Master, Doctor, First-Degree Specialist Le Chi Hieu, from the Thoracic - Vascular Surgery Unit at Tam Anh District 7 General Clinic, reported that Hanh's two thyroid lobes contained dozens of thyroid nodules of varying sizes, each less than 1 cm. Each lobe had one suspicious malignant nodule: the right nodule was classified as TIRADS 5, measuring 7 mm, while the left nodule was TIRADS 4, measuring 10 mm. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) results confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma, Bethesda category 6, indicating a 95-97% likelihood of thyroid cancer.

Hanh was transferred for treatment to Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City. Master, Doctor, First-Degree Specialist Le Thi Ngoc Hang, from the Thoracic - Vascular Surgery Center, assessed that if the two malignant thyroid nodules were not removed promptly, there would be a risk of external invasion or metastasis to nearby cervical lymph nodes. Doctors performed a total thyroidectomy using a cosmetic surgical approach, making a small 5 cm incision in the middle of the neck.

Doctors performing thyroidectomy on the patient. *Photo: Ha Vu*

Hanh was discharged one day after surgery. Pathology results showed that the malignant cells were confined to the thyroid gland. She did not require chemotherapy or radiation therapy and was instructed by doctors to take thyroid hormone supplements for life.

Doctor Hieu stated that most thyroid nodules smaller than 1 cm do not cause symptoms. Hanh was fortunate to have the disease detected early and treated with an appropriate method, resulting in a low recurrence rate. To reduce the risk of thyroid cancer, individuals should increase their intake of: green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, and fiber; limit processed foods; avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking; undergo regular health check-ups; and ensure sufficient iodine intake.

Doctor Hang recommended that everyone undergo regular thyroid screenings once a year. High-risk groups, such as: individuals with a history of head and neck radiation therapy, a family history of thyroid cancer, or those frequently exposed to radiation, should be screened more often, approximately every 6 months. If suspicious symptoms of a neck mass appear, such as: difficulty breathing, difficulty or pain when swallowing, hoarseness or voice changes, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, immediate medical attention is advised.

Thu Ha

* Patient's name has been changed