«SHE’S OUR YOUNGEST PATIENT!» — THE STORY OF 20-YEAR-OLD YANA’S FIGHT AGAINST TONGUE CANCER

Stomatitis, a seemingly harmless condition affecting the oral mucosa, had accompanied Yana, a 20-year-old woman, since childhood. So when she discovered a whitish lesion on her tongue in November last year, she didn’t think much of it. Yana continued using antiseptic solutions and ointments, as previously recommended, but despite consistent treatment, the discomfort worsened and soon turned into significant pain.

Concerned about her condition, Yana saw a dentist. After an examination, the specialist immediately referred her to an oncologist for further investigation. A biopsy performed at a specialized clinic confirmed the diagnosis: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Realizing the seriousness of the case, local doctors advised Yana to seek help at the A.Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre, – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, where specialists could offer more advanced diagnostics and treatment options for this complex disease.

«We’ve previously shared stories of complex reconstructive surgeries on the tongue in young patients», noted Liana Vatina, an oncologist at the head and neck disease treatment department at the A. Tsyb MRRC and a member of the Young Scientists Council. «But Yana was the youngest of them all. She didn’t have any of the typical risk factors associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, such as HPV-positive status, smoking, or alcohol abuse. There was also no significant family history. Her case was extremely rare».

Doctors decided to proceed with surgery, which included prophylactic neck lymph node dissection and resection of the tongue tumor followed by reconstruction.

«Removing the lymph nodes is a necessary step when the disease is this widespread because micro-metastases—which can pose a serious threat—often go undetected in imaging studies», explained Ernest Akki, an oncologist and surgeon at the head and neck treatment department. «Next, we removed the tumor and reconstructed the defect using a mucosal-muscular cheek flap. Its main advantage is that the tissue composition is very similar, so it integrates well».

The surgical team opted for a reconstructive method: to close the defect on the tongue, they used a flap taken from the inner cheek, which included mucosa, cheek muscle, and was supplied by the facial artery. The flap was carefully transferred and secured in place, allowing not only anatomical but also functional restoration of the tongue.

Yana is now in the final stage of recovery and preparing for discharge. Right after the surgery, a team of rehabilitation specialists began working closely with her to ensure a smooth and complete recovery. Currently, the medical team is awaiting the results of a morphological study to determine whether further treatment is necessary or if the course is complete. Yana shared that she eagerly awaits the moment she can return to her normal life—her loved ones, studies, and favorite activities.