Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Pain in the right armpit? I initially experienced itching and pain during urination, and after a week, I visited my family physician. The doctor tested my urine and diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection, prescribing antibiotics. Today marks the fifth day of my medication, b...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may be mastitis with associated axillary lymphadenopathy. You can consult an infectious disease specialist; during your follow-up visit, please ask your family medicine physician to check as well.[Read More] Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colon cancer to the liver. The colon cancer has been surgically removed, and he underwent his second chemotherapy on July 7, which included 5-FU, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin. Before chemotherapy, his CEA level was 300, but after the firs...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During the treatment of colorectal cancer, follow-up CT imaging and CEA levels are monitored every 2-3 months. Chemotherapy typically lasts for 3-4 months (approximately 6-9 cycles) before treatment effects can be assessed. Therefore, since only two cycles have been completed, an...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Can One Lymph Node Shrink While Another Grows? Understanding Lymphoma Dynamics
Is it possible for one lymph node to shrink while another continues to enlarge in lymphoma? Hello, I found a lymph node in my neck in May. Last Thursday, an ultrasound showed one lymph node measuring 1.5 x 0.6 cm and another measuring 0.5 x 0.5 cm. The one I felt, which is 0.5 x ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin S, 33 years old, female. 1. If one of the lymph nodes has decreased in size, can we be somewhat reassured that lymphoma can be ruled out? Answer: Each case must be discussed individually. However, if it has decreased in size without treatment, it is likely not cancer. 2. I...[Read More] Can One Lymph Node Shrink While Another Grows? Understanding Lymphoma Dynamics
Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Cancer treatment Dear Dr. Chen, My husband, Cheng-Chung, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer) in May 2021. A CT scan on May 11 at National Taiwan University Hospital revealed liver metastases, with multiple small tumors, approximately 7-8 ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For stage IV colorectal cancer, according to current standard treatment, the first-line therapy consists of chemotherapy combined with the targeted drug Avastin. Based on previous research findings, the expected probability of tumor shrinkage is over 50%. The average durat...[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: What You Need to Know
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, about a month ago I noticed 2 to 3 lymph nodes near my neck and jaw area, each approximately 1 cm in size (I haven't had a cold recently). I hadn't paid attention to them before and I'm not sure when they appeared. Last week, I went to...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kiki / 30 years old / Female 1. Your doctor should have already explained to you what is normal. 2. You can only perform a self-examination on the parts you can feel each month to check for any changes in size. 3. You can still have regular follow-up ultrasounds, such as ev...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: What You Need to Know
Managing Relapsed Rectal Cancer: Concerns About Chemotherapy and Liver Function
Recurrence of colorectal cancer? Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, I recovered well and lived normally for about two years. During a recent routine check-up, a recurrence was found in the pelvic area. My original surgical...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
LHF / 58 years old / Male 1. Can I start taking this chemotherapy drug with my liver enzymes still being so high? A: Regardless of liver function, it is essential to continuously monitor liver function while taking this medication. If liver function continues to deteriorate, we...[Read More] Managing Relapsed Rectal Cancer: Concerns About Chemotherapy and Liver Function
Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Submandibular lymph nodes Hello doctor, about three weeks ago, I accidentally felt two round lymph nodes about the size of soybeans at the junction of my chin and neck. They are not visibly protruding, so I hadn't noticed them before. Recently, I've noticed that sometim...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kiki / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. Since I have already seen a doctor, it is likely benign for now. If there are any changes such as enlargement, discoloration, or hardness, then I should urgently see a doctor. If there are no changes, I can wait to see a doctor after the ...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Understanding a Left Neck Lump: Causes and When to Seek Help
A lump on the left side of the neck? Two days ago, I discovered a lump about 2 centimeters in size on the left side of my neck. It is slightly painful when pressed, but it doesn't hurt when not touched. The lump is movable and feels not very hard. The day after I found it, I...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Miss Chen / 16 years old / Female 1. The doctor said it is lymphadenitis and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics. If the swelling decreases or remains unchanged and stabilizes temporarily, that is acceptable. 2. If it increases in size, becomes hard, or ch...[Read More] Understanding a Left Neck Lump: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes, Concerns, and Recovery
Inguinal lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. Recently, I experienced swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area, along with recurrent inflammation, which even extended to the cervical lymph nodes. Therefore, I went to the hematology department for examination. The pathology report ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In the early stages after a biopsy, the wound may experience localized inflammation and swelling. Once the wound heals and scabs over, there may be localized hardening, and pressing on it may cause tenderness, which is considered normal. For recurrent mouth and tongue ulcers, it ...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes, Concerns, and Recovery
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Potential Causes and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, the largest lymph node on my chin was painful a long time ago, but it hasn't shrunk or enlarged for about 5 to 6 years. Recently, after taking anti-inflammatory medication, I feel that the lymph node on the left side of my neck, which has a simi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 18 years old / Female Hello, I apologize, but I believe your question can be summarized as follows: Are the many lymph nodes in your body indicative of lymphoma? I recommend that you visit a general surgeon for a proper evaluation. Thank you! Wishing you success on y...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Potential Causes and Concerns
Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Submandibular lymph nodes Hello doctor, about three weeks ago, I accidentally felt two round lymph nodes, about the size of soybeans, at the junction of my chin and neck. They are not visibly protruding, so I hadn't noticed them before. Recently, I have noticed that sometime...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kiki, 30 years old, female, has already seen a doctor once. The initial assessment indicates that it is not cancer. If there are no changes, she can return for a follow-up in three months. If there is any increase in size, hardness, or color change, she should see a doctor immedi...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Groin Lumps: Could They Be Normal Lymph Nodes?
Inguinal mass Hello doctor, I have noticed a small lump on each side of my groin. It has not changed in appearance and can only be felt when pressed; its size is probably less than one centimeter, and it is movable. Recently, I had a lump on my testicle that was surgically remove...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tang / 20 years old / Male Hello, due to the following reasons: 1. There are palpable masses on both sides, which can only be detected upon pressure, measuring no more than one centimeter, and they are mobile. 2. The doctor found no issues during the preoperative examination. 3....[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Could They Be Normal Lymph Nodes?
Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules: Are They Fat or Something Else?
Fat issues Hello, doctor! I am indeed quite overweight (currently on a weight loss journey), and I’ve noticed that when I touch the fleshy areas (such as the inner arms, double chin, and the flesh above the collarbone), I can feel some small, dense lumps under the skin. I’m wonde...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no way to answer this online. I suggest that if you are really concerned, you should see a general surgeon. The doctor will be able to determine what it is by palpation. Is it a lipoma? A physical examination is necessary to find out. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules: Are They Fat or Something Else?
Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: When to Seek Medical Advice
Supraclavicular lymph node issues? Hello Doctor: Recently, I felt a soft, movable lump above my right clavicle, about the size of a soybean. It is not painful, and there has been no inflammation recently. I would like to ask if this could possibly be a normal lymph node, or if I ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there are no symptoms such as recurrent fever, night sweats, or weight loss, it may just be localized lymphadenopathy, and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What Does Vascular Invasion Mean?
Thyroid nodule Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and the report showed that I have several thyroid nodules, with the largest being about one centimeter and exhibiting intravascular growth. I would like to know what intravascular growth means and whether it indicate...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the largest nodule is over one centimeter and there is associated intravascular growth, it is recommended to first visit the Metabolism Department (Endocrinology) for a thyroid tissue ultrasound aspiration to rule out the possibility of malignancy.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What Does Vascular Invasion Mean?
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal small mass? Hello, Doctor. Current situation: Yesterday while showering, I suddenly discovered an unknown hard lump on the inner side of my right thigh, close to the underwear area. It appears dark, is not painful, measures about 0.5 cm, and feels firm and immovable, as ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chen / 30 years old / Female 1. There is a suspected eczema in the nearby area, which is neither painful nor itchy and has not spread. It has been present for 6 months, and the dermatologist is uncertain about the diagnosis, temporarily identifying it as eczema. Treatment wi...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Can Thyroid Cancer Survivors Safely Receive COVID-19 Vaccines?
Papillary thyroid carcinoma, status post total thyroidectomy, currently on thyroid hormone replacement therapy? I would like to inquire whether it is safe for someone with papillary thyroid carcinoma who has undergone total thyroidectomy and received radioactive iodine treatment,...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Pei-Hsuan Yeh / 24 years old / Female Hello, cancer itself does not affect the administration of vaccines, especially since your disease has already been treated. However, different vaccines have varying side effects, and these side effects can be influenced by age and gender. B...[Read More] Can Thyroid Cancer Survivors Safely Receive COVID-19 Vaccines?
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Doctor: About five or six years ago, I developed a movable, oval-shaped mass approximately 1.5 cm in length in the area where my right lower jaw connects to my neck. It has a rubber-like texture, and pressing on it causes discomfort. At that time, I had...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
C / 24 years old / Female Hello: 1. Do I need to go to a major hospital's ENT department to request an ultrasound or fine needle aspiration? Due to the pandemic, it's a bit difficult right now. A: Currently, it is not necessary. 2. Can lymph node fibrosis reach such a l...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello doctor, a few years ago I suddenly noticed a lump in my armpit. At first, it would sometimes hurt and sometimes not, especially more sensitive before my menstrual period, when touching it would cause pain. Now, after a few years, there is...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Apple / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. I am not sure if these two are related? A: Yes, they are related and will definitely affect visual perception. 2. I don't know what this thing is? Also, if I want to get it checked, which specialty should I see? A: There is a hig...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
Malignant tumors of the salivary glands? Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family member recently underwent surgery to remove a salivary gland tumor, which was later found to have malignant components. The doctor mentioned that they will need to undergo six weeks of radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! 1. Is radiation therapy absolutely necessary? A: Yes, it is necessary because when performing surgery, a safe margin must be maintained. The parotid gland is small, and if the tumor is too large, it may affect the appearance. Therefore, it can be predicted that the safe ma...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks