Metastatic thyroid cancer, with clusters of lymph nodes in the neck.

In Ho Chi Minh City , Mr. Tri, 32 years old, was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer during a general health check-up, with lymph nodes clustered along both sides of his neck.

On February 6th, Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Hang, from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that Mr. Tri showed no unusual symptoms, his face and neck were not swollen, and he was still eating, drinking, and talking normally.

The results of a general health check-up ultrasound of the thyroid gland showed a multinodular goiter in both lobes, with bilateral lymph node metastasis. According to Dr. Hang, this is advanced-stage thyroid cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis on both sides of the neck, but without symptoms. If treatment is delayed, the malignant cells can metastasize to other organs in the body, causing pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and bone pain due to metastasis.

The patient underwent surgery to remove the goiter and lymph nodes in the neck. The surgery was challenging because the goiter was hard and firmly attached to the carotid arteries and veins (blood vessels supplying blood to the brain), the recurrent laryngeal nerve (the nerve of speech), and the thoracic duct (the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, responsible for transporting fat from the intestines). The surgeon carefully dissected the tumor, avoiding damage to these organs.

After three hours, the surgical team completely removed two goiters, each measuring 3x4 cm, and also dissected 30 cervical lymph nodes, the largest measuring 1.5 cm, six of which had metastasized. The nerves and blood vessels were preserved.

The patient recovered quickly, experienced no complications such as hoarseness or numbness in the hands and feet, was discharged after two days, and continued radioactive iodine treatment to prevent cancer recurrence.

Doctor Hang (center) and her surgical team operated on Mr. Tri. Photo: Tam Anh Hospital

Dr. Le Chi Hieu, a specialist in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the Cardiovascular Center, said that early-stage thyroid cancer often has no symptoms and is only discovered incidentally during a health check-up ultrasound or examination for other illnesses. As the tumor grows larger, it can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, hoarseness or changes in voice, weight loss, and fatigue.

Early detection allows doctors to proactively choose the optimal treatment method, resulting in a higher survival rate for patients and a reduced recurrence rate. According to Dr. Hieu, patients with early-stage papillary thyroid cancer who receive effective treatment have a 5-year survival rate of 99.5%.

To prevent thyroid cancer, maintain a diet rich in green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, and fiber, and ensure adequate iodine intake. Limit canned foods and unhealthy fats, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and refrain from smoking. Increase physical activity and exercise to maintain good health.

Dr. Hai recommends that people with a family history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid carcinoma, should seek genetic counseling and have regular health checkups.

Thu Ha

* Patient's name has been changed

Readers can ask questions about cancer here for doctors to answer.

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/ung-thu-tuyen-giap-di-can-hach-moc-thanh-chum-o-co-4708977.html