An ultrasound at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed a 7 mm thyroid nodule in Cuong's left lobe. Dr. Nguyen Duc Nghia, from the Thoracic - Vascular Surgery Center, noted the nodule's rapid growth and early invasion of surrounding tissue.

Surgeons performed open surgery, including a frozen biopsy, to determine the nodule's nature. After 40 minutes, results confirmed invasive thyroid cancer beyond the thyroid gland. Doctors then performed a total thyroidectomy to completely remove the cancer cells, preventing further invasion into the trachea, esophagus, or distant metastasis.

The surgical team carefully separated the thyroid gland from vital neck structures, preserving the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This prevented postoperative complications like hoarseness or hypocalcemia.

Post-surgery, Cuong recovered quickly, experienced minimal incision pain, could eat and drink, and was discharged after two days. Pathology results confirmed complete tumor removal with no malignant cells at the margins.

Dr. Nghia (right) and the surgical team perform a thyroidectomy to treat a patient's cancer. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Dr. Nghia explained that due to the tumor's invasive nature, Cuong received adjuvant radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy post-surgery to prevent recurrence. He also requires thyroid hormone replacement medication and follow-up examinations every 3 to 6 months to monitor thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and regulate endocrine function.

"The lower incidence of thyroid cancer in men compared to women often leads to complacency, fewer regular check-ups, and late diagnosis," Dr. Nghia noted. He emphasized that this significantly impacts treatment effectiveness, costs, and both recovery and survival prognoses.

Dr. Nghia advises patients not to underestimate small thyroid nodules, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring for early intervention if abnormalities arise.

Bao Anh

*Patient's name has been changed