Management of Inoperable Buccal cancer by Laser Ablation-A Case report

Abstract

Inoperable and unresectable carcinoma of oral cavity is defined as the tumour in which R0 resection is not possible even with a massive resection of Maxillary and Mandibular bone.

These patients are generally administered adjuvant chemotherapy in hope for a resectable tumour after 2 to 3 sessions of chemotherapy.

Laser ablation can bring down the tumour content predictably by a great extent in only 1 session.

A 70 yr. old patient presented with unresectable buccal carcinoma which had spread through retro mandibular area to outside skin and neck. The patient went a single session of laser ablation with some minor sessions and subsequent chemotherapy.

On subsequent follow ups he was found to have a considerable decrease in his tumour load.

At the end of 3 months he was found to be practically tumour free.

He had a small fistula in RMT area at the end of 9 months which was gradually closing down.

The patient had a remarkable recovery which was documented. The patient at end of 10 months has been cancer free for last 6 months.