Page 13 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

Why Plastic Surgery
Matters in Oncology

• Before Reconstruction
Tumour removal may leave patients with
disfigurement, disability or loss of function.

• Through Reconstruction
Plastic surgeons rebuild tissue, bone and
complex structures.

• After Reconstruction
Patients regain function, confidence and
quality of life.

• Long-term Impact
Care moves from disease control to
meaningful recovery.

Microvascular free tissue transfer has transformed
this approach. By using tissue from the thigh,
forearm or other parts of the body, surgeons can After reconstructive surgery
reconstruct a functioning tongue, cheek, breast
or other complex structures. Vascularised bone Achieving this requires infrastructure, resources
from the leg or shoulder can help recreate the and a committed multidisciplinary team.
jaw or malar bone. These advances allow cancer Reconstructive surgery is labour-intensive
treatment to move beyond survival alone towards and demands coordination between nurses,
meaningful restoration of form, function and technicians, cleaners, anaesthesiologists and
dignity. surgeons. There is no “I” in such care. Treating
This has become even more relevant as biologics cancer is a responsibility that requires not only
and modern oncology treatments improve scientific skill but also empathy, clarity and respect
outcomes. Patients are living longer and often for patient choice.
healthier lives, and they deserve more than the Every patient must be made aware of the available
fact of being alive. Once the immediate fear of treatment options, including the best possible
death recedes, the wish to return to society with reconstructive choices, unless the oncological
dignity becomes stronger. A grandmother should principle calls for palliation or anaesthetic fitness
be able to attend a family wedding without hiding precludes surgery. This enables patients and
her face. A teacher who has undergone surgery families to make conscious, informed decisions
for tongue cancer should have the chance to about the care they wish to receive at an oncology
regain an intelligible voice. A woman treated for centre.
melanoma of the foot should be able to recover Plastic surgery in oncology is ultimately about
her gait, confidence and social life. Plastic adding life to years, not merely years to life. It helps
and reconstructive surgery helps make these restore form, function, dignity and the patient’s
aspirations possible. place in society.

12 Together We Screen. Together We Heal. 13