Patient N.T.K.A (59 years old, Long An) had two breast and colon tumors growing together without symptoms. Thanks to early detection and timely surgery at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital, the patient had two tumors removed.
Going for a breast cancer examination, unexpectedly discovered complicated colon cancer.
Previously, patient K.A. was diagnosed with a left breast tumor at a central medical facility in Ho Chi Minh City. However, it was not until the tumor was painfully swollen and enlarged that the patient was admitted to Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
As it had been a year since the breast tumor diagnosis, doctors at Vinmec Central Park instructed the patient to undergo a full-body CT scan to evaluate the current condition of the tumor. The results revealed a 5x4x3cm tumor located directly beneath the nipple, leading to a diagnosis of left breast cancer T2N0M0, stage IIA, early stage.
During the patient's diagnosis, doctors at Vinmec Central Park discovered an abnormality in the CT scan results. That was, the patient's transverse colon wall was thicker than normal. Although the patient did not have any abnormal signs such as abdominal pain or bleeding, with many years of experience in the profession, the doctors still decided to order the patient to have a colonoscopy to ensure that there were no problems arising.
During the colonoscopy, a second large stage III tumor was discovered. The transverse colon tumor was a primary tumor, not a metastatic breast cancer. This is considered a rare case of having two primary tumors developing in the body at the same time.
Solving difficult problems: Choosing the optimal method, safe surgery for patients
Doctors at Vinmec Central Park consulted with the Multidisciplinary Team Board (MTB) - where prestigious doctors and leading experts discuss cases together, support clinical decisions in diagnosis, treatment and comprehensive care of cancer patients.
Accordingly, the gold standard for treating this case is to perform both surgeries simultaneously. The patient will undergo general anesthesia once to avoid delaying the second surgery, which could lead to the risk of cancer metastasis and other complications.
Although this method offers many benefits for the patient, it requires a highly skilled team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensivists to ensure safety and avoid complications during a prolonged anesthesia period. However, the doctors at the Oncology Center and the Gastroenterology Center at Vinmec Central Park International Hospital devised a solution by collaborating with the anesthesiology and pain management team to develop an optimal anesthesia protocol. This approach, combined with appropriate preoperative preparation, helps eliminate the risks of complications.
"The 8-hour "battle" with two tumors in the operating room"
On October 4, the Vinmec Central Park team performed surgery to remove two tumors. Because the surgery is expected to take a relatively long time, about 7-8 hours, the patient will be given general anesthesia, combined with ESP (Erector Spinae Block) - a method of anesthetizing the erector spinae muscle compartment to reduce pain during and after surgery without the use of opioids.
This combination of anesthesia and sedation will help reduce the amount of anesthetic administered to the patient's body, thereby minimizing complications (such as nausea and intestinal paralysis) after a long surgery. When performing the surgery, the doctors will first remove the sentinel axillary lymph nodes, cut off the Left breast segment, and then suture it. After nearly 3 hours of breast surgery, the surgical team will change and perform laparoscopic surgery.
The doctors found and cut the right part of the colon using the CME technique (Complete Mesocolic Excision) through a 5 cm incision at the navel and connected the two ends of the intestine using an endoscope (enterostomy). Thanks to this method, the patient did not need to create an artificial anus.
With maximum effort and multidisciplinary collaboration, the surgery was completed. Surgeons and recovery specialists implemented the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program to support early postoperative recovery. Patient K.A. recovered quickly without any complications, was able to walk and eat almost normally, and was discharged in stable condition after six days.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 30-50% of cancer cases can be prevented if detected and treated early. Therefore, cancer screening and check-ups are essential. "Elderly individuals aged 50 and above should undergo colonoscopy even if they show no symptoms; women should also screen for cervical and breast cancer, as these are common sites for silent tumors. Those with a family history of cancer should consider early screening," shared by Doctor Specialist II. Bùi Minh Thanh, a gastrointestinal surgeon at Vinmec Central Park International Hospital.
In November, Vinmec implemented the “Color of Hope” project to raise public awareness of cancer and organized a free Oncology Clinic and consultation for patients. Learn more about Vinmec Oncology Center and make an appointment here.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
