Understanding Risks and Concerns for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Hormone receptor negative, HER2 positive, lymph node metastasis (T2N2M0 / Stage IIB) Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer (HER2+, with lymph node metastasis) last month. She has undergone one round of chemotherapy, and 12-13 days after chemotherapy,...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kathy / 45 years old / Female 1. Is there a risk associated with tooth extraction after chemotherapy? Are there any precautions? A: There is a risk of infection. It may be considered to suture the extraction site (usually, tooth extractions do not require sutures, allowing the w...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Concerns for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Understanding Soft Neck Lumps: Common Causes and Symptoms Explained
Lump in the back of the neck? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a lump I recently found on my sister's neck, towards the back. It feels soft to the touch and she says it doesn't hurt. She mentioned that the lump appeared a few months ago (about one to two months)...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear concerned sister, I would like to ask about a lump that I recently felt on my sister's neck at the back. She mentioned that it doesn't hurt and that the lump has been there for a few months. 1. What are the usual causes? A: If it feels soft, it could be a lipo...[Read More] Understanding Soft Neck Lumps: Common Causes and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Painful Nodules Under Male Nipples: Causes and Concerns
Nipple lump I am a 20-year-old male, and I have a lump on my right nipple that is slightly protruding, approximately one centimeter in size. It hurts when I press on it. I would like to know what the issue might be.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello, please consult a breast surgeon, as this issue cannot be addressed online. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Painful Nodules Under Male Nipples: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Painful Lumps Behind the Ear and Shoulder: What You Need to Know
Small lump behind the ear and on the shoulder? Hello, doctor! Last Monday, I discovered a lump near my earlobe and another one near my neck on the left shoulder. Both lumps are about 1 cm in diameter (as measured by my family) and are painful when pressed. The one on my left shou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! My family says it's acne. If you don't believe it, you can only consult a general surgeon or dermatologist for an answer! I apologize for not being able to provide a remote consultation. Wishing you health and happiness. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung.[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps Behind the Ear and Shoulder: What You Need to Know
Understanding White Blood Cell Count Changes: What You Need to Know
White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my white blood cell count has always been over 5000. On April 15th, it was 5640, but during a check on August 17th, I found it had dropped to 4100. My red blood cell count is 556, hemoglobin (Hb) is 16.6, hematocrit (Hct) is 48.9, mean corpusc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The white blood cell count is within the normal range, with no abnormalities. The numbers are inherently variable; they are not fixed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Count Changes: What You Need to Know
Managing Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: Chemotherapy and Nutritional Support
Pancreatic cancer issues? Dear Doctor, My family member has stage IV pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Is chemotherapy recommended? If chemotherapy is undertaken, what is the approximate life expectancy? Currently, they have no appetite and are unable to eat...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In stage IV pancreatic cancer, if the patient's physical condition is still acceptable (able to move freely, without cachexia, etc.), chemotherapy is still recommended. As for the survival period, it primarily depends on the patient's response to treatment and changes i...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: Chemotherapy and Nutritional Support
Understanding Hard Masses in the Back of the Head: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Occipital bone lump? Hello Doctor: I have an unknown hard lump on the back of my head that sometimes appears and sometimes disappears, and it appears in different locations. Sometimes I also experience symptoms of migraines. I would like to know if this is a benign or malignant t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A lump on the back of the head that appears and disappears may likely be folliculitis or other benign inflammatory tissue, and it is unlikely to be malignant. For migraines, it is recommended to consult a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Hard Masses in the Back of the Head: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe for Ovarian Cancer Survivors?
Radiation Issues Hello Dr. Chen, I was diagnosed with stage II ovarian cancer two years ago and have been undergoing regular follow-ups after completing chemotherapy. Since my diagnosis, I have had five CT scans, and my doctor is scheduling a sixth scan for September. Is such fre...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Grace / 51 years old / Female 1. Is it necessary to have such frequent examinations? A: Examinations every 3 to 6 months are considered normal. Typically, if several consecutive tests are normal, the frequency can be changed to once every six months or once a year. 2. Will thi...[Read More] Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe for Ovarian Cancer Survivors?
Could Your Blood Test Results Indicate a Blood Disorder?
Could a blood cell report indicate a blood-related disease? Dear Doctor: I would like to ask for your interpretation of my health check report for this year. In the past few years, the CBC/DC section only showed an issue with elevated platelet counts (without further examination ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Not all numbers are normal; some may be elevated or decreased. However, whether treatment is necessary requires a personal medical consultation to assess if the individual is experiencing discomfort or has a history of illness. Does this qualify as a blood disorder? It is ...[Read More] Could Your Blood Test Results Indicate a Blood Disorder?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
For questions regarding blood test reports, please consult your doctor? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were around 40 and my cholesterol was just over 200, so I have been following up every three months. Howe...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The answer is the same, but in my words: I will ask you to come back in two weeks for a follow-up blood test. That's it; the current data doesn't indicate much. Medicine is a science, and we don't speculate without evidence. We only speak based on the eviden...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Understanding Knee Tumors: From Benign Growths to Painful Symptoms
Tumor on the knee? When I was a child, I developed a benign tumor on one side of my knee. At that time, I was too young to remember the name of the tumor. The doctor suggested wearing a brace to see if it could be compressed back, but that didn't work, so I underwent surgery...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to follow up with an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Understanding Knee Tumors: From Benign Growths to Painful Symptoms
Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?
Interpretation of Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Hello Doctor, traditional chest computed tomography (CT) can detect tumors in the lungs, but I recently experienced hemoptysis and went to a large hospital for a CT scan, which reported normal results. However, a month later, I sti...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is a question about "predicting the future" and even as a physician, I cannot know whether I will develop lung cancer next month. 1. The resolution of a CT scan is generally defined as being able to detect lesions larger than 0.5 cm, so smaller lesions canno...[Read More] Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?
Understanding Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Treatment Options During Pregnancy
Lymphoma Hello Doctor: I have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, specifically nodal marginal zone lymphoma (low-grade, stage I). 1. In April, I discovered a 2 cm enlargement of the right parotid gland, with no symptoms such as fever, swelling, or itching. 2. On July 1, I underwent surgery to ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The need for radiation therapy depends on the area being irradiated. If the radiation field does not include the breast or chest cavity, it is generally still possible to hold a child and breastfeed. 2. The rate of progression from low-grade lymph node marginal zone lymphoma ...[Read More] Understanding Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Treatment Options During Pregnancy
Understanding Cancer Genetics: Risks and Exercise for Prevention
Cancer Genetics Hello, doctor. My mother and father were diagnosed with cervical cancer and oral cancer, respectively, in their 70s (my father has a long-standing betel nut chewing habit). Does this significantly increase the likelihood of their children developing cancer? Is can...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Ashu / 52 years old / Male 1. Will having children significantly increase the risk of cancer? A: Oral cancer is primarily caused by betel nut consumption. The question is whether you smoke, chew betel nut, or drink alcohol. Cervical cancer should not be a concern for you...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Genetics: Risks and Exercise for Prevention
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Regarding a lump on the neck? Doctor, I would like to inquire about a lump that has developed on the right side of my neck. It moves around, is painless, and is visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, there is also a lump on the right side of my neck that appears and then disappears...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kaying Er / 28 years old / Female Greetings! 1. There is a movable lump on the right side of my neck that is not painful and is visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, there is also a lump on the right side of my neck that disappears at times. 2. I am experiencing significant he...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients
Does breast cancer metastasize? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (surgically removed) and stage I lung adenocarcinoma (surgically removed) last year. She has been undergoing regular follow-ups, and her recent CEA levels were 3.8, 5.4, and 6.2 over ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jerry / 43 years old / Male Hello: CT findings: 1. Degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, scoliosis of the spine, and osteopenia with osteoporotic changes of the visible bony structures, indicating degeneration. 2. No definite osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions or bo...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms and EEG Results: What You Need to Know
Regarding brain tumors? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask two questions. First, I have been experiencing occasional sneezing, coughing, weakness in my limbs, intermittent decline in vision and hearing, difficulty with speech and walking, frequent forgetfulness, vague headaches a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. It is recommended to consult a neurologist. 2. Normal EEG results cannot be used to rule out a brain tumor; in other words, to diagnose a brain tumor, a brain CT scan or MRI is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms and EEG Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Recurrent lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my lymph nodes, which are swollen all over my body (on both sides of my collarbone, armpits, groin, and behind my knees). They do not feel hard; rather, they are soft and noticeably protruding. They have been swoll...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consult a hematology-oncology specialist for a detailed examination.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Navigating Cancer Care: Seeking Second Opinions and Treatment Options
Interdisciplinary treatment issues? My father originally had a small tumor in his lungs and would regularly visit the Pulmonology department for check-ups. Recently, due to sudden significant weight loss, he was referred by a new physician for a PET scan. After reviewing the repo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. It is recommended to perform a biopsy first to determine the cause (benign or malignant, lung cancer or other), and then discuss whether further treatment is necessary. 2. You may consider referring to an oncology specialist for further evaluation.[Read More] Navigating Cancer Care: Seeking Second Opinions and Treatment Options
Understanding Painful Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? About two to three years ago, I started noticing a lump that appears under my armpit after shaving my underarm hair. It doesn't happen every time, but it occurs approximately once every few months. It is painful to the touch, feels hard, h...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It seems to be localized skin inflammation or folliculitis caused by shaving; it is recommended to simply observe it.[Read More] Understanding Painful Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns