Understanding Nocturnal Paroxysmal Hemoglobinuria: Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of nocturnal paroxysmal hematuria? Hello Dr. Fan: My grandmother has had low platelet, white blood cell, and red blood cell counts for the past two months, and she has experienced dark urine (hematuria?!) during this time. Could this be indicative of p...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria is indeed a possibility. However, hemolysis and bone marrow suppression caused by autoimmune diseases may also be factors. It would be best to consult a hematology specialist as soon as possible. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Nocturnal Paroxysmal Hemoglobinuria: Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Leukemia Treatment: Differences in Approaches and Medication Management
Treatment methods for leukemia? Dear Doctor, I have a question regarding the treatment of leukemia that I would like to ask you. My sister, who is studying abroad, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL, L2) in November of last year. Initially, she underwent the fi...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Jiaxiang: Antibiotics are used to prevent infections when white blood cell counts are low, while contraceptives are intended to prevent heavy bleeding associated with menstruation, especially when a low platelet count is anticipated. Now that your blood cell counts have retu...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia Treatment: Differences in Approaches and Medication Management
Does Family Cancer History Increase Your Risk? Prevention and Symptoms Explained
If a family member has cancer, is the likelihood of other family members developing cancer higher than that of the general population? Due to a family member being diagnosed with bladder cancer and liver tumors and currently undergoing treatment, I still have other concerns. 1....
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: There have been no reports of hereditary factors associated with bladder cancer. However, its occurrence is related to environmental factors, such as smoking, hair dyes, and water pollution. In the coastal areas of southern Taiwan, there may be certain pollutants that incr...[Read More] Does Family Cancer History Increase Your Risk? Prevention and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Tumors and Treatment Options
Cervical lymph nodes Hello, doctor. A month ago, I noticed pus below my left wisdom tooth and found two lymph nodes under my chin—one painful and one not. I visited a dental clinic, and the doctor prescribed a 3-day course of antibiotics. The pain in the lymph node subsided, but ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Based on your symptom description, since the antibiotic treatment has been effective, it is likely that you have lymphadenitis rather than cancer. Please rest assured. However, the source of infection may sometimes be related to dental caries, so it is important to careful...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Tumors and Treatment Options
Understanding Wet Dementia: Key Insights and Information
What is wet dementia? What is wet dementia?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Influenza
Mr. Wu: Are you asking about dementia? As elderly individuals age, cognitive decline occurs, leading to a decrease in memory and daily living abilities, which is referred to as dementia. For more details, you may consult with specialists in neurology and psychiatry. Thank you! Si...[Read More] Understanding Wet Dementia: Key Insights and Information
Understanding Hard Lumps on Nipples: Should Teens Be Concerned?
Nipple lump Hello Dr. Fan: I am 13 years old, and I recently noticed a hard lump in my nipple. It is not painful and there is no discharge. Could this be related to puberty? If not, which specialty should I consult? Thank you!
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Chih-Hua: Your issue is likely related to development. Please consult an endocrinologist or a metabolism specialist. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on Nipples: Should Teens Be Concerned?
Understanding Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment, Recovery, and Monitoring Options
Hodgkin's lymphoma Hello, doctor... I am a stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma patient... I am currently undergoing chemotherapy... What tests are typically performed to check if Hodgkin's lymphoma has been cured (for example, X-rays, etc.)? I have developed many small bli...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Chen: Hello. Computed tomography (CT) is most commonly used to assess treatment efficacy, while positron emission tomography (PET) can determine whether a tumor is alive or dead; it is becoming increasingly popular, although it is quite expensive. Six cycles of treatment are ...[Read More] Understanding Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment, Recovery, and Monitoring Options
Understanding Rapid Recurrence of Germ Cell Tumors: Treatment Options and Insights
Germ cell tumor I would like to ask Dr. Fan a question. 1. I have a family member who is a cancer patient (male) diagnosed with a "germ cell tumor" located on the diaphragm in the thoracic cavity. He has been receiving treatment at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and u...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
KK: Hello, may I ask if "continuously receiving treatment at Taipei Veterans General Hospital" and "readmission for treatment" refer to chemotherapy? The standard treatment for this condition typically involves several rounds of intensive chemotherapy followed...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Recurrence of Germ Cell Tumors: Treatment Options and Insights
Exploring the Clinical Use of AS2O3 in Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Regarding the treatment with AS2O3 (Arsenic Trioxide)? Because my current research is related to arsenic trioxide, I would like to ask Dr. Fan the following questions: 1. Is the clinical use of AS2O3 in Taiwan currently high? (Since literature reports indicate better treatment ou...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear graduate student: The use of arsenic trioxide in clinical practice is not very common. However, due to its reasonable safety profile, it has been tried in various tumors, but it is not recognized as a standard therapy for cancers other than acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)...[Read More] Exploring the Clinical Use of AS2O3 in Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Understanding Persistent Nipple Hardness and Discharge: What You Need to Know
Nipple lump Hello Dr. Fan, Two years ago, I discovered hard lumps in both of my breasts. After undergoing examinations, it was determined that they are fibroadenomas and there is no cause for concern. However, my nipples always feel swollen and somewhat hard, and they do not su...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Helen, Even for a young woman like yourself, the presence of a breast lump accompanied by discharge should not be taken lightly, especially if there is a family history of breast malignancy. It is advisable to err on the side of caution and undergo a biopsy for a defin...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Nipple Hardness and Discharge: What You Need to Know
Managing Liver Tumors: Dietary Considerations and Potassium Levels
Liver tumor Dear Dr. Fan, My father was recently diagnosed with a liver tumor. The attending physician believes that embolization therapy is still a viable option, but due to the presence of ascites and elevated bilirubin levels (close to 3), he recommended that my father first ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Bai: Hello, when cirrhosis leads to ascites, doctors often use the diuretic Aldactone. While most diuretics cause potassium loss, this medication helps retain potassium in the body. However, if the diet contains excessive potassium, it may lead to hyperkalemia, which can be l...[Read More] Managing Liver Tumors: Dietary Considerations and Potassium Levels
Can Cancer Patients Take B2 or B12 Supplements During Chemotherapy?
Can I take health supplements B2 or B12 while undergoing chemotherapy? My mother has a tumor about one centimeter in size in her lungs, located near a blood vessel, and surgery is not an option. She has undergone bronchoscopy and biopsy, and the results were negative. Does this i...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello Charlene, health supplements such as B2, B12, and folic acid are consumable.[Read More] Can Cancer Patients Take B2 or B12 Supplements During Chemotherapy?
Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Tips for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Hello: One of my uncles has been diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer, and I heard that the cancer cells have spread to the brain. What type of treatment would be better and have fewer side effects? What aspects of lifestyle and diet should be ta...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: The stage four you mentioned may involve a large local tumor invading the skull base, or it could indeed have metastasized to the brain. There are likely significant cervical lymph node metastases as well. Treatment must include radiation therapy, followed by consideration...[Read More] Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Tips for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Leukemia: Causes, Genetics, and Family Risk Factors
Leukemia Hello, I would like to ask about the causes of leukemia and whether it is related to genetics. My brother has leukemia, but no one else in my family does. I would like to know if I have a chance of having a child with leukemia.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Leukemia, like other cancers, is caused by genetic changes. While there are hereditary factors associated with leukemia, they are very rare, and typically such families have multiple members who develop cancer at a young age. It is believed that your family does not fall i...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia: Causes, Genetics, and Family Risk Factors
Understanding Melanoma: Risks, Symptoms, and Skin Changes
Melanoma I previously received an email regarding melanoma. I'm not sure if this type of cancer really exists. Additionally, my husband's mole has been growing larger. I'm concerned about whether this poses any health risks and if it is related to melanoma. I would...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Huang: Melanoma does exist and it is indeed a very frightening type of cancer. When moles on the body change shape or ulcerate and bleed, special caution is warranted. I recommend that your husband quickly visit a major hospital to see a plastic surgeon, have the enlarging mo...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: Risks, Symptoms, and Skin Changes
Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Travel Considerations
Questions Hi! About 2 weeks ago, I wrote an email to see if you could refer me to any hospital for leukemia. Thanks for your attention. My friend finally got the English name for her sister’s disease—“Aplastic Anemia.” She is actually in Thailand and is Thai. For this kind of dis...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Vivien, Aplastic anemia is referred to as "再生不良性貧血" in Mandarin. It is not a malignant disease, but severe forms of aplastic anemia can be life-threatening. The best treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, using either bone marrow or peripheral blood...[Read More] Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Travel Considerations
Understanding Venous Tumors: Will They Keep Growing?
Venous tumor I originally had one venous tumor, and not long after, another one appeared. Will they continue to grow?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. C: Are you referring to varicose veins in the legs? Prolonged standing or multiple pregnancies can lead to damage of the venous valves, resulting in varicose veins. This damage accumulates over time, progressing from mild to severe, and is a change that occurs gradually. Ther...[Read More] Understanding Venous Tumors: Will They Keep Growing?
Understanding CEA Levels in Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment: Key Questions
C EA issue Dear Dr. Fan, I would like to ask you some questions again. My father was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and started chemotherapy on June 15 (CEA: 75). On June 27, his CEA level increased to 85. He was hospitalized for about five days for chemotherapy and was disc...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Tiffany: An increase in CEA levels indicates that the cancer is not under control. Please discuss with the attending physician whether to change the prescription. If the treatment for bone metastasis is effective, pain can be alleviated. In such cases, chemotherapy will need ...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment: Key Questions
Finding a Hematology-Oncology Specialist for Blood Cancer Treatment
Hematology-Oncology specialist Hi, I have a friend who has leukemia. Can you recommend a specialist in hematologic oncology? I have no idea which hospital to go to or who to consult. Thanks a lot.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Vivien: It depends on where your friend lives. However, since leukemia often leads to emergent conditions, I believe that the patient has been admitted to a hospital for treatment. In general, I would recommend that a leukemia patient be treated at a medical center. On the o...[Read More] Finding a Hematology-Oncology Specialist for Blood Cancer Treatment
Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Expert Insights
Is coughing up blood related to neck tumors? Hello, Doctor: I am a 53-year-old female. Last year, I had a soft mass in my nasopharynx, and when I coughed it up, it turned out to be a blood clot. This lasted for three days. I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a nasal ultras...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Cherry: Your hemoptysis and purulent sputum may be indicative of bronchiectasis or tuberculosis. Please consider visiting a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Tuberculosis can present with cervical lymphadenopathy. Lung cancer can also cause hemoptysis and may metastasize ...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Expert Insights