Tiếng Việt
From routine check-up to curative treatment
The patient attended a routine health check-up at Hanoi French Hospital without any breast-related symptoms. She had no significant medical history, no breast pain or discomfort, and no palpable mass on clinical examination.
During breast ultrasound, Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh, Radiologist at HFH, identified a suspicious lesion measuring 0.56 x 0.56 cm in the right breast. Although very small, the lesion demonstrated several features suggestive of malignancy, including irregular margins, spiculated margins, and associated architectural distortion.
A biopsy was therefore indicated to determine the nature of the lesion. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). This is a malignant breast cancer originating from the lobules, the milk-producing glands, and has invaded the surrounding breast tissue.
Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh explained:
“Invasive lobular carcinoma often does not form a well-defined mass. Instead, it tends to infiltrate in single-file cell patterns and spread insidiously. As a result, this type of cancer can be easily overlooked in its early stages. Early biopsy in this case played a critical role in diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis.”
Following definitive biopsy results and multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent curative surgery. She is currently under routine follow-up and remains in stable condition.
The earlier the detection, the better the outcome
Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer among women worldwide and one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of new cases are diagnosed globally each year, with increasing incidence trends in many countries.
The danger of breast cancer lies not only in its high incidence but also in its often-silent progression in early stages. Many cases are detected late, when lymph node involvement or distant metastasis has already occurred. However, according to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected at a very early stage while the tumor is still small and has not spread to lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%.
In this case, diagnosis at a very early stage provided the patient with the opportunity for curative surgery and increased the likelihood of breast-conserving treatment. She did not require prolonged chemotherapy or radiotherapy. As a result, her long-term quality of life is significantly improved.
International medical organizations recommend that women aged 40 and above undergo regular breast cancer screening. Those with a family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors should begin earlier surveillance according to medical advice. Screening should include clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, and/or mammography depending on age and individual risk factors.
Biopsy should be performed at the appropriate time to ensure early detection and avoid missing suspicious lesions. For small lesions, in addition to core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) with marker placement may be considered. This technique allows more accurate tissue sampling and facilitates lesion localization for subsequent treatment. The specific indication depends on lesion characteristics and specialist assessment.
At Hanoi French Hospital, the breast cancer screening pathway is developed in accordance with international standards from advanced imaging and precise biopsy techniques to multidisciplinary treatment. The goal is not only to detect cancer, but to detect it at the earliest possible stage, when treatment is most effective and least invasive.
For consultation, examination, or breast cancer treatment at HFH, please contact our hotline at 024.35771100 or send a message via the official fanpage “Hanoi French Hospital” or Zalo OA: zalo.me/2008009049335817955.
