Restoring a smile after surgery for skin cancer on the nose.

Doctors from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the National Dermatology Hospital have successfully performed surgery on a female patient with deep-invasive skin cancer that completely destroyed the base of her right nasal wing. The surgery not only completely removed the tumor but also reconstructed the nasal wing, ensuring respiratory function and facial aesthetics.

"I used to think I would have to live with a disfigured face for the rest of my life..." - a female patient, nearly 60 years old, shared when she first visited the National Dermatology Hospital.

Image of a patient with basal cell carcinoma on the right nostril. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

The patient never expected that a small mole that appeared years ago on the side of her nose would be a sign of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common type of skin cancer.

The biopsy results showed that the tumor had invaded deeply, destroying almost the entire right nasal wing, spreading to the nasal mucosa and cartilage, seriously threatening both the patient's respiratory function and facial aesthetics.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Quang, Deputy Head of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Central Dermatology Hospital, stated that the principle in treating skin cancer is to surgically remove the tumor completely along with a safe boundary. However, the nasal wing is a central location that determines the overall harmony of the face. Removing the tumor means leaving a large hole, disrupting the natural curve of the nose.

Facing a cancer diagnosis is terrifying enough, but the fear of facial disfigurement and the dreaded stares of others can be even more debilitating for patients. Many even delay treatment.

The case of this female patient was assessed as a difficult one. Completely removing the cancerous tissue was already complex, but the greater challenge was how to reconstruct the nasal wing structure after surgery, ensuring both respiratory function and maintaining a natural aesthetic appearance.

Doctors at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Dermatology Hospital, have applied the local flap technique, using skin tissue from the nasolabial fold to reconstruct the nasal wing after completely removing the tumor using Mohs surgery – a method that helps control the complete removal of cancerous cells from the body, minimizing the risk of recurrence.

With the motto "Cancer treatment is about saving lives, but reconstructive surgery is about preserving the soul and self-confidence," doctors thoroughly apply reconstructive surgery to correct nasal wing defects after all malignant cells have been completely removed.

Doctors meticulously measured, precisely designed, and rotated healthy skin flaps from the surrounding area to reconstruct the missing part of the nasal wing. This method offers several notable advantages. First, because it uses skin from the surrounding area, the color and structure of the skin are highly similar, helping the reconstructed nasal wing harmonize with the overall facial features.

Besides the aesthetic aspect, this method also ensures good respiratory function, keeping the airways clear and minimizing the risk of nasal cartilage collapse or contraction after surgery...

According to Dr. Quang, many cases of skin cancer originate from very small lesions such as moles that change color, slow-healing ulcers, hyperpigmented papules, or areas of persistent bleeding. Early detection and timely treatment not only improve treatment effectiveness but also minimize the risk of major facial disfigurement.

Each year, the National Dermatology Hospital records approximately 400-500 patients with basal cell carcinoma seeking examination and treatment. Over 95% of basal cell carcinoma patients are completely cured if detected early and treated promptly. Therefore, doctors recommend that when experiencing any unusual skin symptoms, people should visit medical facilities for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/tai-sinh-nu-cuoi-sau-ca-phau-thuat-ung-thu-da-vung-mui-750293.html