A 52-year-old mother of two from Buckinghamshire, England, is facing an uncertain health future after being diagnosed with a rare cancer often called “the invisible cancer” due to its difficulty in detection and symptoms that mimic more common ailments, British news outlets reported.
Ivory’s health challenges began with a persistent cough, acid reflux and severe fatigue. Initially, her condition was attributed to allergies, asthma, or postnasal drip, but her symptoms continued and worsened despite repeated dismissals of her concerns.
After approximately 15 months, she began experiencing acute gastrointestinal issues, including bloating, abdominal pain, and excessive gas. She noticed a striking pattern: her abdomen would be flat in the morning, then progressively swell throughout the day, making her appear pregnant by evening.
A colonoscopy revealed a tumor that prevented the instrument from fully passing, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the area between the modest and large intestines. The cancer had subsequently spread to her lymph nodes and liver.
Ivory underwent complex surgery involving the removal of portions of her small and large intestines, lymph nodes, appendix, gallbladder, and part of her liver. Subsequent tests, still, revealed new lesions in her liver, spine, and ribs, though they were too small to qualify for treatment, leaving her in a difficult state of limbo.
Neuroendocrine tumors originate in specialized cells that have characteristics of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These cells are found throughout the body, particularly in the lungs, pancreas, and digestive system. Because of their dual role, tumors developing in these cells can sometimes produce excess hormones, leading to unusual symptoms. Understanding these rare cancers is crucial for improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
NETs are uncommon, representing less than 0.5% of all cancer diagnoses. However, awareness and diagnosis are increasing with the use of more advanced imaging techniques and blood tests. Early detection is critical, as NETs can grow silently for years, and treatment is often more effective and survival rates significantly improve when discovered at an early stage, according to Apollo Hospitals.
Ivory was forced to leave her job in 2022 due to chronic fatigue, and she says the illness has fundamentally altered her daily life, impacting everything from simple activities to her relationships with family and children.
She is now participating in a campaign to raise awareness during World Cancer Day, hoping her story will contribute to faster diagnoses and earlier treatment opportunities for others.
