Is Shoulder and Neck Pain After Chemotherapy a Sign of Bone Metastasis?
Is the unusual pain in the shoulder, neck, and armpit after the third chemotherapy session for breast cancer a sign of bone metastasis? Multiple tumors in the right breast (1.8 cm, and ductal carcinoma in situ) with three lymph nodes affected. After surgical removal, an eight-cyc...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Lee: Question: Should I get follow-up examinations for signs of metastasis? Response: Bone metastasis commonly occurs in the axial skeleton, such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and skull, as well as the ends of long bones (such as the femur and humerus). Patients often ...[Read More] Is Shoulder and Neck Pain After Chemotherapy a Sign of Bone Metastasis?
Understanding Lumps in the Arm: When to Seek Further Evaluation
There is a small hard lump on the left arm? Hello Doctor, last month I visited a hematologist because I had a lump under my left armpit. The doctor prescribed antibiotics (suspected folliculitis) and ordered blood tests and a chest CT scan (the doctor was concerned about possible...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A-Liang / 42 years old / Male Hello, 1. Regarding the tests I underwent last month, can we rule out the possibility of malignancy originating from elsewhere (only a chest CT was performed)? A: (The axillary mass has gradually decreased in size) It has already been confirmed th...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Arm: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Retroperitoneal Tumors: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Retroperitoneal tumor Hello! In early October, during a physical examination, an abdominal ultrasound revealed left hydronephrosis. I was hospitalized in the urology department for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), abdominal CT, and MRI (all with contrast injection), as well as ure...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. Can MRI determine whether a lesion is benign, malignant, or inflammatory? Answer: No, MRI cannot determine this. The indications for MRI include: head, cerebrovascular conditions, various spinal nerve disorders, tumors, abdominal, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney lesions, pelvi...[Read More] Understanding Retroperitoneal Tumors: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, a re-test at the clinic showed a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the test results i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Are there other potential underlying conditions in this situation? 1. CEA is a convenient but not an "ideal" marker. The diversity of influencing factors makes it impossible to specify which type of cancer it indicates. It is primarily used for monitoring. Is there a li...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Understanding Yttrium-90 Treatment Challenges in Liver Metastasis
Yttrium-90 therapy issues The patient has colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. After evaluation by the physician, it was determined that Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization therapy could be used to target the liver tumors. The first phase of the treatment went smoothly; howev...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: The problem statement is unclear, making it difficult to provide suggestions. A personal consultation is recommended. If you are unable to visit our hospital, please discuss and communicate with your attending physician to clarify any confusion. Dr. Lai from the Dep...[Read More] Understanding Yttrium-90 Treatment Challenges in Liver Metastasis
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Director Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, the clinic tested it again with a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the results ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss La Bao: Question 1. Is there a limit to the CEA index? Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most commonly used tumor marker for colorectal cancer. However, CEA is not exclusive to colorectal cancer; it can also be elevated in breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancre...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Understanding Groin Lumps: Folliculitis vs. Lymph Node Swelling
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor: Recently, both sides of my groin have suddenly swollen up to about 0.5 cm, are red, and painful. When I squeeze them, they bleed. The dermatologist diagnosed it as folliculitis. Could you please clarify: 1. What is the difference in tactile sensation b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhuo / 19 years old / Male is advised to consult a dermatologist at Taoyuan Hospital, Cancer Center, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Folliculitis vs. Lymph Node Swelling
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? A few days ago, I developed a bump under my armpit that resembles a pimple or a small nail. Initially, it was a bit painful when I rubbed against it, but after two days, the pain subsided. However, I can still feel a hard lump inside, approxima...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Q: There is a lump inside! The lump is about the size of a one-dollar coin. A: It is likely a lymph node, but it is not possible to determine whether it is malignant or benign. I recommend seeing a breast surgeon to examine the breast and axillary lymph nodes. Wishing you good ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Could It Be a Tumor?
Lower back pain Hello Doctor, when I bend over, my lower back hurts, and bending to the sides is very painful. I also have difficulty bending down, as if something is stuck there. Could this be a tumor? I don't experience pain when lying down. I've taken muscle relaxant...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
I suggest you first consult a neurosurgeon, as there may be issues related to spinal compression or scoliosis.[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Could It Be a Tumor?
Understanding Small Hard Lumps on the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a small hard lump on the arm? There is a small hard lump on my arm near the elbow. It started as a lump about 1 centimeter in size, and then it became red, swollen, and started to ooze pus. I thought it was just a pimple, so I left it alone, but now, almost two weeks lat...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a surgical specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and further confirmation. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnoses cannot be provided without a personal examination by the physician. Thank you for you...[Read More] Understanding Small Hard Lumps on the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Unilateral Posterior Auricular Lymphadenopathy a Cause for Concern?
Unilateral posterior auricular lymphadenopathy? Unilateral posterior auricular lymphadenopathy, approximately 1.5 cm in size, not easily movable, with noticeable swelling and mild tenderness. Should I seek medical attention?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, please consult an otolaryngologist for a physical examination and evaluation to determine the diagnosis. You may see Dr. Hsu Chia-Fang at our hospital's ENT department for assessment. Thank you for reaching out. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng (Dir...[Read More] Is Unilateral Posterior Auricular Lymphadenopathy a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Prolonged lymphadenopathy? Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing persistent tinnitus in one ear for the past year (24 hours a day). I am currently undergoing various tests. Due to frequent ear cleaning, I have had recurrent fungal infections in my ear for several months, and I ha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Male, 34 years old. 1. Could the various health issues I've been experiencing recently be the reason for this persistent lymphadenopathy? A: It can be said that, but many people experience benign lymph node hyperplasia that does not resolve. 2. Should this condition be t...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Clarifications for Patients
Annoying lymph nodes Hello Dr. Chen, I am the person who consulted you regarding #138469. In April, I underwent a neck CT scan, but I still felt uneasy, so on November 14, I had a neck ultrasound, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. All reports came back normal. The ultrasound report...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The doctor mentioned that the lymph node I discovered is located closer to the neck in the fourth zone (above the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper belly of the omohyoid muscle), not in the supraclavicular area. Can you confirm if that lymph node...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Clarifications for Patients
Understanding Hematuria: When to Worry and Next Steps
Urinary occult blood +/- Hello Doctor: In May, I had a health check-up for healthy adults, which showed a positive/negative result for occult blood. Yesterday, I had a urine test, and the result was the same. I later consulted a urologist, who said that my kidney function and liv...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Cindy / 40 years old / Female 1. The urine test report only shows trace blood, and everything else is normal. So, I was advised to continue regular monitoring. Doctor, do I really not need further tests? A: That's correct. If it remains the same after three months, the phys...[Read More] Understanding Hematuria: When to Worry and Next Steps
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Factors to Monitor
Hematologic malignancies My health check report shows the following blood results: white blood cell count 8.63, red blood cell count 4.53, hemoglobin 13.7, hematocrit 39.4, mean corpuscular volume 87, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 30.2, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 34....
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Your blood test results are considered normal, so please try not to feel too anxious or stressed. There is nothing you need to be concerned about. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Factors to Monitor
Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Various physical conditions Doctor: Because I am someone who easily worries and gets anxious about my health, I often ask various questions. I still have some conditions I would like to confirm. 1. Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A-Zhe / 38 years old / Male 1. Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C. By noon to 9 PM, it rises to 37-37.2°C, and I feel a bit warm and have dry mouth. After 10 PM, it drops to around 36.5°C. I have undergone numerous blood tests (general...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Axillary lump Hello, doctor. Five days ago, I discovered a hard lump about 1 cm in size under my right armpit. The pain was more noticeable two days ago, but it has gradually decreased and now I only feel it when I apply pressure. I have a habit of staying up late and using antip...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, A-Suan / 20 years old / Female. 1. Should I observe for a few more days? A: Since this is the first time you've noticed it, it might be more reassuring to have it evaluated by a physician. 2. Should I go to a breast surgeon or a general surgeon for an examination?...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Sternum issues Doctor, I have a question. I suddenly noticed a bruise on the front of my right calf, and I don't recall hitting it. It doesn't hurt much (today it has faded significantly and is almost healed). Additionally, a few days ago, I had some redness and swellin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah-Jeh / 38 years old / Male 1. Is there still a possibility of blood cancer? A: No, blood cancer refers to leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells rather than a decrease. 2. Is it abnormal that the white blood cell count is sligh...[Read More] Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Attention
A lump was found behind the left ear? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old male, 178 cm tall and weighing 80 kg. I am currently studying abroad and unable to return to Taiwan for a medical consultation, so I am reaching out for your assistance. Seven days ago, I suddenly experience...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Tony: Hello, the physician cannot provide treatment without a personal examination. Please refer to similar questions in this field. You may consult a general surgeon or seek evaluation from an otolaryngology specialist. A doctor will perform a physical examination and provid...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Do They Require Monitoring or Surgery?
Adrenal adenoma After a CT scan ordered by a surgeon, an adrenal adenoma was incidentally discovered and referred to a urologist. The physician directly assessed it as benign but still ordered blood tests and 24-hour and 12-hour urine total volume tests. The test results showed a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! You must be a kind spirit to have unexpectedly discovered a tumor! 1. Regarding the size of the adrenal adenoma: A tumor smaller than 4 cm has about a 2% chance of being malignant, while a tumor larger than 6 cm has a 25% chance of being malignant. 2. As for whether an ...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Do They Require Monitoring or Surgery?