Linh, a 58-year-old woman, had been experiencing persistent chest pain for almost a year. She feared it was related to heart disease and sought medical attention. After being diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, her symptoms did not improve. Following Tet, Linh continued to experience coughing and increased chest pain, prompting her to seek further examination at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
On April 27, Dr. Tran Quoc Hoai from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery determined that Linh’s symptoms were not typical of heart or lung-related conditions. It was revealed that she had a large thymic tumor in her mediastinum, which could be causing her chest pain and cough. The medical team decided to perform open surgery to remove the tumor, as it had invaded the adjacent lung tissue. The surgery was successful, and Linh was discharged from the hospital after five days.
Pathology results confirmed that the tumor was malignant, and Linh underwent supportive chemotherapy to prevent the cancer cells from spreading. Thymic carcinoma is a rare form of cancer originating from thymic epithelial cells located in the mediastinum near the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment can lead to positive prognosis for patients with this type of cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and regular follow-up exams are essential to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and manage any potential side effects of medication.
Linh’s story highlights the importance of seeking medical attention when experiencing persistent chest pain or other symptoms that may be related to heart disease or other medical conditions. Early diagnosis can lead to better treatment options and outcomes for patients like Linh who were able to receive prompt care at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
In conclusion, Thymic carcinoma is a rare but treatable form of cancer with early detection and appropriate treatment leading to positive prognosis for patients. Regular follow-up exams are essential to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and manage any potential side effects of medication.
