Garhwal: In a powerful demonstration of medical expertise, teamwork and resilience, doctors at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital have successfully treated an extremely advanced and complex case of upper-lip cancer in a 49-year-old man, showcasing the evolving capabilities of modern cancer care in India.
The 49-year-old patient came to BLK-Max with a massive tumor that had been silently growing for nearly three years, eventually replacing most of his upper lip. By the time he sought medical help, the growth had expanded to nearly 10–12 cm, crossed the midline of the face, extended towards the lower lip and approached the area below the left eye. His mouth opening had reduced to barely 10 mm, making eating, speaking and even basic social interaction extremely difficult. Further imaging and tests at BLK-Max Hospital revealed a fast-growing cancerous lump that had spread into the left side of the nose and mouth area, with signs that nearby lymph nodes in the neck might also be affected. A biopsy confirmed carcinoma of the upper lip.
Explaining about the challenges and complications, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jain, Principal Director - Surgical Oncology, BLK-Max Hospital, said, “The case was particularly challenging due to the patient’s uncontrolled hypertension and underlying cardiac issues, which significantly increased surgical risk. After meticulous optimisation and multidisciplinary approach, we planned an aggressive yet balanced surgery aimed at complete cancer removal while preserving long-term function. The surgery included operating on the jaw and upper jawbone, removing affected lymph nodes from both sides of the neck, and creating a temporary breathing opening in the neck to ensure a safe airway, as his mouth opening was very limited and swelling was expected after surgery.”
Dr. Rajesh, further added, “After removing the tumor, the surgery left a very large and complex defect affecting the lip, jaw, mouth and facial skin. Reconstruction was critical, not for appearance alone, but to help the patient speak, swallow and regain basic facial function. We rebuilt the jaw using bone taken from the pelvis and covered the area with tissue from the thigh using advanced microvascular techniques. Initially, recovery was smooth, but the patient developed sudden vision loss due to a small stroke. With prompt neurological care, strict blood-pressure control and psychological support, he gradually stabilised and continued his recovery,”
With coordinated care involving multidisciplinary the patient gradually stabilised. He was discharged in a stable condition with a reconstructed face, protected airway and a clear roadmap for follow-up, rehabilitation and further treatment.
This case highlights the true face of modern cancer surgery, where late presentation, complex anatomy and multiple co-morbidities demand not just surgical skill, but a robust, multidisciplinary ecosystem. At BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, the goal goes beyond removing cancer, it is about restoring dignity, function and hope, and enabling patients to return to their families with the possibility of reclaiming a normal life.
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