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Dubai: Medcare, the pioneering healthcare provider in the region, today announced the successful surgical treatment of a rare and critical case of tongue and neck cancer, conducted by Professor Jehad Al Sukhun, Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon at Medcare Hospital Dubai. The unusual cancer was effectively removed during a seven-hour operation which required partial removal and re-formation of the tongue tissue.
A 62-year-old elderly lady presented at the Medcare Hospital with severe pain around her mouth and difficulty when swallowing or breathing. The patient had a history of daily tobacco chewing, as well as other medical diseases such as diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension.
Professor Jehad Al Sukhun conducted a thorough investigation to find an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma in the patients tongue which had spread to the lymph nodes in the neck region. The cancer was found at quite an advanced stage, meaning it would be difficult to treat and required an invasive surgery. Prof Al Sukhun required over seven hours in the operating room to perform this rare and delicate partial glossectomy and bilateral neck dissection surgery.
Due to the extent of the tumor, the patient required a sizeable major resection of the tongue and floor of the mouth, while undergoing removal of the lymph nodes in the neck. Professor Al Sukhun used the soft tissue in the mouth to successfully reconstruct the defect. “The patients case history made this operation challenging as she was a diabetic and suffered from hypothyroidism with uncontrolled high blood pressure. However, the surgery went without any hitch and was very successful. The patient is showing remarkable recovery and was discharged after only three days. We are following up with her condition regularly and she is scheduled to receive adjunctive treatment in the form of radiotherapy or chemotherapy to ensure full remission of the cancer”.
Tobacco chewing is particularly common amongst Asian cultures, but has long been associated with oral cancers, which are ultimately avoidable. “Great patient awareness needs to be brought to the problem of tobacco chewing, especially amongst cultures where this is deep engrained” said Professor Al Sukhun.
Although smokeless tobacco products may be perceived safer than cigarettes, they are closely linked with oral, pancreatic and esophageal cancer.[1] Moreover, evidence suggests some forms of smokeless tobacco can increase heart rate and blood pressure, meaning patients risk of heart disease and stroke are raised.1 Chewing tobacco also increases patients’ risk of developing precancerous mouth lesions which are small white patches called leukoplakia which could eventually develop into cancer.1
“This patient case study also underlines the importance of correct, timely diagnosis of carcinomas to ensure optimal outcomes for the patient” explained Profession Al Sukhun. “Such accurate diagnosis early on in the diseases is only able if there is continued innovation in the field of oncology diagnostics and treatment”.
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About Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres
Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres (Medcare), the premium healthcare division of Aster DM Healthcare, is one of the pioneering healthcare providers in the region.
With a focus on delivering a patient-centric journey as well as encouraging clinical excellence and state-of-the-art care, Medcare operates three multi-specialty hospitals including Medcare Hospital Safa Park Dubai, Medcare Hospital Sharjah and Medcare Women and Children Hospital in Dubai and one specialty hospital Medcare Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital. In addition, it has three specialty centres and 12 multi-specialty centres in key locations across Dubai and Sharjah.
With a team of 350+ qualified healthcare professionals, Medcare promotes and supports the highest standards in preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/chewing-tobacco/art-20047428
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