One-of-a-kind titanium ribs give chondrosarcoma survivor his life back
Months after his chondrosarcoma treatment at another hospital, Chuck Lichtman developed a life-altering hernia. It made it hard to move, sleep comfortably or even breathe. But three MD Anderson surgeons came together to give Chuck a one-of-a-kind solution that ensured that the hernia – and its distressing side effects – wouldn’t return.
“I got my life back,” he says. “I’m the most fortunate guy...

Young adult thyroid cancer patient grateful for personalized care
After I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis at age 15, I began having my thyroid monitored regularly. In 2012, during a checkup in...
Prosthodontics lab technicians play key role in cancer treatment
Tucked away in our Head and Neck Center are three artists. But instead of choosing the perfect color for a painting, they select the perfect...
Breast reconstruction is body image miracle for U.S. Army Major
Sarah Rykowski is a chief prosecutor in the U.S. Army. In 2013, while stationed in Seoul, South Korea, she discovered a lump close to her armpit during a breast self-exam.
As the daughter of a registered nurse, Sarah knew she should see a doctor at her next post in Oklahoma. There, a mammogram and biopsy revealed early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and can spread through the...

Oral cancer survivor adjusts after facial reconstruction
While life isn’t exactly the same, Ronnie Queenan prefers to acknowledge that he’s still alive five years after undergoing surgery and radiation...
Breast reconstruction: 4 things to know
For many breast cancer patients, breast reconstruction is an important part of cancer treatment. The goal of breast reconstruction surgery...
Adenoid cystic carcinoma survivor: Be your own advocate
It took Eileen Brzoska almost eight years to get an accurate adenoid cystic carcinoma diagnosis. “I was misdiagnosed twice due to the rarity...
Surgical relief from lymphedema
When Paula Bell was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in her left breast in 2007, she had chemotherapy prior to undergoing a mastectomy...
Schooling triple-negative breast cancer
Michelene Shannon is well-aware of MD Anderson’s vast resources and research – she’s been an employee here for 10 years. But in January 2014...
First scalp and skull transplant completed simultaneously with kidney and pancreas transplant
James (Jim) Boysen first met Jesse C. Selber, M.D., four years ago. The Austin-based software developer had come to MD Anderson for reconstructive...