A 51-year-old mother in the UK, Claire Barbery, initially dismissed her persistent nasal congestion and snoring as side effects of coronavirus or work-related irritation. These symptoms, however, turned out to be early signs of a rare and potentially life-threatening cancer known as olfactory neuroblastoma. After seeking medical advice and undergoing scans and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with the condition, which required urgent surgical intervention.
Barbery’s case was complex due to the tumor’s location in the upper nasal cavity and its proximity to vital structures such as the brain and eyes. The surgery, performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, involved removing the tumor along with her olfactory bulbs, resulting in a permanent loss of smell. Surgeon Shahz Ahmed, who led the procedure, emphasized the high risk of complications if the tumor was left untreated, as it could have metastasized and spread throughout the body.
Following the surgery, Barbery underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now under regular medical monitoring and continuing her recovery, gradually returning to work and enjoying quality time with her family. Barbery, now living in Newquay, Cornwall, is using her experience to advocate for greater awareness of head and neck cancers, highlighting the importance of not ignoring even minor or unusual symptoms.
Her case serves as a reminder that seemingly benign symptoms can sometimes indicate more serious health issues. Barbery recently partnered with the Get A-Head Charitable Trust to raise awareness for World Head and Neck Cancer Day. She emphasizes that if there is something wrong with one’s body, it is crucial to push for medical evaluation, as delays can have life-threatening consequences.