Dr. Ryan Osborne’s passion for medicine began at a young age when his mother took him to her physician assistant classes at university, sparking his interest in the field. Now a director and surgical oncologist at the Osborne Head & Neck Institute in Los Angeles, Osborne specializes in challenging cases that other surgeons may avoid. He is also featured on TLC’s “Take My Tumor,” where he, along with Dr. Kimberly Moore Dalal and Dr. Jason Cohen, work to help patients with tumors that are impacting their lives. The series showcases the struggles patients face living with tumors and the relief they experience once the tumors are surgically removed.
Tumors are more common than many people realize, with various types and classifications. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body, while benign tumors are non-cancerous and usually not life-threatening unless they obstruct air passageways or vital organs. The location and size of a tumor can greatly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting physical, psychological, and social aspects. Tumors can release hormones and enzymes that affect metabolism, compress blood vessels, nerves, bone, and muscles, making everyday functions like eating, breathing, and speaking more difficult.
While malignant tumors are typically surgically removed to prevent spreading, the approach to benign tumors varies. Dr. Osborne believes in treating the individual rather than just the tumor, considering the impact surgery will have on a patient’s quality of life. He recalls a patient who underwent a surgery that saved her life but drastically decreased her quality of life, leading him to prioritize quality of life when making surgical decisions. Each case is unique, and Osborne consults with patients to understand their priorities before proceeding with surgery, sometimes opting to remove only a portion of a tumor to preserve quality of life.
In an episode of “Take My Tumor,” viewers meet Marcelo, a 15-year-old boy from Angola undergoing surgery for a tumor. Dr. Osborne chooses to stop the operation at a certain point to prevent facial paralysis that would impact Marcelo’s ability to speak and eat normally. He emphasizes his dedication to championing his patients’ cause and shouldering their burden, recognizing that they rely on him to improve their quality of life. Through his work on the show and in his practice, Osborne remains committed to treating not just the tumor, but the person affected by it, ensuring that each patient receives individualized care and consideration.
As the season finale of “Take My Tumor” airs on TLC, Dr. Osborne’s dedication to his patients and his philosophy of prioritizing quality of life continue to shine. He reflects on the diverse cases featured on the show, each representing a unique challenge and an opportunity to make a positive impact. For Osborne, the ability to help patients fight for their lives or their quality of life is a calling he has known he is willing to pursue throughout his career in medicine. Through his expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Osborne embodies the essence of what it means to be a dedicated and skilled physician.