Understanding Neck Mass: Post-Fine Needle Aspiration Concerns
Neck mass Hello, Doctor: I have a small hard lump under my right ear. The doctor performed an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, and it has been 5 days since the procedure. The puncture site is still swollen and painful, and my ear also hurts. Upon my follow-up visit, the ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. It can cause localized inflammation and pain, and in severe cases, even local infection; 2. It does not cause dissemination.[Read More] Understanding Neck Mass: Post-Fine Needle Aspiration Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level Possible?
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, doctor. I have thalassemia, and due to my job, I undergo annual health check-ups. Here are my hemoglobin reports from the past few years: 2016: 11.9, 2017: 11.8, 2018: 11.7, 2019: 10.3, 2020: 12.2. This year, my test results...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is a normal phenomenon. For patients with thalassemia, a hemoglobin level above 9 is generally acceptable.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level Possible?
Understanding Small Cysts and Blood Test Implications in Oncology
Issues related to small cysts and blood tests? Hello Dr. Chen, In the summer of 2018, I noticed a soft lump near my throat and visited an ENT specialist several times. The doctor diagnosed it as something resembling a large pimple and prescribed antibiotics to see if it would g...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ch, 24 years old, female. First, would a general tumor affect white blood cell abnormalities? A: Not significantly related. Second, is this size considered large? A: 0.95 cm requires monitoring. If it increases in size, closer follow-up is necessary. However, if you do not notice...[Read More] Understanding Small Cysts and Blood Test Implications in Oncology
Understanding Melanoma: When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Moles
Questions about melanoma? Hello, doctor. I visited a dermatology clinic today and inquired about a mole on my body. It is about the size of a BB pellet, appearing relatively round to the naked eye, but upon closer inspection, the edges are not perfectly smooth. Its diameter is ap...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 35-year-old male is considering whether to go to the nearby Cathay General Hospital for treatment and is unsure about the urgency of the situation. A: It is not urgent; he can wait unless there is a noticeable increase in size or change in color, at which point he shou...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Moles
Steroid Treatment Shrinks Lymphoma: What You Need to Know
Steroids can reduce the size of lymphoma? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about a case where a suspected brain lymphoma was investigated, and a lumbar puncture revealed a significant number of lymphocytes. Due to brain swelling and dizziness, corticosteroids were administ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Yuan / 36 years old / Female 1. If the symptoms persist, should I seek medical attention first? A: Yes. 2. I'm very worried... If it's lymphoma, will the unclear report delay treatment? A: If a 3D stereotactic biopsy is performed to remove a brain tumor, can yo...[Read More] Steroid Treatment Shrinks Lymphoma: What You Need to Know
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
A 3.5 cm hard mass in the submandibular lymph nodes? In October, I suddenly developed a hard, protruding lymph node measuring 2 cm. At that time, I frequently experienced shortness of breath, palpitations, and symptoms of panic disorder. I would suddenly wake up gasping for air j...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. What kind of disease could it possibly be? A: It should be a benign condition. 2. Should I pay out of pocket to have the facial nerve detector removed? A: I think that would be a good option as well. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Neck Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Neck problems Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing tightness and sharp pain in the left side of my neck and occipital area for about 4-5 months. Recently, I also started feeling a bit of numbness and a cool sensation in my left hand, but it’s not severe—just a feeling like it’...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
AJ / 25 years old / Female 1. Please help me, I'm really troubled and in pain. 😭 A: Although you are distressed, the examinations did not reveal any significant issues. Since rehabilitation hasn't helped, it's difficult to determine if it's related to prolon...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Understanding Skin Bumps in the Armpit: What Could It Be?
Small protrusion in the armpit? I am a male and last week I noticed some warmth in my left armpit and occasional itching in my chest (I had similar symptoms two years ago, which resolved after some time). I went to the hospital for a consultation, and the doctor performed an ultr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Light / 38 years old / Male. Today, I accidentally discovered a reddish patch of skin measuring 0.5*0.7 cm under my left armpit. Later, when I touched it, it felt slightly raised with a texture of about 0.1-0.2 cm, and it is not painful. I would like to ask if this is a lymph nod...[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps in the Armpit: What Could It Be?
Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
The necessity of continuing to participate in clinical trials? Hello Dr. Chen: The patient's second sister (59 years old) has stage IV breast cancer. The doctor did not perform surgery due to metastasis, so she is undergoing chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy to t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you join a clinical trial, you must adhere to the trial regulations. I cannot advise you on whether to withdraw from the trial, as this is an agreement between you and the principal investigator, and outsiders cannot know the specific details involved. 2. Psychol...[Read More] Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Eosinophils Hello Doctor: I had a blood test at the hospital the other night, and the report shows that my eosinophil count is 8.9, while the normal range is 0-6. Should I undergo further testing? I kindly ask for your guidance. Thank you for your help!
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In the classification of white blood cells, there are neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, etc. Therefore, the 8.9% you see is just a percentage, indicating that there are 8.9 eosinophils among 100 white blood cells. This ratio should be interpreted in conjunction wi...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Understanding Lynparza for Fallopian Tube Cancer: Costs and Treatment Options
Ovarian cancer and Lynparza (olaparib) issues? 1) Can patients with fallopian tube cancer use Lynparza (olaparib) out-of-pocket? What is the approximate cost range? What are the criteria for insurance coverage? 2) For a patient with stage III fallopian tube cancer who has relaps...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, to answer the most important question, these new targeted therapies (Olaparib, Rucaparib, Niraparib), as well as the older targeted drug Avastin, are currently not covered by health insurance in Taiwan. The chances of them being covered in the future are also l...[Read More] Understanding Lynparza for Fallopian Tube Cancer: Costs and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated beta-2 index? Hello Doctor: I previously underwent testing for hematological tumor markers and noticed that my beta-2 microglobulin level was 1950, which seems elevated. However, the medical staff indicated that it is within the normal range and there is no need for conc...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Beta-2 microglobulin is a protein found on the cell membrane of nucleated cells in the body. It may be elevated due to inflammation or lymphocyte proliferation; however, if the levels are within the normal range, it is considered a normal physiological phenomenon, and there is no...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a small hard lump that appeared in my armpit about three weeks ago. It is located just below the area where hair grows in the armpit. At first, it was painful, and I thought it was a pimple, so I did...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a sebaceous cyst or folliculitis. It is advised not to squeeze or press on it repeatedly; just observe it.[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Facial Nerve Fibromas Be Surgically Removed? Risks and Recurrence
Facial nerve fibroma As a child, I had a facial nerve neurofibroma located on the facial nerve. Can it be surgically removed? If removed, will it grow back? I also have some brown patches on my body.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is congenital, cannot be completely removed, and there is no need to remove it. It will remain this way for life and is not skin cancer, so please rest assured with the above response. Thank you.[Read More] Can Facial Nerve Fibromas Be Surgically Removed? Risks and Recurrence
Understanding Right Groin Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Right inguinal swelling? Hello Doctor: The swelling in my groin has been present for over a year, but it is only on one side (the right side) and has not moved. It started to become noticeable about six months after my acute appendicitis surgery in November 2017. Recently, in the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ivy / 31 years old / Female 1. The swelling in the ankle has persisted for over a year. Recently, in the past month, the swelling has become more pronounced, with a width of approximately 5 centimeters in diameter. 2. Two months ago, a basic health check was performed, which sho...[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Gynecological cancer metastasized to the lungs? Hello, Doctor! My mother was diagnosed with vulvar cancer 7-8 years ago and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. It recurred two years later, requiring another surgery and radiation therapy. Last year, several tumors were found in...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There are no textbook-standard answers to these three questions; the responses can vary for each patient even under similar circumstances. 1. The risk assessment and outcomes of surgery are not something I can explain; that should be addressed by the surgeon. 2. The dec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Should You Worry About New Breast Lumps After Surgery?
Breast lump Hello, doctor! Previously, I had a hard lump under my left breast that was growing rapidly, so I had it surgically removed (it was benign). The attending physician said that a follow-up appointment in a year would be sufficient. However, besides the surgically removed...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Miss Chien / 18 years old / Female Hello! 1. There is a hard mass above the left breast that has not been treated or subjected to a biopsy (although it was noted during an ultrasound examination, the doctor did not provide specific explanations or address this mass). The mass ...[Read More] Should You Worry About New Breast Lumps After Surgery?
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Tumors vs. Normal Digestive Organs
Abdominal mass Hello Doctor: I am very thin (BMI = 15) and recently noticed a lump extending from the inner side of my right hip bone to my bladder (3-4 cm). It is not painful, but I can feel a slight protrusion when I press on it. Occasionally, it becomes more pronounced and har...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lan / 22 years old / Male 1. Is it possible that it is a tumor, or is it a normal digestive organ (possibly in the location of the appendix)? A: It is best to have a physician perform a physical examination for assessment. 2. Which department should I visit for consultation...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Tumors vs. Normal Digestive Organs
Is It Folliculitis or a Tumor? Understanding Abdominal Lumps
Tumor or folliculitis? I have a hard, swollen bump near my lower abdomen close to the vagina that looks somewhat like a pimple. The surface is smooth and slightly white. Could this be folliculitis, or is it something like a tumor?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ruru / 23 years old / Female Hello, it is better to have a gynecological examination in person rather than relying on online speculation. Happy New Year, Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Is It Folliculitis or a Tumor? Understanding Abdominal Lumps
Is That Lump Under Your Armpit Normal? When to See a Doctor
There is a lump in the armpit? There is a small, hard lump under my right armpit that has been there for a long time. It hasn't changed in size and is not painful. Is this normal, and do I need to see a doctor?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It appears to be normal tissue; observation is recommended.[Read More] Is That Lump Under Your Armpit Normal? When to See a Doctor