Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
After breast cancer surgery, the CEA level increased from 3.8 at the end of chemotherapy to 5.4, with the most recent level being 6.2. Can this be confirmed as metastasis? The mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (which has been surgically removed) ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The blood cancer markers cannot definitively determine whether cancer has metastasized, especially since the CEA level is only 6, which makes it quite tenuous to draw any conclusions. Thank you for your response.[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
Understanding Right Groin Mass and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Right groin mass + bilateral shoulder/knee/hip joint pain? Hello, doctor. I am a 59-year-old female housewife. From 2018 to 2019, I occasionally experienced dull pain in my right lower abdomen at night (at most once a month), which resolved after urination. Around October 2019, I...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lan / 59 years old / Female Regarding the issue of a mass in the right lower groin: 1. You have already undergone abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, so you have seen a doctor. 2. You should have had the doctor you consulted examine it! What did the doctor say? If there are any is...[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Mass and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal mass Hello, doctor. I noticed a lump about 5-6 centimeters in size in my groin area while showering over the past two days. It is painful when pressed and also hurts when sitting in a chair. The lump is movable from side to side. Should I seek medical attention immediate...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Fei / 37 years old / Male 1. Should I seek medical attention immediately? A: Yes, due to the presence of a 5-6 cm mass and associated pain, it should be addressed as soon as possible. 2. Should I go directly to the oncology department or first to general surgery? A: You ...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Dietary Tips for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Diet During Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: A friend's family member is undergoing chemotherapy for stage II breast cancer and is experiencing a loss of appetite. They searched online for dietary recommendations related to cancer chemotherapy, and many suggested ma...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Currently, there is no clinical evidence regarding the effects of food-based beverages on cancer chemotherapy. It is unclear whether they are harmful or beneficial. Therefore, I am unable to provide you with advice. Thank you![Read More] Dietary Tips for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Understanding Groin Swelling: Is It Related to the HPV Vaccine?
Inguinal swelling? Due to the enlargement of the groin, a biopsy was performed, and the report indicated non-specific reactive hyperplasia, which is benign and may be caused by viral infection or external factors. Previously, I received the second dose of the cervical cancer vacc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Eve / 33 years old / Female, is this a vaccine-related issue? A: Personally, I cannot determine that. Which department should I consult? A: I recommend that you first see an obstetrician-gynecologist. If that doesn't work, the OB-GYN should be able to provide you with furthe...[Read More] Understanding Groin Swelling: Is It Related to the HPV Vaccine?
Understanding a Growing Lump: What to Do About Breast Tumors
I'm not sure what this is or what to do about it? Hello doctor, I am a sophomore male student. During the Dragon Boat Festival, I discovered a small movable lump inside my nipple that hurts when pressed. I initially thought it would gradually go away, but it has been growing...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dan / 17 years old / Male Hello, what should I do? A: Inform your family and see a general surgery outpatient clinic to determine if it is a fibrous cyst. A: The chances of it being benign are high, but it should still be evaluated by a physician. Actually, you should relax and n...[Read More] Understanding a Growing Lump: What to Do About Breast Tumors
Understanding Pineal Tumors: Size, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
I would like to inquire about pineal gland tumors? My sister recently experienced severe headaches and went to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with a pineal gland tumor measuring 6 centimeters. Although my sister mentioned that it might be benign rather than malignant and that sh...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Bai / 21 years old / Female 1. I would like to inquire if a 6 cm pineal gland tumor will cause any effects. A: Symptoms such as headaches and nausea may already be present. You do not need to worry about any additional symptoms; she will likely have regular follow-up appoin...[Read More] Understanding Pineal Tumors: Size, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Masses and Low Platelet Counts: Key Insights
Neck mass and thrombocytopenia? 1. About last September, I noticed a hard lump in the back of my shoulder that has been swollen and painful. It has not gone away and is about 1 cm in size; it does not hurt or move and feels very hard. It hasn't grown larger, but my family in...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. If there is no continuous enlargement, it is recommended to simply observe. 2. In young women with thrombocytopenia, it may be autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. 3. However, if there are other hematological abnormalities present, it is advisable to consult a pediatric he...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses and Low Platelet Counts: Key Insights
Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for Stage IVA Colon Cancer
Postoperative treatment issues for colorectal cancer? Hello Doctor: A senior in their seventies has undergone surgery for a malignant tumor in the rectum, confirmed to be stage IVA, with a CEA level in the fifties, and multiple tumors of varying sizes present in both lobes of the...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The most suitable respondent to these questions is the attending physician responsible for the treatment (to clarify the responsibility). Medical care is not a mechanical job; each person's experience and skills vary. I will answer based on my approach. 1. Generally...[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for Stage IVA Colon Cancer
Understanding Symptoms of Leukemia: Throat Pain and Weakness
Symptoms of leukemia? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing a sore throat for the past week (I noticed possible inflammation near the soft palate), along with weakness in my arms and legs, and my appetite has not been very good most of the time. Could this possibly be related ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaomi / 38 years old / Male, is there a problem with leukemia? A: Leukemia typically involves an increase in white blood cells, which can be determined through a blood test. It is recommended that you go to a laboratory, clinic, or large hospital for examination. Wishing you saf...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Leukemia: Throat Pain and Weakness
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Abnormal lymphadenopathy? Hello Dr. Chen, Three weeks ago, I noticed swelling of the lymph nodes on both sides of my lower jaw where it connects to my neck. It is not visible externally, but I felt pain when I looked down, which is how I discovered it. Initially, there was tende...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. It's been over three weeks, but the lymph nodes have not completely disappeared. What could be the reason? Could it turn into lymphadenitis or lymphoma? A: In some individuals, enlarged lymph nodes may not return to their normal size. This is a possible scenario; if the...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Groin Swelling: Insights on Tumor Concerns and Diagnosis
Inguinal swelling Hello! I have been experiencing pain in my left groin and underwent an abdominal CT scan, which did not reveal any tumors. However, it showed a 1.3 cm protrusion on the left side that is not painful when pressed, can be moved, and feels somewhat firm. The right ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Eve / 33 years old / Female Hello! May I ask if the doctor means that cancer metastasis can also be detected by this hospital? A: I cannot guess what your physician meant, but you can wait for the report from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Usually, it will be sent to another ci...[Read More] Understanding Groin Swelling: Insights on Tumor Concerns and Diagnosis
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Key Questions and Concerns
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Dr. Chen, About a month ago, I discovered a painful swollen lymph node in the left submandibular triangular area. After a week, I noticed another painful swollen lymph node in the right submandibular triangular area. I have seen an ENT specialist, and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Concerned individual / 38 years old / Male. The lymph nodes feel reduced, with no pain. 1. After a month, the lymph nodes have not completely disappeared but feel slightly smaller than initially; they do not seem to have increased in size. Is this a bad sign (such as lymphoma or ...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Key Questions and Concerns
Can CT Scans Accurately Determine Benign vs. Malignant Adrenal Tumors?
Adrenal tumor Hello doctor, I recently had a CT scan that revealed a 1.2 cm adrenal tumor, and the doctor said it is benign. I would like to know if a CT scan can determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. I want to confirm if it is truly benign.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Michael / 35 years old / Male 1. Can a CT scan determine if a lesion is benign or malignant? A: It may be possible to differentiate based on imaging characteristics. 2. I want to confirm if it is truly benign. A: Surgical excision can be considered; you may consult a surgeon ...[Read More] Can CT Scans Accurately Determine Benign vs. Malignant Adrenal Tumors?
Understanding High Platelet Count: What It Means for Your Health
Examination Report Doctor, I would like to ask you about the health check-up and blood test required for school enrollment in my country. I am currently in the third grade, and today I received my previous report. Everything else is normal, but my platelet count is elevated at 50...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Dr. Chen Sih-Jung, A 16-year-old male can undergo examinations at the Hematology Department. Thank you for your inquiry. Best regards, Taoyuan Hospital[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Recurring Underarm Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Axillary mass Ten years ago, I had a cyst under my armpit that was surgically removed. The doctor mentioned it was not malignant, but the diagnosis report only stated "tumor excision." A few years later, it recurred, and I started seeing a dermatologist regularly. At ti...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
May, 33 years old, female, can visit the general surgery breast clinic. Thank you for your message. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Recurring Underarm Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Lymph Nodes: When to Worry and Self-Monitoring Tips
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Doctor, a little over a month ago, I was moving and often didn't sleep well. I noticed some pain in my neck and found a very painful lymph node at the bottom of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is about 0.7 cm in size. Two weeks later, it was ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lele / 35 years old / Female 1. The doctor advised me to self-monitor, and to return for a follow-up if there is any increase in size or pain. He mentioned that it might have been there for many years, and I only just noticed it. A: I agree with his recommendation. It has shrunk...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lymph Nodes: When to Worry and Self-Monitoring Tips
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Low Red Blood Cells and High MCH
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I have two abnormal values in my blood test report that I would like to inquire about: Red blood cells (RBC) 4.25 (normal range 4.5-5.9 x10^6/µL) and MCH 35.1 (normal range 26-34 pg). All other blood test parameters are normal. The report indicate...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Blood cell counts can fluctuate at any time; they are not fixed numbers and change daily. As long as they remain within a safe range, that's acceptable. Based on your values, I don't see anything particularly concerning, and I don't feel the need to investig...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Low Red Blood Cells and High MCH
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in the Occipital Region: When to Worry?
Cervical lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen: A couple of days ago, I asked you about the enlargement of the occipital lymph node, and I would like to confirm some details. Thank you! I have actually noticed that the single enlarged lymph node in the occipital region has been present ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Bao / 40 years old / Male 1. Do you think it is necessary to go to a large hospital for further examination due to the uncertainty of the tactile sensation? A: Generally, people visit a doctor for a cold 1-2 times a year. During that time, you can visit an otolaryngologis...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in the Occipital Region: When to Worry?
Understanding Swollen and Painful Lymph Nodes in the Armpit: Causes and Treatments
Axillary lymphadenopathy with pain? Hello doctor, I started experiencing swelling and pain in my left armpit lymph nodes since the afternoon of the day before yesterday. Yesterday afternoon, I went to a large hospital to see a doctor, who said my lymph nodes were quite swollen, b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Marshmallow / 19 years old / Female Hello! Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral invasion can lead to lymphadenopathy. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Respectfully, Chen Sih-Rong Taoyuan Hospital[Read More] Understanding Swollen and Painful Lymph Nodes in the Armpit: Causes and Treatments