Understanding Chronic Leukemia: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chronic leukemia Hello, doctor! I recently received my health check report. My blood pressure (systolic) is 96, blood pressure (diastolic) is 60, urine occult blood is (+-), red blood cell count is 387, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration is 33.1, platelet count is 416,000,...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
In cases of iron deficiency anemia, an increase in platelet count is often observed. Please visit the hematology department at the hospital for a definitive diagnosis and treatment; there is no need to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Leukemia: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Lumps Near the Tailbone: What Could They Be?
There is a lump in the lower back? While massaging my mother, I noticed that in the lower back area, near the coccyx, there are one or two lumps on the right side that feel like they move around when I touch them. What could these be?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Little Orange: I don't dare to make any guesses. Please take your mother to see a doctor. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lumps Near the Tailbone: What Could They Be?
Stage 4 Lymphoma: Should You Consider Chemotherapy for Bone Marrow Involvement?
Hematologic lymphoma In the case of stage IV lymphoma that has metastasized to the bone marrow, the decision to undergo chemotherapy depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, specific type of lymphoma, and the presence of symptoms. **If chemothera...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
If the lymphoma is of high malignancy and has progressed to stage IV with bone marrow involvement, there are no other options for life-saving treatment besides chemotherapy. We have to fight it with that. For those with low malignancy who are in their fifties, chemotherapy is als...[Read More] Stage 4 Lymphoma: Should You Consider Chemotherapy for Bone Marrow Involvement?
Seeking Help for Grandmother's Brain Tumor and Stroke Recovery
excuse me? I kindly ask for your help regarding a serious situation: My grandmother has a tumor in her brain, so we took her to the hospital for treatment. The doctors said that the tumor requires a catheter to prevent it from rupturing. On October 2nd at 9:30 AM, she was taken t...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
It sounds like an arteriovenous malformation or an aneurysm; it would be best to consult a neurosurgery specialist directly.[Read More] Seeking Help for Grandmother's Brain Tumor and Stroke Recovery
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
What is a lump in the groin area? I recently discovered a small hard lump near my groin area. It doesn't seem to have changed in appearance, but it is somewhat painful when pressed. I experienced something similar a few months ago, and a friend suggested it might be due to t...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Chia-Ying: Based on your description, it is indeed possible that it could be folliculitis or lymphadenitis, rather than a malignant tumor. Ensuring proper ventilation and reducing tight pressure and friction should be beneficial. You may consult with specialists in gynecology...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Navigating Rare Breast Cancer Treatment: Seeking Guidance for Unusual Cases
Treatment for breast cancer patients with special conditions - please help! Hello, doctor! We truly value medical resources, but we are feeling quite lost, which is why we are seeking your advice. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the He Shin Cancer Hospital in May th...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Jason: The principle of positron emission tomography (PET) is to utilize glucose labeled with radioactive elements to detect areas in the body with particularly high metabolic rates. It is generally assumed that tumor cells have a higher metabolic rate than normal tissues, s...[Read More] Navigating Rare Breast Cancer Treatment: Seeking Guidance for Unusual Cases
Exploring Alternative Cancer Treatments Beyond Chemotherapy
Could you please provide more context or specify what you would like to know about chemotherapy? Dr. Fan, thank you so much for your clarification. Without your explanation, I would not have known there were other treatment options available. The attending physician did not menti...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Yuan: (1) As previously speculated, your mother should have been on Ufur for a period of time after her surgery, which counts as adjuvant therapy, so it was not a waste of time. It is still timely to start Herceptin treatment now. For younger breast cancer patients, I typical...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Cancer Treatments Beyond Chemotherapy
Understanding Chemotherapy Decisions for Elderly Cancer Patients
Some questions regarding chemotherapy? Dear Dr. Fan, My mother is 78 years old and discovered a lump in her breast in February. She underwent surgery at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, where a biopsy confirmed it was cancer. A few weeks after the surgery, we received the pathology repor...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Yuan, Hello. First of all, considering your mother's age, it is highly likely that her breast cancer specimen's estrogen receptor (ER) is positive. If this is the case, I recommend administering the oral estrogen receptor antagonist Tamoxifen for two years, fo...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Decisions for Elderly Cancer Patients
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Lymphatic issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about lymphatic issues. Recently, I discovered a lump on the left side of my neck, approximately 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm in size. It moves when touched and is not painful when pressed. I went to a general clinic, and the doctor sai...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
It sounds like it might not be a big issue. If you're really concerned, you should consult a surgeon to have it removed for testing to obtain the most accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Low White Blood Cell Count and Skin Bruising: What You Need to Know
Leukopenia and subcutaneous bleeding? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask. 1. During my health check-up last June, my white blood cell count was low at 4.3. Will this affect my health, and how can I improve my immune system? 2. I recently saw a television ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Hui-Ling: A white blood cell count of 4.3 is equivalent to 4300/microL, which is still within the normal range. However, since you have been experiencing persistent subcutaneous bleeding in your legs and arms, it is important to seek consultation with a hematologist as soon a...[Read More] Low White Blood Cell Count and Skin Bruising: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Cancer Location and Treatment Options for Patients
The location of liver cancer and treatment methods? My father has cirrhosis, progressing from stage A to stage B. Recently, a CT scan revealed a single 1.5 cm liver tumor located in the posterior segment of the right lobe of the liver, which is likely in the early stage. However,...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Jun: It is recommended to perform angiography. If a benign vascular tumor is found, it should not be treated. If it is liver cancer, it should be embolized. The Bible says that apart from orthodox medicine, there is no other name given among men by which we can be saved.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Location and Treatment Options for Patients
Cost of Comprehensive Health Checkups and Blood Tests for Tumor Concerns
Regarding the cost of blood tests in hospital health check-ups? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have noticed a few round lumps (about 2 to 3) on the side of my neck and near my Adam's apple. They feel movable and are not painful. There is also a small round lump on my right shoul...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
A full-body health check-up costs approximately six thousand to twelve thousand NTD out-of-pocket. Blood tests range from about four hundred fifty to eight hundred NTD.[Read More] Cost of Comprehensive Health Checkups and Blood Tests for Tumor Concerns
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine a Suitable Option for Liver Cancer Patients?
Is it appropriate for liver cancer patients to seek traditional Chinese medicine treatment? Dear Dr. Fan, My mother is nearly seventy-five years old, and last month, two tumors approximately 9 centimeters in size were discovered in the right lobe of her liver. After diagnosis, t...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Rockman: "Is this idea appropriate?" The response: "No, it's not appropriate." Still, embolization therapy is recommended. However, a "combination of Eastern and Western medicine" can be used, incorporating traditional Chinese medicine to soothe...[Read More] Is Traditional Chinese Medicine a Suitable Option for Liver Cancer Patients?
Can Patients with Advanced Bile Duct Cancer Consume Cordyceps and Ginseng?
Cholangiocarcinoma in the early stage? Doctor, may I ask if a patient with terminal bile duct cancer can consume cordyceps and ginseng powder? Thank you!
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Although the effects on cancer itself are unclear, it should not cause significant side effects, so it should be fine to consume. Thank you.[Read More] Can Patients with Advanced Bile Duct Cancer Consume Cordyceps and Ginseng?
Understanding Early Stage Colon Cancer: Key Terms Explained
Microscopic description of the sigmoid colon? 1. IMA stands for Inferior Mesenteric Artery, which is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower part of the colon. 2. Stromal invasion refers to the infiltration of cancer cells into the supportive tissue (stroma) surrou...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Wu: IMA stands for Inferior Mesenteric Artery, which supplies blood flow to the distal colon. Stromal invasion means that cancer cells have penetrated the intestinal wall. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Understanding Early Stage Colon Cancer: Key Terms Explained
Leukemia Patients and Fire Ant Bites: Risks and Precautions
Please ask questions related to leukemia? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor: if someone has leukemia and is bitten by a red fire ant, what possible complications could arise? Are there any specific precautions that should be taken to avoid further deterioration of their healt...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Regardless of the type of leukemia—whether active, undergoing treatment, or in remission—the immune system is inevitably weaker than that of a healthy individual. In the event of a bite, aside from the toxins and allergic reactions that may occur, the most concerning issue is the...[Read More] Leukemia Patients and Fire Ant Bites: Risks and Precautions
Understanding Lipomas: Is Pain Normal and What to Watch For?
Minor issue? Hello, Doctor: I have a small question to ask you! There is a hard lump about one centimeter in diameter on the right side of my abdomen, and it has been there for at least a year. I previously visited a small dermatology clinic, and the doctor said it was a lipoma, ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Tony: I suggest you go see a surgeon to have that little thing removed. It will be a one-time solution, wouldn't that be great? As for your diet, there has been a lot of discussion in magazines, television, and online in recent years. My advice is to just eat as your mo...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: Is Pain Normal and What to Watch For?
Understanding Hard Lumps: What Could Be Causing Your Pain?
Lump Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I noticed a bump near my right groin area that looks like a pimple. At first, I didn't think much of it, but after a few days, it seems to have turned into a hard lump. It hurts when my pants rub against it or when I walk, and it also hurts...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Bai: It sounds like folliculitis, but it's best to consult a dermatologist and address it based on their evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps: What Could Be Causing Your Pain?
Understanding Lumps and Pain: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Unaware of what illness I have? Doctor, since August, I have noticed a hard, round lump on the right side of my neck behind my ear. It is not visible, only palpable, and it has not gone away for a long time. Is there a significant chance that this could be cancer? Is there also a...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
If the mass behind the ear has not changed much since August, the likelihood of it being cancer is low. However, it is still advisable to see an otolaryngologist to check for any nasopharyngeal tumors. The most straightforward way to conduct other examinations would be to remove ...[Read More] Understanding Lumps and Pain: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Can Keloid Prone Individuals Develop Internal Tumors or Cancer?
Does keloid predisposition affect internal organs and lead to cancer? Dear Dr. Fan, My sister was diagnosed with malignant uterine leiomyosarcoma around this time last year. She underwent surgery to remove her uterus and one ovary, followed by six months of chemotherapy. After c...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Frank: Is it possible for keloids to develop in internal tissues? There hasn't been much research on that. However, wasn't the sarcoma in the pelvic cavity removed? Any specimen that is surgically excised is sent for pathological examination. If you request a pathology ...[Read More] Can Keloid Prone Individuals Develop Internal Tumors or Cancer?