Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Concerns About Bone Marrow Testing
Regarding multiple myeloma and bone marrow aspiration issues? Hello Doctor: My mother is 55 years old. She has not recovered from a spinal injury due to a fall, and blood tests revealed signs of ischemia. She was then referred to a hematologist, and blood tests indicated a suspic...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Hsieh: If blood tests indicate a suspicion of multiple myeloma, a bone marrow biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Typically, a needle is inserted into one of the areas above the ischium on both sides of the hips. However, this is not a procedure for extracting cer...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Concerns About Bone Marrow Testing
Understanding Androcur: Efficacy and Long-Term Use in Prostate Cancer
Androcur medication issues? Dear Dr. Fan, I am unsure whether to direct my question to the Hematology-Oncology department or Urology. My inquiry is as follows: My uncle is a terminal prostate cancer patient with metastases to the pelvis, femur, and lymph nodes. The initial hormo...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: You mentioned that your uncle is a terminal prostate cancer patient, and he should have undergone either orchiectomy or received subcutaneous injections of androgen deprivation therapy. Generally, this approach can be effective for about one and a half to two years. After ...[Read More] Understanding Androcur: Efficacy and Long-Term Use in Prostate Cancer
Understanding Fever and Lung Shadows in Leukemia Patients: Key Considerations
excuse me? A leukemia patient who is hospitalized due to fever and has lung shadows detected, despite having received pneumonia, influenza, and H1N1 vaccines, with normal rapid tests and experiencing wheezing, may be experiencing several potential issues. The lung shadows could i...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
LKK: The patient was hospitalized due to fever and a shadow was found in the lungs, which is likely pneumonia. Strong broad-spectrum antibiotics are needed for treatment. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Fever and Lung Shadows in Leukemia Patients: Key Considerations
Understanding Positive HBC in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive in blood? In the context of breast cancer recurrence during chemotherapy, a positive Hepatitis B Core (HBC) test indicates that the patient has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. This does not necessarily mean that there is a metas...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
CKYC: I’m sorry, but I’m hesitant to guess what the abbreviation HBC stands for, so I cannot provide an answer at this time.[Read More] Understanding Positive HBC in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options
Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Rectal Cancer
Sigmoid colon cancer For a patient with sigmoid colon cancer whose cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes and is undergoing their eighth round of chemotherapy, experiencing increasing pain, vomiting after treatment, body aches, weakness, and loss of appetite, it is important...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Qianqian: Chemotherapy can cause severe vomiting that is difficult to control with food. Please discuss with your doctor about possibly increasing the use of antiemetics. The new generation of antiemetic medications should be quite effective. As for what foods to eat after chemot...[Read More] Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Rectal Cancer
Understanding Groin Masses: Symptoms, Causes, and Specialist Recommendations
Inguinal mass Hello Dr. Fan, my girlfriend discovered a lump in her groin area about three weeks ago. The lump is elongated and resembles a leech, approximately five centimeters long, and appears slightly darker than the surrounding skin. It is painful to the touch and seems to w...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Kevin: It sounds like lymphadenopathy and inguinal hernia should both be considered. I recommend consulting with a hematologist-oncologist and a general surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Groin Masses: Symptoms, Causes, and Specialist Recommendations
Understanding Cancer and Plant-Based Diets: Key Foods and Tips
Cancer and Vegetarianism Hello, Director: I have a few questions I would like to ask you. 1. Since someone in my family has breast cancer, the doctor mentioned that hormone-containing foods should be avoided. Could you please advise which foods contain hormones? Thank you! 2. Wha...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Le: What you might be concerned about is the impact of female hormones on the development of breast cancer, right? Regardless of whether food is plant-based or animal-based, it is biological, and all biological substances contain hormones. However, the hormone levels in food...[Read More] Understanding Cancer and Plant-Based Diets: Key Foods and Tips
Managing Appetite Loss and Pain After Chemotherapy for Cancer
Post-chemotherapy anorexia and tumor pain? Hello! My father has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for duodenal ampullary cancer in the hospital for over six months now. In the past two months, the tumor pain has caused a loss of appetite. Could you please advise ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Liu: Hello! If loss of appetite is caused by pain, it is important to adjust the type and dosage of pain medication to improve quality of life, and this should be addressed with your physician. However, strong opioid analgesics can cause nausea and even vomiting, which may al...[Read More] Managing Appetite Loss and Pain After Chemotherapy for Cancer
Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Leukemia Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has leukemia, and she has had it for many years. She told me it is divided into four stages, and she is in the third stage. Is this due to genetic factors, or what are the other causes? Besides bone marrow transplantation, which can definitely...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
There are many types of leukemia, and your question is too broad to answer here. It would be best to consult her original treating physician directly with your girlfriend to get clearer information.[Read More] Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Managing Liver Cancer in a Patient with Stage III Colon Cancer and Stroke
Liver cancer Hello Doctor: My father has stage III colon cancer and liver cancer. Recently, he underwent surgery for the colon, which unfortunately resulted in a stroke, leaving one side of his body paralyzed. His colon condition is now stable, but he requires long-term rehabilit...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Miss Hsin: If the lesions in the liver are primary liver cancer, it is referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma. If the lesions are due to colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver, it is called liver metastasis from colorectal cancer. The management of hepatocellular c...[Read More] Managing Liver Cancer in a Patient with Stage III Colon Cancer and Stroke
Bladder Cancer Stage 2A: Choosing Between MVAC, GP, or TP Chemotherapy?
For stage 2A bladder cancer with lymph node involvement, the recommended chemotherapy regimen is typically MVAC (Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin). However, the choice between MVAC and Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (GC) may depend on the patient's overall h...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mawan: For the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy of bladder cancer, current data still supports MVAC as the standard regimen. If there are concerns about toxicity, GP can be chosen as an alternative. TP has higher toxicity as well, so it is recommended to consider its use only ...[Read More] Bladder Cancer Stage 2A: Choosing Between MVAC, GP, or TP Chemotherapy?
Should CLL Patients Worry About New Neck Lumps During Treatment?
excuse me? In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the appearance of new lymph node-like masses in the neck during treatment may be a cause for concern. It is important to evaluate these findings, as they could indicate disease progression or complications. It is rec...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
LKK: In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), if new lymph nodes develop during chemotherapy, it indicates that the current treatment is limited in effectiveness. However, if hemoglobin and platelet counts remain stable, it would be expected that some lymph nodes are ...[Read More] Should CLL Patients Worry About New Neck Lumps During Treatment?
Persistent Lymph Nodes: Should You Be Concerned?
The lymph nodes have not resolved? Hello, doctor: If the lymph nodes remain swollen after taking medication, and a round lump has also appeared on the other side of the face, is there any risk? Thank you.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Miss: "Is there any danger?" Answer: "Yes!" You should quickly see an oncologist; it may be necessary to remove a tumor for testing. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Persistent Lymph Nodes: Should You Be Concerned?
Thank You Dr. Fan: Relief from Painful Mouth Corner Lump
Thank you, Dr. Fan, for your advice regarding the hard lump at the corner of the mouth? Thank you, Dr. Fan, for your advice, which has alleviated my tears, insomnia, and suffering over the past few days. I hope for a speedy recovery from my condition. ^_____^
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Miss Baby: You're welcome.[Read More] Thank You Dr. Fan: Relief from Painful Mouth Corner Lump
Understanding Lymph Nodes Near the Pancreas: Should You Be Concerned?
Questions about abdominal ultrasound examination? Hello Doctor: 1. I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that there are some lymph nodes near my pancreas, with the largest being three centimeters. When I had an examination at the end of last year, it was also ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Yoyo: There has been no change for six months, which is somewhat reassuring. However, we still cannot be completely at ease. It would be best to recheck the tumor markers CEA and CA19-9, and even consider a PET scan to assess for any potential malignancy. Wishing you all the best...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes Near the Pancreas: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Hard Lumps at the Corner of the Mouth: What You Need to Know
Hard lump at the corner of the mouth? On May 18, I noticed a hard lump located diagonally below the right corner of my mouth. I assessed that starting from the evening of May 19, it began to hurt when pressed, measuring about 0.8 cm. I evaluated that on May 20, it was painless th...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Miss Baby: Your description sounds more like inflammation, and it might indeed be caused by a cavity. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps at the Corner of the Mouth: What You Need to Know
Understanding APTT: High Levels and Potential Concerns in Oncology
APTT, or Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and the report indicated that my activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is elevated. The normal range is 23.9 to 34.9 seconds, while my value is 38.9 seconds. Additionally, after show...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Peggy: Your condition resembles purpura, and it may be necessary to prioritize the evaluation of autoimmune issues that could be causing the coagulation dysfunction. Please seek consultation at the hematology and immunology outpatient clinics as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding APTT: High Levels and Potential Concerns in Oncology
Comprehensive Cancer Care: Navigating Treatment Options for Your Aunt
Comprehensive Medical Consultation Hello, I am inquiring on behalf of my aunt. If there are any unclear points, please bear with me. My aunt is 65 years old, 163 cm tall, and weighs about 50 kg. She underwent a thorough examination at a large hospital, which revealed that she has...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mimi: I recommend Dr. Lin Zhe-bin from the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Taipei City Hospital Ren'ai Branch. Please remember to bring your previous examination results and reports. X-rays and CT scans should be requested from the original hospital to be made into ...[Read More] Comprehensive Cancer Care: Navigating Treatment Options for Your Aunt
Important Considerations for Cold Medications in Leukemia Patients
excuse me? 1. For patients with leukemia and low white blood cell counts, are there any precautions to take when using cold medications (such as antibiotics, antihistamines, etc.)?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
LKK: Antibiotics and antihistamines should not pose any significant issues and can be taken as prescribed. Thank you.[Read More] Important Considerations for Cold Medications in Leukemia Patients
How to Regrow Hair After Hemangioma Treatment in Adolescents
Hemangioma in adulthood When I was younger, I had a hemangioma on my head, but after it was treated, I lost all my hair in that area and have not been able to grow any back since. There are no signs of hair follicles, and I am completely bald in that spot. This is quite troubling...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Rong: There may not be an effective solution to this problem, but perhaps consulting a professional hairstylist could help by using nearby hair to create a style that conceals it. Thank you.[Read More] How to Regrow Hair After Hemangioma Treatment in Adolescents