Kansas City, Kan- Patrick Cena, a charter boat captain from St. Thomas, discovered a lump in his beard in April 2024, which turned out to be stage 1 HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

He opted for surgery over chemo and radiation, which successfully removed lymph nodes, part of his tongue, and palate.

Dr. Andres Burr, a head and neck surgeon, explained that 80% of throat cancers are HPV-related and emphasized the importance of early detection and the HPV vaccine.

 Patrick's recovery was swift, and he returned to work within two months. The discussion also highlighted the benefits of robotic surgery and the importance of multidisciplinary care.

Patrick Cena, patient

• Patrick explains that the lump didn't seem to be getting smaller, prompting him to seek medical attention.
• He discusses his decision to seek treatment in the United States, specifically at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
• Patrick shares his decision to opt for surgery over chemo and radiation, primarily due to his profession as a boat captain.

Dr. Andres Bur, Head and Neck Surgeon Scientist, The University of Kansas Health System

• Dr. Burr elaborates on the factors that influence the decision to avoid chemo and radiation, emphasizing the importance of pathology results.
• He explains the advancements in robotic surgery, making it a minimally invasive option for head and neck cancers.
• Dr. Burr explains the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine and its approval for ages 11 to 45.

Wednesday, April 30th is the next Morning Medical Update:

The History of Measles and its Historic Comeback- Measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000. It’s now making a comeback with outbreaks identified in numerous states including Kansas. It’s highly contagious and highly preventable. Infectious disease specialists put the current outbreak into perspective.