Ms. Hang, 46, presented with a sore throat, leading doctors to discover over 10 small thyroid tumors, subsequently confirmed as cancerous by biopsy. This marks her second cancer diagnosis in three years, having previously undergone surgery for right breast cancer.

Ultrasound results at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City revealed a mixed solid and cystic tumor measuring 2x2 cm in the right thyroid lobe, alongside several smaller tumors (5x6 mm). The left lobe contained multiple tumors ranging from 3x3 mm to 7x4 mm, extending from the thyroid isthmus near the trachea to the inner border of the carotid artery. Biopsy confirmed the right lobe tumor as papillary carcinoma, a malignant form. Tumors in the left lobe were identified as atypical thyroid epithelial cells, indicating a high risk of malignancy.

Master, Doctor, Level I Specialist Huynh Ba Tan and the surgical team from the Oncology Surgery Department at the Oncology Center faced a complex case with over 10 tumors of varying sizes compressing and displacing Ms. Hang's thyroid structure. The tumors, lacking clear boundaries, adhered to the trachea, compressing and displacing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which lies between the trachea and esophagus. This nerve is highly susceptible to rupture or bruising during surgery, potentially leading to hoarseness or complete voice loss.

Doctor Tan and his team perform surgery on the patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Utilizing an ultrasonic scalpel, the surgical team meticulously dissected the tumors from surrounding organs, carefully avoiding tracheal perforation, which could cause cervical emphysema and fluid leakage. The procedure successfully preserved critical structures including the carotid artery, trachea, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and all 4 parathyroid glands.

Following surgery, Ms. Hang experienced no hoarseness and spoke normally, being discharged after 12 hours of monitoring. She is continuing radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate any remaining microscopic malignant cells.

Doctor Tan emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups for early detection of abnormalities. He advises cancer patients to diligently follow treatment protocols and scheduled follow-ups to increase the likelihood of early detection of any new abnormalities or cancers.

Khai Minh

*Patient's name has been changed