
Dr Sreekanth advises both men and women to take the HPV vaccination to protect from cancer
He also said that the government had launched the HPV vaccination programme for children in all educational institutions
Yashoda Hospitals are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precision surgeries for any ailments
KARIMNAGAR, MARCH 12, 2026: Doctors at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, successfully treated an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with rare and aggressive jaw cancer that initially appeared to be a benign tumour.
The child presented with a two-month history of swelling on the right side of the jaw accompanied by mild pain. Clinical evaluation revealed a firm swelling measuring approximately 4×5 cms over the right mandible. Initial investigations and an incisional biopsy performed elsewhere suggested ‘Adotogenic fibroma’, a rare but benign tumour of the jaw.
The MRI imaging showed a destructive lesion involving the right mandibular ramus with a soft tissue component extending toward nearby muscles. Considering the imaging findings and clinical progression, surgeons proceeded with a right hemi-mandibulectomy with tumour excision, followed by reconstruction using a fibular graft and plate to restore jaw structure and function.
Disclosing this to newsmen here at Yashoda Medical Centre in Karimnagar town on Thursday, Dr K Sreekanth, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology at Yashoda Hospitals, stated that “the jaw tumours in children are uncommon and can sometimes mimic benign conditions on small biopsies. In this case, the initial biopsy suggested a non-cancerous tumour, but the final surgical specimen revealed a rare form of Rhabdomyosarcoma. This highlights the importance of thorough evaluation, advanced imaging, and complete histopathological assessment when dealing with pediatric jaw tumours”.
Stating that the early surgical intervention combined with multidisciplinary care plays a crucial role in managing such cancers, Dr Sreekanth said that following the surgery, the child is expected to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy and possible radiotherapy according to standard pediatricrhabomyosarcoma threatment portocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dr Sreekanth stressed the need for HPV vaccination of children between 9 years and 14 years, adolescent children till the age of 18 years, and adults up to 25 years, with some adults up to 45 years.
He stated that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given before any sexual activity, although it is still beneficial later. He informs that even boys and men should take the vaccine to check the spread of cancer.
Only two doses in the age group of 9 to 14 years, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first and in the age group of 15 to 45 years three doses are typically scheduled over six months.
