Ensuring Safety at Home: Managing Cancer Medications with Dementia Care
The oral medication for cancer is safe? Hello, doctor! Our elder at home is suspected to have dementia. He has been receiving medical treatment and medication for dementia, but the effects are minimal. He forgets to wash his hands after taking his chemotherapy medication and ofte...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Sandwich Cookie. Regarding the safety of oral medications for cancer treatment, it is advisable to consult your hospital's pharmacist for a more secure recommendation. Thank you for reaching out. Best regards, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Ch...[Read More] Ensuring Safety at Home: Managing Cancer Medications with Dementia Care
Understanding Swollen Armpits: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swollen underarm? I noticed some swelling in my armpit today while changing clothes. It feels somewhat painful, but not too much. However, the right side seems more swollen compared to the left. What could this be? Should I see a dermatologist?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Ava, Thank you for your message. In response to your inquiry: the feeling of swelling in your right armpit, could it be related to your menstrual cycle? If the swelling and pain only occur before and after your menstruation, it may be associated with hormonal changes....[Read More] Understanding Swollen Armpits: Causes and When to Seek Help
Assessing Lumps: Should I Return to Taiwan for Medical Evaluation?
Body mass. Case: 126359 Follow-up? Hello Doctor, I reached out to you two weeks ago. I still haven't been able to make an appointment abroad, so I'm asking you again to assess whether I need to return to Taiwan for medical treatment immediately. Currently, my condition ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Steven Chiu / 25 years old / Male Hello: Typically, cancer tends to grow slowly and only shrinks if steroids are used, so the likelihood of this being good news is probably greater than 95%. However, doctors online cannot provide a definitive answer without a personal examinatio...[Read More] Assessing Lumps: Should I Return to Taiwan for Medical Evaluation?
Caring for Grandma with Multiple Myeloma: Dietary and Lifestyle Tips
Grandma has multiple myeloma? Recently, my grandmother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and it is now affecting her kidney function. What dietary and daily living recommendations do you have? My grandmother is in her 70s, and what kind of treatment options are typically consi...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if your grandmother's mobility is still relatively normal, it is recommended that she can undergo pharmacological treatment. In terms of diet, be cautious to avoid foods high in potassium and phosphorus, as well as medications that can harm the kidneys (such as certai...[Read More] Caring for Grandma with Multiple Myeloma: Dietary and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding a Non-Painful Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
There is a lump in the armpit? I have a lump located slightly above my armpit that has been with me for at least 3 years. It doesn't hurt, doesn't move, and I can't squeeze anything out of it. It grows very slowly and doesn't seem to have changed much; it meas...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. Since I cannot observe your actual symptoms, I am unable to provide a comprehensive assessment. I recommend that you first consult with a surgeon for evaluation before a diagnosis is made. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Dire...[Read More] Understanding a Non-Painful Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
Understanding Popliteal Tumors: Types, Risks, and Characteristics
Popliteal tumor Doctor, what type of tumor could be located in the popliteal fossa? If it is about 10 centimeters in size, is it possible for it to be benign? If it is malignant, what is the likelihood of metastasis? The symptoms are very similar to a Baker's cyst, but the d...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The doctor mentioned that tumors include both benign and malignant types, and this also encompasses Baker's cysts. However, why is there no consideration for removing a mass that is approximately 10 centimeters in size?[Read More] Understanding Popliteal Tumors: Types, Risks, and Characteristics
Understanding Complications After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma 1: Hello Doctor, my family member is a 50-year-old male who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year. He completed an autologous stem cell transplant this Lunar New Year. Last month, during a follow-up visit, his blood test showed a hemoglobin level of 100 a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You may try oral corticosteroids; if there is no improvement or if the condition worsens after 10 to 14 days, a referral to a dermatologist for a skin biopsy may be recommended.[Read More] Understanding Complications After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma
Understanding Sudden Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden onset of a lump? Hello Doctor, I am currently seeking a brief consultation as it is quite inconvenient to receive medical care abroad. I would like to assess whether I need to return to Taiwan for immediate treatment. My current condition is as follows: I have developed ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Steven Chiu / 25 years old / Male Hello, 1. The lymphadenopathy is located on both sides of the groin, the jawline, and the right ear. This is quite widespread. There is still a possibility of lymphoma. From a physician's perspective, if I advise you to observe for a perio...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Unexplained Swelling in Various Body Parts: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained swelling in various parts of the body, without pain or itching? Due to the nature of my work, I usually have to wake up in the middle of the night to handle goods and conduct business until noon. For quite some time, I have experienced unexplained swelling in various ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to visit the rheumatology clinic when experiencing unexplained swelling in various parts of the body.[Read More] Unexplained Swelling in Various Body Parts: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, since October of last year, I have had inflammation from acne that caused swelling of the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. Initially, the swelling was painful and accompanied by fever, but after taking antibiotics, it has not subsided and has...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with a general surgeon for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Skin Lumps: Tumor or Just a Skin Issue?
There is a hard lump under the skin? Hello doctor, I have a palpable lump in the area of my buttocks. The skin does not show any abnormal color, and the lump does not move when I pinch it. It has been there for about eight years. Since it hasn't been painful or increased in ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It should just be a lipoma or another benign tumor.[Read More] Understanding Skin Lumps: Tumor or Just a Skin Issue?
Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer with Metastasis: Key Considerations
Stage IV esophageal cancer with metastasis to other sites? Hello, Doctor! At the beginning of July, my father (56 years old) suddenly experienced weakness in his left leg. After examination at the hospital, it was found that there were 3-4 tumors of varying sizes in his brain. Fu...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Thank you for your letter. Here are the responses to your inquiries in order: 1. Currently, nutrition is being administered primarily via a nasogastric tube. Oral intake should be avoided to prevent aspiration pneumonia due to potential esophageal obstruction from ...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer with Metastasis: Key Considerations
Understanding Papillomas: Monitoring and Dietary Considerations
Papilloma of the breast Hello Doctor: I had a breast ultrasound at the hospital, and the result showed a 0.6 cm benign papilloma. Do I need to have follow-up examinations every six months or once a year? Can I consume breast enhancement foods with a papilloma? Are there any foods...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. I'm not sure why you want to have a breast ultrasound. If there is no personal or family history of breast cancer, self-breast examination is recommended. However, if you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing an ultrasound-guided biopsy to rule out the possibil...[Read More] Understanding Papillomas: Monitoring and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Breast cancer metastasis to lymph nodes? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have a question. My wife has metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes and is resistant to treatment. Can she receive mogamulizumab? Is it effective? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Mabthera (Rituximab) is ineffective.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Understanding Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Survival and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) Hello: My mother-in-law (60 years old) underwent resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) measuring over 20 centimeters two years ago. During the surgery, many small tumors were also discovered in the abdominal cavity. The docto...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The causes of death are similar to those of common cancers, but some may experience gastrointestinal bleeding or even rupture. 2. If there is a recurrence, surgical resection usually only serves to manage complications and tumor growth. 3. If medications can prolong the ti...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Survival and Treatment Options
Do You Need to Check Blood Return During Chemotherapy Infusions?
Chemotherapy-induced recovery? I would like to ask, every time before administering chemotherapy drugs, the nursing staff confirms blood return. Is it necessary to check for blood return again during the infusion process?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Before administering the injection, aspirating is done to ensure that the catheter is patent; therefore, it is sufficient to confirm this before the injection. There is no need to continuously check during the injection process.[Read More] Do You Need to Check Blood Return During Chemotherapy Infusions?
Understanding Right Neck Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling in the right side of the neck? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a situation that started last week. Due to nasal congestion, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing, so I visited a clinic. The doctor mentioned that I have mild rhinitis causing my breathing ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Bai / 40 years old / Male Hello, I would like to ask about a concern. Since last week, I have been experiencing nasal congestion, which has led to difficulty breathing. I visited a clinic, and the doctor mentioned that I have mild rhinitis causing my breathing issues and pre...[Read More] Understanding Right Neck Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent Lump Under My Armpit: What Could It Be?
The lump in my armpit has not gone away? Hello, I previously asked about a lump under my left armpit that hasn't gone away. Initially, I noticed a small oval-shaped area, about the size of a fingernail, which suddenly enlarged to approximately 1 cm within 1 to 2 days. At tha...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If that's the case, please schedule an appointment with a general surgeon (preferably a breast surgeon) to have the doctor examine you and determine if a biopsy is necessary. Thank you, and please go ahead and register.[Read More] Persistent Lump Under My Armpit: What Could It Be?
Should You Consult Urology for Adrenal Nodule Surgery?
Adrenal nodule surgery Hello, doctor. I'm here again. I just want to ask, if there is a need for surgery on an adrenal nodule, should I consult a urologist? Thank you.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate[Read More] Should You Consult Urology for Adrenal Nodule Surgery?
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor, I have noticed a small movable lump in my left groin area. It is not painful when pressed and is relatively small (about 5-8 mm, less than 1 cm), but it feels noticeably larger than the other lymph nodes. I found some information suggesting that it mig...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
5-8 mm is too small and usually has no significant meaning, so it is recommended to just observe.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice