Are maxillectomy and reconstruction the best options for my dad?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 70-year-old father has been diagnosed with squamous carcinoma of the hard palate. The doctor has recommended a maxillectomy with a thigh ALT-free flap surgery. Is this the best option for preserving speech and eating, or would a radial free flap be more suitable?

He has high blood pressure, but it is controlled. Additionally, can teeth or prosthetics be implanted in the upper jaw area after surgery and radiation?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

Kindly attach his test and biopsy reports as well.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I went through his reports (the attachments removed to protect the patient's identity).

According to the PET (positron emission tomography) scan, it might be verrucous carcinoma, which is a slightly different variant of cancer. I believe we should discuss your father's treatment options in detail.

Yes, an obturator can be used post-surgery, but the exact treatment modality will depend on specific factors. We have case reports on verrucous carcinoma, and based on those success rates, I can guide you on the best approach.

Please confirm if there is any history of cancer in your family, not just oral cancer, but any type in previous generations, including grandparents or great-grandparents.

Given the impact of tobacco, even though your father quit five years ago, it may have accelerated the damage. I recommend using the 50-hour chat link below so we can discuss your father’s treatment plan in detail. It is crucial to make the right decisions in such cases.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.