CHENNAI, July 20: A 72-year-old man with a rapidly growing tumour involving the lower jaw successfully underwent complex cancer surgery at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet.
The patient had presented with a large tumour near the chin that caused severe ulceration, discharge and an inability to open his mouth. After a biopsy confirmed cancer of the lower jaw, the hospital’s Surgical Oncology team performed a composite resection, removing the tumour along with the affected bone, skin, inner mouth tissues, part of the tongue and lymph nodes on both sides of the neck.
The team then reconstructed the jaw using a free flap technique, transplanting bone from the patient’s lower limb to replace the removed mandible and using additional tissue to restore the mouth and tongue.
Following the surgery, the patient regained the ability to open his mouth, consume liquids and speak, with doctors reporting encouraging progress in his recovery.
