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A 19-year-old woman in Binh Duong,Vietnam,has a new lease on life after undergoing a complex surgery to remove a massive facial tumor she’d lived with as age 2. The remarkable case highlights the growing capabilities of reconstructive surgery even in challenging circumstances.
The tumor, initially small, progressively grew over 17 years, causing significant disfigurement and impacting her quality of life. She also suffered from peripheral neuropathy, but the tumor’s growth and the intricate anatomy of the head and neck made surgical intervention too risky for many years, according to her family. The tumor progressively distorted her face and ultimately caused complete vision loss in her right eye.
Upon arriving at Binh Duong General Hospital, doctors found the tumor had engulfed almost the entire right side of her face. The case was further intricate by cerebral palsy type 2, which causes motor dysfunction on the left side of the body, while her cognitive abilities remained intact.
Pictures before (left) and after the operation. Photo: Provided by the hospital.
MRI scans revealed a large soft tissue tumor and lesions in the right hemisphere of the brain, increasing the complexity of the case. The medical team at Binh Duong General Hospital convened a comprehensive consultation, recognizing the risks posed to major blood vessels, nerves, and the eye socket.
After careful deliberation, surgeons decided to wholly remove the tumor and reconstruct the right side of the face using a free thigh flap-a complex microsurgical technique demanding collaboration between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and postoperative care specialists. Doctors involved in the operation described it as one of the most challenging cases of peripheral neuropathy they’d encountered, given the tumor’s long-standing presence, size, and proximity to vital structures.
The goal extended beyond tumor removal to meticulous reconstruction, ensuring adequate blood supply, minimizing complications, and gradually restoring the patient’s facial appearance. A free thigh flap reconstruction requires precision and careful postoperative monitoring to maintain flap stability.
The operation was successful; the tumor was completely removed, and facial reconstruction proceeded as planned.Postoperatively, the patient is conscious, her vital signs are stable, and the surgical wound appears clean. She remains under close observation and care at the hospital.
The family views this surgery as a pivotal moment after nearly two decades of living with the
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