MASTECTOMY PERFORMED FOR PATIENT WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. In Vietnam, the incidence of breast cancer remains high. Early detection through screening greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and significantly reduces mortality rates.

Mrs. M., a 65-year-old woman from Thu Duc City, discovered a suspicious 2×3 cm mass in her left breast during a routine health check-up. A core needle biopsy was performed, and the results confirmed breast carcinoma, indicating the need for a radical mastectomy.

According to Dr. Mai Van Dung, MMed, Specialist Level I, surgery is the first-line treatment for early-stage breast cancer. There are two main surgical options with comparable outcomes:

• Breast-conserving surgery: Removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue while preserving the breast’s appearance. Radiation therapy is typically required afterward to eliminate residual cancer cells.
• Mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection: Removal of the entire breast along with nearby lymph nodes. This approach is considered the gold standard for complete cancer control, reducing recurrence and improving survival.

The surgical team from the General Surgery Department — including Dr. Nguyen Trung Duong (MMed, Specialist Level II, Deputy Head of Department) and Dr. Mai Van Dung (MMed, Specialist Level I) — in collaboration with the Anesthesiology & Resuscitation team, performed a nearly three-hour surgery to remove a 4×4 cm tumor invading the surrounding muscle tissue. The patient subsequently underwent a Patey mastectomy with left axillary lymph node dissection, aiming for radical cancer removal.

Throughout the operation, the surgeons successfully preserved all major nerves, including the long thoracic nerve, thoracodorsal nerve, and intercostobrachial nerve — a critical step in minimizing post-operative neuropathic pain and ensuring better functional recovery for the patient.

After surgery, the patient received wound care and was guided through early mobilization exercises for her left shoulder and arm. Just four days post-surgery, her condition improved significantly, and she was discharged from the hospital in stable condition.This case highlights the importance of routine breast health screening, especially for women over 40. Those with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer are strongly encouraged to undergo clinical breast exams or mammography at least once a year for early detection.

When detected early, mastectomy remains a highly effective treatment, particularly when combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, breast reconstruction, psychological support, and physical rehabilitation — all of which contribute to comprehensive cancer care.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.