Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Pancreatic cancer metastasized to the liver, with bilateral lower extremity edema up to the knees? Last November, a family member (female) was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer and underwent a Whipple resection. Post-surgery, she did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Fou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuyu / 28 years old / Female 1. What does the doctor think should be done in this situation? A: 1.1 The cancer itself may cause cachexia, leading to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in a severe weight loss down to 33 kg. Even with supplementation, it may not be sufficient. T...[Read More] Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Risks
Abnormal blood test results? Two days ago, the clinic conducted a blood test report for a 40-year-old male. The results are as follows: WBC 5900 /µL, Neutrophil 44.7%, Lymphocyte 46.6% (elevated, normal range 18-45), Monocyte 6.5%, Eosinophil 1.3%, Basophil 0.9%, RBC 5.42 M/µL, H...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Light / 41 years old / Male. Could this be a precursor to blood cancer or lymphoma? A: 1. No 2. It could be caused by inflammation 3. Based on the blood test results, you currently do not have blood cancer, and lymphoma cannot be diagnosed solely through a blood test. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Risks
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Pancreatic pseudocyst. Hepatic hemangioma? I recently had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that I have a small cyst on my pancreas and a hemangioma on my liver. They didn't specify the size or location, only stating that they are benign but recommended follo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The small cysts in the pancreas and the hemangioma in the liver are both benign tumors. It is recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Test Results: High Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Concerns
Blood test? The blood test report from the clinic two days ago shows the following results for a 40-year-old male: - WBC: 5900 /µL - Neutrophil: 44.7% - Lymphocyte: 46.6% (elevated, normal range: 18-45%) - Monocyte: 6.5% - Eosinophil: 1.3% - Basophil: 0.9% - RBC: 5.42 M/µL - He...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This does not necessarily indicate lymphoma; I do not have any abnormal findings in this report. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: High Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis
CEA value Hello, my mother went to a nephrologist due to back pain, and an ultrasound revealed a shadow on her liver. Blood tests were arranged, and her CEA level was found to be 1119, which is extremely high. However, she does not have any other discomforting symptoms. My mother...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Psoriatic arthritis does not affect CEA levels; note: a CEA level of 1119 is significantly elevated, typically indicating that "potential" cancer is at an advanced stage or has metastasized to multiple sites. It is recommended to promptly consult an oncologist for furth...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Early Signs of Pancreatic Cancer: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
Signs of Pancreatic Cancer Doctor, I would like to ask if elevated blood sugar levels or weight loss are common issues before a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, or if these symptoms typically appear only in the later stages. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Wei / 30 years old / Male 1. I would like to ask if elevated blood sugar levels or weight loss are common issues before a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. A: Not necessarily. Some individuals may be asymptomatic and discover the diagnosis during routine check-ups, while oth...[Read More] Early Signs of Pancreatic Cancer: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Key Questions and Insights
Lymphatic issues Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about lymphatic issues: 1. Self-reported: 1. On May 25, 2022, I discovered a movable, non-painful, neither soft nor hard mass on the right side of my neck. 2. On May 25, 2022, I found a movable, non-painful, neither so...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chris / 37 years old / Male 1. Is the size of the lymph nodes observed through ultrasound within the normal range? Can the measurements vary between different physicians? A: Generally, lymph nodes larger than 1 cm require further evaluation or biopsy, while those under 1 cm ca...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Key Questions and Insights
Post-Surgery Weakness in Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Immediate Chemotherapy Advisable?
After surgery for bile duct cancer, if the patient is experiencing weakness, should adjuvant chemotherapy be initiated immediately? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma a month ago after being admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain. She ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rita, 47 years old, female 1. Visiting medical centers such as Shin Kong Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Shuang Ho Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, and Mackay Memorial Hospital. 2. Hematology-Oncology department speciali...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Immediate Chemotherapy Advisable?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues After COVID-19: Key Concerns and Insights
Lymph node-related issues? Hello Dr. Chen, I have the following questions I would like to consult with you. Since I was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of April, I have frequently noticed swollen lymph nodes in the neck area, which has made me worried about potential underlyi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hui / 31 years old / Female 1. The doctor mentioned that there is a lymph node approximately 2.3 cm in size under my left armpit that needs to be monitored. Since I have not received any vaccinations, the doctor suggested monitoring it for six months. Should I consider getting i...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues After COVID-19: Key Concerns and Insights
Understanding Cancer Treatment: CTC vs. NGS and Drug Resistance
Cancer Consultation 1. What is the benefit of performing a circulating tumor cell (CTC) test, or would it be more meaningful to conduct next-generation sequencing (NGS)? 2. Previously, during first-line treatment, the CEA level dropped to 5, but after switching to the 23rd line...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. NGS testing is out-of-pocket, and I estimate it costs tens of thousands of NT dollars. If a rare genetic mutation is detected, using the latest imported targeted therapies can be significantly more expensive (it's not uncommon to spend over a hundred thousand NT ...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Treatment: CTC vs. NGS and Drug Resistance
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Follow-Up Recommendations and Concerns
Questions about lung CT? This year's health check-up revealed a low-dose lung CT report indicating ground-glass nodules: "Subpleural nodular ground-glass opacities with two solid small nodules located in the right upper lobe (N1: 3.4mm; N2: 2.5mm)." How often shoul...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wang / 39 years old / Male. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled? 1.1. If a comprehensive interpretation by a physician is not arranged during the health check-up, you can schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at your hospital to review the imaging. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Follow-Up Recommendations and Concerns
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Can Fibromas Affect Tumor Markers?
The CEA level is very high? Doctor, I would like to ask about the tumor marker CEA. My report shows an abnormal level of 70, but I have no discomfort in my body. I suddenly remembered that I have had a fibroma on my tongue for over a year. Could the fibroma on my tongue cause the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
K/41 years old/male CEA report index 70 abnormal. Can a fibroma on the tongue cause an elevated CEA level? A: I don't think so. Are you sure it's a fibroma on the tongue? I recommend seeing a dentist or an ENT specialist for a definitive diagnosis. Even if it were tongu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Can Fibromas Affect Tumor Markers?
Understanding a Lump Below the Left Collarbone: What Could It Be?
There is a lump below the left clavicle? Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed a small lump under my left clavicle while examining my chest. It's located around the area between the first and second ribs. It's not very large and doesn't protrude much. I don't...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a benign subcutaneous tissue (such as a subcutaneous nodule, calcified tissue, lipoma, etc.), and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding a Lump Below the Left Collarbone: What Could It Be?
Should You See a Doctor for Painful Lumps Under Your Armpits?
Swollen underarm? There are small round bumps on both sides of your armpits that are painful to touch and press. Additionally, pressing near the bumps causes some discharge to come out. Should you see a doctor?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be axillary folliculitis. Be sure to keep the underarms clean and dry. However, if there are accompanying symptoms such as fever and chills, it is advisable to see an infectious disease specialist or a plastic surgeon.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Painful Lumps Under Your Armpits?
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Tumors or Lymph Node Concerns?
Axillary lump This year, I suddenly discovered a small lump about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in size under my left armpit. It can only be felt when I stretch my arm or touch it, and it is not painful or itchy. It is movable, and I am unsure whether it is a tumor or related to the lymph ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a benign subcutaneous nodule, such as a lipoma or lymph node. Observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Tumors or Lymph Node Concerns?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Could It Be Lymphoma?
Issues with cervical lymph nodes? Hello, Doctor. About three to four months ago, I discovered a large and painful lymph node on the inner side of my left jaw. It hurts a lot when I clench my jaw. Initially, I visited a clinic where the doctor said it was likely an enlarged lymph ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It is impossible for a physician to determine whether someone has cancer without having met them in person. You need to seek medical attention in person, unless an otolaryngologist has performed a lymph node biopsy for you, which would allow them to answer that question. T...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Could It Be Lymphoma?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes Beyond Lymphoma
A cluster of lymph nodes? On May 13, I received my third dose of the Moderna vaccine. On the morning of July 14, I suddenly experienced pain in my left arm, which by the evening had extended to my left chest near the armpit. Upon palpation, the lymph nodes in the armpit were swol...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: Xiao Liu / 40 years old / Male Question: Aside from ruling out lymphoma, what other organs could have cancer cell metastasis? Answer: Lymphadenopathy may be caused by: 1. Cancer 2. Changes due to immune response from vaccination. 1. It should be noted that almost all...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes Beyond Lymphoma
Alternative Treatments for Stage IV Anal Cancer: Options Beyond Surgery and Chemotherapy
Treatment for anal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, my older sister is 64 years old and has been diagnosed with stage IV anal cancer for a year. The tumor was initially 10 cm in size, reduced to 5 cm after radiation therapy, but has gradually grown back to 10 cm. The surgeon believes that...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no textbook standard answer for the treatment of recurrent anal cancer, as the results are not convincing. Patients still need to seek medical advice from a physician for recommendations. I don't have much to suggest here online. Thank you.[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Stage IV Anal Cancer: Options Beyond Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Growths Between the Anus and Vagina: When to Seek Help
There is a hard lump in the groin area? There is a hard bump between the anus and the vaginal opening that has grown from a small size to larger over the past two years. It often causes friction and pain when wearing pants, which is quite bothersome. Which specialty should I cons...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Postpartum care / 52 years old / Female. It is recommended to first consult an obstetrician for a safe and joyful recovery. Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Growths Between the Anus and Vagina: When to Seek Help
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy Hello, I experienced a high fever in mid-April that lasted for three days, with the highest temperature reaching over 39 degrees Celsius. After that, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. When I consulted a doctor at that time, they s...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please visit an otolaryngologist to perform a neck lymph node biopsy (preferably with the same physician who performed the initial biopsy). If possible, avoid needle aspiration and opt for an excisional biopsy of the entire lymph node, as it has greater diagnostic value. S...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation