Free and Quality-monitored surgical services offered to indigent Filipinos with

Thyroid Problems and Breast Cancers at

Department of Surgery, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center

Janix M. De Guzman, MD

“Operasyon Pinoy”

            Since 2001, the Department of Surgery, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) started Operasyon Pinoy under the leadership of Dr. Reynaldo O. Joson. It is the objective of this program to provide free and quality monitored services to problems common to Filipinos that needs surgery or operation as treatment. Under Operasyon Pinoy are different categories; included herein are Operasyon Bosyo and Operasyon Kanser sa Suso. For the month of June and July we are conducting Operasyon Bosyo and Operasyon Kanser sa Suso, it will be a free, quality services offered to indigent Filipino patients with thyroid problems and breast cancer requiring major operations. This project of the Departmet of Surgery, OMMC is supported by the Chinese-Filipino Business Club in coordination with the City Government of Manila.

“Operasyon Bosyo”

            Under the umbrella of Operasyon Pinoy is Operasyon Bosyo which provides safe, efficient, quality operation and surgical care to indigent patients with thyroid problems.

            Patients commonly seen and evaluated for surgery have swelling on the front of their necks. Swelling at the front of the neck related to enlargement of the thyroid gland or mass in the thyroid gland moves upon swallowing. These thyroid enlargements and masses can either be due to malignant or benign causes. We recommend that once you suspect an enlargement or mass seek medical attention. Though we are in the line of surgery at OMMC we do not always operate but give treatment options whatever is the best for the patients’ conditions.

            Malignant or cancer of the thyroid presents mostly as palpable mass in the neck that moves on deglutition, which is usually hard in consistency. Maybe accompanied by the presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and may also associated with difficulty in swallowing, breathing, and change in the character of the voice or hoarseness. Most patients with thyroid cancer are curable if recognized and managed early.

            Benign causes of thyroid enlargement and mass does not always need surgery. The most common indications for surgical treatments are the thyroid mass is already big on presentation or upon consult and despite medical management there is persistence or no change on the size of the mass.

“Operasyon Kanser sa Suso”

            Breast cancer is the number one cancer killer among women worldwide including the Philippines. All women are at risk poor or rich. Hence, the Department of Surgery, OMMC included Operasyon Kanser sa Suso under Operasyon Pinoy for the benefit of the indigent patients afflicted with breast cancers to provide free and quality surgical care. Breast cancer is primarily treated by means of operation.

            Mass in the breast secondary to cancer usually presents as hard in palpation accompanied by lymph node enlargement on the axilla of same side. Other clues are: rapid growth of the mass, skin dimpling and ulcerations, nipple discharge. Those who have relatives from first to second degree are at increased risk of developing Breast cancer. We advise the public to seek consult if they have the above conditions.

            Starting June 9, 2004, we will conduct Operasyon Bosyo and Operasyon Kanser sa Suso. Screenings will be held at the Out-Patient Department of Surgery, OMMC from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and at the Emergency Room, Department of Surgery for Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may approach any surgical residents for assistance. For specific inquiries and additional information you may call at 524-60-61 and look for Dr. Hazel Turingan and Dr. Janix M. De Guzman, point persons for operasyon Kanser sa Suso and Operasyon Bosyo, respectively.