Understanding Movable Hard Lumps on the Rib: Causes and Concerns
A hard lump felt on the rib? I can feel a movable hard lump on the right side of my ribcage. Sometimes it feels a bit painful, but most of the time it doesn't hurt.
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Subcutaneous abdominal masses are most commonly lipomas. Most of these masses are painless; however, if they are located near the ribs, they may compress the nerves adjacent to the periosteum, causing pain. A clinical diagnosis still requires an in-person evaluation for confirmat...[Read More] Understanding Movable Hard Lumps on the Rib: Causes and Concerns
Post-Appendectomy Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery
Acute appendicitis I was diagnosed with acute appendicitis in the emergency room on July 24 and underwent minimally invasive surgery that same night. I was discharged today, July 28. I have been walking since the surgery and have not been lying down all the time, but I still feel...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Young individuals tend to have more developed abdominal wall muscle tissue, which can result in more pronounced pain at the surgical site. Generally, it is common to experience pain for one to two weeks postoperatively, although the intensity of the pain typically improves over t...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery
Post-Surgery Pain Months After Inguinal Hernia Repair: What to Know
Pain sensation months after hernia surgery? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent inguinal hernia surgery last September and opted for traditional surgery with self-paying absorbable mesh. Recently, I occasionally experience pain when moving the wound, and if I lean forward too much, I f...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
The materials and special designs of synthetic mesh used in modern hernia surgeries vary widely. Although some claim to be "absorbable," the primary purpose of using synthetic mesh is to create an adhesion effect with the surrounding native tissue upon implantation, the...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Months After Inguinal Hernia Repair: What to Know
Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients
The appropriateness of postoperative treatment for breast cancer? 1. The patient has stage I breast cancer (Estrogen receptor: negative / Progesterone receptor: negative / HER2: positive / Ki-67: 60%). The postoperative treatment recommendation is to undergo six cycles of chemoth...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
If there are concerns regarding the treatment in a clinical situation, it is advisable to discuss them with the attending physician, as online consultation information is insufficient to determine the appropriateness of treatment. The imaging reports prior to chemotherapy and the...[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Gastrointestinal issues A few days ago, I noticed fresh blood in the toilet after using it, and subsequently experienced constipation and blood when wiping. I became anxious and researched online, which led me to think it might be colon cancer. Then I felt nauseous and vomited. T...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Given your age, there is currently no need to be overly concerned about colon cancer. The most common reason for young individuals experiencing blood in their stool (or blood on wiping) is mucosal injury due to constipation or difficulty in bowel movements. When you experience na...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding the Characteristics and Locations of Lipomas
Characteristics and Growth Locations of Epidermoid Cysts? Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you, but I noticed a lump on the right side of my genital area that resembles a pimple about three weeks ago. The lump is relatively large and somewhat elastic. Initially, it was pai...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
It is not possible to definitively diagnose a sebaceous cyst based solely on your description. However, due to the nature of clothing in the genital area, the skin can become hot and non-breathable, which can indeed lead to conditions similar to sebaceous gland obstruction (such ...[Read More] Understanding the Characteristics and Locations of Lipomas
Should You Use Degradable Mesh for Hernia Surgery? Expert Insights on Benefits and Risks
Is it recommended to use biodegradable mesh for hernia surgery? My mother (59 years old) has been diagnosed with a hernia (a lump in the lower right abdomen near the groin). She has had two cesarean sections and often lifts heavy objects, but she does not have any issues with hyp...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Hernia surgery is a very common procedure in Taiwan, with approximately 30,000 surgeries performed each year. The technique has evolved from traditional tissue repair methods to the current mainstream approach of tension-free repair using synthetic mesh. A wide variety of synthet...[Read More] Should You Use Degradable Mesh for Hernia Surgery? Expert Insights on Benefits and Risks
Understanding Painful Anal Swelling: Causes and Solutions
A red and swollen lump outside the anus? There is a swollen lump on the right side of the anus, but it does not produce pus or cause significant bleeding as some people describe. When I push it inward, I feel less pain, but it soon comes back out. I only feel pain when the anus i...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Based solely on your description, it seems like it could be hemorrhoids (an actual diagnosis still requires a direct consultation and examination). The management depends on your symptoms; it can involve topical medications, surgical intervention, or avoiding excessive friction a...[Read More] Understanding Painful Anal Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Understanding a Painful Lump Near the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
There is a swelling approximately two centimeters in length, located about five centimeters below the right side of the navel? In recent days, I have noticed a swelling about two centimeters in size, located approximately five centimeters below my right navel (in a horizontal str...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Although you have made a great effort to describe your condition clearly, a definitive diagnosis of skin or subcutaneous masses requires an in-person consultation. Online consultations are not sufficient for this purpose. It is recommended that you visit a general surgery outpati...[Read More] Understanding a Painful Lump Near the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
Understanding and Caring for Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids: A Patient's Guide
Thrombosed external hemorrhoid Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I noticed some pain in my anus. Yesterday, I went to see a doctor, who diagnosed me with an external thrombosed hemorrhoid and administered a local anesthetic for treatment. I’m curious if I can take warm baths to care...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
You can take a warm water bath to maintain cleanliness and reduce pain. You can use cotton pads or gauze to absorb blood, but the largest source of bacteria in the anal area comes from the anus itself, so using cotton pads to prevent infection may be challenging. Generally, simpl...[Read More] Understanding and Caring for Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids: A Patient's Guide
Post-Surgery Swelling: Concerns After Stitches Removal
Swelling of the wound after suture removal? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions. Two weeks ago, I was punctured by the tip of a knife on the front of my right leg, just above the knee. The wound is about 3 cm long and I believe it is more than 0.5 cm deep, but th...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Your description clearly indicates an issue related to the scar tissue effect. The area near the knee requires the skin to stretch and tighten when bending, and during this time, the scar tissue may not have good elasticity initially, leading to discomfort. It is necessary to gra...[Read More] Post-Surgery Swelling: Concerns After Stitches Removal
Understanding Pink Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Pink stool? Hello doctor, yesterday I suddenly noticed two pink streaks in my stool, while the other two pieces were normal, and I don't recall eating any red-colored foods. Today, I observed my stool again, and the color is normal, but there seems to be a small piece of muc...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Based solely on your description, it doesn't seem very likely, but to confirm further, it is still recommended to visit a medical facility for an actual stool sample collection and testing, as this would provide the most accurate results.[Read More] Understanding Pink Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Decades-Old Bump After Car Accident: Which Specialist to Consult?
Issues with swelling after a car accident over a decade ago? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, there is a lump at the site of a car accident from over ten years ago that has not resolved. It feels tingly and numb when touched, and there is a hard mass. Which specialty should I ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Based solely on your description, it is difficult to confirm whether it is scar tissue. If you wish to remove the scar tissue, you may consider consulting a plastic surgeon; however, factors such as your individual physiology and the location of the scar (whether it is under tens...[Read More] Decades-Old Bump After Car Accident: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Temporary Chest Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Tingling sensation on the surface of the chest? Recently, I have been experiencing brief episodes of tingling in my chest for about a week. The sensation disappears after a light massage lasting less than three minutes. What could be the issue?
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Experiencing brief chest numbness is a non-specific symptom. Considering the age is close to the perimenopausal period, it is advisable to consult a breast surgeon for further medical history inquiry and ultrasound examination.[Read More] Understanding Temporary Chest Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Painful Lumps: What Could This Spine Growth Be?
The lump is painful? Yesterday, I discovered a hard lump approximately 1 to 2 centimeters to the right side of my spine, measuring about 1.5 centimeters in length. It is painful when pressed, but I do not feel any discomfort when it is not touched. This lump has been present for ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
I sincerely apologize, but an online consultation cannot provide a further diagnosis based solely on your description, as it is difficult to determine whether there are visible skin lesions or a subcutaneous tumor. I recommend asking a family member or friend for assistance in co...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps: What Could This Spine Growth Be?
Understanding Post-Bowel Movement Tremors and Breast Discomfort
Bowel issues / Chest issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. 1. Regarding bowel movements: Is it normal to have hand tremors after defecation? I used to think that my hand tremors after bowel movements were due to straining too hard, but I later noticed that some...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
1. There can be many reasons for hand tremors, and since they do not occur every time during bowel movements, a causal relationship cannot be established. For hand tremors, it may be advisable to consult a specialist in metabolism or neurology for further evaluation and treatment...[Read More] Understanding Post-Bowel Movement Tremors and Breast Discomfort
Concerns About Tetanus After Neglecting Wound Care: What to Know
Please continue with your questions about tetanus? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. I wanted to ask about something that happened on Saturday afternoon (I went to a hair salon and a restaurant). I forgot to change the dressing on my wound and didn't do it until S...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
At this stage, it is only necessary to monitor the wound for signs of infection.[Read More] Concerns About Tetanus After Neglecting Wound Care: What to Know
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain After Appendicitis Surgery
Many years after peritonitis surgery? When I was three years old, I underwent surgery for appendicitis that had ruptured, leading to peritonitis. According to my parents, after the surgery, the wound had persistent purulent discharge, and I had to go back to the operating room fo...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Any significant intra-abdominal infection or surgery can lead to a certain degree of intra-abdominal adhesions. Common clinical symptoms include bowel irregularity, abdominal distension, pain, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction. Mild pain or abdominal distension that occ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain After Appendicitis Surgery
Tetanus Concerns After Minor Cut: What You Need to Know
Tetanus Issues Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you about an incident that occurred while cleaning the bathroom drain on Wednesday night. I accidentally cut my pinky finger. The wound is shallow, but I noticed it about 5 minutes later. I squeezed out...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
In a home environment, the likelihood of exposure to tetanus bacteria is relatively low. However, even with small wounds, it is important to avoid contact with unclean water to prevent wound infection, delayed healing, and potentially the development of cellulitis. Typical sympto...[Read More] Tetanus Concerns After Minor Cut: What You Need to Know
Understanding Risks and Options for Cyst Surgery in the Perineal Area
Sebaceous cyst surgery Hello Doctor, about three months ago, I noticed a lump in my perineal area that is painful when pressed. Recently, I visited a hospital in Zhongli, where the doctor performed a physical examination and diagnosed it as a sebaceous cyst, recommending surgery....
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
A sebaceous cyst surgery is a minor procedure that can typically be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The general perception is that the "surgical risks" are low; however, because your lesion is located in the perineal area, self-care of the sur...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Options for Cyst Surgery in the Perineal Area