Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Risk of breast cancer recurrence Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the risk of cancer recurrence related to the IHC4 score. The pathology report states: IDC, Grade 1, pT1cN0M0, ER (80%), PR (50%), Her-2 (score 1+), Ki-67 5% (<5%). The IHC4 score is -23.675. I am co...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wendy / 54 years old / Female Hello, I have calculated my IHC4 score as -23.675, which matches the data provided by your doctor. You made an error in your calculation; the reason is that Her-2 (score 1+) is considered negative, so you should input 0 for that calculation. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Understanding Painful Bumps Above the Pubic Bone: When to Seek Help
Suprapubic mass Hello, I have seen similar situations in the frequently asked questions. There is a hard lump above the pubic bone that appears sometimes and sometimes not, approximately over two centimeters in size. It is painful when pressed, and the sensation when pressing the...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be normal soft tissue above the pubis (pubic symphysis), and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps Above the Pubic Bone: When to Seek Help
Understanding Anal Issues: What Teens Should Know About Symptoms
Anal issues Hello doctor, I am 15 years old and have not had any sexual relations, but recently I noticed an unusual growth around my anal area. At first, it was small and I didn't pay much attention, but it has gradually increased in size and number, with some merging toget...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be eczema or other skin rashes around the anal area caused by dirty underwear or bed linens. It is recommended to see a general surgeon or an infectious disease specialist. Additionally, it is important to frequently change underwear and wash bed linens.[Read More] Understanding Anal Issues: What Teens Should Know About Symptoms
Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Iodine-131 waste contamination Hello, I am a patient with thyroid follicular carcinoma and I am undergoing my first iodine-131 treatment with a dosage of 30 mCi. On the first day after taking radioactive iodine, I accidentally allowed urine to come into contact with the bathtub w...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Hsu / 43 years old / Female Is there a risk that this will affect the child's future development? A: No. The dosage is low, and this type of radiation has limited penetration. Should I take my child for regular thyroid check-ups in the future? A: There is no need to have...[Read More] Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Questions about endometrial cancer? Hello, Doctor. I recently sought medical attention due to abnormal bleeding, and after examination, the diagnosis report is as follows: Endometrial Cancer Grade 2/3. The blood test results are: CA-125: 14, CEA: 1, β-hCG: 11. I would like to ask...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Q: Hello, Qingwen, 60 years old, female. I would like to ask about the significance of three blood test indicators and results, and why there can be a situation where tumor markers are normal but a biopsy shows cancer? A: These blood test indicators are not specific to endometr...[Read More] Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Arm: Potential Tumor Concerns
There is a small hard lump on the right arm? Hello: My mother is 47 years old and has a purple lump on her right arm that feels hard. This lump has been present for 3 to 4 years; it started off small and was not given much attention, but it has gradually increased in size. There ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the tumor has increased in size in a short period, it is recommended to consult a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Arm: Potential Tumor Concerns
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Inguinal mass A mass approximately 2 centimeters in size was found on the inner side of the left groin, above the pubic bone. It is not painful upon palpation and does not move. It appears intermittently; sometimes it can be felt, and other times it cannot. This condition was als...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure what it is without an examination, so I recommend seeing a gynecologist first. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Malignant pleural effusion cannot be drained? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my mother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for over ten years. In recent years, the cancer has metastasized to various areas, and she has also devel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sunny / 28 years old / Male Hello, you are already in stage IV. Although you have been undergoing treatment, ultimately, there may come a point where 1. there are no treatment options available, or 2. you may lack the physical strength to continue treatment. As for whether ther...[Read More] Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello! My mother is 71 years old. Earlier this year, a cytological examination revealed a malignant tumor (a papillary carcinoma) in the isthmus of her thyroid, while both lobes of the thyroid were unaffected. After consulting with the doctor, she unde...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 44 years old, female Hello! 1. The postoperative report indicates that there is one metastatic lymph node among six surrounding the thyroid (the doctor mentioned it is stage I). Is this considered distant metastasis? The doctor stated that this situation is relatively...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Understanding Oral Pathology Reports: Key Insights on Squamous Hyperplasia and Tumor Concerns
Consultation for Oral Pathology Report Interpretation In April of this year, an unknown growth was discovered in the upper jaw, which was asymptomatic. After a hospital examination, it was surgically removed, and the pathology report indicated inflammatory cell fibrosis. Less tha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A / 39 years old / Female 1. Is squamous hyperplasia a bad thing? Will the pathology report show any bad cells? A: It is benign, so it cannot be classified as bad cells. 2. Why did it grow back in less than a month? Is it because it is something bad? Is it therefore impossi...[Read More] Understanding Oral Pathology Reports: Key Insights on Squamous Hyperplasia and Tumor Concerns
Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma with distant metastasis? My boyfriend is from mainland China and has recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma at a hospital there. The cancer has metastasized to the bilateral cervical lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, multip...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, stage IV cancer is considered incurable. The treatment goals are primarily to control the disease and extend the patient's average survival time. It is recommended to follow the physician's advice and subsequent treatment plans.[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Understanding Myelocytes in Blood Smears: Should You Be Concerned?
A myelocyte was observed in the blood smear? I am a student in the medical technology program. Last month, while observing my own blood smear in a hematology lab, I found a myelocyte. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results showed that everything was within norma...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Sometimes, when the body is in an inflammatory or acute infection stage (such as a viral infection), a small number of immature cells may be found in the peripheral blood. If the white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin (HB), platelet count (PLT), and other classifications are no...[Read More] Understanding Myelocytes in Blood Smears: Should You Be Concerned?
Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Melanoma I just saw a news article online about a woman with melanoma in the perineal area, and it reminded me that I have a black raised spot on the inner thigh, right in the crease between my thigh and private area, which has been there for several years. Is this normal, or sho...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
There has been no change for many years, so it should just be a common mole. Subsequent monitoring can be done to check for the following abnormalities: whether there is any elevation in the center, whether the edges have enlarged or become irregular... If there are no changes, i...[Read More] Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Melanoma I just saw a news article online about a woman with a melanoma in her perineum, and it reminded me that I have a black raised spot on the inner thigh, right in the crease between my thigh and intimate area, which has been there for several years. Is this normal, or shoul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It has not changed for many years, so it should just be a common mole. You can monitor for the following abnormalities: whether there is any elevation in the center, whether the edges have enlarged or become irregular... If there are no changes, it is advisable to simply observe.[Read More] Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Understanding Rising Tumor Markers: What You Need to Know
Tumor marker issues? Hello, Doctor. Two years ago, my CA 19-9 level was 5. This year, from February to May, the levels have risen from 15 to 17, 18, and then 23. 1. I would like to know if this increase is significant. Could it be due to inflammation or something else? 2. Shoul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Some inflammation of the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract can cause a mild elevation of CA 19-9 (>37); however, as long as the values remain within the normal range, they are considered normal. It is advisable not to be overly anxious about this.[Read More] Understanding Rising Tumor Markers: What You Need to Know
Soft Lump in Lower Abdomen: What You Need to Know
There is a soft protrusion in the abdomen? Today, I accidentally touched a small soft lump in my lower left abdomen, roughly around the area where my pants' waistband sits. It feels like there is nothing there when I pinch it, similar to normal skin, but it does not move.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello Mr. A: It is recommended that you seek medical attention in person for a physician to evaluate and conduct relevant examinations. Director Chen Jun-Fang, Hematology and Oncology Department, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Soft Lump in Lower Abdomen: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fluctuations in CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels in health checkup? Hello, last December my CEA level was 14, which has never been this high; it has always been between 1 and 2. I do not smoke. Last week, I had my blood drawn again for CEA, and the result was a normal value of 1.3....
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
HeroC / 41 years old / Male has returned to normal, so it is not cancer. I will only respond regarding cancer as it is my area of responsibility. Wishing you physical and mental well-being. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
CA19-9 Issues Hello, doctor. Two to three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was less than 10. This year, from February to May, the levels increased from 15 to 17, then 18, and finally 23. All other markers are normal. Does this increase indicate inflammation in the body? Should I under...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wen / 38 years old. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, and elevated levels can be associated with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and gastric cancer. Occasionally, conditions like cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis can also result in increased levels. So...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
Understanding Lymph Node Masses: Benign vs. Malignant Insights
There are lymph nodes in the neck? Hello Doctor: During my health check-up, my family medicine doctor felt a lump in my neck and arranged for an ultrasound and a biopsy. The doctor who performed the ultrasound said it was a benign lymph node and canceled the biopsy. Can benign ly...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Alice / 60 years old / Female Hello: 1. Can benign lymph nodes be distinguished from malignant ones through ultrasound examination? A: If the doctor is confident enough to forgo a biopsy, it should be based on the characteristics and composition (distinguishing between fluid,...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Masses: Benign vs. Malignant Insights
Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, my father started experiencing severe coughing after the Lunar New Year this year. He has visited many hospitals, and by mid-March, he was admitted to the emergency department due to persistent fever and chills every night. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Vanessa / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. The content does not include a PET report; the final section contains a pathology report. 2. Tuberculosis and cancer can sometimes be difficult to differentiate, and even our attending physicians have encountered similar situations. Ini...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues