HCG Manavata Cancer Centre Saves Palghar Patient After Critical Airway Collapse Caused by Voice Box Cancer

Emergency Intervention Helps Save Patient in Critical Condition

Nashik, May 26: In a life-saving medical intervention, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) successfully treated a 63-year-old patient from Palghar who arrived in a critical condition with severe breathing difficulty caused by an undiagnosed laryngeal (voice box) cancer. The patient was unable to speak, struggling to breathe and was reportedly on the verge of cardiac arrest.

The patient had been suffering for nearly three months due to severe airway obstruction. He was also experiencing excessive sweating and worsening distress as oxygen levels dropped significantly.

Doctors at the centre acted quickly to reopen the airway and begin treatment, eventually helping the patient regain the ability to breathe, eat and speak normally without requiring radical surgery.

Minutes Made the Difference

According to the medical team, the patient's condition became critical immediately after consultation.

"The patient was in a critical state. We realized that his airway was almost completely blocked and an emergency surgery was the only way to open the windpipe. Just as the consultation was over, the patient suddenly lost consciousness as his oxygen levels plummeted further. The team had to act within a window of 3 to 5 minutes to prevent cardiac arrest. CPR was initiated immediately and the patient was rushed to the operation theatre. Since the airway was completely blocked by a large tumour, inserting a conventional breathing tube was impossible. So, the surgical team rapidly performed an emergency tracheostomy to restore breathing," said Dr Sirshendu Roy, Surgical Oncologist, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre.

Emergency Tracheostomy Restored Breathing

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is created directly into the windpipe to allow insertion of a breathing tube.

Following stabilization, doctors obtained a biopsy sample through endoscopy on the second day. A PET-CT scan later confirmed laryngeal cancer that had obstructed the patient's airway.

Within four days, biopsy findings validated the diagnosis and treatment began immediately through radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

"When the patient collapsed, every second mattered. The tumour had completely blocked the airway, making routine intubation impossible. The emergency tracheostomy helped us secure his breathing in time. Today, seeing him breathe, speak and respond positively to treatment is deeply satisfying for the entire team," added Dr Sirshendu Roy.

Patient Recovers Without Major Surgery

The patient remained under close observation for the next three weeks while the tracheostomy tube remained in place. As treatment reduced the tumour burden, breathing improved significantly and doctors successfully removed the tube.

Following recovery, the patient regained the ability to breathe comfortably, eat normally and speak without difficulty.

"The case is a powerful reminder that not every laryngeal cancer requires radical surgery. It highlights the importance of timely intervention and the strength of a coordinated multidisciplinary cancer care team. The real victory here was the team's ability to act in those critical minutes, saving a life before treatment even began. Seeing the patient speak again, pain-free, is why we do what we do," said Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director - KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.

About HCG Manavata Cancer Centre

HCG Manavata Cancer Centre is a dedicated comprehensive cancer care facility based in Nashik, Maharashtra, offering multidisciplinary oncology services and integrated treatment approaches focused on patient care and recovery.