A 44-year-old woman from Ho Chi Minh City visited the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Hoan My Sai Gon Hospital after noticing that her abdomen had been gradually enlarging abnormally, despite experiencing no pain or discomfort. 

Ms. N.M.T. (born in 1981) presented at the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department of Hoan My Sai Gon Hospital with an unusually enlarged abdomen but no pain. Clinical examination revealed multiple tumors in the abdominal region. Among them was a large lower-abdominal mass measuring approximately 12 × 10 cm, extending up to the navel. The mass was firm and had limited mobility. 

Notably, the patient had undergone total laparoscopic hysterectomy 13 years earlier, while her ovaries were preserved. Therefore, physicians considered several possibilities, including leiomyoma, recurrent fibroid tumors, or ovarian tumors. 

Doctor examining the patient 

Accurate Diagnosis and Surgical Procedure 

To determine the exact nature of the tumors, the patient underwent MRI imaging, laparoscopic examination, and biopsy. The results showed that the tumors were benign abdominal fibrous nodules. 

Following multidisciplinary consultation, the medical team performed surgery to remove multiple tumors, the greater omentum, the right adnexa, and the left fallopian tube fimbria, while also excising the large lower-abdominal mass. 

The surgery was successful, and all tumors were completely removed. After the procedure, the patient recovered quickly, was able to eat normally, and her surgical wound remained stable. She was discharged from the hospital after one week. 

 “The key factor in this case was the accurate preoperative diagnosis, achieved through the combination of clinical tests, imaging studies, and multidisciplinary consultation. This allowed the surgical team to select the most optimal and safest treatment approach for the patient,” shared Dr. Bui Duc Lam, Head of the Obstetrics Department at Hoan My Sai Gon Hospital, who directly treated the patient. 

According to Dr. Lam, patients who have previously undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery may have tissue adhesions, which requires surgeons to perform procedures with great experience and caution. Thanks to the close coordination between the surgical and anesthesiology teams, the operation was performed safely and achieved positive results for the patient. 

Importance of Regular Screening 

Although pathological results confirmed the tumors were benign and completely removed, there remains a 1–2% risk of recurrence. Therefore, the patient is advised to undergo follow-up examinations every six months to monitor her condition and detect any abnormalities early. 

Uterine fibroids are a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 20% of women of reproductive age. In many cases, the disease progresses silently without clear symptoms until the tumors become large. 

Dr. Lam also recommends that women aged 20–40 should proactively undergo gynecological check-ups every 6–12 months. Maintaining regular screening helps detect tumors at an early stage, allowing for simpler treatment, reducing complications, enabling faster recovery, and preserving quality of life. 

With a team of experienced physicians supported by modern medical equipment, the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Hoan My Sai Gon Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare services for women, including consultation, screening, routine monitoring, treatment of gynecological conditions such as fibroids and ovarian tumors, pregnancy care, and advanced obstetric and gynecological surgeries. 

Gynecological health plays an essential role in protecting women’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. If you notice any unusual abdominal changes or gynecological health concerns, please contact the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Hoan My Sai Gon Hospital at 028.3990.2468 for timely medical consultation and examination.