Woman Undergoes Surgery to Use Arm Muscle for Throat Repair After Cancer Fight

Victoria Christie, a 29-year-old from Glasgow, faced an extraordinary battle against a rare form of cancer that led to significant medical interventions, including a skin graft from her arm to repair a hole in her throat left by surgeries.

Initially noticing a concerning lump in her mouth that changed in size and color, Victoria’s journey to diagnosis was fraught with uncertainty, spanning two years before doctors identified the lump as a salivary gland tumor—a condition so rare it affects only about 720 people annually in the UK.

Despite the tumor’s slow progression, its discovery led to a series of four surgeries aimed at removing it. One such procedure resulted in a gaping hole in her throat, significantly impacting her ability to speak and eat, and rendering her unable to work since November. This period of adversity, however, has only deepened Victoria’s appreciation for life, fueling her desire to see her niece and nephew grow up, reported Daily Record.

The path to recovery included a complex skin graft earlier this month, where surgeons transplanted skin and muscle tissue from her arm to her mouth. This procedure has initiated a six-month period of physiotherapy for Victoria, during which she remains unable to work.

Throughout this ordeal, Victoria grappled with self-blame and isolation due to the tumor’s rarity, but she found solace in online support groups, despite the lack of local contacts. Now on the mend, Victoria’s experience underscores the unpredictable nature of rare cancers and the importance of community and awareness.

Her story is a testament to resilience and the critical support provided by healthcare professionals, including Dr. McCaul and the Macmillan nurses. To assist with the ongoing financial burden of her recovery, Victoria’s sister has established a GoFundMe page, rallying support for her continued journey toward health.