Doctors of MGM Cancer Institute treat man with advanced tongue cancer

A 41-year-old man with advanced tongue cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by resection surgery and free flap reconstruction, restoring his ability to eat and speak understandably, at MGM Cancer Institute.

The tumour measuring approximately 5 x 3 cm had significant vertical extension and had spread across the entire anterior tongue, the floor of the mouth and reached the hyoid bone, a bone in the upper neck that supports the tongue. It was considered inoperable at a number of hospitals.

Manikandan Venkatasubramaniyan, senior consultant, Surgical Oncology at the hospital told reporters on Tuesday that the patient was in stage four of tongue cancer, and had severe pain. He has been smoking and chewing tobacco from the age of 20.

He underwent chemotherapy that aided in reducing the size of the tumour by 40% to 50% and controlled spread. This was followed by surgery during which his tongue, floor of the mouth, and hyoid bone was removed, he said.

Following complete tumour removal, doctors rebuilt the tongue and mouth using free flap reconstruction, an advanced technique in which healthy tissue from another part of the body was used to restore normal shape and function. He also underwent radiation therapy, a press release said. While taste will be affected, doctors said the treatment has helped him with eating and speech, that is understandable.

M.A. Raja, director and senior consultant, Medical Oncology, said a multi-disciplinary team was involved in treating the patient. Sivaram Ganesamoni, head of department and senior consultant, Surgical Oncology, stressed on tobacco cessation, and seeking treatment early for better outcomes.