Successful surgery on large facial cancer mass for 96-year-old woman

Doctors from the Oncology Department (Provincial General Hospital) have just successfully performed surgery to completely remove a large, complex, invasive cancerous tumor from the face of a 96-year-old woman. The surgery to remove the tumor in a difficult location, with many potential risks, was performed safely, ensuring aesthetics and helping the elderly patient recover well.

Oncology doctor (Provincial General Hospital) examines the post-operative wound of patient N.

The patient is Mrs. TTN (Hong Gai ward), who had a tumor on her right cheek and nose that appeared many years ago. Because of her old age and weak health, she did not go to the doctor. Recently, the tumor grew rapidly, ruptured, and oozed foul-smelling pus, causing pain and exhaustion, so her family took her to the hospital for treatment.

Through examination, doctors discovered a tumor about 5x5cm in size, firm, with necrotic center and poor mobility in the right nasolabial region, along with underlying diseases of high blood pressure and ischemic heart disease.

This is a difficult case due to the large tumor, spreading to the face, especially the complex tumor location, close to the eyelid, invading the nose wing, while the patient is old and weak. After consultation, the doctors indicated wide excision of the lesion, combined with external rotation flap transfer to cover the tumor cut surface.

After about 1.5 hours of surgery, the tumor was neatly removed, and bleeding was well controlled. The defect after tumor removal was covered with a localized skin flap, without tension, helping to prevent facial deformity after surgery. Thanks to precise manipulation and smooth coordination, the patient recovered well, the wound healed quickly, and ensured aesthetics.

According to Dr. Vu Duc Nin (Deputy Head of Oncology Department), basal cell skin cancer is cancer originating from the basal cell layer of the skin. This is a common type of cancer, accounting for about 65% of all skin cancer cases. The disease is common in the elderly, appearing mainly on the face, which is exposed to a lot of sunlight. The main cause of the disease is ultraviolet rays, besides there are also risk factors from exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals such as arsenic, pesticides, etc.

Basal cell skin cancer is characterized by slow growth, almost no lymph node or distant metastasis, and a very good prognosis if treated promptly. The 5-year survival rate can reach 98%. Surgery is the main treatment method with the principle of completely removing cancerous lesions while preserving function and aesthetics, especially when the lesions are in the facial area, as in the case of Mr. N.

Through this case, doctors advise people, especially the elderly, not to be subjective with unusual skin lesions. Early examination and timely intervention are effective solutions to help prevent complications, minimize risks and improve quality of life.

Nguyen Hoa

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/phau-thuat-thanh-cong-khoi-ung-thu-lon-vung-mat-cho-cu-ba-96-tuoi-3366224.html