Early Diagnosis Saves Life: Mr. Phong’s Story of Persistent Chest Pain and Lung Cancer Detection

53-year-old Mr. Phong had been experiencing chest pain for over a year, which worsened when lying on his back or moving. Despite visiting multiple doctors and undergoing various treatments, the pain persisted. It was during a low-dose CT lung scan at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi that abnormal thickening of the pleura was detected. A thoracoscopic surgery was performed to biopsy the pleural lesion, revealing lung cancer with pleural metastasis.

Associate Professor Dr. Chu Thi Hanh, Head of the Respiratory Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, explained that lung cancer typically presents symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and hemoptysis. However, Mr. Phong did not exhibit these symptoms. The lung computed tomography showed pleural nodules and faint pleural thickening, leading to chest pain that could not be diagnosed for over a year.

After the diagnosis, Mr. Phong received a combination of treatments tailored to his condition and palliative care at the Oncology department. His health is currently stable. Lung cancer, often caused by smoking, was the likely culprit. Although Mr. Phong had quit smoking nearly 5 years ago, the risk of lung cancer persisted due to exposure to carcinogens or radiation from previous employment or living near polluted areas. It was emphasized that individuals with a history of smoking should undergo periodic lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT scans as an effective method due to its diagnostic accuracy and lower exposure to X-rays.

According to Associate Professor Hanh, low-dose CT scans are especially beneficial for individuals at high risk of lung cancer due to factors like exposure to carcinogens or radiation from previous employment or living near polluted areas.

Mr. Phong’s experience serves as a reminder that even without exhibiting typical symptoms of lung cancer such as coughing or shortness of breath, it is essential to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent chest pain.

In conclusion, Mr. Phong’s story highlights the importance of early detection through regular lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT scans for individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors associated with lung cancer development.

It is important for people who have stopped smoking but still have concerns about their lungs’ health to undergo periodic screening tests such as low-dose CT scans at least once every three years after quitting smoking.

The success rate of treating metastatic cancers has been improving rapidly in recent years due to advances in medical technology and treatment options available today.

It is crucial for individuals with a history of smoking or any other risk factors associated with lung cancer development to get regular checkups and consult with healthcare professionals regularly about their risk level and potential preventive measures they can take.