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Surgeon Saves Smoker's Tongue After Cancer Attack
7 Jan
Summary
- Lime-sized tumor removed from a 41-year-old smoker's tongue.
- Cancer invaded mouth floor and hyoid bone, requiring reconstruction.
- Patient may lose most taste, though eating and speech are expected to recover.
Doctors at Chennai's MGM Cancer Institute have successfully treated a 41-year-old smoker by removing a lime-sized tumor from his tongue. The advanced cancer had spread to the mouth floor and hyoid bone, presenting a life-threatening situation. Initial chemotherapy helped shrink the tumor, allowing surgeons to remove the affected parts of the tongue, mouth floor, jaw, and hyoid bone.
The reconstructed tongue was vital for restoring the patient's ability to eat and speak, which had been severely impacted by pain and weight loss. Following the surgery, the patient underwent radiation therapy. PET scans conducted after the radiation course confirmed the absence of cancer cells, marking a successful outcome in his treatment.
While the patient is expected to regain normal speech and eating functions over time, he will likely experience a significant reduction in his sense of taste. Doctors emphasize that cancer is treatable at all stages, and early detection dramatically improves outcomes, with minimally invasive robotic techniques available for early-stage cases.
