Oral cancer affects nearly 650,000 people worldwide each year, and its prevalence has been on the rise in recent years, making it one of the most common cancers. As with all cancers, detecting oral cancer early greatly enhances the chances of successful treatment. This is why regular dental check-ups and self-examinations are vital for identifying potential problems early on. Key warning signs to be aware of include persistent mouth ulcers, lumps, swellings, red or white patches, or unexplained pain.
In this context, we would like to share the story of Ms Noothin Pholphichai, a 75-year-old woman who faced oral cancer in the form of an Ameloblastoma in her lower jaw that required surgical removal.
The first signs and symptoms of the oral cancer
In 2019, Ms. Nittaya, the daughter of the patient, had noticed that her mother had more skin patches and mouth ulcers than usual. Additionally, her mother experienced pain, a burning sensation in her mouth, and difficulty eating. Concerned, Ms Nittaya took her mother to the hospital, where she was given oral medication and ointments. These medicines eased the symptoms and helped with the pain, however, the ulcers still remained. Consequently, Ms Nittaya decided to consult a specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital. During this visit, the doctor took a tissue sample (biopsy) from her mother for testing, which revealed that her mother had cancer in the lower jaw (mandible) that required surgery.
Ms Nittaya, shared with us that her family was deeply concerned about her 75-year-old mother having to undergo a major cancer surgery lasting over 10 hours to treat her condition. Their worries were compounded by her mother's advanced age, the extended duration of the surgery - requiring a large amount of anesthesia - and the increased risk of excessive blood loss. Additionally, they were anxious about the cost of medical treatment, the need for ongoing care and follow-up, and the steps involved in managing the surgical wound and her mother’s diet during the recovery period.
Making the decision to use Meticuly’s patient specific mandibular reconstruction solution
Before proceeding with the surgery to treat her mother's lower jawbone cancer, Ms Nittaya decided to consult with the primary doctor overseeing her mother’s case to determine if surgery was the best course of action. The doctor explained the steps and procedures involved in treating her mother's oral cancer and recommended surgery, given her mother’s overall good health and lack of complications.
Ms Nittaya recalled that she had never heard of 3D printed implants from Meticuly before. The doctor explained that the pre-surgical planning, conducted in collaboration with Meticuly’s engineers, allowed for a more innovative treatment approach. The cancer would be removed following a predetermined surgical plan, and the jaw would be rebuilt (reconstructed) using a bone graft taken from her mother's leg (fibula) during the same operation. With the reconstruction planned in advance, this approach would result in a shorter surgery time and reduced blood loss.
Reunion and recovery after the cancer surgery
Thankfully, the procedure went well, and just a few days after the surgery, mother and daughter were reunited at home. As the swelling subsidized, her mother’s strength gradually returned, and she could begin eating and speaking more comfortably again. The use of Meticuly Patient-Specific mandibular reconstruction plate in her cancer removal and reconstruction surgery enabled the doctors to preserve her mother's facial shape as close to its natural appearance as possible, with minimal visible scarring.
Ms Nittaya would like to extend her gratitude, on behalf of her mother, to all the doctors who provided excellent care and advice throughout her oral cancer treatment, as well as to the Meticuly team for their high-quality and affordable titanium implant. This innovation significantly contributed to the success of her mother’s surgery and her return to normal life. She also encourages other patients with jaw cancer to consider surgery and reconstruction with patient-specific titanium implants, as it greatly reduced the surgical risk for her mother, allowing her to undergo surgery safely and regain a happy life.
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