Understanding Symptoms: Possible Conditions Behind Limb Weakness and Lymph Node Swelling
Question Hello Doctor, since February 20th, I have suddenly experienced frequent weakness or soreness and numbness in my limbs. I have undergone MRI scans of my neck and lower back, a CT scan of my brain, and even an electromyography, all of which showed no issues. Additionally, ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Frances: If there is persistent lymphadenopathy, considerations include 1. tumors, such as lymphoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma; 2. infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV; 3. autoimmune diseases. Based on what you described, a diagnosis cannot be made immediately. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Possible Conditions Behind Limb Weakness and Lymph Node Swelling
Are Your Kidneys at Risk After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma?
Is there a problem with the kidneys? You are currently in the third stage of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) and have completed the seventh cycle of chemotherapy (CHOP). Your recent blood test shows a creatinine level of 0.5 mg/dL and an estimated glomerular filtration rate...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: The information you provided indicates that kidney function is still normal. If there are significant bubbles in the urine, it may be worth checking for proteinuria. Thank you![Read More] Are Your Kidneys at Risk After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma?
Understanding Severe Anemia: When to Consult a Hematologist
Severe anemia Hello Doctor: I am a lacto-vegetarian and have slight gastric and esophageal ulcers. My main issue during blood tests is anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 7.2, hematocrit of 26.7, mean corpuscular volume of 65.9, mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 17.8, and mean corpus...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: It seems like iron deficiency anemia. Please visit the hematology clinic for an examination. After confirming the diagnosis, you can start treatment with iron supplements. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Severe Anemia: When to Consult a Hematologist
Hard Lump in Lower Left Side: Should I See a Specialist?
There is a hard lump in the lower left side of the abdomen? Hello, doctor! I have a hard lump on the outer side of my lower left back that has been there for several years. It hurts when pressed. I suspect it might be a lump from an injection I received in the past. Should I cons...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: The lump has been present for several years and is likely benign. Please schedule an appointment with a general surgeon to determine if a biopsy is necessary. Thank you![Read More] Hard Lump in Lower Left Side: Should I See a Specialist?
Understanding Lumps in the Groin Area: Causes and Concerns
Lump in the groin? Hello Doctor: I have a question I would like to ask. Previously, I felt a swollen lump in the area between my scrotum and anus, which seemed like an inflammation of the internal muscle. Over the past few months, I have been masturbating more frequently and have...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Benben: It doesn't sound like a malignant condition. However, I recommend that you visit a urology clinic to have an expert examine you in person to determine if any treatment is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Groin Area: Causes and Concerns
Should ALCL Stage III Patients Consider Autologous Transplant?
Is autologous stem cell transplantation necessary for stage III anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)? A patient with stage III Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) has undergone their fifth cycle of CHOP chemotherapy. The treatment plan mentioned by the physician includes autol...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Currently, there is a lack of large-scale clinical studies providing us with strong evidence for a universally satisfactory answer to this question. To be frank, in the case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), if the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is positive, the prognos...[Read More] Should ALCL Stage III Patients Consider Autologous Transplant?
Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Primary thrombocythemia Hello Doctor: Male, 33 years old, height: 178 cm, weight: 68 kg, bad habits: smoking, staying up late. I impulsively went to the clinic for a blood test and found the following results: WBC: 10,900, RBC: 5.55, HGB: 17.2, HCT: 52.1, MCV: 93.9, MCH: 31, MCHC...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
The attending physician in the hematology department of the medical center said: "Since becoming a doctor, I have seen fewer than 10 patients with this condition. Therefore, I think you should definitely try another hospital. At least, Anagrelide is not currently the most re...[Read More] Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Understanding Xeloda Use for Breast Cancer with Bone Metastasis
Breast cancer treatment with Xeloda? I would like to ask about breast cancer with bone metastasis. Is there a time limit for the use of Xeloda? Is it because the disease condition may require a treatment duration of 2 to 3 years?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Tina: If it is effective, it can certainly be used continuously, but after more than 2 years of use, the chances of it still being effective are quite low.[Read More] Understanding Xeloda Use for Breast Cancer with Bone Metastasis
Understanding Persistent Cough After Chemotherapy: What to Do Next?
Why do patients experience persistent coughing after chemotherapy? Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask you two questions. My father received chemotherapy on October 20, and for some unknown reason, he has been experiencing persistent vomiting since then, almost without stopping, a...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Yu: Some chemotherapeutic agents, like Irinotecan used for treating colorectal cancer, have been reported to cause coughing. However, the commonly used antiemetic Dexamethasone during chemotherapy has a higher suspicion of causing coughing. It is recommended to consult your ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough After Chemotherapy: What to Do Next?
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Suspected pituitary tumor? Hello Doctor: [Date] 2006/09/27 [Question] Inquirer: AMY / Female / 34 Hello Doctor! Previous doctors have been unable to confirm the cause of my headaches (20 times/month) and the phenomenon of delayed shadows when I look at moving objects. A neurolo...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Amy: The MRI suggests a suspicion, which means it is very small. Currently, there are no significant effects or symptoms, so we will have to rely on time to clarify. I recommend having another MRI scan in six months for comparison. Since the suspected lesion in the pituitary glan...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Is Targeted Therapy with Erbitux Appropriate for Stage III Colon Cancer?
Targeted therapy for colorectal cancer? Is it appropriate to use the targeted therapy drug Erbitux for stage III colorectal cancer as an out-of-pocket expense? If I want to purchase it for injection, how many doses would be advisable?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Ke: (1) Is it appropriate to use the targeted therapy drug Erbitux for stage III colorectal cancer as an out-of-pocket expense? Answer: Theoretically appropriate, but clinical trial results have not yet been published. (2) How many times should it be administered? Answer: In...[Read More] Is Targeted Therapy with Erbitux Appropriate for Stage III Colon Cancer?
Understanding Suspected Tumors in a Child's Neck: What to Do Next
There is a suspected tumor in the upper posterior neck? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my niece, who is 6 years old. When I was giving her a bath the day before yesterday, I noticed a suspicious lump on both sides of her neck near the base of the skull while washing her...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Annie: Based on your description, it is difficult to determine whether it is cancer. I recommend consulting a pediatric surgeon or a pediatric hematologist-oncologist. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tumors in a Child's Neck: What to Do Next
Coping with Terminal Cancer: A Guide for Families Facing Melanoma
Melanoma My father had half of his stomach removed four months ago. A month later, he underwent surgery for a small intestine and had a colostomy performed. Now, he has undergone surgery for a brain tumor, and it has been discovered that there is a tumor in his chest as well. The...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Fat Boy: Based on what you described, the overall condition is not clear. However, if it is metastatic melanoma affecting the brain and lungs, the situation is indeed quite complicated. Currently, the patient is unrecognizable, so it would be best to have a palliative care physic...[Read More] Coping with Terminal Cancer: A Guide for Families Facing Melanoma
Understanding Cancer Treatments: The Impact on Stomach Health
Cancer medications Hello, doctor: Some people say, "Cancer is not a death sentence," but I disagree. My mother was originally diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, and during her treatment, she nearly died. Afterward, she recovered and her life was saved. However, she ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: I apologize, but I cannot make any assumptions without knowing the exact name of the medication.[Read More] Understanding Cancer Treatments: The Impact on Stomach Health
Understanding Myofibromas: Do I Need Surgery?
Myofibroma!! THANKS!! Good job! Dear Dr. Fan, Hello! I visited on June 14, 1997, regarding a lump on my right hand diagnosed as a fibroma. Is surgery necessary at this point? I am currently taking muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medication. Are there any precautions I sho...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
DEAR HUI: It is recommended not to undergo surgery for now; current treatment policies should suffice. If there is no improvement, then consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Understanding Myofibromas: Do I Need Surgery?
Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
A patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by the doctor for bone pain? 1. If a patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by their doctor for bone pain, can this medication be taken long-term?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
LKK: Blood cancer refers to leukemia, and treatment should be focused on leukemia. For bone pain, Fosamax (alendronate) may not be necessary, and there could be issues with insurance coverage as well.[Read More] Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Patient's Guide
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can interfere with the production of normal blood cells. CLL typically progresses slow...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
LKK: It is a monoclonal antibody that can target chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It may be more appropriate to discuss the potential benefits and side effects of this therapy with your doctor.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Chemotherapy for Stage IIA Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Chemotherapy for Stage II Breast Cancer I am about to undergo chemotherapy and I'm feeling very anxious, so I would like to ask for help! My mother is 68 years old and has a long history of hypertension (she is on medication to control it). On March 28, she underwent a modif...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Grade indicates the differentiation of breast cancer cells, with Grade III showing poor differentiation, meaning the cancer cells are more aggressive and have a higher likelihood of metastasis and recurrence. This is an indicator for the need for chemotherapy. The other two indic...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Stage IIA Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Can Cancer Patients Donate Blood? Understanding Cervical Cancer Guidelines
Can a person with cervical cancer donate blood? Can a person with cancer donate blood?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Oolong: Individuals with cancer are not allowed to donate blood. Note: You raised this question on February 26, and I just received the message now, so you may feel the response is slow. I have also expressed this concern, but it seems there is not much that can be done.[Read More] Can Cancer Patients Donate Blood? Understanding Cervical Cancer Guidelines
Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment Options, and Dietary Considerations
Liver cancer Hello, my older brother (51 years old) was recently admitted to the emergency room due to gastric bleeding and was diagnosed with liver cancer. The cancer cells are 5 centimeters in size and have invaded the blood vessels, and he also shows symptoms of liver cirrhosi...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello, Mr. Guo: Please quickly find another hospital to see if they can perform embolization therapy.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment Options, and Dietary Considerations