Sukkur: The Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) has successfully performed a complex cancer resection and reconstruction surgery on a patient suffering from oral cancer, providing the entire treatment free of cost.
According to GIMS Spokesperson Jameel Hyder on Saturday, Madad Ali, a resident of Larkana, had been suffering from a non healing ulcer in his left cheek for the past six months. He had visited several hospitals for treatment but could not get timely care due to financial constraints.
He later presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at GIMS, where a comprehensive evaluation was carried out. An incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Left Buccal Mucosa, a common but aggressive form of oral cancer.
Following complete staging and pre operative workup, a multidisciplinary team comprising Oral and Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery decided to proceed with definitive surgical treatment.
The surgical procedure involved tumor resection with 1 cm oncological safe margins along with neck dissection (Levels I-IV) to remove affected lymph nodes. The oncological part of the surgery was performed by Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Mohsin Mumtaz.
The large defect created after the removal of the tumor was successfully reconstructed using an advanced Supraclavicular Flap technique by Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Rind. The procedure was stated to be successful and the patient is recovering.
Spokesperson said the entire treatment from diagnosis and biopsy to major surgery and reconstruction was provided free of charge under the patronage of GIMS Director Dr. Rahim Bux Bhatti, under the Sindh government’s policy of providing free, quality healthcare at GIMS.
Doctors at GIMS have advised the public to avoid known risk factors for oral cancer including pan, gutka, chalia (areca nut), tobacco and cigarettes.
They said any mouth ulcer, white or red patch, or swelling that does not heal within two weeks should be considered alarming and must be examined by a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon immediately, as early diagnosis can save lives.