Understanding Hard Lymphadenopathy: Tumors or Other Causes?
Lymphadenopathy (inflammation? tumor) Dear Dr. Fan, I have had a single enlarged lymph node on the left side of my neck for three months. There are no other discomforts in my body, and anti-inflammatory treatment has been ineffective. The lymph node is painless and has not incre...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. BF: A hard lymph node enlargement, aside from fibrosis, is most concerning for cancer metastasis. Lymph nodes in the neck that are affected by cancer metastasis often originate from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Therefore, I recommend that you first visit an otolaryngologist for ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lymphadenopathy: Tumors or Other Causes?
Understanding Follow-Up Treatments for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Post-treatment for lymphoma? Dr. Fan, a family member has been diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and is currently undergoing the first phase of treatment, which involves chemotherapy combined with rituximab. From the information provided in the rituximab medication gui...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Hudson: The continuous treatment with rituximab is applicable for low-grade lymphomas, but it is not necessary for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). For DLBCL, a combination of chemotherapy and six cycles of rituximab achieves a high cure rate. Your doctor is correct, s...[Read More] Understanding Follow-Up Treatments for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Understanding Sudden Swelling of Lymph Nodes: Causes and Concerns
Sudden enlargement of lymph nodes? Recently, I have noticed a long (about 5 cm) protrusion on the left side of my neck that seems to be a lymph node. It moves when pressed but is not painful. Additionally, I previously had a fever, and the lymph node on the right side of my neck ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Please refer to the content of the last response and do not evade it any longer; face it bravely![Read More] Understanding Sudden Swelling of Lymph Nodes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Are They a Sign of Cancer?
Lymphatic issues 1. I have a slender lymph node on the left side of my neck and under both armpits, approximately 2.5 centimeters in length. It moves when pressed and is not painful. What could this be? Is it possible that it is cancer? 2. If I have blood drawn, will it be able...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Silly old man: Is 31 considered old? As you mentioned, the biggest fears are lymphoma or HIV, so please go to the hospital for a consultation, get a blood test, and have a biopsy done.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Are They a Sign of Cancer?
Hope for Malignant Melanoma: Seeking New Treatments in Taiwan
Malignant melanoma My father has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. This is a rare disease that insurance companies are hesitant to cover, and doctors are at a loss for how to treat it! In Taiwan, cases are extremely rare, especially since my father's melanoma is locate...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Chen: According to inquiries made with doctors at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a drug provided by GlaxoSmithKline underwent human trials for the treatment of melanoma in Taiwan last year, but the trials were discontinued due to excessive toxicity. It is possible that the...[Read More] Hope for Malignant Melanoma: Seeking New Treatments in Taiwan
Do I Still Need Follow-Up Care After Testicular Cancer Recovery?
Testicular cancer!!! Hello, Director: Five years ago, I was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and surgical treatment, along with regular follow-up appointments, my attending physician has determined that I have fully recovered and no longer ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Old Fat Man: Due to advancements in modern medicine, stage IV testicular cancer is still considered a treatable disease. You should be completely cured! If you're still concerned, consider having tumor markers checked every six months. Congratulations![Read More] Do I Still Need Follow-Up Care After Testicular Cancer Recovery?
Understanding Hard Lumps Near Tonsils: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tonsillar mass I recently found two small round hard lumps near my lower jaw close to the tonsils. They are painful to touch, but I don't feel anything when eating or swallowing. I'm worried it might be a tumor. Which department should I see? Would a general ENT (Ear, N...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
The tonsils are located in the throat, and the hard lump you felt is likely in the upper neck area. You should promptly see an otolaryngologist. I apologize for the delayed response as the system did not notify me in real-time.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Near Tonsils: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Prolonged APTT with Normal PT: Insights for Patients
APTT prolonged, PT normal? Hello Doctor, in mid-April last year (2010), I noticed petechiae on my arm, which was the second occurrence I remembered. Therefore, I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results were normal at that time (including PT, APTT, bleeding time, et...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Lin: After scratching, small red spots appear in the scratch marks, which usually suggests a possible decrease in platelet count. Have you had your platelet levels checked? If the platelet count is indeed low and the APTT is prolonged, one possible consideration is an autoimm...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged APTT with Normal PT: Insights for Patients
Managing Peripheral Neuropathy After Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Tips and Insights
Multiple Myeloma Dear Dr. Fan: My mother is 56 years old and has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She initially received Velcade treatment followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. It has been three months since the transplant, but she is experiencing numbness in her...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello, Mr. Hsieh. Neuropathy caused by Vinca alkaloids is generally treated with B vitamins, but the effectiveness is limited. Fortunately, 85% of patients are able to recover, with 50% of patients recovering within 100 days, while the other half may require a longer time. Thank ...[Read More] Managing Peripheral Neuropathy After Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Tips and Insights
Understanding Minor Salivary Gland Tumors: Risks and Causes Explained
Minor salivary gland tumor About a month ago, my younger brother fell and bit the inside of his lower lip, creating a hole. We initially thought applying some oral ointment would suffice, but after a month, it hasn't healed and instead, a small raised tissue has developed. W...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: I apologize for not receiving the system notification and only learning about your concerns today. However, in my opinion, there is no need to worry about malignant changes in this situation. You should be feeling better now, right? Thank you![Read More] Understanding Minor Salivary Gland Tumors: Risks and Causes Explained
Exploring Vidaza Treatment for AML (M2): Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives
Treatment of AML (M2) with Vidaza: Advantages & Disadvantages Inquiry Hello Dr. Fan, my father is 63 years old and has been diagnosed with AML (M2). He underwent chemotherapy (ara-C, idarubicin) for the first cycle in April 2010, which was supposed to last 7 days, but he only...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
DEAR JENNY: 1. In the case of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML that develops from MDS), even if the malignant cells in the bone marrow are nearly eradicated through chemotherapy, the cells that regenerate will still be malignant, as there are no h...[Read More] Exploring Vidaza Treatment for AML (M2): Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives
Unexplained Bruises and Itching: Understanding Possible Causes
Itchy followed by bruising? Hello Doctor: In the past month, I have experienced unexplained bruising on both my left and right arms, each occurring once. Initially, the affected area felt itchy, and after lightly scratching it, I noticed some blood streaks. I could also feel a sm...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: It sounds like it could be a case of subcutaneous bleeding. Please visit the hematology clinic to check your platelet count and coagulation function. Additionally, make sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement your vitamin C intake. Thank you![Read More] Unexplained Bruises and Itching: Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding Neck and Knee Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a lump in the neck and popliteal region? A few months ago, I noticed a lump on my neck. I went to see a doctor, but they said it was nothing to worry about, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, I found another lump in the area of my axilla that is about a...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
DEAR PIX: It could be a benign lymphadenitis, which wouldn't be a concern. However, it might also be malignant lymphoma, which would be serious. Please consult with a doctor at a major hospital's hematology-oncology department to discuss whether a biopsy is necessary. W...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Knee Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Axillary lump Hello doctor, I recently noticed a hard lump under my armpit that feels firm to the touch (the lump is located slightly lower than the nipple). It doesn't hurt much when pressed. Could you please tell me what this might indicate? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Wang: The situation you described raises concerns about malignant lymphoma, so please seek treatment at the hematology-oncology outpatient clinic as soon as possible. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Treatment Recommendations for Relapsed AML (M2) in Older Patients
The treatment recommendations for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML, M2) typically include: 1. **Induction Therapy**: The standard initial treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy agents, such as cytarabine and an anthracycline (e.g., daunorubicin or idar Hello, Dr. Fan....
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello, Xiao Zhen: 1. In my opinion, the rock candy white fungus and lotus seed soup has no therapeutic effect on leukemia, but it also does not have any negative impact. 2. Currently, various hospitals have established smoking cessation clinics, and I recommend consulting with...[Read More] Treatment Recommendations for Relapsed AML (M2) in Older Patients
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Venclexta in Multiple Myeloma Treatment
The health insurance coverage for the treatment of multiple myeloma with Venclexta? Doctor, I heard that Vanco treatment is covered by health insurance, but it must be after the failure of first-line treatment to qualify for coverage. If Vanco treatment is used as the first-line ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Lin: If Vanco is used as the first-line treatment, regardless of whether it continues to be effective or becomes ineffective, health insurance will not cover it.[Read More] Understanding Insurance Coverage for Venclexta in Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Cost of Venclexta Treatment for Multiple Myeloma in Kaohsiung Hospitals
The cost of treatment for multiple myeloma can vary significantly depending on the specific therapies used, the healthcare facility, and the patient's individual circumstances. Generally, treatment options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem c...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Lin: One injection costs about 60,000 New Taiwan Dollars, and it should be available at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. However, as long as the criteria for previous treatment failure are met, the N...[Read More] Cost of Venclexta Treatment for Multiple Myeloma in Kaohsiung Hospitals
Is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Necessary After Venclexta for Myeloma?
In multiple myeloma, is autologous stem cell transplantation still necessary after using Velcade? Hello Doctor: My mother is 55 years old and has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. After three cycles of treatment with Velcade, her hemoglobin has improved to 9.5 and her immunog...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Hsieh: If the immunoglobulin level you mentioned dropping to 4200 refers to the abnormal immunoglobulin, then this level may not be sufficient for autologous stem cell transplantation. It is necessary to wait until the abnormal cells in the bone marrow are reduced to a certai...[Read More] Is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Necessary After Venclexta for Myeloma?
Understanding Low-Grade Sarcoma: Recovery and Future Steps After Diagnosis
In situ cancer = Stage 0 tumor? Two years ago, I had a small hard lump under my left chest that was surgically removed and diagnosed as a benign fibroma. A year later, another lump developed in the same location (just below the scar). This time, the surgical results indicated a &...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
A-Yao: Based on what you described, this is indeed a malignant soft tissue sarcoma, not a carcinoma in situ. There is a possibility of recurrence and even distant metastasis. After surgical intervention, it may be prudent to consider adjuvant radiation therapy for added safety.[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Sarcoma: Recovery and Future Steps After Diagnosis
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Concerns on Cancer Markers and Treatment Options
Multiple Myeloma and Venclexta Treatment Hello Doctor: My mother previously underwent a bone marrow biopsy, which revealed multiple myeloma with cancer markers exceeding 10,000. I have a few questions: 1. Are cancer markers standardized, and is this level considered very serious?...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Hsieh: 1. Different types of cancer have their specific tumor markers. Immunoglobulins can be used to assess the condition of multiple myeloma, and values in the tens of thousands indicate a severe situation. 2. Combining Venclexta with other medications in the first...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Concerns on Cancer Markers and Treatment Options