Cincinnati Patient Survived Complex Throat Cancer Surgery

Jenny Hammond underwent a 14-hour procedure to treat a rare form of cancer in her neck.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer

Gouache-painted illustration of a medical prosthetic device on a white surface, representing the process of health recovery. — Jenny Hammond of Fort Thomas is navigating a difficult recovery following a complex 14-hour surgery to treat rare adenoid cystic carcinoma. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Jenny Hammond, a resident of Fort Thomas, has navigated a challenging recovery after a 14-hour surgery to treat adenoid cystic carcinoma. The complex procedure involved the removal of portions of her throat and mouth, followed by extensive tissue reconstruction and skin grafts.

Why it matters

The case highlights the severity of adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare malignancy that often requires aggressive surgical intervention and multidisciplinary care. Following the surgery, the patient's cancer classification was updated from stage two to stage four, necessitating additional advanced treatment.

The surgical procedure lasted 14 hours and involved complex tissue reconstruction. Following the operation, the patient's cancer diagnosis was revised from stage two to stage four.

The players

Jenny Hammond

She is a Fort Thomas resident who recently underwent extensive surgery and is currently receiving follow-up treatment.

UC Health

This is the Cincinnati-based medical system where the patient underwent her 14-hour throat and neck cancer procedure.

Children's Hospital

This facility is currently providing the patient with high-dose radiation via proton therapy for her recovery.

The details

The procedure required multiple surgeons to perform intricate tissue rebuilding and skin grafts to address the tumor located on the left side of the neck. To recover essential daily functions, Hammond is currently utilizing medical prosthetics and ongoing therapy.

In September 2026, reports confirmed the successful completion of the surgery and the patient's ongoing recovery process.

The Big Picture

The patient's care trajectory follows established clinical protocols at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for managing advanced-stage head and neck malignancies. This integrated approach mirrors the standard of care for patients requiring complex reconstruction followed by proton therapy.

Patients diagnosed with rare neck cancers may require multi-stage recovery plans, including the use of prosthetics and specialized physical therapy. Accessing advanced options like proton therapy is a critical component for those managing late-stage surgical outcomes.

The takeaway

Advanced surgical procedures for rare carcinomas often require a long-term commitment to multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services. Patients facing similar diagnoses should coordinate closely with oncology teams to integrate surgical recovery with secondary treatments like radiation.