MGM Healthcare Celebrates Remarkable Success in Single Stage Synchronous Twin Neck Tumour Surgery

Performs Modified Incision Surgery to remove two tumors of size 18 cm and 14 cm diameter on the Thyroid Gland and Parotid Gland simultaneously in the same sitting.
These tumour masses displayed similar characteristics and appeared to have similar progression in size and appearance.
An aesthetically pleasing surgical approach (Retro mastoid with modified face lift incision), the twin neck masses were surgically excised, without leaving a visible scar on the neck post operatively after wound healing.

Chennai 20th October 2023: MGM Healthcare, a leading multi-specialty quaternary care hospital located in the heart of Chennai, has performed an uncommon combination surgical procedure (Total PAROTIDECTOMY & Total THYROIDECTOMY) a Head-and-neck surgery on a 48-year-old woman from Chennai, removing two huge tumors from her neck through a surgical approach with an innovative incision based modified face lift surgical technique. This groundbreaking procedure involved the simultaneous removal of rapidly growing twin neck masses in the thyroid and parotid glands on the right side. The surgical milestone was accomplished by Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant & HOD of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MGM Healthcare, who has completed more than 100 such highly challenging surgeries at MGM Healthcare.

Mrs. Lakshmi (name changed), who is a home maker in Chennai, had been facing difficulties with breathing and swallowing food for the last six months. She had sought medical assistance from other hospitals over the past year, but her condition had worsened. Upon her arrival at MGM Healthcare Chennai, two large tumors were visible on the right side of her neck. Her thyroid, which typically measures 2 – 4 cm in size, had transformed into a rock-hard tumor measuring 15 – 20 cm, while the parotid gland, usually 4 cm in breadth, had developed a tumor measuring 12 – 14 cm. Thyroid glands regulate the body’s metabolic rate, growth, and development, while the parotid glands, located below the ears, are responsible for producing saliva that enters the mouth through a duct behind the teeth. Although most parotid tumors are non-cancerous, some may be malignant, underscoring the importance of prompt treatment.

Due to the size of the tumors and their close proximity, the surgical procedure posed a significant challenge for the medical experts. Initially, considering the patient’s age, Prof.Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty had contemplated a two-stage surgery. However, given the delicate positioning of the twin tumors, Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty decided to excise both tumors in a single stage surgery with intra operative frozen section control. This was based on the pre-operative working diagnosis of suspected malignancies hinted by the cytology and ultrasonography reporting.

Speaking about the surgery Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant & HOD of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MGM Healthcare, said, “With a strong suspicion of malignancy, we had to make the critical decision to simultaneously remove both tumors through a modified face lift incision. This approach not only addressed the medical concerns but also ensured an aesthetically pleasing outcome. The surgical procedure involved a total parotidectomy and total thyroidectomy, with intra-operative frozen section control to confirm the nature of the tumors.”

He further added, “There were multiple challenges in this surgery, with the most significant one being to preserve the patient’s voice & ensure normal breathing and swallowing functions. The complexity of the procedure was further heightened by the proximity of vital neurovascular structures, including the facial and recurrent laryngeal nerves, to the affected areas. We successfully preserved the important nerves bilaterally to ensure good vocal cord functions. Also, in such radical tumor removal surgeries, the preservation of calcium and maintenance of parathyroid glands are also significant challenges. The surgery took approximately 6 hours, and we were able to successfully preserve all the important nerves and its physiological functions.”

The medical team not only triumphed over twin malignancies but also restored the patient’s health, self-esteem, and hope. This extraordinary achievement underscores MGM Healthcare’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare services.

After the procedure the patient has returned to living a normal, happy life with a heightened sense of self-esteem, free from the challenges of ill health in both mind and body.

This groundbreaking surgical approach offers an ideal treatment for young and socially-active members of society who require treatment for thyroid tumors, parathyroid glands, parotid gland tumours, parapharyngeal space tumors, submandibular gland removal, benign neck swellings like branchial cleft cysts, and neck dissection for metastatic cervical lymph nodes in patients with head and neck cancers.