On 15/9, Doctor Ninh Cong Vi, an oncologist at Phuong Dong General Hospital, reported a 72-year-old patient with a history of oral cancer, surgically treated in 2017. In April of this year, the patient experienced pain at the previous cancer site and sought medical attention.

Doctors diagnosed a recurrence of oral cancer. During further testing, they discovered the patient also had esophageal and colorectal cancer (three distinct histopathological types).

"Discovering three different primary cancers simultaneously in one patient is very rare," Dr. Vi stated.

The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the colorectal tumor. He is now receiving concurrent treatment for the remaining two cancers, including weekly chemotherapy and radiation therapy targeting both the palate and esophagus to control tumor growth. Further specialized treatment for each type of cancer will follow.

Given the extensive and prolonged treatment required for an elderly patient, doctors prescribed nutritional support, metabolic and anti-inflammatory medications, pain management, blood transfusions, and immune-boosting therapy to maintain his overall health. The patient is recovering well and will undergo a comprehensive reassessment of all treated areas in a month.

Doctors believe that if the patient hadn't sought medical attention, the cancers would have progressed rapidly. Early detection and timely treatment significantly increase the chances of recovery.

Doctors recommend annual health checkups and cancer screenings for early detection and prevention. Late-stage cancer diagnosis makes treatment more challenging and diminishes quality of life.

Thuy Quynh