Understanding Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer Hello Dr. Chen, my sister was diagnosed with stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the left buccal mucosa two years ago without lymphatic metastasis. The doctor at that time performed a tumor resection without lymphadenectomy and did not recomm...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot answer this question; you would need to ask her attending physician for that information. 2. I also cannot answer this question because I do not have specific information about the medication name and dosage, and I am unaware of the patient's physical cond...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Understanding a Pain-Free Skin Bump: Possible Causes and Concerns
There is a painless lump under the skin? Recently, I discovered a small bump under the skin, about the size of a pimple. It is skin-colored, does not appear red, and is not painful. When I pull the skin, the bump moves along with it. Could you please tell me what this might be?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It should just be a benign subcutaneous tissue or a subcutaneous lipoma, such as a comedo, etc.[Read More] Understanding a Pain-Free Skin Bump: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding HPV Persistence and Cancer Risks After Treatment
The recurrence rate of HPV (Human Papillomavirus)? Hello, I am a patient with HPV type 16 throat cancer who has completed chemoradiation. My doctor has confirmed that the tumor is no longer visible. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Will the HPV in my body still be...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. P16 is just one type of protein expression associated with HPV infection, and its significance in head and neck cancer is that patients who are P16 positive tend to have a better prognosis (for example, they respond better to chemoradiation compared to other causes such as smo...[Read More] Understanding HPV Persistence and Cancer Risks After Treatment
Understanding the Continuous Decline in White Blood Cell Count: A Concern
The white blood cell count has been continuously decreasing over the past four years? Hello Dr. Hu, in recent years, my white blood cell count has been continuously decreasing: around 3300 in 2020, about 2800 in 2023, and approximately 1900 in 2024. My platelet count is also low,...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there have been no signs of infection (such as a cold, etc.) in the recent three months, or if you have taken certain oral medications (such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, etc.), and are experiencing fatigue and oral ulcers, it is recommended to consult a rh...[Read More] Understanding the Continuous Decline in White Blood Cell Count: A Concern
Understanding Appendiceal Cancer: Causes, Genetics, and Research Gaps
Appendiceal cancer issues? There is very little information about appendiceal cancer online. I still don't understand why my mother passed away from stage IV appendiceal cancer. Her colonoscopy results were normal, and she didn't even have any polyps. Could it be becaus...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the question of who gets cancer and why, it is currently believed to be caused by multiple factors. The relationships and the weight of their influence are still unclear, so I cannot provide you with a definitive answer. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Appendiceal Cancer: Causes, Genetics, and Research Gaps
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Doctor, I am currently studying in the UK. About three months ago, I noticed a movable lymph node about 1 cm in size on the right side of my neck. Over time, it has increased in size, reaching approximately 2.8 cm by the end of May. However, a few days ...
Dr. Yan Jingheng Reply:
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are not necessarily indicative of lymphoma; a pathological biopsy is required for confirmation. They could also be benign tumors, and lymphoma may be associated with head and neck cancers. Additionally, since your lymph nodes have been enlarged fo...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Uneven Nipple Shape and Hardness: Should You Be Concerned?
The hardness and shape of the nipples on either side are different? A month or two ago, I suddenly noticed that the shapes of my nipples are different; the left one is round while the right one is oval, although I'm not sure if they were always different. Recently, I've...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may simply be a visual asymmetry caused by breast development during puberty or menstruation. If there are no palpable tumors or signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, or pain, observation is sufficient.[Read More] Uneven Nipple Shape and Hardness: Should You Be Concerned?
Life After Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Navigating Recovery and Daily Activities
Life During Recovery from Myeloid Leukemia Hello Dr. Hu, I was diagnosed with M3 type acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in January. After six months of treatment (induction + consolidation), my genetic testing is now negative, and my white blood cell count (5000) and platelet co...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
After the treatment, you can resume your normal lifestyle and diet.[Read More] Life After Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Navigating Recovery and Daily Activities
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Inguinal mass Three weeks ago, I discovered a hard lump about 1 centimeter in diameter on the left side of my groin where it connects to the thigh. The shape feels round or oval, and it is not painful when pressed. It does not move much, and it is difficult to feel unless I press...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be lymph nodes or other benign tissues (such as lipomas), and observation is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Elevated AFP levels persist, and abdominal ultrasound shows no abnormalities? On May 25, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up. On June 21, I received the report indicating that my Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is a marker for liver cancer, was elevated at 19.3. On J...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician/nutritionist. Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello. I apologize for the delayed response as I was abroad. 1. I would like to ask if there are any other benign conditio...[Read More] Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal elevation of AFP levels? Hello, I underwent a physical examination on May 25th, where it was found that my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated at 19.3. Other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, were all normal. A...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. Please refer to the first response. 2. If the CT scan still shows no abnormalities, what additional tests (which can be self-paid) are recommended to identify the cause? A: A whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be cons...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
I have a hard lump about 1.2 centimeters in size under my armpit that has been present for several years? Several years ago (more than five years), I noticed a small hard lump under my right armpit. It does not have any black spots, feels deep, and does not hurt when touched or p...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Youzi / 27 years old / Female 1. I would like to ask what this condition might be? A: Benign lymphadenopathy, lipoma? Accessory breast tissue? It's really hard to say without a thorough examination (inspection, auscultation, palpation, inquiry). 2. Which department shoul...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Brain tumor issues? Examination Name: MRI Imaging of the Pituitary Gland: The MRI scan of the pituitary gland shows: enlargement of the sella turcica, downward displacement of the sella floor, and an irregular nodular lesion with slightly shorter T2 signal within the sella, with ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tina / 46 years old / Female, can chemotherapy eliminate the tumor? A: 1. The physician needs to determine the type of cells in order to select the appropriate chemotherapy agents. 2. The location of your tumor may not be suitable for biopsy. 3. Please discuss with your physician...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
How does the progression of lung cancer tumor metastasis occur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the progression of lung cancer tumors. Do they typically spread first through the lymphatic system in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, br...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hua Hua / 66 years old / Female Hello, 1. Can you explain how lung cancer tumors spread? Do they typically start by spreading to the lymph nodes in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, brain, and bones? A: 1.1 This question is somewhat like fo...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions. I originally had a hard lump in my right armpit for about two to three months. After a while, I got busy and thought it was just a normal occurrence relat...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you are concerned, you should schedule an appointment with a surgical specialist in breast surgery. If the lump you mentioned is a lymph node, a biopsy will likely be arranged during the outpatient visit. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal elevation of AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) levels? Hello, I underwent a health check on May 25th, where it was found that my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated at 19.3. All related liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If a CT scan does not reveal any abnormalities in the liver, an MRI scan is usually arranged for further evaluation. We will wait for the results of the examination. If any abnormalities are found, it will be up to the physician to determine the next steps. I cannot answer...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Is That Bump Near My Anus a Cause for Concern?
There is a lump at the anal opening? Hello doctor, today while I was showering, I felt a small round lump at the anal opening. It doesn't hurt when I press on it, and I can't feel it much. I took a picture with my phone, and it looks the same color as the anus. Should I...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It should just be normal glands or tissue, so there's no need to worry.[Read More] Is That Bump Near My Anus a Cause for Concern?
Can People with Liver Hemangiomas Take Dietary Supplements?
If someone has a hepatic hemangioma, is it safe to take dietary supplements? Hello, can individuals with hepatic hemangiomas consume dietary supplements such as collagen, bitter melon peptides, fish oil, natto red yeast rice, lutein, probiotics, energy worm enzyme, B vitamins, an...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, but it is recommended to consume in moderation.[Read More] Can People with Liver Hemangiomas Take Dietary Supplements?
Can Surgery for Meniscus Tear Spread Cancer Cells in Lymphoma Patients?
Will cancer cells spread during general surgery for conditions other than cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother was recently diagnosed with a meniscus tear in her knee, and now she walks slowly, which affects her daily life. She needs surgery to walk, but at the same time, she has also...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Sun / 29 years old / Female Hello, 1. May I ask if these two surgeries can be performed simultaneously? A: Orthopedic surgery is an operation, while lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy, which does not require surgery. 2. Is it possible to manage both treatment regimens ...[Read More] Can Surgery for Meniscus Tear Spread Cancer Cells in Lymphoma Patients?
Understanding Left Supraclavicular Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swelling in the left supraclavicular fossa? Hello, doctor. I have swelling on the left side of my neck, approximately in the area of the supraclavicular fossa. It is not painful or itchy, but I can feel two firm lumps when I press on it. Should I seek medical attention? Which spe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be some benign subcutaneous tumors (such as lipomas, lymph nodes, tendon tumors, etc.), and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Left Supraclavicular Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice