Understanding Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: A Guide for Patients
Inquiry about breast cancer pathology report? Hello, doctor: My family recently received a pathology report, but we don't quite understand it. I would like to ask you about it. ER (6F11): positive PR (1A6): positive HER-2-neu (polyclonal): negative (1+) GATE3 (+) and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Maio, 36 years old, female. It is not necessary to know every detail; just understand the following: ER (6F11): positive (Estrogen Receptor positive) PR (1A6): positive (Progesterone Receptor positive) HER-2-neu (polyclonal): negative (1+) (HER-2-neu negative) This means...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: A Guide for Patients
Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan
Many questions? Hello, Dr. Chen, who is extremely patient. I have a 55-year-old female elder at home with no history of smoking. She used to work at a hospital's front desk. There is a family history of lung cancer within the third degree of kinship. She has undergone one LD...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. The elder in my family is a 55-year-old female with no smoking history. She had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan three years ago. Should she return to the same hospital for the follow-up examination, or is it acceptable to go to a d...[Read More] Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan
Exploring SLOG Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
The effectiveness of SLOG therapy for pancreatic cancer? Hello, doctor. My mother is 76 years old. In July of this year, she experienced abdominal pain and was examined at Cathay General Hospital in Taipei, where she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis. My ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no standard answer to this treatment question. When it comes to medication options for advanced pancreatic cancer, which is better? Which has fewer side effects? What kind of treatment can the body still tolerate? It all depends on the current situation. I cannot ...[Read More] Exploring SLOG Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Many questions? Hello, doctor. My family members do not smoke or drink alcohol. During the day, they work in an office, and at night, they cook. One family member was diagnosed with bone metastasis from squamous lung cancer after suffering from a persistent cough that would not i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. How often should I get an LDCT scan? Is it too frequent to have one every two to three years? A: 1.1 Please confirm if you meet the criteria for the "Taiwan Low-Dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening Consensus Statement" reg...[Read More] Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Understanding Anemia in Oncology: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 9.8 Serious?
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, my previous blood test report indicated that I have anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 9.8. Is this value considered very low? Is it serious? What could happen if I ignore it?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
For a 33-year-old woman, a level of 9.8 is somewhat low. It is recommended to first consult a hematologist to investigate the cause of anemia. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 9.8 Serious?
Understanding Elevated Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels in Oncology
Why are the test values extremely high? Blood Radioimmunoassay Results: Vitamin B12 (RIA): 1460.0 Folic Acid (RIA): >20.00. Are there any issues with these test results?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: As long as the values are not too low, it's fine if they are slightly elevated; it is not a disease. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Elevated Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels in Oncology
Understanding Safe Radiation Doses and Treatment Continuity in Oncology
A small issue? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if an 800-milliCurie dose is considered a safe total amount for treatment, or if this is also the safe value during scanning examinations. Is it necessary to continue treatment with the original hospital and physician, rather than...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is a dose of 1.800 millicuries the safe total amount for treatment, or is this the safety value for the dose during scanning examinations? Answer: Yes, but this refers specifically to I-131 and does not include other examinations. 2. Is it necessary to stick with the origin...[Read More] Understanding Safe Radiation Doses and Treatment Continuity in Oncology
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of I-131 Treatment in Thyroid Cancer Patients
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. Due to PTC, I underwent a total thyroidectomy and received a 120 mCi dose of I-131. For the past two to three years, my follow-ups have included ultrasound, serum thyroglobulin, TSH, and FT4 tests. I would like to ask if radioactive iodine tre...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. I would like to ask if radioactive iodine treatment increases the future risk of infertility, pulmonary fibrosis, or leukemia? ANS: Potential side effects of radioactive iodine treatment include thyroiditis, which may occur if there is a si...[Read More] Understanding the Long-Term Effects of I-131 Treatment in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: When to See a Doctor
There is a lump in the armpit? I noticed a small lump in my right armpit three days ago. I'm wondering if it could be cancer because it feels a bit hard, but it doesn't hurt when I'm not touching it. If it is cancer, which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang Song, 15 years old, male, has been experiencing some stiffness. Please consult a general surgeon for confirmation. Wishing you safety, health, and academic success. Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: When to See a Doctor
Small Hard Lump on Inner Thigh: Should You Worry About Tumors?
There is a small hard lump on the inner side of the right thigh near the groin? Hello Doctor, I recently discovered a small lump about 1.5 centimeters in size on the inner side of my right thigh. It can be pinched and is painful when pressed, and it feels like there is a small pa...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be lymphadenitis; observation is recommended. However, if it continues to enlarge and is accompanied by systemic symptoms (such as recurrent fever, night sweats, weight loss, etc.), it is advisable to see a general surgeon or an obstetrician-gynecologist.[Read More] Small Hard Lump on Inner Thigh: Should You Worry About Tumors?
Understanding Painful Armpit Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Axillary lump I noticed a hard lump under my armpit for the first time before my period, and it is a bit painful. I'm not sure if this is normal, as I don't have a very good routine.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Breast swelling before menstruation is common. As for lumps, please pay close attention to them. If you notice lumps after each menstrual cycle, it would be advisable to see a breast surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Painful Armpit Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Anemia: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 8 Serious?
Anemia issues Hello, doctor. Is a hemoglobin level of 8 considered very serious? What will happen if it is left untreated? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The normal hemoglobin level for females is 12 g/dL, and a level of only 8 g/dL is considered very low. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath with exertion, palpitations, and hair loss. Whether the condition worsens if left untreated depends on th...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 8 Serious?
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Cervical lymph nodes/tumors I have an oval-shaped lump on the left side of my neck, one above my right ear, and another near my left mandible. They are all soft, movable, and painless. They have been present for about five years and do not seem to have increased in size. I previo...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you are worried, please consult a physician; this written communication cannot provide a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Tumors or Infections
Inguinal mass About two months ago, I first noticed a hard lump approximately 4 centimeters in size in the groin area of my left leg. It feels soft on the surface but is hard at the base and painful when pressed, giving a sensation of being connected to other areas. After a few d...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Recurrent episodes that come and go; it is recommended to first consult a general surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Tumors or Infections
Abnormal White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Should You Worry?
Abnormal white blood cell count and platelet count? Hello Doctor, two years ago my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 7,600 and a platelet count of 256. This year, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 13,400 and a platelet count of 387. A month later, at an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Your data is insufficient to determine whether there is cancer or not. I do not recommend using blood tests to screen for any type of cancer, as they are not very accurate. Thank you.[Read More] Abnormal White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Should You Worry?
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpits: Inflammation or Something More?
There are hard lumps on both sides of the armpits? Last year, I experienced pain under my left armpit, and when pressed, I could feel a lump that was also purulent. At that time, I went to a clinic and applied medication, which resolved the issue. On the right side, there was a l...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A painful lump in the armpit that is purulent is likely just folliculitis or another localized subcutaneous inflammation. It is recommended to monitor the condition.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpits: Inflammation or Something More?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Leukemia
Blood test Hello Dr. Hu, I would like to ask you about my blood test results. My WBC is 4.43, Neutrophils segmented 27.0, Lymphocytes 56.0, Monocytes 9.0, Eosinophils 5.0, Basophils 0.0, and Atypical lymphocytes 3.0. In August of this year, I also had a WBC test done at my family...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Atypical lymphocytes are a transient physiological response caused by viral infections and are not malignant. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until the cold has resolved or to have blood drawn for follow-up after three months.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Leukemia
Persistent Arm Inflammation: Could It Be a Sign of Breast Cancer?
I have developed a lump on my forearm! It has been inflamed repeatedly for over three months, with each episode lasting more than a month. When the inflammation is severe, I experience pain in my armpit, and I can also feel small lumps on my upper arm and chest? Hello Doctor: I h...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ring, 41 years old, female. At your age, you should have a mammogram every two years. If there are any issues, you can consult a breast surgeon and undergo a breast ultrasound for more specific guidance. Wishing you good health. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung.[Read More] Persistent Arm Inflammation: Could It Be a Sign of Breast Cancer?
Understanding Left Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Left groin mass? Hello Doctor, today I accidentally felt a small round lump on the left side of my groin (above the pubic hair). It's less than one centimeter in size, not visible on the surface, and difficult to palpate. Sometimes it disappears and sometimes it appears; it ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may only be the lymph nodes; it is recommended not to press on them constantly and just to observe.[Read More] Understanding Left Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to See a Specialist
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello, I noticed a hard lump in my armpit about two to three weeks ago. It looks a bit red and feels slightly swollen; it hurts when I press on it. A few days ago, I felt a slight sharp pain when I touched my chest. The size is approximately 1 ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be folliculitis; you can consult a gynecologist.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to See a Specialist