VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of Defense General Phung Quang Thanh went to France a week ago for medical treatment. On June 30 he underwent surgery, reported local media.

Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh.

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, Mr. Thanh suffered from a chest wound during the war, which has affected his lung.

About two months ago, Mr. Thanh began coughing severely. Tests conducted at local hospitals did not detect cancer but the signs of lung fibrosis plus the heavy cough were ominous signs of the disease. The Defence Minister went to France for further tests.

Thanh Nien reported that Mr. Thanh was diagnosed with a benign lung tumor.

Prof. Pham Gia Khai, a member of the Central Board of Health Protection, told Thanh Nien that Minister Thanh would be in France for about two or three weeks for medical treatment.

Khai said that France was selected because it is highly praised for its biopsy techniques, which can produce accurate results, and are the foundation for choosing optimal treatment.

PV