An ultrasound of Ms. Hoa's neck revealed a small nodule, approximately 5 mm, in the right lobe of her thyroid gland. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy confirmed it was a malignant lesion. Master of Science, Level One Specialist Doctor Huynh Ba Tan, from the Department of Breast, Head, and Neck Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, stated that Ms. Hoa had papillary thyroid cancer. The small tumor was localized to the right lobe and had not spread to the cervical lymph nodes. This type of thyroid cancer is common, especially among young women.

Individuals with small, non-invasive thyroid nodules can opt for close monitoring with follow-up examinations every 6-12 months, or choose a lobectomy to reduce the risk of cancer progression. Ms. Hoa, however, expressed a desire for radical cancer surgery using an aesthetic approach.

The surgical team performed an endoscopic procedure through the oral vestibule, completely removing the right lobe of the thyroid gland. This method provided radical treatment without leaving a scar on the neck. According to Doctor Tan, this is a complex technique because the surgeon accesses the deep neck region from the oral cavity, which presents a narrower surgical field compared to conventional open surgery.

Doctor Tan (center) and his team performing endoscopic surgery on Ms. Hoa. *Photo: Trung Vu*

Ms. Hoa experienced no post-operative complications such as bleeding, hoarseness, or fluid accumulation in the surgical area, and was discharged after two days. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of conventional papillary thyroid cancer. She will not require radioactive iodine treatment or long-term thyroid hormone therapy, only regular follow-up appointments every 6-12 months to monitor for recurrence or lymph node metastasis.

Doctor Tan emphasized that thyroid cancer is a common disease with a good prognosis if detected early. Individuals with high-risk factors, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or a history of neck radiation therapy, should undergo regular check-ups. For those without risk factors, routine screening is not mandatory.

Medical staff assisting Ms. Hoa with gentle movements after surgery. *Photo: Trung Vu*

Endoscopic surgery for thyroid cancer can be approached via the oral, axillary-breast, or retroauricular routes. Among these, the transoral vestibule approach offers the distinct advantage of leaving no visible scar. This technique is typically indicated for patients with early-stage thyroid cancer and small thyroid nodules.

According to Globocan 2022 data, thyroid cancer is prevalent worldwide, with approximately 821,200 new cases and over 47,000 deaths, ranking 7th among all global cancer types. The incidence rate in women is significantly higher than in men. Vietnam recorded over 6,100 new cases and nearly 860 deaths, placing it 6th among common cancer types in the country.

Minh Tam