Vijayawada: American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Kanuru, Vijayawada achieves yet another milestone by successfully treating a 91-year-old patient diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer. The patient presented with complaints of an ulcer on the right side of his tongue, casuing pain and a burning sensation while eating.
Mr. Radha Krishna Murthy Surapaneni was diagnosed with Stage III Tongue Cancer. The patient underwent a rigorous treatment plan consisting of radical radiotherapy under the expert care of Dr Sai Snehit.
In India, head and neck cancers (HNC) are one third of all cancers. The risk of HNC is increased by smoking of bidi, reverse smoking, chewing tobacco, beetle, quid, and areca nut. Reverse smoking is observed in certain group of people in north costal Andhra Pradesh (AP). The chronic exposure to heat and toxins from the lit end of the cigarette can result in distinct patterns of tissue damage and inflammation within the oral cavity. These changes may mimic other benign conditions, making early detection and accurate diagnosis crucial. The most prominent effect of reverse smoking is seen on the palate and tongue.
Harish Trivedi, CEO of CTSI – South Asia, stated, “The success story of Mr. Surapaneni exemplifies the importance of accessibility to world-class cancer care in regional locations like Vijayawada. At AOI, we strive to bridge the gap in healthcare by bringing cutting-edge treatment options closer to home. Our mission is to empower patients and their families with the confidence that they are receiving top-tier medical attention, irrespective of their location. This achievement in Kanuru highlight’s our dedication to transforming cancer care across South Asia.”
Mahendra Reddy, RCOO, AOI Vijayawada, commented, “We are immensely proud of the exceptional care provided by our team at AOI Kanuru, Vijayawada. Mr. Surapaneni’s case is a testament to our commitment to delivering advanced Cancer Care with a patient-centric approach. Our state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated medical professionals continue to set new benchmarks in cancer treatment, ensuring that even our most senior patients receive the highest quality of care.”
Radical radiotherapy is a form of treatment that uses high doses of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells with the intent to cure or significantly reduce the disease. Unlike palliative radiotherapy, which aims to relieve symptoms, radical radiotherapy is more aggressive and focuses on completely eradicating the tumor. The treatment is carefully planned to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Dr Sai Snehit, Radiation Oncology, AOI Vijayawada, shared his insights on the treatment, “Mr. Surapaneni’s case was particularly challenging due to his age and the aggressive nature of his cancer. However, with the advanced radiotherapy techniques available at AOI in Kanuru facility, we were able to target the tumor effectively while minimizing side effects. The patient showed remarkable resilience throughout the treatment process, and we are delighted with his progress. This case highlights the importance of personalized care plans and the capability of our team to handle complex cancer cases with precision and compassion.”
The successful treatment of Mr. Surapaneni reaffirms AOI Kanuru, Vijayawada’s position as a leading cancer center in the region, committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate cancer care. AOI continues to pioneer in the field of oncology, offering hope and improved quality of life to patients across the region.