I thought my snoring was caused by a blocked nose – it was actually a sign of a skull-eroding disease

The Irish Sun

28-07-2025

WHEN Claire Barbery first started snoring, she didn't think much of i
t.
But the constant
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Claire Barbery with her husband Gary
Credit: SWNS
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The mum was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma - a rare cancer in the upper part of the nasal cavity
Credit: SWNS
The mum-of-two nearly cancelled the hospital appointment that led to her diagnosis because she didn't want to 'waste the time' of the NHS.
'There's nothing wrong, I thought. But looking back, that decision could have cost me my life," she added.
'I started snoring, which I'd never done before. I was waking myself up, breathing through my mouth rather than my nose.
'Even then, I nearly cancelled my hospital appointment. I didn't want to waste anyone's time. I just left it and thought it was something to do with having had Covid the month before.'
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Claire had been experiencing a continuous blockage in one side of her nose and initially put it down to the effects of regular Covid testing while working in a
After a steroid spray failed to help, she sought medical advice in January 2023.
Following scans and a biopsy, doctors delivered the news she had olfactory neuroblastoma - a rare cancer developing in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
The 5cm tumour had already begun eroding bone at the base of her skull.
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She underwent complex surgery at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital to have it removed.
Claire has now partnered with UK charity - the Get A-Head Charitable Trust to raise awareness of World Head and Neck Cancer Day today, which was yesterday (27 July).
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She added: 'If you know your body, then you've got to push.
'If there's something wrong, don't ignore it.'
The procedure in January last year was performed by consultant surgeon Shahz Ahmed, who specialises in skull base procedures.
It was filmed as part of the Channel 5 documentary 'Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death'.
Mr Ahmed said: 'Claire had a very rare form of cancer that needed to be removed.
'Untreated, it could have metastasized and spread into the neck and the rest of the body.
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Claire and Gary with nd daughters Lowenna, 27, and Keizha, 25
Credit: SWNS
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If you think something is wrong don't ignore it, Claire warns
Credit: SWNS
'It had already gone through the skull base into the base of the brain and if left, it would have become harder and harder to treat.'
The delicate operation involved removing the tumour, along with Claire's olfactory bulbs - meaning she has permanently lost her sense of smell - and reconstructing the area between her nose and brain.
Mr Ahmed added: 'The key worries were operating between the left and the right eye.
'The main blood supply to the brain is in very close proximity so the risk of seizures, stroke, injury to the brain and loss of life, were all very real.
'Thankfully, the surgery was a huge success and Claire suffered no complications.'
Following surgery, Claire underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is now under regular review with her medical team.
She is gradually returning to work and since treatment finished has been enjoying holidays with her husband Gary as well as spending more time with daughters Lowenna, 27, and Keizha, 25.
Check your risk of head and neck cancer with a simple 60-second mirror test
THERE are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop - from the mouth and lips to the voice box and throat.
But collectively,
There are around 13,000 new cases every year - or 35 every day - and numbers are increasing 30 per cent each decade, experts warn.
It kills more than 4,000 annually.
Symptoms of head and neck cancer can be subtle, meaning it is often diagnosed at a late stage.
But the earlier it's caught, the better chance of successful treatment and ultimately, survival.
(OHNCUK) has an easy 60-second self-check you can do to assess your risk at home.
THE AT-HOME MIRROR TEST
Find a large mirror with good lighting, then get as close as you can to it.
"The early signs of head and neck cancer can be felt in and around the neck, throat and jaw," the charity said.
"Check along the insides of your lips and look at your gums. Are there any lumps, bumps or red or white patches?
"Look at the back of your mouth. Stick out your tongue and move it from side to side.
"Don't forget to look underneath your tongue too."
Next, it's time to assess the health of your neck by feeling under and around your jaw.
"This area can sometimes be a bit lumpy, especially if you've had a cold or other illness recently, so learn what's normal for you," OHNCUK said.
If you notice any of the following newly-developed symptoms, and you've had them for over three weeks, speak to your GP:
Persistent
Persistent
Difficulty swallowing or
Hoarseness or a
Persistent cough
Lump or swelling in the neck, jaw area, nose or throat (with or without pain)
Earache or ear pain
"A mouth check every month can really make a difference," Michelle said.
"If you have any concerns or notice anything that doesn't go away for three weeks, it is important to speak with a doctor or dentist to get checked out.
"The earlier you can catch cancer, the better your chances of successful treatment and recovery.
"If you look at other cancers as a comparison point, early detection rates for head and neck cancers are considerably lower than other cancers.
"Early-stage diagnosis for combined head and neck cancers is around 13 per cent and we want this to be at 75 per cent.
"Let's work together to raise awareness of how to prevent these cancers and improve earlier diagnosis of disease."