Most of us think of snoring as just an annoying habit or a sign of being tired. But for 51-year-old Claire Barbery from Cornwall, U.K., it was a red flag for something far more serious. One night, she found herself waking up gasping for air and breathing through her mouth because her nose was blocked. At first, she blamed lingering COVID effects or irritation from frequent nasal tests at work and almost skipped her doctor’s visit. Luckily, she went. Tests revealed a rare nasal cancer called olfactory neuroblastoma. Claire’s story shows that sudden or unusual snoring should never be ignored.
Snoring for the first time: when a common symptom hides something serious
Most people think of snoring as an irritating but harmless sleep issue. It is usually linked to blocked sinuses, allergies, sleep apnoea, or simple tiredness. But for 51-year-old Claire Barbery from Cornwall, U.K., her sudden snoring turned out to be a sign of something much more alarming.As reported by People magazine, Claire had never snored before in her life. She suddenly began waking herself up at night, breathing through her mouth instead of her nose. She felt constant congestion on one side of her nose and assumed it was due to long-term effects of COVID-19 or frequent nasal testing at her workplace. Like many, she thought it was nothing serious and almost cancelled her doctor’s appointment. That simple decision to keep her check-up turned out to be life-saving.
Rare cancer behind snoring: Understanding olfactory neuroblastoma
After trying a nasal steroid spray with no relief, Claire was referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Scans and a biopsy revealed the shocking truth — she had olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that begins in the upper nasal cavity near the smell nerves.Doctors discovered a 5-centimetre tumour that had already started eroding the bone at the base of her skull. Left untreated, this cancer could have spread further into the neck, brain, and other parts of the body. Because of its hidden location, olfactory neuroblastoma often goes undetected until symptoms such as snoring, nasal blockage, or loss of smell become persistent.Claire underwent high-risk surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, led by skull base specialist Dr Shahz Ahmed. The tumour was located between her eyes and close to vital blood vessels, making the operation extremely delicate. Surgeons removed the cancer along with her olfactory bulbs, which meant she permanently lost her sense of smell. Despite this, the procedure was life-saving and highlighted on the Channel 5 documentary Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death.
Persistent snoring may signal serious cancer risk
A study published in NIH found that individuals who reported regular snoring had a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the food pipe (the oesophagus). Specifically, the study reported an adjusted odds ratio of 2.56 (95% CI: 1.82–3.59) for regular snoring, meaning that people who snored regularly had more than double the risk of developing this cancer compared to those who did not snore. This highlights that persistent snoring, especially when new or unusual, should not be ignored, as it can sometimes be a warning sign of serious health problems.
Don’t ignore snoring: Why early check-ups save lives
Following the surgery, Claire underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. These treatments were tough, but they reduced the risk of the cancer returning. She is now under regular hospital monitoring while slowly regaining strength and returning to her normal life. Claire’s story carries an important message for everyone: don’t ignore unusual or persistent symptoms, no matter how small they seem. Snoring is often harmless, but if it develops suddenly or is accompanied by other changes like nasal blockage or breathing difficulties, it should be checked by a doctor.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.Also Read: Excessive yawning could be a warning sign of brain dysfunction and heart risk: Tips to manage and when to consult a doctor