A 57-year-old UAE resident dismissed a persistent mouth ulcer as trivial until it unraveled into a harrowing battle with oral cancer nearly a year later. Ali Khan Mahaboob’s ordeal underscores the critical importance of early detection and the hazards of tobacco use.
Initially, according to a Khaleej Times report, Ali overlooked the ulcer on his cheek, attributing it to common oral irritations. However, as the ulcer ballooned and left his cheek swollen for six months, he sought medical intervention. At Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah, his fears were confirmed when he received a diagnosis of oral cancer.
“I was scared initially and could not digest the fact that I had oral cancer,” admitted Ali, who had a history of chewing tobacco. “But the doctor reassured me and made me comfortable.”
Dr. Mohammed Basheeruddin Inamdar, leading the medical team, elucidated the severity of Ali’s condition. The cancer had metastasized to his left jawbone, inner cheek lining, and surrounding skin, as per CT scan results.
“Upon evaluation, we discovered he had a form of oral cancer commonly associated with factors like tobacco use and oral trauma,” explained Dr. Inamdar.
To combat the advanced cancer, Ali underwent an exhaustive 11-hour surgery led by Dr. Inamdar and a multidisciplinary team. The procedure involved intricate removal of affected tissues followed by reconstruction using tissue from his leg.
“Complex cases like these require proper planning and teamwork,” emphasized Dr. Satish, the ENT specialist involved. “It was like two surgeries simultaneously taking place on the patient.”
Ali’s recovery journey was challenging, marked by days in the ICU. However, within a short span, he found relief from the excruciating pain, enabling him to resume eating normally.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Ali urged others to heed his hard-learned lesson: “My request to everyone is to stop using tobacco in chewable or smoke form.”
With the biopsy reports clear of cancer cells in his neck nodes, Ali has now entered the radiation therapy phase of his treatment.
“Ali’s experience highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in combating oral cancer,” stressed Dr. Inamdar. “Avoiding tobacco consumption orally and smoking is the best step.”
Dr. Inamdar further advised, “Any ulcer or wound in the mouth, which has not healed automatically in a couple of weeks, has to be evaluated by an oncosurgeon or dental surgeon.”