Gina Heslop
For five years, 74-year-old Bui Thi Hoi from Ha Tinh province lived with a massive tumor on her face.
The growth, measuring 12 by 14 centimeters, covered half of her face, damaged her skull, and caused her to lose sight in her right eye. It also made breathing difficult and turned even simple daily tasks like eating and drinking into a struggle.
Hoi wanted to have surgery but didn’t have the money to afford it. She endured the condition for years, feeling insecure and uncomfortable, until help finally arrived. A team of doctors stepped in to perform the life-changing surgery she desperately needed.
Last Monday, after careful planning, surgeons from four hospitals in Hanoi joined forces to remove the tumor. Experts from the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Hospital, the National Institute of Burns, and 103 Military Hospital collaborated on the complex procedure. The operation lasted five hours, with the tumor being completely removed in the first three.
Dr. Vu Quang Vinh from the National Institute of Burns explained that Hoi’s condition was extremely rare. The tumor was a fibrous tumor, which only accounts for 0.05 to 0.5 percent of all facial tumors worldwide. Due to its unusual nature and Hoi’s advanced age, the decision to operate was not easy.
“There were many concerns,” Dr. Vinh admitted. “She was already dealing with underlying health issues, and the tumor itself was uncommon. Because of its rarity, there was little prior experience with similar surgeries. We had to come together as a team, discuss the risks, and decide whether to proceed.”
The doctors knew that if they did not operate, the tumor would continue growing and could eventually be life-threatening. Though the surgery was risky, they believed they had to try. “Even if there was just a small chance of success, we owed it to her to take that chance,” Dr. Vinh said.
Despite the challenges, the surgery went well. Blood loss was minimal, and the results were excellent. Within a week, Hoi was moved out of the critical care unit. After spending nearly two months in the hospital, she is now preparing to return home.
For Hoi, the transformation is incredible. “I feel much better, relieved, and no longer insecure about the tumor,” she said. “I am so grateful to the doctors and everyone who helped me.”
Her sister, Bui Thi Chau, shared her joy. “It was a long and difficult journey. We had to take my sister from one hospital to another many times. But in the end, everything turned out perfectly. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved.”
The success of Hoi’s surgery highlights the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of Vietnam’s medical professionals. Dr. Vinh emphasized that pushing boundaries is necessary for progress. “If we only stay in our comfort zone, we won’t grow or improve,” he said.
For Hoi, this surgery is more than just a medical procedure—it’s a fresh start. After years of suffering, she can finally move forward with confidence and relief.
