Khang, an 18-year-old, presented with chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City diagnosed him with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer, which had developed in his mid-chest and metastasized to his lungs. A complex open surgery, led by Associate Professor, Doctor Vu Huu Vinh, Director of the Thoracic - Vascular Surgery Center, successfully removed the malignant tumor.

Immunohistochemistry confirmed the tumor as synovial sarcoma. Doctor Vinh noted that this type of cancer silently progresses and spreads. The tumor's deep invasion into Khang's pulmonary artery, aorta, and superior pulmonary vein made the surgery particularly challenging, requiring the removal of a portion of his upper left lung lobe to ensure complete excision.

Doctor Vinh (second from left) with the surgical team removing the tumor from the patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Following the three-hour procedure, Khang's health stabilized. He is currently undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy to minimize the risk of recurrence and further metastasis.

Doctor Vinh checks the patient's health after successful surgery. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Synovial sarcoma primarily affects individuals under 40. According to Doctor Vinh, its incidence is approximately 3 cases per 10 million people annually. The disease is often linked to chromosomal mutations and can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. While early diagnosis and appropriate treatment offer a good prognosis, potentially leading to a cure, this type of tumor progresses slowly and often shows no symptoms until it grows large or invades surrounding organs.

Doctor Vinh advises young people not to overlook unusual symptoms such as persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpable lumps under the skin. Seeking medical attention promptly when abnormalities appear significantly increases the chances of early detection and timely treatment.

Bao Anh

*Patient's name has been changed