Odisha: Poor woman suffering from oral cancer gets new life at Hi-Tech Medical College

By A.K. Sahoo

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 23: For months, she suffered in silence. What began as a minor ulcer on her lower gums gradually grew into a painful, bleeding mass. The excruciating discomfort made eating and speaking a struggle, casting a shadow over her daily life. Yet, burdened by financial constraints and family responsibilities, seeking advanced medical care felt like an unreachable dream. 

Despite visiting local doctors, her condition only worsened. The ulcer transformed into a foul-smelling growth, intensifying her pain and deepening her fears. Desperate for answers, she journeyed to another state, where her worst fears were confirmed—she had squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, a type of oral cancer. The diagnosis was devastating, not only because of the life-threatening nature of the disease but also because her family couldn’t afford the costly treatment. Hopelessness began to cloud her future. 

However, hope arrived when she learned about Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital and the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a healthcare scheme offering financial assistance for cancer treatment. Clinging to this lifeline, she approached the hospital with renewed determination to fight for her life. 

A dedicated team of specialists rallied around her, led by oncologist Dr. Khitish Chandra Mishra, oral surgeon Dr. Sandip Samal, and plastic surgeon Dr. Chinmaya Chiranjibi Samal, supported by head of anaesthesia Dr. N. Acharya. They planned a complex surgical procedure to remove the cancer and reconstruct her face, preserving both her health and dignity. 

The six-hour surgery was a delicate and demanding process. After carefully excising the cancerous tissue, the plastic surgery team meticulously reconstructed her face, restoring her appearance as close to normal as possible. Post-surgery, she was closely monitored in the ICU, where her recovery progressed smoothly. 

Today, she stands ready to return to her loved ones, not just healed but also empowered. Her journey from despair to hope is a powerful testament to resilience, compassion, and the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare.