Post-Thyroid Tumor Surgery Care: What to Expect and Monitor
Thyroid tumor surgery Hello Doctor, my husband is 42 years old and has been experiencing discomfort in his throat for many years. Earlier this year, during a cold, he visited an otolaryngologist who discovered a tumor on his thyroid gland. He was referred to the hospital for furt...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Thyroid tumors can be classified as benign or malignant. For benign tumors, it is sufficient to remove the tumor. However, for malignant tumors, it is necessary to remove almost the entire thyroid gland, and sometimes the surrounding lymph nodes must also be excised. There...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Tumor Surgery Care: What to Expect and Monitor
Assessing the Risk of Malignant Tumors: A Case Study
Cancer Diagnosis Hello Doctor: My girlfriend (28 years old) previously had a breast tumor diagnosed as benign, but it has rapidly increased in size to 2.7 cm over the past three months. She is unwilling to undergo a biopsy, and although she visited a secondary clinic, she is relu...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
ICE: Both mammography and ultrasound can provide a high degree of accuracy in preliminary assessments, but a definitive diagnosis still relies on a biopsy. If a biopsy is not desired, fine needle aspiration cytology can be performed as an alternative. The most important thing is ...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Malignant Tumors: A Case Study
Understanding Insomnia: Is Sudden Sleep Disruption a Cancer Warning?
Insomnia and sudden changes in sleep patterns? Hello Doctor: I have recently started experiencing severe insomnia. I go to bed around midnight but toss and turn until dawn before I can finally fall asleep. Even when I feel very sleepy and tired, as soon as I lie down, my sleepine...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ah Hong: Your insomnia is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer. However, some cancers do have a familial component. If both of your parents were diagnosed with cancer before middle age, you should be particularly cautious. The cost of a general health check-up typically ranges from...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Is Sudden Sleep Disruption a Cancer Warning?
Understanding Retinal Pigment Deposits: Potential Links to Cancer and Diagnosis
Retinal pigment deposition I have been diagnosed with retinal pigment deposits in my right eye by an ophthalmologist, who informed me that this could be a precursor to colon cancer. However, my blood tests conducted by a gastroenterologist came back normal. Is there a possibility...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
ELMER: There is a hereditary form of colorectal cancer known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Within FAP families, there is a subtype called Gardner's syndrome. Patients with Gardner's syndrome develop multiple thickened lesions in the retinal pigment epithelium...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Pigment Deposits: Potential Links to Cancer and Diagnosis
Understanding Treatment Options for Conjunctival Lymphoma in the Eyes
Conjunctival lymphoma? My aunt was recently diagnosed with conjunctival lymphoma in both eyes, with the tumor in the left eye being larger and more prominent. She was then referred to a hematology-oncology specialist for further evaluation, including blood tests, ultrasound, bone...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Conjunctival lymphoma is not absolutely contraindicated for radiation therapy; a radiation oncologist can be consulted to assess its feasibility, treatment success rate, and potential risks. Since most of these lymphomas are of low grade, oral chemotherapy can achieve good therap...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Conjunctival Lymphoma in the Eyes
Improving Symptoms After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Improvement of symptoms after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Doctor: My mother is a patient with stage II to III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. She has recently completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While we understand that oral discomfort is common after treatm...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello Joyce: Radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy can cause damage to the local mucosa of the nasopharynx, and discomfort may persist for some time. The ringing in the ears may be related to the neurotoxicity of the chemotherapy agents, or it could be due to residual tumo...[Read More] Improving Symptoms After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Will Tumor Treatment Affect My Child? Key Concerns Addressed
Will it affect the child? Hello: Besides consulting an infectious disease specialist, are there other specialties to consider? Will this affect the child? Will the lump under the armpit get bigger? Is it safe to take the medication prescribed by the doctor?
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Currently, there should be no significant impact on the child. In addition to consulting with infectious disease specialists, you may also seek the opinion of a hematology-oncology specialist. Medications should not be taken indiscriminately, so it is essential to inform t...[Read More] Will Tumor Treatment Affect My Child? Key Concerns Addressed
Which Specialist Should I See for Painful Lumps During Pregnancy?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, I am 17 weeks pregnant and recently discovered a hard lump under each armpit. They are painful to the touch. Should I see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult? It also hurts when I raise my arms!
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiaoya: The painful lump is likely due to inflammation, so it would be a good idea to consult an infectious disease specialist. However, it's important to inform the doctor about the pregnancy to ensure safe medication use. Thank you![Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Painful Lumps During Pregnancy?
Understanding Small Bumps on the Abdomen: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a small bump on my abdomen? My girlfriend is nineteen years old and has a small bump on her abdomen that resembles an acne lesion, but it hasn't gone away for a long time. She says it can be a bit painful when touched or pressed. What could this be? Is there a possi...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
It's really difficult to guess what it is; it's better to see a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding Small Bumps on the Abdomen: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Arm Muscle Tumors: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Arm muscle tumor Last November, while working, I developed a lump on my right forearm due to an impact. I applied a topical plaster at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for three months. Since the lump did not subside for a long time, I went to a major hospital's orthope...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Aji: For malignant sarcoma of the muscle, it is best to administer localized radiation therapy and aggressive chemotherapy after surgery. Just six cycles of chemotherapy may not be sufficient, so please consult your attending physician to see if radiation therapy should be added....[Read More] Understanding Arm Muscle Tumors: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Small Hard Lump in Groin: What Could It Be and Should You Worry?
There is a small hard lump in the groin area? I felt a small hard lump under my groin today! It hurts when I press on it! I just noticed the lump there; what could it be? Is it serious? I'm very worried.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiaorong: This situation is mostly caused by an infection and inflammation. If it persists and does not resolve, you may consider antibiotic treatment. Please do not worry too much.[Read More] Small Hard Lump in Groin: What Could It Be and Should You Worry?
Understanding a Bump on the Head: Should You Worry About Tumors?
Cranial protrusion Hello Doctor, regarding the bump on the left side of my scalp, it has been bothering me for about 12 years. It is approximately 3 centimeters in diameter and protrudes about 0.5 centimeters. I didn't think much of it when I was younger and didn't want...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Hua: If it has been 12 years, it is likely not cancer or cerebral edema. This might be what the ancients referred to as "long zhun," perhaps you are the destined one and will become president in the future![Read More] Understanding a Bump on the Head: Should You Worry About Tumors?
Is There a Link Between Childhood Leukemia and Adult Brain Tumors?
Brain tumor I have a cousin who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3 or 4 and has since been cured. Follow-up results show that he has not relapsed. Now, at 24 years old, he suddenly developed a brain tumor last year, which was surgically removed, but this year, another br...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Tina: Malignant brain tumors are indeed difficult to completely resect, so the chance of recurrence is significant. As for the relationship with blood cancer, if the patient was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia years ago and underwent radiation therapy to the brain to eli...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Childhood Leukemia and Adult Brain Tumors?
Am I Dying? Understanding Pain and Cancer Concerns
Suffocation Am I dying??? I have constant pain; either my hands hurt, my stomach hurts, my legs hurt, or my chest hurts. My whole body is in pain, but even after taking two Tylenol, the pain persists. I saw a doctor, and he said it’s not related to anything serious. During my mil...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Frustrated: Your symptoms sound like "psychosomatic disorder," which occurs when unresolved emotional conflicts manifest as physical symptoms. The various types of "pain" may signify a need for attention, concern from others, or serve as a cry for help. Le...[Read More] Am I Dying? Understanding Pain and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Lipomas: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Treatment
Regarding lipomas? Hello Dr. Fan, Last September, I underwent coronary artery bypass surgery due to an acute myocardial infarction. My physical condition and the surgical site have healed well. However, I recently discovered two hard lumps, approximately one centimeter above th...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Cherry: You are only 29 years old and have had an acute myocardial infarction requiring coronary artery bypass surgery? Based on your description that "there is a hard lump about one centimeter above both the beginning and end of the incision," I would guess that it is ...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Treatment
Hard Lump on Lower Lip: What You Need to Know About Tumors
Hard lump on the lips?! There is a small hard lump on my lower lip that feels firm and is not painful. Could this be a tumor or something else? What effects could it have? This lump has been present for a long time, and I haven't paid much attention to it until now. I would ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Yang: I really can't figure out what it is. I suggest consulting an oral surgeon or a plastic surgeon. Thank you![Read More] Hard Lump on Lower Lip: What You Need to Know About Tumors
Understanding Chest Lumps: What You Need to Know About Tumors
Hard lump on the chest? Hello, I am a middle-aged male. I have a hard lump in my chest, which is larger than a ten-dollar coin. The lump is located at the area of the sternum in a V-shape. It feels as if it is connected to the bone, and its hardness is similar to that of bone. Pr...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Young man: Not yet forty, why should I be called middle-aged? I prefer to see myself as young. What you are concerned about is the xiphoid process. It is a normal anatomical structure that everyone has; you are not alone in this. Please try to relax.[Read More] Understanding Chest Lumps: What You Need to Know About Tumors
Understanding Abnormal WBC and Neutrophil Levels: What Could It Mean?
Questions about the test report? A patient has a blood test report that is normal except for abnormalities in WBC and neutrophils. The report shows: WBC: 1420/µL, NEUTROPHIL: 90%. I suspect this may be related to hematological malignancies. Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Wu: Are you sure that both hemoglobin and platelet counts are normal? If so, an infection would be my primary consideration. Does the patient have a fever? Thank you![Read More] Understanding Abnormal WBC and Neutrophil Levels: What Could It Mean?
Coping with Terminal Cancer: Effective Treatments and Support for Families
Terminal cancer I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition. It's important to consult with her healthcare team to discuss her specific situation and the best course of action. Palliative care may be beneficial to manage symptoms and improve her quality of life...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Shan: If cancer has not been treated yet, even in its advanced stages, treatment can still help alleviate symptoms and extend life. However, it is essential to consult medical experts and not to fall for alternative remedies, unconventional therapies, or dietary treatments, as th...[Read More] Coping with Terminal Cancer: Effective Treatments and Support for Families
Should I Be Concerned About My Lymph Node Issue?
I'm still a bit worried..? Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to bother you again. Today, I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital in Tamsui to check if there were any issues with the lymph nodes in my neck (I consulted with a surgeon). The doctor performed a physical examination and m...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Quan: If this condition has been present for a long time, it is generally more reassuring that it is a benign lesion. However, if it has appeared only in the last week or two, it is better to be cautious. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Should I Be Concerned About My Lymph Node Issue?