Initially, Thu noticed a lump in her breast, attributing it to physiological changes during her menstrual cycle. In 6/2025, Thu sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a BIRADS 3 lesion in her left breast, indicating a possibly benign mass requiring monitoring. Recently, the lump rapidly increased in size, and a biopsy confirmed mucinous adenocarcinoma of the left breast.

"I had many plans after graduating college, but the breast cancer diagnosis forced all my aspirations to be put on hold," Thu said. After considering her treatment options, she decided to travel from Da Nang to TP HCM for surgery combining breast reconstruction and radiation therapy.

"Thu is the youngest breast cancer patient that Tam Anh Hospital has admitted," said Master of Science, Doctor Nguyen Do Thuy Giang, Head of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM. Breast cancer is typically observed after the age of 40.

Doctor Giang and her team performed tumor removal and breast reconstruction for the patient. *Photo: Tam Anh Hospital*

In mid-10/2025, Thu underwent surgery to remove the 5 cm malignant tumor. During the operation, Doctor Giang and her team performed a frozen biopsy of the left sentinel lymph nodes to check for metastasis. The results showed no malignancy in the three left sentinel lymph nodes, allowing the team to reconstruct the breast immediately during the mastectomy. Subsequently, the doctors used a latissimus dorsi flap (skin, fat, and muscle from the back) to create a new breast shape, minimizing psychological trauma for the young patient.

Post-operative pathology results indicated negative lymph nodes and histology belonging to a relatively favorable prognostic group. The disease stage was identified as T2. Doctor of Second Degree Specialist Bui Le Phuoc Thu Thao, Deputy Head of Radiation Therapy, Oncology Center, stated that the patient did not require chemotherapy but still needed adjuvant radiation therapy because the surgical margins were close, under 2 mm, posing a potential risk of local recurrence.

The doctors chose the deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique for Thu's radiation therapy. During each session, the patient was instructed to take a deep breath and hold it for about 20 seconds; this action elevates the chest, slightly compressing the heart and pushing it backward. This technique significantly moves the heart volume out of the radiation field, reducing the radiation dose to this organ and thereby limiting cardiovascular complications and future risks.

Doctor Thao (second from left) monitors Thu's radiation therapy regimen. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Five weeks after surgery, Thu began radiation therapy, consisting of 16 sessions over three weeks. The treatment process was favorable, with the patient experiencing minimal side effects, stable skin in the treated area, good physical condition, and a positive mindset. As a result, Thu was able to complete her graduation thesis while undergoing treatment. By the end of 12/2025, she completed radiation therapy and returned to Da Nang to prepare for her graduation exams.

Doctor Thao stated that Thu requires hormone therapy for at least five years. The treatment regimen focused radiation only on the breast area, not on reproductive organs, so her ovaries still have the potential to recover. Thu may be able to marry and have children in the future with close monitoring.

Some young patients may carry breast cancer-related gene mutations, even without a clear family history, leading to earlier disease onset and often detection only when a noticeable lump is present. Doctor Giang advises women, including young individuals in their twenties, to pay attention to unusual bodily changes and seek medical examination if suspicious signs appear, allowing doctors to promptly check, diagnose, and treat. Early detection and proper treatment lead to higher five-year survival rates and better quality of life.

Tue Diem - Nguyen Mi

*Patient's name has been changed