Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, I am 177 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I have experienced occasional dizziness, so I went to the hospital for blood tests. On August 4th, my complete blood count showed that only the following three items were low: red blood cell count 4.62, hemoglobin 13....
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
David: You have mild anemia, and thalassemia remains a consideration for diagnosis. Mild thalassemia can sometimes be difficult to detect. It is recommended to continue monitoring, and if there are no changes, you should be reassured. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Increased eosinophils? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: At the end of 2012, I had a health check at Taichung City Hospital, and the results that were flagged were: Eosinophil percentage 4.0% (reference range 0.2–1.4%) and Eosinophil count 0.3 (reference range 0.0–0.2 x 10^3/uL). All other...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Betty: If you are concerned about leukemia, please go to the hematology department to schedule a blood test. We cannot make a diagnosis without proper examination. For the nosebleeds, please see an otolaryngologist to determine whether it is a nasal mucosa issue or a potenti...[Read More] Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery
Lymph Node Medical Issues Hello, doctor. In March of this year, I underwent surgery for early-stage oral cancer on my right cheek. Post-surgery, there were no significant issues. However, in August, I started experiencing unexplained night sweats and fever. In September, my right...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
A-Bao: Is a CT scan out-of-pocket? I suggest consulting the National Health Insurance Administration. For lymphatic issues, I recommend directly excising one for testing. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Potential Health Risks
Inguinal mass In May of this year, I discovered a hard lump in my right groin area, about the size of a fingertip. It was painless, and since I had no other obvious discomfort at the time, I did not see a doctor and did not pay much attention to it. By the end of August, I touche...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Tsai: The frequent leg cramps are likely not related to the groin lump. The lump has not shown any significant change in size since May and appears to be benign. However, there is no guarantee that there won't be any unexpected findings. If you are still concerned,...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Potential Health Risks
Understanding Elevated Squamous Cell Carcinoma Index: What It Means for You
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Health check results: Squamous cell carcinoma index is elevated at 3.3 (normal range 0-2 ng/ml). Could you please explain the significance of this index, Dr. Fan? Thank you.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Pan: "The 'squamous cell carcinoma index' is not very accurate, but you can see a doctor to check for any issues in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, larynx, and esophagus. Thank you."[Read More] Understanding Elevated Squamous Cell Carcinoma Index: What It Means for You
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Muscle or Lymph Nodes?
Bumps under the armpit? Hello doctor, I have a question: when I raise my arms straight up, there appears to be a noticeable bulge under my armpit, roughly in the area where there is underarm hair (both arms are the same). I'm not sure if this is muscle or lymph nodes. When I...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
A-Sheng: This makes it really hard for me to guess. If you're really worried, you should go see a doctor for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Muscle or Lymph Nodes?
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Spinal Tap for Cancer Diagnosis
Spinal tap examination Dear Dr. Fan, My mother previously visited Fengyuan Hospital for an examination due to elevated white blood cell counts. You recommended that she be hospitalized for a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to investigate further. However, she is concerned about pot...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: We recommend performing a "bone marrow" examination, which involves taking a sample of the hematopoietic bone marrow from the iliac crest. Although a local anesthetic will be administered, there may still be some discomfort during the procedure, but it is general...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Spinal Tap for Cancer Diagnosis
Understanding Axillary Lymph Nodes: Insights for Tumor Patients
Axillary lymph nodes Hello Doctor: I have never owned a cat at home, and I traveled to South Korea before the Lunar New Year. I do not have any obvious external injuries on my hands, but I have been experiencing persistent lymphadenopathy. I currently work in the fashion industry...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dog: During the American West frontier era, there was a bandit who was caught after robbing a bank. During the trial, the judge asked him, "Why did you rob the bank?" He replied, "Because the money was there!" In other words, if he had just been looking around...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lymph Nodes: Insights for Tumor Patients
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Next Steps
Left axillary lymphadenopathy? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my medical condition. Currently, I have been experiencing enlarged lymph nodes in my left armpit for about three months. I have undergone an ultrasound, chest X-ray, blood tests, and urine tests. The ult...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello, regarding the symptoms, they appear to be more indicative of an infection rather than a tumor. You can follow your veterinarian's advice for monitoring. Do you have any cats at home? Have you been scratched by a cat in the past three months? Wishing you a speedy recov...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Next Steps
Are Power Line Transformers Near My Bedroom a Health Risk?
Hello, I would like to ask if having a transformer box on a utility pole outside the bedroom poses any risks? I am 16 years old. Several years ago, my family passed away, leaving me with an extra room. However, that room is located on the second floor, very close to a utility pol...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Currently, there is no evidence to prove that the transformer boxes on utility poles are harmful to human health. However, everyone has their own feelings, and if you have persistent concerns, it may be best not to move into that room.[Read More] Are Power Line Transformers Near My Bedroom a Health Risk?
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhage: Causes and When to Seek Testing
Subcutaneous hemorrhage I'm sorry, doctor. My platelet count is 240, which is considered normal, but sometimes when I shower, if I scratch my skin with my fingers, I notice red marks or petechiae. Also, carrying a heavy backpack for too long can leave subcutaneous bruising. ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
It is fine to perform PT or APTT tests. Additionally, it is recommended to consume more fruits or vitamin C, as symptoms may improve.[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhage: Causes and When to Seek Testing
Understanding Lymph Node Changes in the Neck: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Parotid and cervical region Hello, Doctor: I am 32 years old, with no smoking, drinking, or betel nut habits, but I do stay up late, with sleep duration ranging from 5 to 7 hours, and I take a 1-hour nap at noon. My significant medical history includes: 1. Childhood cryptorchidis...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Concerned individual: Your blood test results are completely normal. The cervical lymph nodes have been present for a long time and are very small, so there should be no major issues. Please do not worry.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Changes in the Neck: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Petechiae: When to Worry About Low Platelet Counts
Subcutaneous hemorrhage red spots, may I ask further? Hello, doctor. What is the threshold for platelet count that should raise concern? My platelet counts from 2009 to 2011 were around 260, and last year at the end of the year, it was about 240. Is this decrease considered norma...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
The normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter. If the color of the red spots has faded, it is a good sign. It is indeed possible that the pressure from the left hand resting under the head caused this.[Read More] Understanding Petechiae: When to Worry About Low Platelet Counts
Understanding Sudden Red Spots on the Arm: Causes and Concerns
Subcutaneous hemorrhage with red spots on the arm? Hello, doctor. Today I woke up and suddenly noticed dark red or coffee-colored petechiae (like needle pricks) under the skin of my left arm. The day before, I had a Thai oil massage that involved my arms, and later that evening, ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
As you mentioned, the petechiae under the skin of the left arm may be caused by the pressure from the massage oil. The slight bleeding from the nasal mucosa and gums may also have identifiable causes. Since the platelet count is normal, there is no need for concern.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Spots on the Arm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Bone Marrow Transplant Challenges
Aplastic anemia Your friend's daughter has aplastic anemia and has not responded well to immunosuppressive therapy. Should treatment rely on medication or blood transfusions, or is a bone marrow transplant necessary? Her hemoglobin is 6, white blood cell count is 3000, plate...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mier: Due to a system error, I apologize for the delayed response. The effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy has been poor, and currently, the only option is allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. However, this carries certain risks. Sibling donors are preferred. Finding a ...[Read More] Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Bone Marrow Transplant Challenges
Effective Low-Side-Effect Treatments for Pituitary Tumors in Diabetic Patients
Pituitary tumor Dear Doctor, my sister has been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor and is currently taking medication to control its growth, but the side effects are significant. She has diabetes, which makes her unsuitable for surgery. What other medications are available that hav...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Hsieh: Your question is difficult to answer here. The best approach is for your sister to communicate directly with her attending physician to see if the dosage can be adjusted or if a different medication can be prescribed. Thank you.[Read More] Effective Low-Side-Effect Treatments for Pituitary Tumors in Diabetic Patients
Understanding Groin Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Treatment
Regarding inguinal lymphadenopathy? Hello, doctor. I started experiencing pain in mid-February, which led to the discovery of enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. After visiting several clinics as well as Veterans General Hospital and Mackay Memorial Hospital, the doct...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Bear: Sometimes, lymphadenitis may take time to completely resolve, and it can even become fibrotic and remain hard for an extended period. Therefore, it is currently recommended that you continue to monitor the situation. If it were cancer, it would likely continue to enlar...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects and the Role of Saline Solution
Before and after chemotherapy with physiological saline..? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma and have started my first chemotherapy treatment. During the first session, I received three bags of medication. One bag was what I believe to be the so-called...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Elsa: It is best to increase fluid intake before and after the first chemotherapy session for lymphoma, whether it be saline solution or glucose water. If you still feel unwell a week after the treatment, it is not due to the medication not being eliminated, but rather the ongoin...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects and the Role of Saline Solution
Understanding a Muscle-Like Lump in the Lower Back: Tumor Concerns
A large mass resembling muscle has appeared in the lower back? Hello, I recently noticed a lump about the size of an egg on the right side of my waist after losing some weight. It feels like a muscle when I pinch it, and it is usually not painful or itchy, with no discomfort at a...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
The worst-case scenario could be a malignant sarcoma. Please seek medical attention promptly. Thank you![Read More] Understanding a Muscle-Like Lump in the Lower Back: Tumor Concerns
Should I Consult an ENT Specialist for Neck Lymph Node Pathology?
Is it correct to perform pathological biopsies of cervical lymph nodes in thoracic surgery? Hello, doctor. Two months ago, I experienced discomfort and pain in my lower abdomen, which led me to visit a gastroenterology clinic for examination. Due to some abnormalities, I was refe...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Elsa: Currently, there are three methods that can be adopted: the first is the lymph node biopsy from the supraclavicular lymph nodes, which should be manageable by the thoracic surgeon; the second involves a needle biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass guided by a radiologist using...[Read More] Should I Consult an ENT Specialist for Neck Lymph Node Pathology?