Thane: Early oral cancer detection at KIMS Hospital, Thane, led to the successful treatment of a 22-year-old patient and the life-saving early diagnosis of his mother, highlighting how timely medical intervention and awareness can dramatically improve outcomes.
The young patient, a resident of Ankleshwar, was diagnosed with oral cancer affecting the lateral border of the tongue – an uncommon presentation at his age, particularly in the absence of tobacco, alcohol, or areca nut consumption.
The diagnosis was made under the care of Dr Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant – Head & Neck Oncosurgery, and Dr Anil Heroor, Director – Oncological Sciences at KIMS Hospital.
Early Oral Cancer Detection Enables Curative Surgery
Following prompt evaluation, the patient underwent wide local excision with neck dissection. Histopathological analysis confirmed Stage I disease, allowing cure through surgery alone without the need for radiation therapy.
The patient recovered swiftly, was discharged within three days, and achieved complete healing within a week of surgery.
According to Dr Hitesh Singhavi, early suspicion and timely surgical intervention not only cured the cancer but also preserved the patient’s quality of life by avoiding long-term treatment-related complications.
Early Oral Cancer Detection Extends to a Second Life Saved
During a routine follow-up visit, discussions around warning signs and early symptoms prompted the patient’s mother to mention a persistent ulcer inside her cheek.
Clinical examination revealed a suspicious lesion measuring 2 × 1 cm. A biopsy confirmed early-stage oral malignancy.
She subsequently underwent wide excision of the left buccal mucosa with neck dissection and hyoglossus release, followed by reconstruction using a local flap.
Early oral cancer detection enabled limited surgery, smooth recovery, and an excellent prognosis, with nearly 90% five-year survival.
Dr. Anil Heroor noted that awareness played a decisive role in enabling early diagnosis, allowing treatment with minimal impact on speech, swallowing, and overall function.
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Chronic Mucosal Trauma Identified as a Shared Risk Factor
Detailed evaluation revealed that both patients had sharp teeth causing chronic irritation at the precise sites where cancer developed.
This points to chronic mucosal trauma (CMT) as a contributing factor – an emerging area of recognition in oral oncology. Persistent mechanical irritation can lead to chronic inflammation, dysplasia, and eventual malignant transformation.
The case reinforces that oral cancer is not limited to traditional lifestyle risk factors and can arise from prolonged physical trauma within the oral cavity.
Why Early Oral Cancer Detection Matters
Because both cancers were detected early:
- Aggressive treatments were avoided
- Radiotherapy was not required
- Speech, swallowing, taste, and appearance were preserved
- Hospital stay and recovery were minimal
- Long-term survival outcomes improved significantly
This rare dual diagnosis at KIMS Hospital, Thane, demonstrates that early oral cancer detection can transform outcomes – turning a potentially fatal disease into a fully treatable condition through timely awareness and intervention.
