Docs find woman suffering from sore throat and cough actually had neck tumour 

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In a remarkable feat of surgical precision and expertise, Mumbai doctors have successfully removed a rare tumour from one of the most anatomically complex regions of the human body, “the parapharyngeal space”, offering a new lease on life to a 65-year-old woman from Mumbai who had been experiencing persistent throat symptoms and voice changes.  

The woman had been suffering from a persistent sore throat and cough for nearly two months. She had also recently noticed changes in her voice. Although she did not experience pain or difficulty swallowing, doctors found an unusual swelling inside her throat during examination. Her MRI scans revealed approximately 5 cm in length tumour located in the left  parapharyngeal region, a deep area behind the throat surrounded by important nerves and major blood vessels structures responsible for swallowing and speech. The patient had previously consulted multiple hospitals and was advised that the tumour’s deep location would require cutting the jawbone to gain surgical access. Such an approach can increase the risk of post-operative complications, including difficulties with eating, chewing, speech, and facial alignment. 

Tumours in this area are extremely rare and account for less than 1% of all head and neck tumours worldwide. The tumour was diagnosed as a Pleomorphic Adenoma, a usually non-cancerous tumour that develops from salivary gland tissue. While benign, these tumours can continue to grow and cause problems with breathing, swallowing, speech, and in rare cases may even become cancerous if left untreated.

Removing such a tumour is highly challenging because of its location. The parapharyngeal space is surrounded by nerves that control swallowing, speech, shoulder movement, and sensation. It is also located very close to major blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. The surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Amit Chakraborty, Surgical Oncologist, without cutting the jawbone, preserving all surrounding nerves, blood vessels and facial structure.

The team lead by Dr. Amit Chakraborty, Surgical Oncologist at Speciality Surgical Oncology (SSO) Hospital successfully treated the woman.

Speaking about the case, Dr Chakraborty at the hospital said, “This was a rare and complex surgery because the tumour was located deep inside the neck, close to several vital structures. The biggest challenge is removing the tumour completely without damaging important nerves and blood vessels. With careful planning and precise surgical techniques, we were able to remove the tumour safely and preserve the patient’s normal functions.”

This case is special because the surgical team was able to access and remove the tumour through a carefully planned neck incision without requiring more extensive procedures. This helped reduce recovery time and ensured a better cosmetic outcome for the patient. Following the surgery, the patient recovered well and was able to swallow normally from the very next day. She was discharged with no major complications and continues to do well.

Dr Chakraborty further added, “Many patients ignore symptoms because these tumours grow slowly and often remain painless. However, early diagnosis allows safer surgery and better outcomes. With advances in imaging, surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary care, patients with even rare and complex tumours can now be treated successfully while preserving their quality of life.”

Patients with similar conditions can benefit greatly from early detection and treatment, which can prevent complications and help preserve normal speech, swallowing, and overall quality of life.