Speech and Eating Ability Preserved After Complex Tongue Cancer Surgery at Medanta; 37-Year-Old Patient Living a Normal Life Six Years Later
Lucknow, September 17, 2026: A complex tongue cancer surgery at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, has enabled a 37-year-old patient to retain his ability to speak and eat and return to his normal life. Six years after the surgery, the patient is doing well and has resumed his work as a salesperson, where communication is an essential part of his profession.
The patient had been living with a lump on the left side of his tongue for nearly 10 years. Over time, the condition became cancerous and gradually spread to the inner portion of the tongue.
He was evaluated by Dr. Vivekanand Singh, Director, Head and Neck Cancer, Medanta Hospital, and Dr. Piyush, Consultant, Head and Neck Cancer, Medanta Hospital. Investigations revealed that the tumour had extended from the middle portion of the tongue towards the lower jaw. An MRI further showed involvement of the muscles beneath the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
For the medical team, the challenge was not simply to remove the cancer. Since the patient's profession required regular interaction and communication, preserving his ability to speak and eat after surgery was equally important.At Medanta, Lucknow, the cancerous portion of the tongue was surgically removed. The lymph nodes on the affected side of the neck, where the disease had spread, were also removed.
Reconstruction posed another challenge
Following removal of the tumour, reconstruction of the tongue was required. In such procedures, tissue is commonly taken from the lower part of the arm. However, the patient had previously sustained an injury to his arm, making that option unsuitable.The doctors therefore used tissue from the upper arm to reconstruct the affected portion of the tongue.
The objective of the procedure was not merely to close the defect created by tumour removal, but to reconstruct the tongue in a manner that would help the patient retain functional abilities such as speaking and eating.The patient recovered well following the surgery and was discharged from the hospital on the fifth day.
Six years later, patient leads a normal life
Today, six years after the surgery, the patient is living a normal life and has returned to work. As a salesperson, he regularly interacts with people and is able to communicate effectively. His voice is also reported to be almost normal.
The case highlights an important aspect of cancer treatment: successful treatment is not limited to removing the disease. Preserving quality of life and essential functions can be equally important, particularly in cancers involving organs such as the tongue.In this case, careful surgical planning and reconstruction helped the patient return not only to his family and everyday routine but also to his professional life.