In a triumph of precision oncology, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) successfully performed a scarless intraoral surgery on a 33 year old male diagnosed with buccal mucosa (cheek) cancer. The procedure, which incorporated Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB), marks a major step forward in preserving both form and function, offering patients a future without visible reminders of their battle. The tumour was completely removed through the inside of the mouth and reconstruction was performed using the patient’s own fat tissue, resulting in a seamless recovery without external marks. The surgery was performed in less than two hours and the patient was discharged within three days.
Scarless intraoral surgery performed at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre
SNB is a targeted procedure to find and test the first lymph nodes draining a tumour. Doctors inject a safe radioactive tracer near the tumour to map the sentinel nodes. Removing and testing them reveals the cancer spread, guiding treatment plans without extensive surgery.
Tumour removed from inside the mouth reconstruction performed with patients fat tissue at HCGMCC
“The young patient from Dhule, had come to the hospital deeply anxious, not just about the disease, but also about the permanent scars and functional impairments often associated with traditional head and neck cancer surgeries. Thanks to the use of SNB and advanced intraoral techniques, our surgical team was able to accurately identify lymphatic spread using a specialized dye, thereby avoiding unnecessary neck dissection and the associated trauma, complications and scarring,” says Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director – KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.
The surgery was led by Dr Nagarkar alongside a multidisciplinary team including Dr Sirshendu Roy, Dr Koustabh Kumar, Dr Rajendra, Dr Mohsina, Dr Vishal, and Dr Zaid. HCG Manavata Cancer Centre continues to set new standards in advanced, patient-centric oncology care by combining surgical brilliance with compassion and cutting-edge technology.
“To see a young man walk in fearful and walk out cancer-free, scar-free and smiling is the most fulfilling part of what we do. Our goal is not just to cure the disease but to ensure our patients return to life feeling whole, physically and emotionally,” concludes Dr Nagarkar.