Surgery to remove large cancerous mass from 99-year-old woman's face

The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital, has just successfully performed surgery to remove a large cancerous tumor from the face of a 99-year-old woman - the oldest patient ever operated on at this hospital.

The left cheek of a 99-year-old woman after having a large cancerous tumor removed - Photo: Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital

According to Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital, a 99-year-old woman, LTC, residing in Thanh Hoa, was admitted to the hospital with a large tumor on her left cheek, causing pain and facial deformity, affecting her daily activities for many years. The biopsy results determined that this was adenoid cystic basal cell carcinoma - a rare form of skin cancer.

Because the patient is old and has many underlying diseases, anesthesia and surgery are potentially risky.

But according to the treatment wishes of the patient and his family, the doctors of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital held a hospital-wide consultation, carefully assessed the patient's condition and health to come up with the optimal plan.

The surgery was performed directly by doctors of the head and neck surgery department. During the surgery, the team completely removed the tumor; at the same time, preserving important structures such as the facial nerve and parotid duct, ensuring the function and aesthetics of the patient.

According to doctors at Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, develops slowly, and originates from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin.

The disease is common in the elderly, especially in exposed skin areas exposed to sunlight such as the nose, cheeks, and temples.

Although metastasis is rare, the disease can be locally invasive if not treated promptly, causing tissue destruction and facial disfigurement.

Surgery is the main treatment for basal cell carcinoma, requiring a clean resection of the tumor, while preserving maximum function and aesthetics. Therefore, patients need to be treated at specialized facilities with experience in head, face, and neck surgery.

HA DONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phau-thuat-cat-bo-khoi-ung-thu-lon-tren-mat-cu-ba-99-tuoi-20251104170122817.htm