Unexpected Odors Led to a Cruel Brain Tumor Diagnosis in London

At first, Sam Suriakumar brushed it off as a cleaning mishap—he repeatedly smelled bleach, like a strong cleaning agent, filling his mouth.

He thought maybe his wife had cleaned. As he went about daily life, even working out at the gym, he sensed that same bleach-like scent on multiple occasions. It wasn’t until a seizure on the London Underground that he realized this smell wasn’t ordinary—it was a warning sign.

Seizure on the Tube — A Sudden Collapse

Sam collapsed in a vicious seizure on the Tube and suffered a dislocated shoulder during the convulsion. Paramedics and station staff transported him urgently to the hospital, where scans revealed something shocking: a mass on his brain—later diagnosed as a glioma, a type of tumor growing in a cobweb-like pattern.

He had no other warning signs: no headaches, no confusion—just that strange smell he hadn’t thought twice about.

Diagnosis: A Tumor Too Risky to Remove

Doctors confirmed Sam’s tumor was located near critical brain areas controlling speech, memory, and movement. It was deemed inoperable; removing it risked causing permanent damage. Instead, he underwent a 30-session radiotherapy course followed by nine months of chemotherapy. The tumor remained stable for two years before growing again in 2023, prompting a new round of treatments.

Though his prognosis was initially bleak, Sam persisted through treatment, emerging physically diminished yet mentally resolute.

Celebrating Life Amid Uncertainty

In April 2024, just six months after treatment, Sam completed a HYROX fitness competition—and in July 2025, he celebrated his 40th birthday, a milestone he never thought he’d reach.

He credits his survival to a positive mindset and strong family support—especially from his wife and daughters.

He now serves as an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research and has helped raise thousands for the charity.

A Plea to Recognize Unusual Symptoms

Sam wants others to know: phantom smells—known in medicine as auras—can be early red flags for serious medical conditions like brain tumors.

Experiencing strange, unexplained odors like bleach or ammonia isn’t normal and should prompt medical advice.

He emphasizes that small symptoms can precede major health crises—and that early detection can save lives.

Why His Story Matters

Sam’s case highlights two critical lessons:

• Phantom sensory experiences—even when subtle—can be meaningful clues to serious disease.
• Inoperable tumors don’t always mean hopelessness; treatment, perseverance, and awareness matter.

His journey continues, with six-monthly scans and a focus on keeping his tumor suppressed while living fully.

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