'Pan' chewer diagnosed with oral cancer
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 20 2025: A team of plastic surgeons of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal has successfully reconstructed a new cheek from the forearm of a woman, who was diagnosed with oral cancer, in an eight-hour long operation held at the Modular OT No.5 of RIMS Hospital on February 7.As per a release by PRO RIMS, the patient aged 53 years is a professional weaver hailing from Imphal West district.

She had been taking 'Pan' to the tune of six to eight per day for the past 15-20 years.

When she noticed an irregular ulcerated patch towards the inside of her left cheek, little did she know that, she would be diagnosed one day with a terrible disease.

After keeping the ailment to herself for almost a year, she narrated the suffering to her elder sister, who took her to a senior surgeon in her locality.

Within days, she was diagnosed to be having oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa), elaborated the PRO.

The release continued that the doctor advised her to visit RIMS Hospital Plastic Surgery OPD.

When she arrived at the Plastic Surgery OPD, she was already in a condition where she could not open her mouth more than one finger breadth.

She was then thoroughly investigated with an aim to find out the extent and spread of the dreaded disease.

Luckily, the tumour had not spread far and wide.

An ENT consultation was sought and the operation scheduled soon after.

As the tumour starting from inside the cheek had reached the skin, the entire cheek was removed during the operation.

The marathon operation was undertaken under the strict supervision of former RIMS Plastic Surgery HoD and present medical superintendent professor N Sanjib Singh, it said.

The release further informed that after the head and neck surgeon took out the massive tumour, the plastic surgery team led by HoD associate professor Dr Ak Ibohal Singh harvested the radial artery forearm flap from the left forearm of the patient and painstakingly joined the blood vessels of the flap to those of the neck by the process of microvascular anastomosis using 8-0 polypropylene.

Thus, the big hollow in the left cheek was reconstructed successfully.

The team of doctors in the operation included anaesthesiologists Dr Longjam Eshori Devi and Dr Irengbam Joyshankar; plastic surgeons Dr P Manisana and Dr Nehar Sinam; and ENT surgeon Dr M Pushpakishore, who were assisted by theatre nurses A Romita and Roshima.

The release also informed that the patient was strictly monitored in the Trauma ICU for 48 hours and thereafter shifted to the Plastic Surgery Ward.

Two weeks following the operation, the patient has recovered adequately and is ready to go home.

"The incidence of tobacco abuse is on the rising trend in our state of Manipur and even women are no exception to this.

One should approach the expert doctor at the slightest index of suspicion and take treatment early on," it further advised.

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