After three years of breast cancer treatment, Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Thien Huong, from the Department of Medical Oncology at the Oncology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, reported that the malignant cells have been inhibited and show no further progression. Previously, upon diagnosis, Hong had a 2.5 cm tumor, classified as BIRADS 5, and a mobile 1 cm lymph node in her right armpit. A biopsy of the armpit lymph node and right breast confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma, no special type, stage 2B, and hormone-sensitive.

Hong underwent eight cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with each session spaced three weeks apart. She received supportive medication to manage symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea caused by the chemotherapy. Between cycles, doctors conducted blood tests and ultrasounds to assess her response to the medication. Following chemotherapy, she underwent surgery to remove her right breast, uterus, and both ovaries. The hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy also addressed accompanying uterine fibroids and removed the source of female hormones, enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent hormone therapy.

Bac si Huong kham cho ba Hong. Anh: Benh vien Da khoa Tam Anh

According to Doctor Huong, the "3-in-1" surgery spared Hong multiple procedures, saving time and costs while preserving her health for adjuvant radiation therapy to the right chest wall and lymph node system after the operation. Subsequently, Hong will take hormone therapy medication for five years post-treatment to prevent cancer cell recurrence.

Stage two breast cancer is an early-stage cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 88-93%. Doctor Huong advises women from 40 years old to undergo health check-ups and breast cancer screening at least once a year. Individuals at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a family history or BRCA gene mutations, should begin screening earlier, before 40 years old. Regular self-breast examinations can help detect early signs of abnormalities like lumps, discharge, rashes, or armpit lymph nodes, prompting timely medical consultation to improve treatment outcomes.

Bao Tram

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