9News Sydney anchor Peter Overton has shared details of a recent health scare that kept him absent from his 6pm news desk. During six weeks of annual leave, he noticed his voice becoming “husky and raspy.” Following a consultation with an Ear Nose and Throat specialist, a polyp was discovered on one of his vocal cords.
Overton described the unsettling experience of having a camera inserted through his nose for the diagnosis, where he saw the polyp visualised on a screen, likening it to a “big blister.” This alarming finding led to an operation three days later to remove the growth. Although he returned home after a day of recovery, he had to remain silent for a week, communicating non-verbally with his family, which he admitted they found challenging.
After undergoing speech therapy, Overton has successfully resumed his news duties, reflecting on the healing process and the remarkable nature of the human body. He is currently working on endurance and management of his voice, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his recovery journey. Three weeks post-surgery, he is back on air, ready to deliver the news again.