Thyroid Nodules: When to Consider Fine Needle Aspiration After Breastfeeding
Thyroid nodule Hello Dr. Hu: I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and a 3 cm thyroid nodule this year. I stopped breastfeeding on May 16 and started taking medication (Methimazole 5mg at bedtime). Should I wait until two months after stopping breastfeeding to undergo a fine needl...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Breastfeeding does not affect the interpretation of fine needle aspiration results for thyroid nodules, so there is no need to wait two months after stopping breastfeeding to perform the aspiration. It is recommended to discuss the appropriate timing for the procedure with the at...[Read More] Thyroid Nodules: When to Consider Fine Needle Aspiration After Breastfeeding
Understanding Painful Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Further Medical Help
There is a hard lump and pain in the armpit? Two weeks ago, I experienced some pain in my armpit, initially thinking it was just folliculitis. However, within five days, I discovered a hard lump deep in my armpit that was swollen and painful. It caused me to wake up in pain durin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
S/36 years old/Female Q: I would like to ask the doctor if I should return to the same clinic or if it is recommended that I go to a hospital for consultation? A: Each option has its pros and cons. 1. The benefit of returning to the original doctor is that they are familiar w...[Read More] Understanding Painful Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Is further examination needed for abnormal white blood cell distribution ratios? Hello, doctor. Since around the 20th of last month, I have been experiencing itching on my eyelids and palms, as well as mild urticaria or rashes on my face, behind my ears, and on my feet, which fee...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This number is abnormal, and you need to see a hematologist for further testing and other related examinations. Thank you.[Read More] Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Managing Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Key Considerations
Radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is reduced? My father was diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but there was no distant metastasis; however, there was involvement of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region and the left optic nerve. Initially, he un...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. What are the consequences of stopping radiation therapy? A: The tumor may grow and compress the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness in the left eye. It could invade the brain, nose, and lymph nodes in the neck, causing recurrence and growth that may lead to skin ulce...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Key Considerations
Understanding Enlarged Clavicular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Enlargement of the supraclavicular lymph nodes? Hello, Doctor! My mother is 67 years old. She previously lived in China for an extended period while taking care of children. During that time, she received the Sinopharm vaccine on June 24 of last year. At the end of August, she no...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The cytology report indicates that the specimen is insufficient for diagnostic purposes, which means this test is not useful. 2. Lymph nodes smaller than 1 cm should be biopsied (I mean excisional biopsy, where the entire node is removed for pathological examination, no...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Clavicular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor, I recently felt a lump in the upper right area of my pubic hair. The lump becomes more prominent and noticeable when I stand or lie down, and it feels smaller and less firm when I bend my thigh. It is about 1.5 cm in size. Sometimes, there is a slight ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It could be a hernia. Please see a urologist or a gynecologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Swelling in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Lower extremity edema due to chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 71 years old and has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy with Gemcitabine and Abraxane, and he has completed his 13th cycle. Starting from the 13th cycle, ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot provide an answer without understanding the medical condition. 2. Eating eggs does not supplement albumin; albumin is produced by the liver and is not directly absorbed from any food. 3. Edema is a clinical manifestation that can accompany many different diseas...[Read More] Managing Swelling in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding Axillary Lumps: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Axillary swelling issues? Hello Dr. Chen, I discovered a protrusion in my left armpit around late April. It has a smooth surface, is elongated, approximately 4×2 cm, and feels somewhat like a muscle; it is soft to the touch and not painful. I'm not quite sure how long it has...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sam / 37 years old / Male Hello, 1. What could this issue be and what should I pay attention to? a: I believe the first physician's response fully addressed your concerns. I do not have a better answer. 1.1 The family medicine physician indicated that there is nothing t...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lumps: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Understanding Kidney Tumors: When to Consider a Biopsy
Regarding renal tumors? Hello Doctor, my mother was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive stage T1b breast cancer six months ago and has completed hormone therapy and radiation treatment. During a recent ultrasound, a hyperchoic lesion (1.46 x 1.0 cm) without acoustic shadow w...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hamartoma, also known as angiomyolipoma, is a benign tumor. If asymptomatic (without abdominal pain, back pain, hematuria, etc.), it is recommended to simply observe. However, if subsequent follow-up shows that the size exceeds 4 cm or if complications arise (such as tumor bleedi...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Tumors: When to Consider a Biopsy
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a hard lump in the groin area? About two to three weeks ago, I noticed an itchy lump in my groin area. After scratching it, I felt a hard mass inside the next day. The surface didn't look like much, but when I touched it, it was clearly a hard, somewhat oval-shaped ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you're worried, go see a gynecologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Do I Need to See a Hematologist After Anemia Diagnosis?
Do I need to see a hematologist after receiving my blood test results? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently received my gastrointestinal blood test results. The outpatient physician informed me that I have anemia and recommended that I see a hematologist at a major hospital. However, due t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your report, microcytic anemia is confirmed, but the cause is unknown (as other tests have not been performed). It is recommended to see a hematologist for a complete evaluation and medication. Thank you.[Read More] Do I Need to See a Hematologist After Anemia Diagnosis?
Understanding Lung Cancer: Surgery, Recurrence, and Screening Guidelines
Lung cancer that is inoperable and the recurrence of lung cancer along with regular check-ups? 1. My mother was diagnosed with three lesions last year through LDCT. The doctor recommended a thoracoscopic resection of the largest one. Later, it was determined to be stage 0 lung ca...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The surgical resection cure rate for stage 0 lung cancer is very high (indicating a very low likelihood of recurrence). 2. Cryoablation is not an immunotherapy; it is somewhat similar to electrosurgery. A thin needle is first placed at the tumor site, and then a heat source i...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Surgery, Recurrence, and Screening Guidelines
Choosing the Right Specialist for Neck Neurofibroma Treatment
Cervical nerve sheath tumor Hello, doctor. Three years ago, a biopsy of my left neck was diagnosed as a schwannoma. At that time, the physician suggested that no treatment was necessary as it did not affect my daily life. However, I am now inclined to pursue further management. I...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It is best to consult the physician who initially performed the biopsy for diagnosis, and then consider seeing a neurosurgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Choosing the Right Specialist for Neck Neurofibroma Treatment
Understanding Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer: A Patient's Guide
Treatment options for rectal cancer? Dear Dr. Chen, My wife, who is 63 years old, has been experiencing unusual frequent diarrhea. After undergoing a colonoscopy at the gastroenterology department, five polyps were discovered, one of which is particularly large, and the biopsy r...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Why did it develop into a malignant tumor in just one year? Doesn't tumor formation take some time? A: It sounds like a portion of a benign polyp has transformed into a malignant one. Since you have check-ups every two years, it was detected early. Screening can...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal lymph nodes Hello, Doctor. I apologize for reaching out while I am currently abroad, and I plan to return to Taiwan in three months. I would like to hear your opinion on whether I should return to Taiwan for medical evaluation at this time. Since December of last year, I...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please arrange for a surgeon to perform a groin lymph node biopsy as soon as possible; it sounds concerning. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Abdominal Lumps: When to See a Doctor
Abdominal mass Hello, I would like to ask about a hard lump under the skin on the right side of my abdomen near the navel, which is less than 1 cm in size, painless, and appears slightly greenish when illuminated. There is also a less noticeable hard lump on the left side that is...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin / 21 years old / Female It is not possible to infer your condition from the text alone; it is recommended to see a general surgeon. If you are concerned due to the pandemic, you can first self-monitor for the following changes: 1. Increase in size 2. Hardening 3. Change in co...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Lumps: When to See a Doctor
Post-Radiation Symptoms in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients: What to Expect
Post-nasopharyngeal radiotherapy Hello Dr. Chen, it has been 1.5 months since I completed radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer. I started experiencing 24-hour pulsatile tinnitus during the mid-treatment, which continues to this day. Recently, I have also felt a slight swel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Qing, 39 years old, female. For some individuals, the inflammatory reactions from radiation therapy may take 2-3 months to resolve. However, the radiation oncology department is only responsible for the treatment itself; side effects such as tinnitus and vision problems should be...[Read More] Post-Radiation Symptoms in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients: What to Expect
What to Know About Abnormal Blood Test Results in Oncology
What should be noted regarding the red text in blood test results? I would like to ask the doctor about the red-highlighted areas (the parts in parentheses) what I should pay attention to? Is further examination necessary? (MCHC 27.5) (MCV 71.4) MPV 9.4 Platelet 300 RBC 4.33 (RDW...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: (Hb 8.5) (MCV 71.4) indicates anemia. Please see a physician for medication. Thank you.[Read More] What to Know About Abnormal Blood Test Results in Oncology
Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Treatment, Supplements, and Monitoring
Management and Follow-up of Thalassemia I have thalassemia, and my hemoglobin levels are around 8-9 g/dL, with no specific symptoms on a daily basis. When I visited the doctor, in addition to blood tests, I was prescribed folic acid to take 5 mg daily. 1. I checked the recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. You do not need to take folic acid; it is unnecessary and not beneficial. 2. Currently, there is no need to take iron chelators. For patients with similar conditions, I only prescribe iron chelators covered by insurance if their ferritin levels exceed 2000. 3. In princi...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Treatment, Supplements, and Monitoring
Understanding MRI Reports: Clarifying Pituitary Gland Findings and Concerns
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Report In March, the doctor addressed my questions regarding the MRI report, but there was one statement from Dr. Chen that I did not quite understand. My report states: "No definite brain mass including the stellar region. Upward bulging app...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, our hospital has consulted two experts from the MRI and Oncology departments, and they have provided the following responses: Dr. Yang, the MRI expert, stated: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in volume, while hyperplasia refers to an increase in...[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Clarifying Pituitary Gland Findings and Concerns