58-year-old Mr. Dung initially experienced a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. An ultrasound revealed nodules on both lobes of his thyroid, leading to a diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City recommended surgery to prevent lymph node metastasis. However, due to pre-existing conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and gout, Mr. Dung opted for traditional medicine instead. Five months later, his health deteriorated, marked by insomnia and worsening difficulty swallowing, prompting his return to Tam Anh General Hospital.

A CT scan of his neck revealed a hardened 3.5 cm nodule on the right lobe of his thyroid, suspected to be invading the pre-thyroid muscle. Multiple enlarged lymph nodes, the largest nearly 2 cm, were also present on both sides of his neck. "Mr. Dung's cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes in his neck," stated Dr. Huynh Ba Tan from the Breast - Head and Neck Surgery Department. Surgery to remove the entire thyroid gland and the affected lymph nodes was immediately scheduled.

During the surgery, Dr. Tan discovered the tumor had invaded the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. The surgical team meticulously dissected the area to preserve the nerve and prevent permanent hoarseness. The parathyroid glands were also preserved to avoid post-surgical hypocalcemia.

A technician prepares a patient for a CT scan. _Photo: Hospital provided_

Mr. Dung recovered well after the surgery and is now undergoing radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Dr. Tan emphasized that if Mr. Dung had received treatment immediately after diagnosis, his prognosis would have been better, and radioactive iodine therapy likely wouldn't have been necessary. Papillary thyroid cancer accounts for approximately 80% of thyroid cancer cases and generally has a positive prognosis.

Mr. Dung one day after surgery. _Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital_

Globocan's 2022 statistics report approximately 821,200 new cases and 47,500 deaths from thyroid cancer worldwide. In Vietnam, thyroid cancer ranks 6th among common cancers, with approximately 6,120 new cases and 858 deaths annually.

Dr. Tan noted that the fear of surgery often leads patients to delay or forgo potentially curative treatment, allowing the disease to progress. There is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of traditional medicine, herbal remedies, or fasting in curing cancer. While thyroid cancer surgery carries potential risks, such as vocal cord damage resulting in hoarseness or voice loss, and excessive bleeding, these complications are rare.

Patients diagnosed with cancer should adhere to their doctor's recommended treatment plan. Delaying treatment can allow the cancer to spread to the lungs, bones, or brain, leading to debilitation and respiratory problems. Early surgical intervention, while the tumor is still small, significantly improves treatment outcomes and overall survival.

Minh Tam

*Name has been changed