Kamineni Hospitals Reconstructs Cancer Patient’s Jaw Using Leg Bone After 12-Year Gutkha Addiction
The patient, a daily wage labourer, had been addicted to gutkha and smoking for nearly 12 years. What initially appeared as a painful, non-healing ulcer inside his mouth gradually worsened, leaving him unable to open his mouth properly. Medical examinations at Kamineni Hospitals revealed cancer in the inner cheek region, which had aggressively spread to the jawbone.
Hyderabad: In a remarkable medical achievement, specialists at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad successfully reconstructed the jaw of a 39-year-old man using a bone from his leg after oral cancer, caused by a prolonged gutkha-chewing habit, severely damaged his jawbone.
The patient, a daily wage labourer, had been addicted to gutkha and smoking for nearly 12 years. What initially appeared as a painful, non-healing ulcer inside his mouth gradually worsened, leaving him unable to open his mouth properly. Medical examinations at Kamineni Hospitals revealed cancer in the inner cheek region, which had aggressively spread to the jawbone.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. D. V. Vineeth, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, undertook a complex surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. The procedure involved a wide excision of the tumour, removal of the affected portion of the jawbone, and a Modified Radical Neck Dissection to ensure complete cancer clearance.
To restore the patient’s facial structure and prevent permanent disability, Dr. B. Krishna Chaitanya, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, performed an advanced microvascular reconstruction procedure known as a free fibula osteocutaneous flap. During the surgery, bone and tissue were harvested from the patient’s leg and carefully shaped to reconstruct the removed section of the jaw.
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Doctors said the surgery not only eliminated the cancer but also restored the patient’s facial contour and jaw continuity, significantly improving his quality of life and functional abilities.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Vineeth emphasized that head and neck cancers linked to tobacco and gutkha consumption often require aggressive treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence. Dr. Krishna Chaitanya noted that modern microsurgical techniques have made it possible for patients to regain both function and appearance following extensive cancer surgeries.
The patient is currently stable and recovering well, with satisfactory facial reconstruction and improved jaw function.
Hospital authorities said the case highlights the importance of early medical consultation for persistent oral symptoms and serves as a stark reminder of the serious health risks associated with gutkha and tobacco use. The successful surgery also underscores the growing role of advanced reconstructive techniques in cancer care, enabling patients not only to survive but also to return to normal life with dignity and confidence.
