Does Blood Transfusion Cause PSA Levels to Rise in Prostate Cancer?
The issue of elevated PSA levels after blood transfusion? Hello, due to abnormal hematopoietic function caused by stage IV prostate cancer, the patient has been experiencing anemia and received blood transfusions for three consecutive days. After three days, a blood test revealed...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang, 70 years old, male. 1. Will this condition continue indefinitely? A: The likelihood of this condition worsening is higher, as the PSA has nearly doubled. The reason is that the long-term hormone therapy has just become ineffective; it is less likely to be caused by a bl...[Read More] Does Blood Transfusion Cause PSA Levels to Rise in Prostate Cancer?
Understanding Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Breast cancer stage I relapsed one year after treatment without chemotherapy? Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021 and underwent a right mastectomy with reconstruction. Post-surgery, it was found that there was a 0.1 cm invasive cancer in the lymph n...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Evans, 43 years old, female. Due to the lack of personal insurance, the medical burden is really heavy. A: It is possible to choose treatment options covered by the National Health Insurance, but the general public tends to want to follow the doctor's advice if they can affo...[Read More] Understanding Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello, Director. Please help me review my mother's PET scan report; I don't understand it. Thank you. **PET Scan Report:** **Indication:** The 49-year-old woman is diagnosed with right middle lung cancer, stage IA1 (pT1aNx), status p...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Home / 48 years old / Female 0: It should be based on the explanation from her attending physician. 1. There were mildly increased FDG uptake in the right middle lung (SUVmax: 1.1) and right chest wall (SUVmax: ~1.7), probably post-operative changes. There is a post-operative rea...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Consultation Hello, Dr. Hu. This year, I discovered a lump behind my ear. Six months ago, I visited an ENT specialist, and the doctor noted that it felt soft and movable. A laryngoscopy showed no abnormalities, so I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there are concerns or suspicions of a malignant tumor, one may consider undergoing a surgical lymph node biopsy at a general surgery or otolaryngology department. Non-surgical options include computed tomography (CT) scans or self-paid whole-body positron emission tomography (...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Can an artificial blood vessel be removed without chemotherapy? Hello, my mother is 53 years old and has stage IV endometrial cancer. She underwent chemotherapy after having an artificial blood vessel placed, but her white blood cell count has been consistently low, causing delay...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Si-Rong / 53 years old / Female 1. He asked if it is possible to remove the artificial blood vessel. A: 1.1 Recommendations may vary by hospital; Taoyuan Hospital typically suggests waiting for 2 years without recurrence before removal. 1.2 Of course, if he is certai...[Read More] Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
Axillary lump In July, I discovered a lump in my armpit. It is painless, not visible externally, and I feel no discomfort, but it can be slightly moved. An ultrasound examination by a breast surgeon revealed a breast cyst, with no lymph node enlargement. The doctor advised monito...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Which department should I consult? A: General Surgery or Breast Surgery. 2. Why did the breast surgeon not detect the lump, only stating that the lymph nodes are not enlarged? A: Just because the breast surgeon did not see it in July does not mean it won't be visible fr...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
Post-Operative Care for Abdominal Wall Fibromatosis: Dietary Guidelines
Postoperative issues related to abdominal wall fibromatosis? After surgery for a general abdominal wall fibroma, what dietary precautions should be taken during the first 1-2 weeks? How long after the surgery can chicken essence or nutritional supplements be consumed? Thank you f...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
After surgery, if appetite and physical strength return to normal, it is recommended to maintain a regular diet. However, if you wish to supplement with health products, you can generally start taking them as long as you are eating normally.[Read More] Post-Operative Care for Abdominal Wall Fibromatosis: Dietary Guidelines
Understanding Groin and Arm Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Inguinal mass and hard nodules on the lateral aspect of the upper arm? 1. I would like to ask the doctor about a hard, painless lump in the right groin area that may have been there for some time but was only recently noticed. It feels like it could be fatty tissue, is oval-shape...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a benign lipoma or fibroma; you can consult a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Groin and Arm Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I am a 35-year-old male and would like to ask two questions regarding my blood tests from health check-ups. 1. I have concerns related to anemia. Here are my blood test results: - May 2019: RBC 7.22, Hb 16.1, Hct 48.9, MCV 67.7, MCH 22.3, MCHC...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your hemoglobin level is quite high (Hb 15-16), which is higher than many normal individuals (normal male Hb 13). You do not have any issues with anemia, so it is meaningless to focus on small details such as RBC count, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), etc. Even if you ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Unexplained Fever After COVID Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Unexplained fever sensation? Hello, since recovering from COVID-19, I started experiencing tightness in my heart, chest discomfort, and a feeling of something stuck in my throat about three to four months later, specifically in the first week after my menstrual period in October....
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Some individuals may experience a feeling of fever or elevated temperature while taking iron supplements; it is recommended to increase fluid intake.[Read More] Unexplained Fever After COVID Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Prognosis
Breast cancer inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question regarding my mother, who is currently 61 years old. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (Luminal B type, grade 2) and has just undergone a partial mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (4 nodes)...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, 1. I would like to ask the doctor if the risk of recurrence for my mother is high. Using this algorithm, IHC4 = 32 > 30 indicates high risk, with ER = 90, PR = 90, Her2 = 1, and Ki67 = 30 for calculating the IHC4 score. 2. Since the doctor recommends both chemotherap...[Read More] Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Prognosis
Post-Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Menopause-Inducing Injections
Post-breast cancer treatment - menopausal injection? Hello Doctor: ER: 95% PR: 95% HER2: 0 Ki-67: 5% Tumor size: 1.4 cm, sentinel lymph nodes negative. Surgery was completed in mid-September, and radiation therapy started in mid-October, with no chemotherapy. When the breast surg...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, taking only Tamoxifen is not enough! Secondly, it is quite unusual not to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery; theoretically, it should be done. However, this may be your personal choice, which I respect. That's all. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Menopause-Inducing Injections
Understanding a Groin Lump: When to Seek Medical Attention
A subcutaneous lump in the groin? About three months ago, I discovered a lump measuring 0.8 to 1 cm under the skin in my right groin area. At the time, I also experienced itching and small red rashes in the groin, but there were no changes to the skin surface. Over the past three...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please go see a dermatologist first. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding a Groin Lump: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Mass: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Right upper quadrant mass? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed a lump in my right upper abdomen and have undergone X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and some blood tests at the hospital. The report results indicated only a small amount of ascites and enlarged ovaries due to polyc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Nana, 22 years old, female. 1. The CT images you provided are not abdominal; only the first image is an abdominal X-ray, while the second two are data, and the rest are primarily chest and breast images. Is it possible that the contrast agent was insufficiently injected or dilut...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Mass: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
How to Differentiate Between Tumors and Other Facial Bumps
How to distinguish protrusions? I usually don't press on the area of my cheeks near my ears, but today I took a good look at my body to check for any issues. I noticed a significant difference between the left and right sides of my face near the ears. Pressing on the left si...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hsinchu resident / 24 years old / female. Is this oncology? A: I suggest you first see a dentist and an otolaryngologist. If it's not urgent, you can wait until you have a cold to see the otolaryngologist, and you can also ask the doctor during your dental check-up every six...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Tumors and Other Facial Bumps
Understanding Early Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment-related Hello Doctor, my father had a blood test two weeks ago which showed abnormal EBV levels, and he underwent a CT scan at the hospital, followed by a biopsy (the doctor mentioned it was very small, so it was completely removed). The report confirmed a diagnosis of ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yang / 25 years old / Female Hello, 1. If the pathology results indicate nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, is radiation therapy necessary? A: 1.1 Yes, 1.2 Surgery is not an option for nasopharyngeal tumors; radiation therapy is the only treatment available. 1.3 Generally, fo...[Read More] Understanding Early Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Abdominal Hardness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abdominal rigidity? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, I visited the hospital due to diarrhea, and the doctor mentioned it might be due to excessive intestinal motility. After taking medication, my condition improved. About half a month later (on October 6th to 7th), I felt a hard l...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I am an 18-year-old male. 1. On October 6th to 7th, I felt a hard lump about 1-2 cm in size in my lower left abdomen (near the waist). It doesn't hurt when I press it hard or lightly. Should I get it checked? A: Yes, you can! If this is the first time you've n...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion
HER2-positive ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion? Hello, Doctor! The pathology report for breast cancer is as follows: Ductal carcinoma in situ, high-grade, suspicious for microinvasive carcinoma, Pathological TNM Staging (in conjunction with ST22-05037): pT1mi pN0(sn) p...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, it is stage one. 2. This cannot be answered as your description lacks sufficient information, and I am not your attending physician, so I cannot provide a substitute answer. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion
Understanding Neck Masses: Possible Causes and Concerns
Neck mass Two months ago, I discovered a neck lump on the right side of my thyroid cartilage that is hard and painless. I can also feel a similar lump on the left side in a symmetrical location, but the protrusion on the right side is much more pronounced and immovable. I consult...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This question cannot be answered online; please visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding High Platelet Count: Should You See a Hematologist?
Elevated platelet count? Hello doctor, this is my recent blood test report: white blood cells 6.9, red blood cells 4.40, hemoglobin 10.5, hematocrit 34.2, mean corpuscular volume 77.7, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 23.9, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 30.7, platelets 594...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated platelet count is not related to urinary occult blood. 2. Yes, you need to follow up with a hematologist for further examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: Should You See a Hematologist?