Battling Carcinoma in Alveolus: A Case Study of Precision Treatment and Recovery

Patient name: Gajanand Buran

Age: 42

Gender: Male

Gajanand Buran, a 42-year-old male, visited his dentist as his teeth were shaking. His dentist asked him to get an X-ray, and it showed that his bone had worn out. He referred the patient to Dr. Devendra Chaukar, an accomplished Head and Neck Oncologist in Mumbai. Dr. Chaukar performed a successful cancer removal surgery, which included a complex reconstruction of the jaw using a free fibula bone graft. The patient experienced a smooth recovery, regaining the ability to speak and eat within a few weeks post-operation.

Gajanand Buran’s initial concern was what seemed like a routine dental issue—his teeth in the lower left jaw had become loose, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to chew food. Concerned about his deteriorating dental health, he visited a local dentist, who immediately recommended an X-ray. The X-ray revealed severe bone erosion in the left lower alveolus. Suspecting something more serious, the dentist referred Gajanand to Dr. Devendra Chaukar, a highly experienced Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai.

After a thorough examination, Dr. Chaukar suspected Carcinoma in Alveolus and recommended further imaging and diagnostic tests. The diagnosis revealed carcinoma in the left lower alveolus, a type of oral cancer that had already affected the bone structure in the patient’s jaw. Despite the daunting news, Dr. Chaukar’s expertise and detailed treatment plan reassured Gajanand.

Dr. Devendra Chaukar conducted several tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the cancer’s progression:

• X-ray:The dentist’s initial X-ray revealed significant bone erosion, prompting the referral to Dr. Chaukar.
• CT scan:A CT scan helped get a detailed view of the mandibular involvement and assess the extent to which the cancer had spread to the surrounding bone.
• MRI scan: Chaukar also ordered an MRI scan, which confirmed that the cancer had spread into the bone marrow, requiring a more extensive surgical approach.
• Biopsy:A tissue biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of carcinoma in the lower left alveolus, enabling the team to plan the surgery with precision.

Dr. Chaukar is a sought-after surgeon for people seeking Oral cancer treatment in Mumbai. His treatment plan involved a combination of surgical removal of the cancerous tissues and reconstruction of the affected bone. Given the cancer’s progression to the bone marrow, Dr. Chaukar needed to take a comprehensive approach to ensure all cancerous cells were removed.

Dr. Devendra Chaukar began the surgery by removing the cancer-affected area of the left lower alveolus. This required resecting the mandible (jawbone) up to the midline because the disease had reached the bone marrow. Dr. Chaukar used a free fibula bone graft—a piece of bone taken from the patient’s leg (fibula)—to reconstruct the jawbone. This was meticulously shaped and fitted into the space left by the removal of the jawbone, providing structural support and a functional replacement.

In addition to removing the cancerous tissue, Dr. Chaukar performed a superficial neck dissection, a procedure aimed at removing potentially cancerous lymph nodes from the neck. During the operation, the doctor conducted a frozen section analysis to ensure the removal of all cancerous tissues. Fortunately, the results were positive, allowing Dr. Chaukar to complete the surgery confidently.

The surgery was successful, and Gajanand’s post-operative recovery was smooth. Within a week, the surgeon removed the rice tube used for feeding, and by the fifteenth day, he regained his ability to speak.

Following the surgery, Dr. Devendra Chaukar provided Gajanand with a set of detailed post-treatment guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful recovery:

• Rest and recovery: Dr. Chaukar advised rest for the initial weeks following the surgery, avoiding any physical exertion that could affect the healing process.
• Diet modifications: A soft or liquid diet was recommended for the first few weeks to avoid putting pressure on the reconstructed jawbone. Gajanand gradually transitioned to solid foods as his healing progressed.
• Oral hygiene: The surgeon instructed him to maintain excellent oral hygiene, using a prescribed mouthwash to keep the surgical site clean and prevent infection.
• Follow-up visits: Regular follow-up appointments were scheduled to monitor the healing of the jawbone and assess Gajanand’s progress.
• Speech therapy: As part of the recovery, Gajanand was encouraged to undergo speech therapy to improve his communication skills following surgery.
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol: He was advised to avoid tobacco and alcohol, as these could increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

Watch Gajanand’s Journey: Overcoming Carcinoma in Alveolus with Dr. Devendra Chaukar’s Expert Care