Our Summary

A 43-year-old woman found a lump on the right side of her head. After a biopsy, it was determined to be a rare type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. The size of the tumor increased over time, but she had to wait two months before having surgery because of two upper respiratory tract infections that needed treatment first. By the time of surgery, the tumor had grown quite large. During the surgery, the surgeons removed part of her skull and the membrane surrounding the brain in the affected area. They then reconstructed the area using tissue from her thigh and a synthetic material. She did not receive any additional cancer treatment after the surgery and is now two months into her post-surgery cancer check-ups.

FAQs

  1. What type of cancer did the woman have?
  2. Why did the woman have to wait two months before having her surgery?
  3. What materials were used to reconstruct the area after removing the tumor?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing craniofacial surgery to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and notify the doctor of any unusual symptoms or concerns. Additionally, the patient should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, to support healing and overall well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for craniofacial surgery include those with:

  • Craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, or craniofacial microsomia
  • Facial trauma resulting from accidents or injuries
  • Skull deformities such as plagiocephaly or cranial vault remodeling
  • Tumors or growths affecting the skull or facial bones
  • Facial paralysis or nerve damage
  • Severe facial asymmetry or disfigurement

In the case of the 43-year-old woman with osteosarcoma, she underwent craniofacial surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct the affected area of her skull. This type of surgery is often recommended for patients with skull tumors or growths that require removal and reconstruction.

Timeline

  • Initial discovery of lump on right side of head
  • Biopsy reveals rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma
  • Tumor grows in size over time
  • Two month wait for surgery due to respiratory tract infections
  • Surgery to remove part of skull and surrounding membrane, reconstruction using thigh tissue and synthetic material
  • Post-surgery cancer check-ups ongoing
  • No additional cancer treatment received after surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery for my specific condition?

  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what steps can I take to ensure a smooth recovery?

  3. Will I need additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?

  4. What are the long-term effects and outcomes I can expect from this surgery?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition, and if so, what are the pros and cons of each?

  6. How experienced is the surgical team in performing craniofacial surgery, and what is their success rate with similar cases?

  7. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or monitoring after the surgery, and how often should I expect to see my doctor?

  8. How will the surgery affect my appearance and function, and are there any potential cosmetic or functional changes I should be aware of?

  9. What can I do to support my overall health and well-being before and after the surgery?

  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I need to take to reduce the risk of complications or recurrence in the future?

Reference

Authors: Luna-Ortiz K, Alonso-Calamaco M, Ortiz-Leyva RU. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2017 Mar;28(2):e189-e191. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003189. PMID: 27755442