Pathological results confirmed both tumors were malignant. The mediastinal mass was identified as thymic carcinoma, while the lung tumor was lung adenocarcinoma.

"This is the first time I have encountered a case of 'dual cancer' in the chest like this," said associate professor, doctor Vu Huu Vinh, director of the Thoracic - Vascular Surgery Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City.

Yingjie's CT scan specifically revealed a mediastinal tumor measuring 45x53x65 mm, which had invaded the superior vena cava. Additionally, a tumor in the upper lobe of his right lung measured 12x10x14 mm. Given that the two tumors were located in separate positions, endoscopic surgery was not a viable option for their removal.

The medical team therefore decided to perform open surgery via sternotomy. The goal was to remove both tumors simultaneously and to confirm the individual characteristics of each mass.

CT scan showing the patient simultaneously suffering from a mediastinal tumor and a lung tumor in the chest. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

During the single operation, associate professor Vinh and his team first dissected the mediastinal tumor. They then proceeded to address the second tumor in the upper lobe of the right lung. "This was a significant challenge because a sternotomy approach is typically optimal only for the mediastinal region," associate professor Vinh stated. He added that accessing the lung through this incision risks the heart and major blood vessels obstructing the surgical view.

To overcome these difficulties, the team gently shifted the patient's thoracic organs to one side, creating necessary working space. Concurrently, the anesthesia team controlled ventilation pressure to keep the lung in a static state, preventing it from over-inflating. These measures allowed associate professor Vinh to clearly define the boundary between the tumor and healthy tissue, enabling precise dissection of the lung tumor.

One week post-surgery, the patient's health showed good progress. His vital signs were stable, and he was able to move and walk gently.

Associate professor Vinh (right) performs surgery to remove two tumors in the patient's chest. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Associate professor Vinh advises individuals with risk factors for mediastinal or lung tumors, such as long-term smoking, a history of lung disease, or frequent exposure to smoke, dust, and chemicals, to undergo regular health check-ups at a hospital. This practice facilitates the early detection of any chest abnormalities. Patients experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath should seek medical examination to determine the cause and receive timely treatment.

Bao Anh

*Patient's name has been changed.