HCG Manavata Cancer Centre said it successfully treated a 63-year-old patient from Palghar who was admitted in critical condition with severe airway obstruction caused by undiagnosed laryngeal (voice box) cancer.
According to the hospital, the patient had been experiencing breathing difficulty and loss of speech for nearly three months and arrived at the hospital with critically low oxygen levels and signs of severe respiratory distress.
Dr. Sirshendu Roy, Surgical Oncologist at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, said the patient’s airway was almost completely blocked and emergency intervention was required immediately.
“The patient suddenly lost consciousness as oxygen levels dropped further. CPR was initiated and he was rushed to the operation theatre. Since the airway was completely blocked by a large tumour, conventional intubation was not possible. The team performed an emergency tracheostomy to restore breathing,” he said.
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is created directly into the windpipe to establish an airway.
The hospital said a biopsy was conducted through endoscopy after the patient was stabilised, while a PET-CT scan later confirmed laryngeal cancer obstructing the airway. Following confirmation of the diagnosis, the patient was started on radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Dr. Roy said the emergency procedure helped stabilise the patient in time and enabled doctors to begin cancer treatment without delay.
According to the hospital, the patient remained under observation for three weeks with the tracheostomy tube in place. As the tumour responded to treatment and breathing improved, the tube was removed successfully, allowing the patient to breathe, eat and speak normally again.
Prof. Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Services and Managing Director at KIMS Manavata Hospitals, said the case highlighted the importance of timely intervention and coordinated multidisciplinary cancer care.
He added that not all laryngeal cancer cases require radical surgery if diagnosed and managed in time.