On 20/7, a representative from Hospital 19-8, Ministry of Public Security, reported on a patient with a history of right liver lobe resection for cancer three years ago at another facility. Two years after that surgery, he felt an abnormal lump under his ribs and began self-treating at home with traditional Vietnamese medicine. When the tumor continued to grow instead of shrinking, the patient finally sought medical attention.
Imaging results revealed the cancerous tumor was aggressively displacing and invading the abdominal wall, colon, duodenum, right kidney, and major blood vessels, directly threatening his life.
Recognizing this as a complex case due to altered abdominal anatomy and extensive adhesions from the previous surgery, the medical team consulted with several senior experts, including Professor Doctor Tran Binh Giang, former Director of Viet Duc Hospital. The doctors decided on early surgery for radical tumor resection to prevent rupture or dangerous hemorrhage. The operation was challenging because of the patient's prior right liver tumor surgery, the large tumor size, and its invasion and displacement of organs and major blood vessels, posing a high risk of complications.
After three hours, the major surgery was successful, removing a recurrent metastatic liver tumor measuring up to 30 cm and weighing 3,5 kg. The patient's health is currently stable, and he is receiving intensive post-operative care.
Currently, no scientific research proves that traditional medicine can cure cancer. Some herbs, such as ganoderma lucidum, black galingale, and turmeric, only offer supportive effects and cannot replace mainstream treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Self-medicating with traditional remedies can lead to serious consequences, including reduced treatment effectiveness, drug interactions, or exposure to harmful substances that damage the liver and kidneys. Many patients miss the critical window for the most effective treatment.
Doctors advise liver cancer patients to undergo mandatory follow-up examinations every three to six months for early detection of recurrence. Patients must not self-treat based on word-of-mouth information using traditional Vietnamese or Chinese medicine, or any medically unproven methods, as these cannot eliminate cancer cells. Self-treatment risks severe disease progression and life-threatening dangers.
Thuy Quynh
