancer treatment option in Kolkata?
Early-stage surgery alone is the most cost-effective option.
2. Is gallbladder cancer treatment covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover surgery and chemotherapy, but coverage varies.
3. Does early detection really reduce cost?
Yes. Early-stage treatment avoids expensive multi-modality therapy.
4. Can government schemes help reduce cost?
Yes, eligible patients may benefit from state or central health schemes.
5. How long does treatment usually last?
From diagnosis to completion of therapy, treatment may span several months depending on stag

