A 96-year-old patient, T.T.N, from Hong Gai Ward, Quang Ninh Province, had been living with a growing tumor on her right mid-face for several years. Fearing surgery, she avoided medical intervention.

However, the tumor recently enlarged rapidly, ruptured, and began discharging pus with a foul odor, causing severe pain and physical decline, prompting her family to seek emergency care.

Doctors found a 5x5 cm tumor near her lower right eyelid, firm in texture with central necrosis and poor mobility.

After a biopsy, the tumor was diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. The patient also had underlying conditions, including hypertension and ischemic heart disease.

Surgical challenge and successful outcome

Due to the patient’s advanced age, weak health, and the tumor’s size and location near sensitive areas like the lower eyelid and nasal wing, this was considered a complex case.

A multidisciplinary team decided on wide excision of the tumor and reconstruction using a local rotational flap.

Dr. Vu Duc Nin, Deputy Head of the Oncology Department, led the surgery with support from the Anesthesiology and Recovery team.

During the operation, the tumor was found to have invaded the muscle layer but had not yet affected the bone.

Surgeons skillfully removed the tumor while preserving the lower eyelid and used a local skin flap to reconstruct the area and maintain facial symmetry.

The surgery lasted about 1.5 hours, with the tumor cleanly excised and bleeding well controlled. The patient’s face retained its structure and appearance post-operation.

Thanks to precise surgical techniques and effective teamwork, the patient recovered well. The wound healed quickly, maintaining both function and aesthetics.

After more than a week of monitoring, Ms. N. was discharged in stable condition with a healthy, healing surgical site.

Pham Cong