Timely Intervention Saves Ramuna Devi's Voice: A Case of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

This is the inspiring story of 65-year-old Ramuna Devi and her battle with a small tumor in her thyroid. Ignored by her family for years, the tumor grew into a formidable mass that threatened her health and well-being. However, thanks to the prompt action of her husband, Tej Narayan Sharma, and the expertise of Dr. Sachender Pal Singh at the Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC), Ramuna Devi found hope and healing. Because Ramuna Devi's treatment was funded by the Ayushman Bharat programme, she was able to receive the best care possible without worrying about her finances.

Ramuna Devi's journey began when she experienced a small tumor in her thyroid 15 years ago. Initially overlooked due to her busy role as a housewife, the tumor gradually enlarged and became harder, extending to her neck and under her ear to the lymph node. Concerned for his wife's health, Tej Narayan Sharma wasted no time and promptly sought medical attention. Their local doctor suspected cancer and referred them to RCHRC in Ranchi.

Examination by Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, Consultant Surgical Oncologist-Head & Neck, revealed a significant swelling on the left side of Ramuna Devi’s neck. Her thyroid was abnormally enlarged, measuring approximately 20 x 10 cm. A fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed, indicating a follicular neoplasm. Further investigation with fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed compromised right vocal cord movement, pushing it medially.

To save her voice and eliminate the cancerous growth, Dr. Singh successfully performed a total thyroidectomy with central node dissection. The resected mass was sent for histopathology, which confirmed the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma involving both lobes of the thyroid gland (pT3N0). Post-surgery, Ramuna Devi recovered well, experiencing no complications and regaining her normal voice without the need for calcium medication.

Ramuna Devi has completed her radioiodine treatment also that has improved her chances of a full recovery and long-term remission. She now comes for regular follow-up along with her husband to meet Dr Singh.

Throughout Ramuna Devi's treatment journey, her husband Tej Narayan Sharma has been her pillar of support and encouragement. His diligence in seeking timely medical attention saved her voice and potentially her life. Tej Narayan now urges everyone to heed the importance of not ignoring any lumps or abnormalities and encourages prompt consultation with a specialist.

Ramuna Devi's case exemplifies the crucial role of early intervention and expert medical care in combating thyroid cancer. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the surgical team at RCHRC led by Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, Ramuna Devi has a renewed hope for a healthy future.