Tongue cancer surgery and successful reconstruction at Balaji Dental & Craniofacial Hospital, India.
Oral cancer is a serious health concern affecting thousands of individuals in India each year. Known as the cancer of the mouth, oral cancer typically affects the buccal mucosa or tongue. Oral cancer in India predominantly affects men. Timely diagnosis and specialized treatment, such as tongue cancer surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, are essential to manage and prevent its spread.
At Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, a leading institution in India for head and neck oncology, advanced oral cancer treatments and reconstructive surgery techniques are providing hope and improved quality of life for patients. Here, we share the story of an elderly patient successfully treated for tongue cancer, highlighting the expertise of Dr. S.M. Balaji and his dedicated team.
Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the tongue multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It can spread to nearby tissues and, if left untreated, can metastasize to other parts of the body. It develops on the surface of the tongue, often going unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage.
Various factors can increase the risk of developing tongue cancer.
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Be aware of these common symptoms:
When this elderly patient arrived at Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, he presented with tongue cancer that had spread to the left border of his tongue and the floor of his mouth. Dr. S.M. Balaji, the hospital’s chief consultant, led a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to assess the extent of the cancer and determine an effective treatment plan.
The evaluation involved a variety of tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, and biopsy. Based on the findings, Dr. Balaji and his team decided the best treatment option would be to perform a tongue cancer surgery and reconstruct the tongue with a free forearm flap.
Our hospital has been at the forefront of the treatment of oral cancer patients. We have been reconstructing patients’ post-cancer treatment for over 30 years now. Scores of such patients have been enabled to lead normal lives after cancer surgery.
We are a tertiary referral center for many hospitals from across the globe. This forms an integral part of our services to humanity. Many organizations have recognized our commitment to the rehabilitation of oral cancer patients.
Our medical and paramedical teams are among the best in the world. Our medical professionals regularly participate in workshops and programs to maintain their skills at the forefront. This has enabled us to provide world-class services on a consistent basis.
The location, extent, and type of the cancer determine the treatment. Various factors, such as the age of the patient, the type of cancer, and the stage of oral cancer, should be considered before proceeding with the treatment.
Treatment options can involve things like surgery, radiation therapy (destruction of cancer cells), chemotherapy (killing cancer cells using chemicals), or a combination of these. We decided to proceed with surgery for this patient, considering his age and medical history.
In this case, the procedure involved a left partial glossectomy, which entailed removing the left half of the patient’s tongue. A left neck dissection to remove lymph nodes, which is a critical step in cases where tongue cancer has the potential to spread.
The pathology lab received lymph node samples for biopsy during the surgery. The “frozen section” biopsy confirmed that the cancer had not spread to the left lymph nodes, allowing the team to proceed with reconstruction.
A significant component of this successful tongue cancer surgery in India was the reconstruction of the resected portion of the patient’s tongue. For this, Dr. Balaji’s team used a technique involving a “free forearm radial flap.” The team harvested tissue from the patient’s forearm, ensuring an adequate supply and compatibility for successful reconstruction.
The team meticulously ensured the new tongue tissue had proper blood flow before closing the incisions, an essential aspect of reconstructive surgery in India that supports healing and function. The team meticulously ensured the new tongue tissue had proper blood flow before closing the incisions, an essential aspect of reconstructive surgery that supports healing and function.
Specialized postoperative care, including antibiotics and pain management, was provided to support the patient’s recovery following the surgery. The success of this complex tongue cancer surgery and reconstruction is a testament to the skill and dedication of Dr. S.M. Balaji and his team.
Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, located in India, is renowned for its expertise in head and neck oncology, including complex cases of tongue cancer. The hospital commits to delivering personalized and effective treatment plans with state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centric approach. Dr. S.M. Balaji and his team bring decades of experience in treating tongue cancer with successful outcomes, even in challenging cases.
World Renowned Professor of Oral Diseases- Prof. Stephen Challacombe’s Visit to Balaji Dental & Craniofacial…
A young boy with a mild unilateral cleft lip deformity underwent successful corrective surgery at…
Closed Rhinoplasty for Crooked Nose Correction Surgical History of Rhinoplasty since Historical TimesRhinoplasty is one…
Occurrence of Jaw Discrepancies in a Sample PopulationLower jaw deformities are the leading cause of…
Complications Arising in Later Life in Cleft PatientsPatients born with a cleft deformity undergo a…
Closed Rhinoplasty for Cleft Nasal Deformity Correction Commonest Congenital Deformities Seen in Newborn InfantsThe cleft…