Timely diagnosis and organ-preserving treatment at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre (OLCC), Talegaon Dabhade, helped restore both speech and confidence in a Pune patient
Pune: In a moving journey of recovery, a 74-year-old man from Pimpri Chinchwad has successfully overcome stage IVA throat cancer and regained his voice, thanks to advanced precision oncology at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre (OLCC), Talegaon Dabhade. The treatment not only cured his disease but also preserved his larynx, allowing him to return to a normal life with dignity and confidence. Dr. Gaurav Jaswal, Director of Radiation Oncology, and Dr. Santosh Sahu, Unit Head, were present during the press conference.
Patient Mr. Janardhan Umale, a past tobacco user with no major health issues, initially noticed a gradual hoarseness of voice and a painless swelling on the right side of his neck. Over three months, his voice became weak and difficult to project. Simple conversations turned exhausting, and he began withdrawing socially. “I stopped speaking much, even with my family. I felt like I was disappearing from my own life,” he shared. Fear and isolation eventually pushed him to seek medical help.
Dr. Gaurav Jaswal, Directorof Radiation Oncology, said, “When the patient presented to us, he had persistent hoarseness, mild difficulty in swallowing, and visible neck swelling. PET-CT revealed a cancerous lesion in the right pyriform sinus extending to the vocal cords with nearby lymph node involvement, but no deeper spread. This allowed us to plan a focused, organ-preserving approach. After evaluation by a multidisciplinary tumor board, radical chemo-radiation was advised. He underwent advanced Helical Tomotherapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy. Our goals were larynx preservation, loco-regional disease control, and functional voice recovery. By 16 weeks post-treatment, his voice had improved beyond pre-cancer quality, and the lymph nodes had completely regressed. On follow-up, the patient is doing well and able to speak properly.”
Dr. Gaurav Jaswal said, “Delayed treatment could have led to permanent voice loss, swallowing difficulty, and breathing problems. Post-treatment precautions include soft, moist foods, swallowing exercises, gentle oral care, avoiding spicy or rough foods, jaw and neck exercises, no smoking or alcohol, weight maintenance, hydration, physical activity, and regular follow-ups.
Dr. Santosh Sahu, Centre Head, said, “Advanced cancers no longer always mean loss of vital functions. With precision oncology and the right technology, we can now target tumors accurately while protecting healthy tissues. Our aim is not just survival, but helping patients return to their normal lives with dignity and confidence. This case reflects how timely intervention and expert planning can truly change outcomes.”
“I truly believed I would never be able to speak clearly again. Today, I am happy and relieved that I can talk normally with my family and friends. It feels like I have regained an important part of my life,” said patient Mr. Janardhan Umale, expressing gratitude to the medical team.
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