Kesor had noticed a lump in her neck for several months. Recently, she began experiencing difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and insomnia. Doctors in Cambodia, based on cell test results, advised her to seek further evaluation for thyroid cancer. At Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, imaging tests and an endoscopy revealed a papillary thyroid tumor compressing her trachea and paralyzing her right vocal cord.

According to Dr. Doan Minh Trong, papillary thyroid cancer has a high cure rate when treated early. However, in cases where the tumor grows, invades surrounding tissues, or affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve (located behind the thyroid gland and controlling the vocal cords), patients can experience vocal cord paralysis, as in Kesor's case. This makes treatment more complex and increases the risk of complications and recurrence. Thyroid surgery, if not performed carefully, can lead to permanent hoarseness, hand numbness (due to damage to the parathyroid glands), and fluid accumulation causing swelling in the neck.

Dr. Trong performed a thyroidectomy and neck dissection on Kesor, preserving the parathyroid glands on both sides and the affected nerve.

Dr. Trong (center) performing thyroid surgery. Photo: Minh Tam

Dr. Trong (center) performing thyroid surgery. Photo: Minh Tam

Post-surgery, Kesor is stable, has retained her voice, and is recovering well. Her blood pressure, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) are normal (98%). The pathology report confirmed that the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes.

Vietnam now possesses many advanced cancer treatment technologies, including robotic surgery, minimally invasive interventional endoscopy, and access to new medications. As a result, the quality of cancer treatment has improved significantly in recent years, attracting patients from neighboring countries like Cambodia.

The Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan) reported in 2022 that thyroid cancer ranks 9th among all cancers worldwide, with approximately 821,200 new cases. In Vietnam, over 6,000 cases of thyroid cancer are recorded annually, making it the 6th most common cancer.

To reduce the risk of thyroid cancer, Dr. Trong recommends maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in iodine, green vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and fiber, and limiting processed foods. He also advises against excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of stimulants. Regular exercise, health checkups, and periodic thyroid examinations are also recommended. Individuals with a family history of thyroid cancer should consult a doctor, undergo genetic testing, and take proactive preventive measures.

Minh Tam

*The patient's name has been changed.