Mum’s Snoring Leads to Rare Cancer Diagnosis and Life-Saving Surgery

A mother from Birmingham, Claire Barbery, discovered that her seemingly benign snoring was a symptom of a rare cancer that could have had dire consequences. The 51-year-old initially attributed her snoring and nasal blockage to regular COVID-19 testing while working in a care home. However, her condition took a serious turn when she learned that she had olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the upper nasal cavity.

In January 2023, after months of discomfort and ineffective treatment with steroid nasal sprays, Claire finally sought medical attention. She had been experiencing a persistent blockage in one side of her nose and began snoring for the first time in her life. Despite her concerns, she almost cancelled her hospital appointment, fearing she would “waste the time” of the medical staff. Claire reflected, “I started snoring, which I’d never done before. I was waking myself up, breathing through my mouth rather than my nose. Even then, I nearly cancelled my hospital appointment.”

Diagnosis and Urgent Surgery

Following a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, Claire underwent scans and a biopsy, which revealed a 5 cm tumour that had begun eroding the bone at the base of her skull. The diagnosis was confirmed as olfactory neuroblastoma, prompting immediate action from her medical team. Claire underwent complex surgery at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, performed by consultant surgeon Shahz Ahmed, who specializes in skull base procedures.

“Claire had a very rare form of cancer that needed to be removed. Untreated, it could have metastasized and spread into the neck and the rest of the body,” said Mr. Ahmed.

The surgery involved the removal of the tumour and her olfactory bulbs, resulting in a permanent loss of her sense of smell. The operation was particularly delicate due to the proximity of critical structures in the brain. Mr. Ahmed expressed the gravity of the situation: “The main blood supply to the brain is in very close proximity, so the risk of seizures, stroke, injury to the brain and loss of life were all very real. Thankfully, the surgery was a huge success and Claire suffered no complications.”

Raising Awareness and Recovery

After the surgery, Claire underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now under regular medical review and is gradually returning to work. Following her treatment, she has also enjoyed spending precious time with her family, including her husband Gary and daughters Lowenna, 27, and Keizha, 25.

In a bid to raise awareness about head and neck cancers, Claire has partnered with the Get A-Head Charitable Trust to emphasize the importance of seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem. “If you know your body, then you’ve got to push. If there’s something wrong, don’t ignore it,” she urged.

Claire’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of timely medical intervention and the need for awareness around unusual health symptoms. As she continues to recover, her story will resonate with many, encouraging others to prioritize their health and seek help when necessary.