25/12/2025
Recent Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction Case By Dr. Moodie | South Africa 🇿🇦
––––––––––––––
• Procedures performed
🦠 Removal of advanced squamous cell carcinoma
👅 Total tongue removal
👄 Removal of the floor of the mouth
🗣️ Removal of the voice box due to tumor spread
🦠 Removal of cancerous lymph nodes in the neck
🦵 Reconstruction using tissue from the thigh
––––––––––––––
This patient presented with a very aggressive squamous cell carcinoma involving the entire tongue. The cancer had spread into the floor of the mouth and extended back toward the epiglottis, which plays a key role in swallowing and airway protection 🧠👅
Because the tumor was so extensive, saving the patient’s life required removal of the entire tongue and floor of the mouth. A total laryngectomy was also necessary, meaning the voice box had to be removed to completely eliminate the cancer 🩺⚠️
During surgery, cancer margins were checked in real time under a microscope to make sure all cancer cells were removed before reconstruction began 🔬✅
Reconstruction was performed using the patient’s own tissue taken from the thigh. This included skin and muscle to rebuild the tongue, floor of mouth, and the front part of the throat. This allows the patient to heal properly and regain essential functions like swallowing 💪🦵➡️
Despite the severity of the disease and the complexity of the surgery, the patient recovered well 🙏
This is the power of modern reconstructive surgery and multidisciplinary cancer care in South Africa 🌍✨
If this case educated you, please share it with friends and family 📲
Follow for more real world reconstructive surgery cases 🩺🔥
📸: Milane
