Mr. Dat, 65, began experiencing tingling in his left fingertips in 10/2023. The symptoms progressively worsened, with his left fingers swelling, turning purple, and losing sensation. He sought medical attention at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Doctors diagnosed him with a blockage in his left radial artery, accompanied by severe stenosis and thrombosis in the proximal segment of his left subclavian artery. He underwent angioplasty and stenting of the left subclavian artery to restore blood flow.

A CT scan revealed a tumor in the upper lobe of Mr. Dat's left lung, encroaching on the left hilum and obstructing several bronchial branches. Multiple lesions were found in both lungs, along with scattered lymph nodes in the mediastinum, hepatic hilum, and around the pancreas. A biopsy of the chest wall mass confirmed a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.

On 16/9, Dr. Tran Thi Thien Huong from the Oncology Department, stated that Mr. Dat had stage 4 left lung cancer, which had metastasized to the other lung, bones, and abdominal lymph nodes. Dr. Huong cited research indicating that 20% of deep vein thrombosis cases are caused by cancer, especially in advanced metastatic stages (stage 4), commonly seen in pancreatic, stomach, and lung cancers. Blood clots traveling to the pulmonary arteries can cause pulmonary embolism, leading to shortness of breath and potentially death. Clots reaching the arteries in the hand can cause blockage, swelling, purple discoloration, numbness in the fingertips, and even gangrene. If a clot reaches the brain, it can cause a stroke, and if it reaches the heart, it can cause a heart attack.

Dr. Huong consults with Mr. Dat about his treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Huong consults with Mr. Dat about his treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Mr. Dat received chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy to inhibit the growth of malignant cells and stimulate his immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells. He was also prescribed anticoagulants to prevent further blood clot formation. After over a year and a half of treatment, Mr. Dat's health has stabilized. He currently attends regular follow-up appointments and continues maintenance chemotherapy cycles.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to Globocan in 2022, Vietnam had over 24,400 new cases and approximately 22,600 deaths from lung cancer.

According to Dr. Huong, with early detection and appropriate treatment, the 5-year survival rate for patients with non-small cell lung cancer can reach 80-90%. However, lung cancer often presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and most cases are diagnosed after the cancer has metastasized.

Individuals at high risk, such as those over 50, long-term smokers, those exposed to toxins (asbestos, industrial gases), and those with a family history of lung cancer, should undergo annual lung cancer screenings. Low-dose CT scans can detect lung tumors early, increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving quality of life. Patients who have undergone lung cancer treatment should attend regular follow-up appointments and seek immediate medical attention if they experience unusual symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, numbness or weakness in the extremities, fatigue, or chest pain, so that doctors can assess their condition and provide timely treatment.

Bao Tram

*The patient's name has been changed.