Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Hypothyroidism issues? Recently, I visited the hospital due to a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. The ENT doctor performed a physical examination, ultrasound, and endoscopy, all of which were normal. However, the doctor noticed that I often experience edema and suspects ...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed only when there are abnormal values. There are many reasons that can lead to hypothyroidism. If your results are abnormal, you should follow up with a specialist for further management.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Understanding Lumps Near Armpit: Could It Be Accessory Breast Tissue?
Feeling a lump in the armpit that resembles a cyst? There is a lump near the axillary accessory breast tissue that feels similar to a cyst. It is usually painless, but it tends to hurt during menstruation and premenstrual phases. I am unsure if there is a possibility of developin...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
Based on your description, it still seems like accessory breast tissue. You should consider visiting an outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Near Armpit: Could It Be Accessory Breast Tissue?
Persistent Bleeding and Discharge After Fibroadenoma Surgery: What to Know
It has been almost a year since the fibroma outpatient surgery, and I occasionally experience bleeding and discharge of pus? Hello Doctor: Last April, I underwent outpatient surgery because a fibroma located near my nipple was causing bleeding. The doctor recommended surgery to r...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
This issue of recurrent infections requires a firm commitment to properly manage the wound once again to prevent it from happening again.[Read More] Persistent Bleeding and Discharge After Fibroadenoma Surgery: What to Know
Understanding Irregular Breast Cysts: Ultrasound Insights and Next Steps
Breast ultrasound shows irregular cyst margins with fine needle aspiration? Hello Dr. Yuan, In 2016, I was diagnosed with small fibrocystic changes, which I initially did not take seriously, but I have been undergoing annual ultrasound follow-ups. During yesterday's ultraso...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
In general, if there are any unusual appearances during a follow-up breast ultrasound, it is advisable to perform a biopsy to confirm the findings. You shouldn't worry about whether the biopsy results are benign or malignant, as knowing the results is essential for determini...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Breast Cysts: Ultrasound Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Weak Positive TSH Receptor Antibodies: Risks and Recommendations
Weakly positive TSH receptor antibody? Hello, doctor. I recently had my thyroid function tests, and all results were normal: T3 92.3, FT4 1.19, TSH 0.702, TA <3, and Anti-TPO AB <3. However, I tested weakly positive for TSH Receptor Antibody at 12.6% (with <10% being neg...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
Based on your current thyroid data, there is no indication of hyperthyroidism. You do not need to assume that you may develop hyperthyroidism in the future based on any specific tests. Therefore, there are currently no dietary restrictions.[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive TSH Receptor Antibodies: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Breast Tumors: What You Need to Know About Diagnosis and Treatment
What are the issues related to breast tumors? I am 42 years old. When I was 17, I had a fibroma in my left breast, approximately 2-3 cm in size, resembling a bird egg. During a routine check-up at age 26, a biopsy was performed, and it was determined to be benign. After that, I d...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
I agree with using minimally invasive surgery; however, a biopsy should be performed beforehand to confirm that it is benign, as minimally invasive surgery is applied to the removal of benign tumors.[Read More] Understanding Breast Tumors: What You Need to Know About Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding and Identifying Normal Nipple Granulomas: What You Need to Know
Nipple granuloma There is a small bump on the right nipple, approximately 1mm in diameter and height, which is similar in color to the nipple but turns slightly white when pinched at the top. It feels soft, can change shape, and can be flattened but cannot be squeezed to rupture....
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
If what you described does not seem very significant, but you still have concerns, you can consult a professional physician for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding and Identifying Normal Nipple Granulomas: What You Need to Know
Managing Thyroid Nodules: Insights on Unilateral Removal During Pregnancy
Unilateral thyroid nodule excision? Two years ago, I discovered a thyroid enlargement on my own. After examination, it was found to be a benign nodule on the left side of the thyroid, and I underwent surgical removal. The doctor explained that having one side is sufficient for fu...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
Although one side of the thyroid gland is removed during thyroid surgery, we can usually adjust to support your normal thyroid hormone levels with the remaining side, so there is no need to worry too much about pregnancy.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Nodules: Insights on Unilateral Removal During Pregnancy
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Lumps After Breast Cancer Treatment
Post-operative issues following breast cancer surgery? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and has completed a mastectomy along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and she has been under follow-up for three years. She feels that there are two protrusion...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
Most sutures placed during surgery are absorbable, but a small portion may not be absorbed due to the material of the sutures. However, if there are no issues with infection, there should be no cause for concern.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Lumps After Breast Cancer Treatment
Understanding Breast Issues in Adolescent Males: Gynecomastia or Fat?
Breast issues Hello, I am a 15-year-old obese male. I recently noticed that my left chest is larger and more protruding than my right chest. I would like to know if this is gynecomastia, or if it is due to obesity, or possibly because I often sleep on my left side. Thank you.
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
You are only 15 years old, so I wouldn't classify this condition as gynecomastia, but it is still related to your development. Generally, if you can lose weight, that would be the best option. Surgery should be considered only after the age of 25 or 26 to address the asymmet...[Read More] Understanding Breast Issues in Adolescent Males: Gynecomastia or Fat?
Understanding Nipple Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Nipple issues I have noticed a small lump under my left breast since I was a child. I used to think it was a mosquito bite or an injury I caused myself, but it never hurt or bothered me. A few years ago, I took a closer look and realized it was a nipple; I was surprised that I ha...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
I believe it is not another nipple but rather a common issue of a subcutaneous cyst. As for whether to excise it, I suggest seeking the opinion of a specialist.[Read More] Understanding Nipple Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Breast Ultrasound Findings: What to Do About Small Lesions
The breast ultrasound shows a hypoechoic area? In September 2020, a 0.3 cm black spot was found on a breast ultrasound. In March 2021, the spot increased to 0.6 cm. The doctor mentioned that it is too small for a biopsy. A mammogram was performed on the same day. I would like to ...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
If a black spot is seen on a breast ultrasound, it should be monitored with follow-up ultrasounds. Mammography is a different type of examination and does not necessarily provide more precise detection than ultrasound. Regarding the size, it is not very significant; a size of 0.3...[Read More] Understanding Breast Ultrasound Findings: What to Do About Small Lesions
Understanding Itchy and Swollen Areolas: When to Seek Medical Help
Nipple swelling can cause itching? I have been experiencing swelling and itching in my right nipple areola, and when pressed, there is a reddish discharge. The left side does not have swelling, but there is some itching and a small amount of discharge. What could this issue be? W...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
I don't think there is any need to worry about any malignant changes in this situation; at most, it could lead to some infections, which can be checked by a specialist.[Read More] Understanding Itchy and Swollen Areolas: When to Seek Medical Help
Can I Dive After Successfully Treating Hyperthyroidism?
I would like to inquire whether a person who has had hyperthyroidism but has completed treatment can engage in diving activities? Hello, doctor. I have a history of hyperthyroidism, which was treated about two years ago, and I have stopped medication. I currently have follow-up c...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
If you are regularly monitoring your thyroid function, there should be no significant issues related to diving.[Read More] Can I Dive After Successfully Treating Hyperthyroidism?
Understanding Breast Cyst Calcification: What You Need to Know at 22
Breast cystic calcification Hello, doctor: I went for an ultrasound examination, and the doctor mentioned that I have some cysts in my breasts and also some calcifications. I am concerned because he said that it is rare to see such prominent calcifications at my age (22 years old...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
If you have undergone an ultrasound examination, your physician should have explained the report to you. I believe their response was likely reassuring, indicating that the findings are benign, so there is no need to be overly concerned.[Read More] Understanding Breast Cyst Calcification: What You Need to Know at 22
Understanding Persistent Nipple Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Lactation Hello doctor, I discovered that my left breast was secreting milk (a milky transparent fluid) in September 2020. A blood test showed my prolactin level was 28. I went to Taichung Veterans General Hospital for an ultrasound and physical examination, and the doctor said m...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
There are several reasons that can cause milk secretion, particularly related to medication. You can check to see if you are taking any medications that may induce lactation, as this information is readily available online.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Nipple Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Brown Nodules Around the Nipple: Causes and Concerns
Brown lump on the areola? Recently, I noticed that my left nipple has been itchy. Upon closer inspection, I found that the color of the left nipple is darker than the other side, and there is a small dark brown bump next to the areola that is peeling. What could this be? I'm...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
The likelihood of developing breast cancer in this situation is relatively low, so there is no need to be overly concerned about changes in skin color. It may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding Brown Nodules Around the Nipple: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Unidentified Growths on the Nipple: What You Need to Know
Nipple with an unknown mass? I have noticed a pink lesion approximately 0.8 x 0.2 cm on my left nipple, covering the nipple itself. The surface is smooth and does not resemble the hanging, round polyps I found online. There is no pain when pressed, and the size and shape have not...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
I still prefer to refer to it as a polyp, and I can consult a specialist at the outpatient clinic for further advice.[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Growths on the Nipple: What You Need to Know
Managing Thyroid Hormone Dosage After Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Guide
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, my mother (62 years old) underwent a total thyroidectomy two years ago due to thyroid nodules (benign). Post-surgery, her condition was well-managed. However, in January, her doctor adjusted her thyroid hormone dosage to 50 mcg per day. After one to t...
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
Thyroid supplementation can be very slow, sometimes taking a month to reach adequate levels, so returning after two months should be about right.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Hormone Dosage After Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Areola Issues: Concerns for Teens with Inverted Nipples
Areola issues I am 15 years old and I am obese. I have an inverted left nipple. Recently, I noticed that both areolas have become bumpy and uneven, with small protrusions around the areolas. What could be the issue?
Dr. Yuan Tianmin Reply:
There are naturally some small rough spots on the areola; these are the openings of the glands, so there's no need to be overly concerned. You're 15 years old, so you shouldn't worry too much about your areola.[Read More] Understanding Areola Issues: Concerns for Teens with Inverted Nipples