Elderly Man Triumphs Over Stage 3 Oral Cancer with Innovative Surgery

Innovative Surgical Approach Saves Life

A 73-year-old man from Himachal Pradesh has successfully battled Stage 3 oral cancer, thanks to a groundbreaking six-hour surgery performed at Kailash Hospital in Noida. This unconventional procedure was necessary due to the patient's severe spinal deformity and other critical health issues. This case underscores the advancements in surgical oncology and the importance of multidisciplinary care, which allow even high-risk elderly patients to receive potentially life-saving cancer treatments.

A Difficult Diagnosis

Madanlal Sharma, a long-time tobacco user, sought help after experiencing tongue mobility issues and discovering a lump beneath it. After thorough examinations, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer affecting the floor of his mouth, a particularly aggressive type of oral cancer that typically necessitates extensive surgical intervention. However, the treatment was complicated by his existing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which required multiple inhalers and regular nebulization, as well as severe kyphoscoliosis, a spinal condition that made traditional surgical positioning impossible.

The Uncommon Side-Lying Surgical Technique

Due to the patient's inability to lie flat, the surgical team, led by Dr. Manish Sahni, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Kailash Hospital, had to adapt the entire surgical approach. They opted for a modified lateral (side-lying) position, a rare choice in oral cancer surgeries. The six-hour operation required precise coordination among surgical oncology, anesthesia, and critical care specialists to ensure safe airway management, proper surgical access, and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. Despite the complexities involved, the surgery was successfully completed.

Age Shouldn't Limit Treatment Options

Dr. Sahni noted that elderly cancer patients often face unique challenges due to multiple health conditions alongside advanced cancers. He pointed out that while the patient's severe COPD heightened anesthesia risks, the spinal deformity ruled out conventional surgery. Nevertheless, meticulous planning and a collaborative approach allowed the team to effectively remove the cancer. This case illustrates that age should not be a barrier to receiving potentially curative cancer treatment, provided patients are thoroughly evaluated and managed appropriately.

Successful Recovery Post-Surgery

Despite being categorized as a high-risk surgical candidate, the patient's recovery was surprisingly smooth. He was discharged within five to six days and is now cancer-free, continuing to recover well during follow-up appointments. Initially, Sharma had dismissed his symptoms, never suspecting that the lump under his tongue could indicate cancer. After receiving timely treatment, he has completed his therapy and returned to his normal life. “I never thought it could be something serious. When the tests revealed oral cancer, I was very concerned, especially because of my age and other health problems. It was a difficult time,” he shared.

Importance of Early Detection in Oral Cancer

India faces one of the highest rates of oral cancer globally, with tobacco chewing and smoking being significant risk factors. Medical professionals recommend seeking immediate attention if any of the following symptoms persist for over two weeks:

• Persistent mouth ulcers
• Lump under the tongue or inside the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Persistent mouth pain or bleeding
• Difficulty speaking