Brief Letter, Profound Thanks: Correspondence from a Malaysian Patient

Brief Letter, Profound Thanks: Correspondence from a Malaysian Patient

Recently, the Department of Radiation Oncology V received a heartfelt letter from a Malaysian patient. Between its lines flowed deep gratitude toward the medical staff and high praise for the hospital's exquisite techniques and nursing services, conveying the profound mutual affection in this doctor-patient relationship that ran both ways.

Ms. Yan, a patient from Malaysia, first noticed an abnormal lump below her right earlobe in early 2023, initially mistaking it for common inflammation. However, after undergoing surgical excision and biopsy at a local Malaysian hospital, she was diagnosed with parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma, with the tumor not being completely removed.

The situation became more complicated as the tumor was located adjacent to branches of the facial nerve. A second surgery risked causing permanent facial paralysis or even disfigurement, while traditional radiotherapy's side effects like dry mouth and loss of taste made Ms. Yan hesitant to proceed.

Faced with limited options, Ms. Yan's family sought solutions through international medical platforms and forums. By chance, they learned about carbon ion radiotherapy technology available in several countries including China, Japan, and Singapore. This advanced treatment utilizes the "Bragg Peak" characteristic of heavy ion beams to precisely target tumors while maximally protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

After extensive consultations, Ms. Yan began emailing various heavy ion treatment centers worldwide. While most failed to respond, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital's Heavy Ion Center replied within 30 minutes, patiently addressing all her concerns. Encouraged by her family, Ms. Yan embarked on her journey to Wuwei for treatment.

Upon admission, the hospital immediately activated the green channel for this international patient. The Heavy Ion Consultation Office promptly completed all procedures including medical record review and treatment scheduling, arranging her accommodation in Department of Radiation Oncology V (Head & Neck Tumor Department).

On the very first day of hospitalization, Ms. Yan underwent comprehensive examinations including CT simulation positioning and MRI scans. The case received high-level attention from hospital leadership, senior experts, Director Hu Tingzhao, and the entire medical team of Department V.

A multidisciplinary expert team carefully analyzed the tumor's location, size, and proximity to facial nerves, ultimately developing an 18-session carbon ion treatment plan that precisely avoided critical facial nerves and salivary glands.

Now having completed treatment and been discharged, Ms. Yan exhibits only mild skin redness with no discomfort - an outstanding clinical outcome that demonstrates the precision and effectiveness of heavy ion therapy.

The ink carries a patient's sincere emotions; every word of gratitude reveals the genuine bond between doctor and patient. Though brief in length, this thank-you letter conveys deep appreciation for the medical team of Radiation Oncology Department V, serving as both recognition and inspiration for the entire department.

Guided by our patient-centered philosophy, we will continue to elevate our medical service standards, steadfastly safeguarding every patient's health journey.

Hu Tingchao

Associate Chief Physician of Radiation Oncology

Professional Titles:

Director of the Fifth Department of Radiation Oncology (Head & Neck Cancer Radiotherapy), Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital

Member of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association

Committee Member of the Gansu Provincial Radiotherapy Societ

Council Member of the 3rd Western China Radiotherapy Association

Committee Member of the Particle Therapy Branch, China Association of Medical Equipment

Education & Training:

Graduated from the Clinical Medicine Department of Lanzhou University in 2005, with 18 years of experience in radiation oncology. Advanced training receive：Sichuan Cancer Hospital，Tokushukai Fukuoka Hospital, Japan， Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center，Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou)

Expertise:

Comprehensive cancer therapy: Specialized in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy for head & neck tumors, gliomas, lymphomas, chordomas, and other common malignancies.

Precision radiotherapy techniques:3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT)， Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)， Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)，Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)，Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT)， Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT)，extensive experience in treatment planning, organ protection, and managing radiotherapy side effects.

Research & Publications: Published over 10 academic papers, editor-in-chief of 1 medical monograph, holder of 1 utility model patent, led 2 municipal-level research projects in Wuwei, contributed to drafting clinical guidelines for carbon ion radiotherapy, repeatedly awarded "Outstanding Worker" by the hospital.

Department Overview:

The Head & Neck Cancer Radiotherapy Department (5th Radiotherapy Dept.) integrates clinical practice, research, and education. Primary treated conditions:

Central nervous system tumors: Meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, acoustic neuromas, gliomas.

Head & neck cancers: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, oral cancer, ocular tumors, laryngeal cancer, hard palate cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer.

Others: Chordomas, lymphomas (all sites).

Heavy Ion Therapy Specializations: Head & neck malignant melanoma;Head & neck sarcomas;Adenoid cystic carcinoma;Recurrent head & neck cancers;Skull base chordomas;Chondrosarcomas;Gliomas.