Recently, a calligraphy scroll filled with gratitude was solemnly presented to the medical technician team of the Ultrasound Department at Hainan Chengmei Hospital.
This calligraphy was written personally by the lover of Ms. Wang, an early-stage breast cancer patient - "Perhaps the calligraphy is not worth much, but it represents our most sincere gratitude," said Ms. Wang. "To be able to detect breast cancer at such an early stage can be considered a 'lifesaving grace'. As a retired doctor, I understand the significance of this even more!
Millimeter-level observation reveals hidden lesions
After retirement, Ms. Wang and her husband settled in Chengmai, Hainan. As a doctor, she pays great attention to her health and has been adhering to breast self-examination all year round, never finding any abnormalities. She is particularly at ease with her own health status.
In early February this year, the Planning and Development Department of Hainan Chengmei Hospital conducted a public health education activity in the community where Ms. Wang resides. Consequently, Ms. Wang chose to undergo a physical examination and screening at the hospital.
During the breast ultrasound examination, Ms. Wang was calm and composed: "I have clinical knowledge. I didn't feel any issues during self-examination, so I never thought it could be malignant."
However, Li Caiyang, an experienced associate chief physician, keenly detected an anomaly that was easily overlooked - a tiny nodule, only 0.8 centimeters in size and located deep within, in the two o'clock direction of Ms. Wang's right breast. Both its shape and echo strongly suggested a malignant risk.
He immediately cautioned, "Aunt, this nodule looks suspicious. You must seek further evaluation from a breast surgeon as soon as possible."
Accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive cure
Despite her doubts, Ms. Wang still trusted Dr. Li Caiyang's professional judgment.
Immediately, Ms. Wang sent the ultrasound report to a domestic authoritative ultrasound specialist for consultation. The specialist not only confirmed that the nodule had a high risk of malignancy and required prompt intervention, but also praised the examining physician for his meticulousness: "It's very rare to accurately identify such a small and deep lesion. It shows that the doctor is extremely conscientious and has a strong sense of responsibility."
With this precise ultrasound diagnosis, Ms. Wang successfully underwent minimally invasive breast surgery at the Breast Surgery Department of Hainan Cancer Hospital.
The postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. Due to timely screening and precise diagnosis, the cancer cells did not spread or metastasize. Ms. Wang did not require radiotherapy or chemotherapy subsequently, and only needed regular follow-up examinations.
Chen Junyao, the director of the ultrasound department at the hospital, has a particularly deep impression of this 0.8-centimeter nodule. He explained that this small nodule is located deep and has a small volume. When pressed by the probe, it easily deforms and becomes unclear, which greatly tests the operator's technique, patience, and clinical experience. A slight negligence may lead to missed diagnosis.
"As a colleague in the profession, I fully understand the significance of this dedication. It was precisely because the ultrasound doctor did not overlook any slightest abnormality that I was pulled back from the brink of danger," Ms. Wang sincerely praised.
Ink treasure thanks to the original intention of the doctor
After being discharged from the hospital, Ms. Wang and her husband specially took the time to write a calligraphy masterpiece and delivered it to the hospital to express their gratitude to Dr. Li Caiyang and the department team.
Facing the patient's gratitude, Li Caiyang shyly said, "I just did my job. It's my duty to be a good ultrasound sentinel and not miss any suspicious lesions." As the head of the superficial group in the hospital's ultrasound department and a high-level talent in Hainan Province, Li Caiyang has been deeply involved in ultrasound diagnosis of breast and thyroid diseases for many years, using his expertise to safeguard patient health.
Chen Junyao stated that breast ultrasound is the preferred method for breast screening in women. It is non-radiative, non-invasive, and repeatable, capable of accurately detecting small lesions that are negative on palpation. It serves as the first line of defense for breast health.
He suggested that ordinary women should undergo breast ultrasound once a year starting from the age of 40, and mammography should be combined when necessary; high-risk individuals need to undergo screening earlier and more frequently, and MRI assessment can be combined. Self-palpation cannot replace professional examination, and regular screening is the key to early diagnosis and treatment.
"Without precise diagnosis, there can be no precise treatment." Liu Yuehong, the Vice President of the hospital, stated that the medical technology department serves as the "cornerstone" and "outpost" of precision medicine. The sense of responsibility and professionalism of medical technologists directly determine whether patients can be detected early, suffer less, and achieve recovery. The hospital will continue to strengthen its medical technology platform, using technology to safeguard lives and responsibility to protect health.
Expert Introduction
Chen Junyao, Chief Physician
The director of the ultrasound department also serves as the director of the functional department
Other high-level talents in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Specializes in ultrasound diagnosis of complex abdominal and superficial organ diseases, as well as interventional ultrasound procedures (such as ultrasound contrast, biopsy, catheterization and drainage, tumor ablation, tumor seed implantation, etc.); minimally invasive treatment of solid organ tumors (such as tumors in the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, kidney, thyroid, prostate, etc.) under multimodal ultrasound guidance.
Li Caiyang, Deputy Chief Physician of Ultrasound Department
Other high-level talents in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Skilled in ultrasound diagnosis of breast masses, thyroid, abdominal diseases, etc.