An ultrasound of the thyroid at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM revealed a nodule approximately 6-8 mm in size in the patient's left lobe. It had a mixed, predominantly solid structure, with coarse calcifications and irregular margins, classified as TIRADS 4, indicating an intermediate malignancy risk. He also had bilateral colloid goiter, which is benign.

Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Doan Minh Trong, from the Department of Breast, Head, and Neck Surgery, ordered a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The results suggested papillary thyroid cancer, with the nodule classified as TIRADS 4. While small nodules without many malignant features can be monitored, the presence of calcification and irregular margins, as seen in Mr. Hoang's case, warrants a biopsy or surgery for definitive diagnosis.

Mr. Hoang was advised to undergo surgery to remove the left lobe and isthmus of the thyroid, with an immediate biopsy to determine if the tumor was malignant or benign.

Doctor Trong (left) and Doctor Hieu operating on patient Hoang. Photo: Hospital provided

The surgical team performed a left lobectomy and isthmectomy, with an immediate frozen section biopsy, which allows for rapid assessment of the tumor sample during surgery. Pathological examination confirmed malignant papillary thyroid cancer. After the operation, he was alert, experienced minimal pain, could eat, gradually recovered, and was discharged.

According to Doctor Trong, Mr. Hoang underwent a partial thyroidectomy, removing only one lobe. The surgical margins were clear, the tumor was small, and there was no lymph node metastasis. The remaining thyroid tissue is sufficient for normal function, so hormone replacement therapy is typically not required. Patients need regular check-ups, blood tests, and neck ultrasounds for monitoring. Consuming adequate iodine, exercising regularly, and consistent health monitoring are important to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It develops from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and appears papillary under a microscope. This type of cancer is generally slow-growing, and its symptoms are often undefined, leading to many cases being discovered incidentally during thyroid ultrasounds or routine check-ups. The prognosis is good with early detection and treatment, often resulting in a near-complete cure. However, without timely diagnosis, the disease can spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

According to Globocan in 2022, there were approximately 821,000 new cases of thyroid cancer worldwide, with nearly 47,500 deaths. The disease is common in individuals under 55. The surgeon's goal during an operation is to completely remove the tumor, preserve thyroid function if possible, and ensure a good quality of life for the patient.

To prevent and detect thyroid cancer early, people should undergo regular health check-ups and thyroid ultrasounds. Individuals with risk factors should not be complacent about their thyroid health.

Minh Tam

*Patient's name has been changed