- Treated with Electron Beam Therapy (EBT), type of radiation to treat very shallow (superficial) tumors
Mangalagiri, 26th June 2023: American Oncology Institute (AOI) Vijayawada in Mangalagiri successful restores the affected part of the face from skin cancer in a 90-year-old female. The patient was suffering from irregular ulcer located on the left side of her face, just in front of her ear. She was experiencing pain and foul-smelling discharge from the lesion. Following an evaluation by a surgeon at a local hospital, a biopsy confirmed the presence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Its a type of skin cancer that most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face.
Surgical excision followed by a skin flap was recommended; however, the patient expressed reluctance towards undergoing surgery and sought further management options at American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Mangalagiri. Considering the patient's concern, the multidisciplinary team at AOI proposed a different approach to treatment. As an alternative to surgery, definitive radiation therapy was offered, and after obtaining informed consent, proceeded with electron beam therapy.
Electrons were preferred over conventional photons due to their ability to deposit a high dose to superficial layers while minimizing damage to deeper normal tissues. A custom-made cutout was created to match the size and radiation treatment field, which was then placed in the electron applicator.
Explaining the diagnoses, Dr Mani Kumar S, MD Radiation Oncologist, American Oncology Institute (AOI) Vijayawada, Mangalagiri, said, “Incidence of skin cancers has been increasing and in India, it is about 0.5-4.8 % among females and 0.4-6.2% among males. Treatments for skin cancer include surgical excisions, where the lesion is removed through surgery and the defect is closed by skin flap if required. In this case, radiation therapy was given to the cancerous area to treat the tumour. Electron beam is a form of ionizing particle radiation which can deliver high dose to the skin surface, sparing the deeper normal tissues. Skin cancers can be prevented by reducing direct exposure to sunlight; hence it’s always advised to apply dermatologically recommended sunscreens. Also, if there are any changes on the face, immediately check with an oncologist to rule out the possibility of a cancer. Early detection will help with lesser complications and improved success rate.”
The treatment spanned approximately 2 weeks, with the patient returning home each day throughout the course. Four weeks after the completion of treatment, the ulcer showed significant healing, and subsequent follow-up examinations revealed no ulcer with good recovery and mild pigmentation around the affected area.
Mahendra Reddy, Regional Chief Operating Officer, said, “Our Department of Radiation Oncology at American Oncology Institute in Vijayawada, Mangalagiri, is dedicated to providing precise and personalized cancer care. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to deliver radiation therapy with precision, minimizing side effects and maximizing treatment efficacy. We at AOI are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and we will continue to explore new treatment modalities and techniques to ensure the highest level of care for our patients."
American Oncology Institute (AOI), the best hospital for cancer in Vijayawada operates a full-fledged facility at NRI Hospital, Mangalagiri. American Oncology Institute has expanded its network of super-specialty cancer hospitals in India and South Asia. Regarded as the top hospital for cancer in Mangalagiri, AOI offers standardized cancer treatment protocols and pathways as followed in the leading Oncology centers in the US. Strategically located, the cancer hospital is conveniently accessible from Vijayawada, Guntur and Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The cancer hospital, spread over a sprawling area of 30000 sqft, inside the premises of the NRI campus offers oncology treatment services that include Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Anaesthesiology.
