Understanding High Vitamin B12 Levels and Their Link to Cancer Symptoms
Dizziness, Vitamin B12 Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing severe dizziness and lightheadedness for 24 hours continuously. I have undergone numerous tests, and the neurologist indicated that everything is normal and referred me to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist suspected that ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Is there a connection between Vitamin B12 and cancer? I disagree. The symptoms you mentioned do not seem to be related to any cancer, except for neurological examinations. You might also consider visiting an "Endocrinology" clinic, as sometimes "hypothyroidi...[Read More] Understanding High Vitamin B12 Levels and Their Link to Cancer Symptoms
Understanding Nipple and Armpit Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Nipple and axillary issues? I have been experiencing a long-term issue with an inverted right nipple. When I press it out, it becomes red, swollen, painful, and itchy, and there is a milky white discharge with a slight fishy odor. After a while, it retracts back into the inverted...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Pipi / 26 years old / Female. Which department should she visit? A: General Surgery, Breast Surgery. Thank you for your inquiry, and wishing you good health. Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Nipple and Armpit Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
What Foods to Avoid with Thyroid Cancer: Meat, Vegetables, and Supplements
Patients with thyroid cancer are often advised to avoid certain foods. Specifically, they should limit or avoid consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as these may interfere with thyroid function. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Cool Dragon / 46 years old / Male 1. What types of meat and vegetables should be avoided for thyroid cancer? A: Assuming that the patient has undergone surgery for well-differentiated thyroid cancer, specifically papillary carcinoma or follicular carcinoma, without distant meta...[Read More] What Foods to Avoid with Thyroid Cancer: Meat, Vegetables, and Supplements
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lump issue Hello, doctor. I recently discovered an oval-shaped lump on my chest, which may have developed due to nervous rubbing. It is currently about 4 centimeters, initially around 2-3 centimeters. It feels soft to the touch and can be moved. The lump is located approximately ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a lipoma, but since it is somewhat large, it is recommended to consult a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Tumor Status After Cancer Treatment: What Does No Change Mean?
Tumor issues after treatment completion? My father was diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma last year, with no distant metastasis. He began radiation therapy and chemotherapy, completing all treatments in October of last year, and has been undergoing regular follow-up...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It indicates that the tumor has been cured or there is no local recurrence. However, cancer may relapse or metastasize during the follow-up period of 2 to 5 years after treatment. Therefore, it is still recommended to have regular follow-up appointments.[Read More] Understanding Tumor Status After Cancer Treatment: What Does No Change Mean?
Understanding Groin Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Inguinal lymphadenopathy? Hello, Dr. Hu. About 10 days ago, I noticed a small lymph node swelling in my groin, approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters in size. It is not painful when pressed, and when I slide my fingers over the lump with some pressure, it feels somewhat soft and elas...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may be due to localized inflammation causing lymphadenopathy, and it could also be related to the menstrual cycle. It is advisable to monitor whether there are fluctuations in size corresponding to the menstrual cycle. Additionally, it is recommended to drink plenty of water a...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Should You Worry About a Changing Mole? Melanoma Concerns Explained
Questions about melanoma? I have a mole on my hand that was originally very small, but I recently noticed it seems to have grown to about 1mm. However, I have memory issues due to a brain injury from a car accident, so I'm starting to doubt my recollection. After comparing i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
e / 34 years old / Male is advised to see a dermatologist. After a personal examination, the doctor will provide recommendations. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Should You Worry About a Changing Mole? Melanoma Concerns Explained
Persistent Mouth Sores: Could They Be Linked to Lymphoma?
The mouth ulcer has been persisting for quite a while without healing? Hello doctor, last week I went to the hospital for an examination and found a small lump under my skin, measuring about 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters. It doesn't hurt and doesn't move. I consulted another p...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I looked at the photos, and it doesn't appear to be cancer. Please eat more fruits and vegetables, and wait a bit longer. Additionally, if you have habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel nut, please quit. If there is no improvement in 2-3 weeks, pl...[Read More] Persistent Mouth Sores: Could They Be Linked to Lymphoma?
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by lumpectomy, currently undergoing radiation therapy (inquiry made on April 14, follow-up on previous case)? Hello, (Old Case) A family member has a "triple-negative" left breast cancer measuring over 4 cm, a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chu / 52 years old / Female {New Inquiry} Initially, family members underwent "ultrasound, mammography (standing compression of the breast), and biopsy." After a week, they consulted the doctor, who said, "The lymph nodes are not infected." Whether the lym...[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Understanding Radiation Therapy After Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
In cases of breast cancer where chemotherapy is administered first followed by a lumpectomy, radiation therapy is typically recommended afterward. This approach is often referred to as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which aims to shrink the tumor before surgical intervention. After th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Zhu / 52 years old / Female 1. Does the family member only need radiation therapy for the left breast? Is it the entire left breast or just the area where the tumor was previously located? A: The radiation field for the breast includes the area below the collarbone, above ...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Therapy After Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Should You Worry About a Lump Under Your Chin? When to See a Doctor
A lump felt on the chin? About three years ago, I felt a lump on my jaw. It doesn't hurt when I poke it, and it's approximately 1 centimeter in size. It feels soft to the touch, but it's somewhat close to the jawbone, so I'm not entirely sure. At that time, I ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please visit an otolaryngologist for an examination; the doctor will be able to assess it through palpation. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Worry About a Lump Under Your Chin? When to See a Doctor
Understanding Lumps Under the Chin: Potential Causes and Concerns
Swelling in the submandibular region? In the past few days, I have noticed a lump at the junction of my chin and neck, almost in the center, not to the left or right. When I pressed it with my index finger and thumb to measure its size, I found that the lump is at least three cen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please visit an otolaryngologist for an examination; the doctor will be able to assess it through palpation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Chin: Potential Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello doctor, about a month and a half ago, I discovered a hard lump under my skin. Initially, I thought it was a mosquito bite, but it hasn't disappeared yet. It is skin-colored, about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in size, and while it's not ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be folliculitis or acne; observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Immunotherapy for Stage III Oral Cancer After Chemotherapy
More than a week after chemotherapy. New tumor, receiving immunotherapy injections? Stage III oral cancer (surgery completed, chemotherapy and radiation therapy finished) has shown a recurrence of cancer cells over a week after the end of chemotherapy. The PET scan results indica...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A short-term recurrence indicates that the cancer itself has a strong resistance to treatment, and therefore, the subsequent treatment outcomes are expected to be poorer. The response rate to immunotherapy is approximately 15-20%, with a slower response that requires 3-4 months t...[Read More] Understanding Immunotherapy for Stage III Oral Cancer After Chemotherapy
Understanding Soft Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a soft lump in the armpit? Hello doctor, about a week ago I noticed a red and swollen area in my armpit, approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters in size. It feels soft to the touch and does not move. It appears reddish and has an oval shape. It hurts when I rub against it. Al...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
There is redness, swelling, and pain that recurs, which may simply be some folliculitis or localized inflammation in the armpit. It is recommended to keep the armpit dry and maintain proper hygiene.[Read More] Understanding Soft Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding a Hard Lump Under the Rib: Possible Causes and Concerns
Unilateral rib mass? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed a hard lump under the left side of my rib cage. It becomes noticeable and palpable when I take a deep breath or touch it, but in its normal state, it is not visible. The area around it sometimes feels a bit uncomfortable. The ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consult an orthopedic specialist or a general surgeon for an examination; if no other obvious abnormalities are found, observation is advised.[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump Under the Rib: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects: Persistent Cough After Breast Cancer Treatment
Questions about the side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer? My mother is 50 years old and last year, after suffering from a persistent cough, a lump was discovered in her chest. Upon consulting a doctor, she was diagnosed with stage II HER2-positive breast cancer. She has...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Paclitaxel does not cause coughing as a side effect; at least, I have not experienced it in the 10 years I have used it. Therefore, I am not sure about the condition and cannot determine what is causing the cough. You should discuss this with your primary treating physicia...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects: Persistent Cough After Breast Cancer Treatment
Understanding Cancer Recurrence: Insights After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Two weeks after chemotherapy, cancer cells were found again? Oral cancer was diagnosed on December 7, 2021. Surgery was performed on the left mandible, and from January 1, 2022, I began chemotherapy and radiation therapy. By February 25, I completed a total of 7 chemotherapy sess...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the pathology report indicates malignancy, it suggests local lymphatic metastasis. Note: If lymphatic metastasis occurs shortly after the completion of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, it indicates that the primary cancer cells have a high degree of malignancy and are likel...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Recurrence: Insights After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Understanding NF1-PN: Management and Risks of Neurofibromatosis Tumors
NF1-PN plexiform neurofibromas Hello Dr. Hu: My son is 12 years old now. When he was 8, we discovered that he had a tumor in his abdomen and liver. Because it is a flat lesion, we have visited 7 or 8 major hospitals, but no doctor has dared to perform surgery on him. I would like...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Pediatric oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children. This branch of medicine addresses various types of pediatric tumors, including leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and retinoblastoma, among o...[Read More] Understanding NF1-PN: Management and Risks of Neurofibromatosis Tumors
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Implications and Concerns
The white blood cell test results are highlighted in red? White blood cell (WBC) test result: 3.7 (highlighted in red), reference range: 4.0-10.0, unit: k/µL. What does this mean?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wang Xingfang / 23 years old / Female Hello: A count of 3.7 < 4.0 k/µL indicates that your immune system may be weaker. This could make you more susceptible to infections. It is advisable to avoid crowded places and wear a mask frequently. You may want to continue monitoring ...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Implications and Concerns