How Long Should You Wait for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Results?
Do we have to wait a month to know the sentinel lymph node biopsy report? Hello doctor, my mother's mammogram report from the health center showed abnormalities, and she was advised to go to a major hospital for further examination. At the major hospital, the ultrasound did ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ms. Lin / 39 years old / Female 1. During this week's follow-up, I asked the doctor to print the pathology report. A: Do you understand the report: benign? malignant? 2. I read online that the report takes 4 to 7 business days, but some say it can be determined in 30 minut...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Results?
Understanding Oral Cancer Staging: Insights from Pathology Reports
Staging of Oral Cancer Hello, doctor. My family member had a malignant tumor (on the lip) surgically removed last year. The pathology report indicated that the tumor was approximately 0.5 cm in size, with an invasion depth of 0.8 mm. The margins of the specimen were free of invas...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Aguo / 51 years old / Male Hello, the pathology report for the lip malignant tumor indicates that the tumor is approximately 0.5 cm in size, with an invasion depth of 0.8 mm. 1. I would like to ask the doctor if this pathology report is considered relatively mild? Also, what s...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cancer Staging: Insights from Pathology Reports
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Next Steps in Diagnosis
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: Around October, I experienced sharp pain in my jaw and throat. Upon pressing, I discovered a hard swollen lymph node near my salivary glands, approximately 2 cm in size. In November, I was very worried and went to see an ENT specialist and an endocri...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello [email protected]: 1. Is it possible that my colorectal carcinoma in situ has metastasized to the cervical lymph nodes? A: "In situ" means that it is localized and does not metastasize. 2. If the ultrasound shows no issues, do I need to go to an ENT spec...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Next Steps in Diagnosis
Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
National Health Service - Free Five Cancers Screening Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the free cancer screenings provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Service. Under qualifying conditions, individuals can receive free screenings every ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Fang Fang / 31 years old / Male If a free check-up was used on June 15, 2022, the next eligible date would be January 1, 2024, at Taoyuan Hospital, Merry Christmas. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
Timing Growth Hormone Injections for Craniopharyngioma Patients: Key Considerations
Timing of Growth Hormone Injection in Patients with Craniopharyngioma A 7-year-old child diagnosed with precocious puberty was found to have a brain tumor. In April of this year, the child underwent surgery for a craniopharyngioma. Due to a height increase of less than 2 centimet...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Zhang S / 42 years old / Female 1. What impact does administering growth hormone injections have on craniopharyngiomas in the brain? A: I can provide you with a paper from mainland China that suggests there are no significant adverse effects. 2. If one were to administer gro...[Read More] Timing Growth Hormone Injections for Craniopharyngioma Patients: Key Considerations
Improving Mouth Opening After Stage III Oral Cancer Treatment: Tips and Techniques
Stage III Oral Cancer Hello: In July of this year, I underwent a stage III oral cancer surgery that involved the removal of oral tissue and neck lymph nodes. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 8 sessions of chemotherapy by the end of September. Currently, I am in re...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Mr. Wu / 35 years old / Male. I don't know what your doctor has taught you, but one suggestion is to stack tongue depressors to a thickness of 1.5 cm and then add another piece (to hold in your mouth). This means to practice more. Of course, it doesn't mean you should b...[Read More] Improving Mouth Opening After Stage III Oral Cancer Treatment: Tips and Techniques
How to Handle a Hard Lump Under Your Armpit: Symptoms and Next Steps
If you discover a lump in your armpit, what is the best way to handle it? About one or two months ago, I discovered a hard lump under my left armpit, approximately 3cm by 4cm in size. Sometimes, I experience cramping pain starting from that area, which can radiate to my entire le...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello, Jin, 23 years old, male. 1. Based on these symptoms, what type of issues or diseases could be initially suspected? A: Benign tumor or malignant tumor. 2. Which specialty should I consult? A: General Surgery. 3. What tests should I undergo to confirm whether it is a t...[Read More] How to Handle a Hard Lump Under Your Armpit: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Neck Lumps: Could It Be Lymphoma or Something Else?
Neck mass I recently discovered a lump on the back of my left neck, which I compared online and seems to be near the occipital lymph nodes, approximately 0.5 cm in size and feels firm to the touch. It does not hurt when pressed, and it has not gone away for about two weeks. I hav...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Allenlin / 24 years old / Male 1. Could these characteristics possibly indicate lymphoma? A: It is possible. However, since both doctors who examined you said it is not, the likelihood is low. 2. Are there other diseases that could cause this phenomenon? A: Yes, unknown v...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Could It Be Lymphoma or Something Else?
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
A hard lump developed in the groin area a few days ago? Hello doctor, three days ago I discovered a hard lump in my groin, measuring about two centimeters. The day before yesterday, it seemed to shrink a bit, and I thought it was getting better, but then it grew back the next day...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Good morning / 17 years old / Female. Hello, 1. I would like to ask the doctor if it is possible that it is a tumor. A: Broadly speaking, it resembles a benign tumor, such as a sebaceous cyst that you are aware of. In general, malignant tumors tend to be hard, do not change in si...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding MRI and CT Scans in Liver Cancer Follow-Up Care
Instrument examination Several years ago, a family member underwent surgery for liver cancer and had a good recovery, with follow-ups every three months. Recently, a CT scan indicated a gray shadow on the liver, prompting the doctor to schedule blood tests and a nuclear magnetic ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Jj / 31 years old / Male 1. Is the recurrence confirmed as a local recurrence (viable)? A: 2. Local recurrence (viable): - A growing nodule with early enhancement and early washout at the S2/S3 junction, approximately 2 cm in size, suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma (HC...[Read More] Understanding MRI and CT Scans in Liver Cancer Follow-Up Care
Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? In the past six months, I have noticed a lump in my left armpit. It is not visible from the outside, and it does not hurt unless I press on it. The lump feels hard and does not move. It does not seem to be getting larger, and it is about the si...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ms. Wu / 20 years old / Female 1. If there is no growth over six months, the chance of it being benign is higher. 2. Researching a lot of information is not as effective as directly visiting a doctor at the hospital. 3. It's advisable to consult in person; online consu...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding MRI Findings: Pituitary Microadenoma and Pineal Cyst Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Report Impression: 1. A 6.8mm nodule at the right pituitary gland with delayed enhancement, suspected to be a microadenoma. Clinical correlation and follow-up are recommended. 2. A 12.3x7.8mm pineal cyst is noted. For further details, please see ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Y / 27 years old / Female 1. Doctor, does this mean I have a pineal cyst, or is observation sufficient? A: You have a pineal cyst; benign observation is sufficient. 2. Doctor, based on the current size of the pituitary gland, is surgery necessary, or can it be treated with med...[Read More] Understanding MRI Findings: Pituitary Microadenoma and Pineal Cyst Insights
Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels? Hello Dr. Chen, My family member is a carrier of hepatitis B and has not been monitored for three years. This month, the GOT and GPT levels are normal, but the AFP level is 360 ng/ml. Is this situation concerning? Will the AFP level decr...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ms. Hu / 30 years old / Female Hello~ 1. Is this situation not good? A: This index raises suspicion for cancer. An ultrasound is necessary for initial assessment, followed by further imaging studies such as a CT scan, angiography, or liver MRI as directed by the physician for...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Causes and Concerns
CA19-9 index I would like to ask about a 20-year-old female who does not smoke or drink, but has a CA 19-9 level close to 1800. Could this indicate pancreatic-related diseases? Is it possible that the elevated level is due to inflammation in the body at that time? Additionally, c...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Chen / 20 years old / Hello, of course benign conditions are possible, but the levels are really too high. Generally, it is still suspected that there may be an underlying issue that you are not aware of. However, you cannot obtain a definitive answer through online consultations...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Causes and Concerns
Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
How long does it take for the wound to heal after the first surgery for oral cancer treatment? Hello Doctor: My father had a mouth sore that did not heal by the end of last year. At the beginning of this year, he went to an otolaryngologist for a biopsy, which revealed stage II o...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Wu / 25 years old / Female. Doctor, after completing both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, how long is the typical recovery period for the wound? Is it normal to still experience pain at this point? A: 1. Some individuals may not experience pain after surgery and before radi...[Read More] Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Cervical lymphadenopathy It has been a month since I discovered the issue, so I went to the clinic for an ultrasound. The doctor said it looks like benign lymphadenopathy (on both sides). I often palpate it myself, so I can confirm that it is painful and movable. However, my sist...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello, I'm a 22-year-old male. In this situation, do I need to get a special examination? A: 1. You have already seen a doctor. 2. If there are changes such as enlargement, hardness, discoloration, or symptoms (redness, swelling, heat, pain), then see a doctor again. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy issues? Two years ago, I discovered swelling in the submandibular lymph nodes, and not long after, I also found swelling in the posterior cervical lymph nodes and axillary lymph nodes, all located on the left side of my body. Today, I consulted with a hematologist...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Xiao Hei / 19 years old / Female. Doctor, should I still be worried? A: Don't worry; just have regular check-ups. Wishing you good physical and mental health. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Concerns About Swelling and Cancer
Lymphatic issues Hello doctor, I suspect I have lymphadenopathy and I'm worried it might be lymphoma, but I'm not sure if I'm overthinking it. I have a few questions to ask: 1. Is lymphadenopathy dangerous even if it hasn't been continuously enlarging? I have...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Student Li / 13 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is it dangerous if lymph nodes are enlarged but do not continue to grow? A: Many enlarged lymph nodes can remain for years without resolving. If they do not increase in size, change color, become hard, or present new symptoms, then t...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Concerns About Swelling and Cancer
Could My Symptoms Indicate Multiple Myeloma After COVID-19?
Multiple Myeloma Hello, doctor. Last month, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed petechiae on my calves two weeks later. I went to the hospital, and the physician said it was vasculitis induced by the immune response after the infection. After taking steroids for a we...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Guang, 43 years old, male. Please forgive me, as I am not a hematology specialist. I recommend that you see a hematologist for blood tests. Wishing you good health. Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Multiple Myeloma After COVID-19?
Understanding Bruises and Hard Lumps Under the Left Rib: When to Worry
There is a bruise and swelling located just below the left rib cage? A week ago, my husband suddenly developed a dark bruise on the left side of his abdomen, just below the rib cage. At that time, it was painful to touch and felt hard, with an elongated oval shape approximately 1...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Xiao Yu / 40 years old / Male 1. Is it possible that this lump could be a tumor? A: It could be benign or malignant, or it might just be inflammation. 2. Should I wait and see if it goes away on its own? A: Both benign and malignant tumors will not go away on their own. I...[Read More] Understanding Bruises and Hard Lumps Under the Left Rib: When to Worry