As a 20-year thyroid cancer survivor, Shannon Akers of Sullivan, Mo., is super vigilant when it comes to her health. She’s also been a nurse for the last 32 years and understands how important it is to prioritize one’s health with regular checkups and screenings. When her family medicine physician, Dr. Om Sam, noticed a change in her thyroid numbers at her checkup in December 2023, they were both equally concerned.

“Knowing my medical history, Dr. Sam has always been steadfast in how he handles my health situations and potential concerns,” said Akers. “I appreciated that he took those extra steps to get to the bottom of it.”

Dr. Sam scheduled Akers for an ultrasound, which indicated a tumor was growing on Akers’ left parotid gland – a salivary gland situated in front of the ear. He referred Akers to Dr. Jason Rudman, an otolaryngologist who performs certain surgical procedures including sinus, ear, and thyroid surgery. He practices at Missouri Baptist Medical Center but also sees patients at the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Specialty Clinic.

“Luckily, I got in to see Dr. Rudman quickly, because his office was so accommodating with my work schedule,” said Akers. “Working as a nurse in a medical office, I understand how crazy it can be with scheduling, so I really appreciated how they made it happen.”

Dr. Rudman reviewed the ultrasound, and after further evaluation, he agreed that the fast-growing tumor needed to be removed as soon as possible to determine if it was cancerous. Parotid tumors have a 20 percent chance of being malignant, and with Akers’ tumor growing so quickly, Dr. Rudman was concerned. Since a biopsy did not give a definitive answer, he recommended proceeding with surgical removal.

“Parotid gland surgery carries a risk of permanent facial paralysis, so we take all possible precautions,” said Dr. Rudman. “For Shannon’s surgery, we planned to use nerve monitoring equipment as well as surgical magnification known as ‘Loupes’ to see even the smallest facial nerve branches. This approach helps to ensure a safe and successful surgery.”

This was all happening during the winter holiday season. For Akers, she didn’t want to spoil the spirit of the season for her family – and maybe for herself, too.

“I really wanted to protect my loved ones from the burden of this potential cancer scare, so they could enjoy the holidays,” said Akers. “That’s why I decided to keep the news a secret until the New Year, which was two weeks before my scheduled surgery.”

In addition to managing her fears about the parotid tumor, Akers was also juggling her daily responsibilities, including working full time, caring for family members in poor health, and supporting one of her sons through college. She was ready to put this ordeal behind her, taking at least one thing off her already overwhelmed mind and schedule.

“I knew there were risks with the surgery given where the tumor was located,” said Akers. “Issues such as paralysis of the face, pain, and even leaking of the salivary glands were possible, but I was more afraid of the possibility of cancer. “However, Dr. Rudman and his team – including Rhonda and Brittney – were incredible and put me at ease every step of the way. They were so compassionate, kind, flexible, and efficient. And they went above and beyond to make me feel important. That’s just who they are and how they work.”

On January 16, 2024, Akers underwent surgery at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, where Dr. Rudman successfully removed the tumor on her left parotid gland. Akers met with Dr. Rudman while she was recovering in her hospital room, where he assured her, they would have the pathology results the following day.

“I was thrilled to be able to tell Shannon that the tumor was not cancerous,” said Dr. Rudman. “And once her benign parotid gland tumor had been removed, she’s considered cured, and no additional treatment is needed.”

All the nervousness and uncertainty Akers had been dealing with suddenly lifted. She was ecstatic to get the good news.

“I had the best outcome possible,” said Akers. “I want to yell from the rooftops about how well I was cared for, both emotionally and physically. They helped me through a very difficult situation, and I’ll always be grateful.”