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Cancer wrapped around carotid artery
We were preparing for radiation and chemo but my husband ended up in ER coughing up clots if blood. He survived surgery to stop the bleeding. Has anyone ever experienced this or even heard of it. My understanding is that options are few. Waiting for ENT now
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I was diagnosed with two small tumors and a large tumor that was wrapped around my carotid artery -it was too close to the artery for surgery to be considered. I never got to the point where the tumor impacted the artery. But they did proton beam radiation (7 weeks) that shrunk the tumor sufficiently, and moved it away from the artery, so that 6 months later they could then do surgery to remove it - I will hope that in your case the radiation can proceed
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3 ReactionsThank you. Not sure he is strong enough for that now after this hospitalization. They think maybe with travh and care he can get stronger. Maybe immunotherapy.
My experience was with Squamous Cell cancer at the base of my tongue. It had spread to a lymph node in my neck that was adjacent my carotid artery. My ENT said to close for surgery. I took radiation for 7 weeks plus chemo on a weekly basis. I’m a year out and so far I’m tracking clear. Hope all goes well in his recovery.
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2 ReactionsI'm happy for you and may that continue. Unfortunately my husband is not strong enough for radiation or chemo now. It will take time to build up strength and this cancer is so aggressive we may not have time to wait. ENT has discussed going in and getting as much as possible to take pressure off the artery and covering the area with a flap of tissue from elsewhere. This would set treatments back even further. Has anyone tried this type of surgery? No good options here.
I had the flap surgery in 2020. Tumors soon returned and wrapped around the carotid artery in the neck. They are reluctant to do surgery and the process sounded very complicated. I was surrised to learn that they thought I had a 10% chance of stroke wich seemed low to me, but very high for them. I guess I underestimate the damage a stroke could do and how good my qulity of life is now. They have put me on Opdivo since 2021 with amazing results up until early 2024. Theh can see the tumor again and it is sow growing s Im meeting my ENT surgeon at Mayo again soon to dicuss surgical options again. One step forward two steps back I guess.
Has anyone had the surgery for a tumor attached to a carotid artery? Results? Advice?
Thank you for responding! I would also be very interested in the experience of others.