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Danny Snodgrass is grateful to the Mayo Clinic team that treated his cancer.
For years, Danny Snodgrass had trouble speaking. His local doctors attributed it to drainage issues. Eventually, an ear, nose and throat specialist ordered a biopsy. It came back positive for throat cancer.
Snodgrass, who had never smoked and drank alcohol only occasionally, was stunned. An online search for treatment options led him to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., which offered a laser alternative to conventional surgery.
When Snodgrass arrived for a meeting with Mayo Clinic doctors, he was hoping to be told his cancer diagnosis was wrong. Instead, he learned his cancer was advanced and had spread into the lymph nodes of his neck.
The only bright spot came when Eric J. Moore, M.D., an ear, nose and throat surgeon, told Snodgrass he was a candidate for transoral laser microsurgery. Benefits of the laser procedure include a shorter recovery and greater preservation of normal speech and swallowing. Mayo Clinic surgeons have performed hundreds of the procedures.
“One of the great things is that Mayo has a high patient volume so we’re able to identify patients like Mr. Snodgrass who are ideal for the laser procedure,” Dr. Moore says.
Dr. Moore scheduled Snodgrass for transoral laser surgery after confirming that the tumor could be reached with an endoscope through his mouth. During surgery, Dr. Moore also made small incisions in Snodgrass’ neck to remove his tumor-ridden lymph nodes.
Snodgrass recovered well from surgery, returning to Mayo Clinic weeks later for chemotherapy and radiation treatment to treat the cancerous lymph nodes. He credits his team of exceptional caregivers with propelling him to a speedy recovery.
“I owe it all to them,” he says. “I’m convinced the hands of God are on Mayo Clinic. There’s no doubt in my mind. I’ve never been so impressed with a group of people in my life.”
My friend (who survived squamous cell carcinoma in the throat in 2003) has had some symptoms that led her doctor to order tests. Apparently she has a metastatic bony lesion deposit on the CLIVIS and due to the proximity to the brain cell, the doctor told her radiation would not be an option. She did have extensive radiation treatment and 3 weeks of the chemotherapy although she could not tolerate the full 6 week treatment. This is a very close friend of mine and she is convinced she has bone cancer and that the bony lesion is not the primary since the doctor used the word, “Metastatic” in the initial diagnosis. He ordered a full body scan for January but in the iterim she is seeking any information she can get to ease her anxiety. Is there a person out there who by any chance experienced or knows of anyone who experienced this type of diagnosis? If so, would you consider sharing the particulars with me? This gal has just turned 60 and I would totally appreciate any information of any kind on this condition. I might add that the doctors in Ottawa General Hospital in Canada have indicated this is specific condition is uncharted and there isn’t a suitable amount of information available to make a definitive diagnosis. Meanwhile my friend is convinced she has bone cancer and it is just a matter of time. Any assistance anyone would be kind enough to provide would be more than appreciated! Joanne MacDonald
Joanne, thank you for your comment, and we wish your friend the best. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If she would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please have her call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
55 year old male has recurrent cancer of the larynx. Has already had radiatsion 1.5 yrs ago. Is removal of the voice box the only option or is robotic laser a possibility.
Thank you