BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- For many head or neck cancer patients here in town, Dr. Tung Trang not only symbolizes hope when it comes to a cure, but also convenience when it comes to treatment.

Twenty-one-year-old Paola Avalos is 18 weeks pregnant. But at a time when she should be excited over new life, she is facing death. A lump in her throat wasn't anxiety, but it created much of it.

"I was so embarrassed to go out, I was just wearing turtleneck shirts because of my neck," said Avalos.

What started as a small lump in her throat grew to the size of a tennis ball.

"I had problems breathing. I couldn't swallow anything," said Avalos.

So she went to Kern Medical Center's newest surgeon, Dr. Tung Trang, who diagnosed the problem. Thyroid cancer.

"Yeah, I was scared. I'm not going to lie to you, I was crying to my dad. I don't wanna have cancer," said Avalos.

Paola underwent surgery and Tuesday came in for her post-op exam. Although she still has a long way to go, Avalos says she already feels the difference.

"I feel different. Like a regular person. Back then I felt like I was weird, people used to stare and now its different. It's pretty cool," said Avalos.

All that would probably not have been possible or conducted as quickly if Dr. Trang was not in Bakersfield. Which is why he says he took the job at KMC.

"Bakersfield is completely underserved in that there is no head, neck oncologist here. I felt I could fill that niche," said Trang.

"It's great having Dr. Trang here. He's very motivated, good with patients," said KMC CEO Paul Hensler.

Had Dr. Trang not been here, Paola and other head and neck cancer patients would have to travel back and forth to Los Angeles to receive head and neck cancer treatment. The tiresome and expensive trips can make an already stressful situation even worse.

"With me in town now, I'm hoping patients with this disease don't have to travel far, they can get care here," said Trang.

"I'm grateful to have a doctor here, not in LA but here at home, that way I don't have to go all the way over there," said Avalos.