Laryngeal Cancer Treatment in India

Sneha Williams, a 58-year-old former school...

Sneha Williams, a 58-year-old former school principal and avid choir singer, noticed a persistent hoarseness that wouldn't go away, even after a month of vocal rest. Initially attributing it to a stubborn cold, she grew concerned when she began experiencing mild pain when swallowing and a constant feeling of a 'lump' in her throat. Her primary care doctor referred her to an ENT, who discovered a suspicious lesion on her vocal cords during a laryngoscopy. A biopsy confirmed early-stage squamous cell carcinoma. The oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), explaining it was the best option to remove the tumor while maximizing her chance of preserving her voice. The procedure itself was precise and minimally invasive. The recovery was challenging; Sneha had to communicate through writing and gestures for two weeks, enduring a liquid diet and significant throat pain. Her emotional journey was one of profound fear, terrified of losing her ability to speak and sing, which were central to her identity. After six months of speech therapy, her voice returned, though it was permanently deeper and slightly raspy. While she can no longer hit the high notes in her choir, she feels overwhelming gratitude for being cancer-free and has found new joy in mentoring young teachers, her voice a testament to her resilience.