Linh, a 58-year-old woman, had been experiencing persistent chest pain for almost a year, fearing it was related to heart disease. After consulting with a doctor, it was discovered that she had a malignant thymus tumor. Initially, Linh had experienced dull pain in her left chest and a dry cough in early 2023. Despite seeking medical attention and 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, originating from thymic epithelial cells, is a rare form of cancer that can affect the thymus gland located in the mediastinum. With early detection and treatment, patients have a positive prognosis. Treatment options for thymic cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Regular follow-up exams are essential to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and manage any potential side effects of the medication.