Should I Worry About Lumps in My Neck? When to See a Doctor
Feeling a bit scared? Hello, doctor... I recently noticed two firm, rubbery lumps in my neck and I'm not sure if they are lymph nodes. They don't hurt, but I'm worried they might be malignant tumors. Should I observe them for any changes in size before seeing a doc...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Please seek consultation with the Otolaryngology and Hematology-Oncology departments as soon as possible. Do not delay, remember! Remember![Read More] Should I Worry About Lumps in My Neck? When to See a Doctor
Understanding Skin Cancer Staging and Prognosis: Key Insights
Skin cancer Hello, about a month ago, I developed a tumor on my nose, which soon spread to the area around my lips. It has now metastasized to my left shoulder, where there are 3 to 4 tumors near my lips and on my left shoulder. Some of them are painful when pressed. If this is c...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
It is difficult to determine the nature of your skin lesion based on your description. Please seek medical attention as soon as possible; it may be necessary to excise a sample for pathological examination to determine if it is cancerous.[Read More] Understanding Skin Cancer Staging and Prognosis: Key Insights
Understanding Osteomyelitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Tumor Concerns
Questions about osteomyelitis? Dr. Fan, I have a friend whose lower jaw (seems to be near the tonsil area) is swollen. The doctor mentioned it might be osteomyelitis, and there seems to be a cyst that has eroded the surrounding bone! I would like to ask what osteomyelitis is? Can...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection, not a tumor, and it does not turn into a tumor. However, some tumors can have central necrosis that may resemble pus, so it is important to distinguish between the two. If the infection is severe enough to cause pus formation, surgical drai...[Read More] Understanding Osteomyelitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Tumor Concerns
Tragic Chemotherapy Experience: A Family's Heartbreaking Journey
About cancer chemotherapy? On November 2, 2005, my wife was admitted to the Hematology and Oncology Department of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for chemotherapy due to cancer. The attending physician was Dr. Tang Yeh. My wife passed away on November 21, 2005. During the ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Teacher: Due to the unique constitution of certain patients, high-dose continuous infusion of 5-FU chemotherapy can interfere with liver detoxification functions, leading to hepatic encephalopathy that affects central nervous system function. The treatment indeed involves the use...[Read More] Tragic Chemotherapy Experience: A Family's Heartbreaking Journey
Is It Skin Cancer? Understanding Facial Spots and Tumor Concerns
Is it cancer? My friend suddenly developed dark patches on both cheeks one day. He visited a dermatologist who diagnosed it as sunspots, but we feel it doesn't look quite like that. What should we do? Could it be skin cancer? Which specialist should we consult? What tests ca...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Sky: You should be able to see a dermatologist. They can consult with different skin specialists for opinions.[Read More] Is It Skin Cancer? Understanding Facial Spots and Tumor Concerns
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Links to Hypertension and Treatment Options
Pituitary tumor Hello, doctor! Last year, I was diagnosed with hypertension at the hospital. During an MRI in May, the cardiology department found adrenal hyperplasia, and in December, another MRI revealed a pituitary tumor. 1. Is there a relationship between the pituitary tumo...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Vicky: 1. There is indeed a significant relationship between pituitary tumors, adrenal hyperplasia, and hypertension. 2. The cause of pituitary tumors is unknown. 3. The vast majority of pituitary tumors are not cancerous. 4. Your condition may be due to a pituitary tumor secreti...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Links to Hypertension and Treatment Options
Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Implications for Cancer Screening
The CEA levels in the health checkup have been increasing year by year? Doctor: Hello. I am 52 years old and underwent surgery for a benign meningioma 25 years ago. My father passed away from colorectal cancer a few years ago, and my mother had endometrial cancer but is doing wel...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Wang An: 1. The normal reference ranges may vary each year due to differences in testing equipment or reagents. 2. A CEA level below 4 is generally considered normal. However, in the presence of cancer, CEA levels may not necessarily rise. Given your family history of colorec...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Implications for Cancer Screening
Understanding Liver Checkups: Navigating Tumor Concerns and Next Steps
Liver examination During a routine health check, I was found to have fatty liver and multiple shadows on the ultrasound. The doctor interpreted this as possibly due to uneven fat distribution and recommended follow-up examinations. Later, I went to Cheng Kung University Hospital ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Jenda: It is recommended to perform angiography to determine whether it resembles a malignant tumor or is simply a benign hemangioma. If it appears malignant, we should proceed with surgical removal.[Read More] Understanding Liver Checkups: Navigating Tumor Concerns and Next Steps
What is Lymph Node Tumor? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Lymph node tumors, also known as lymphomas, are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. These tumors can be classified into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, Lymph node ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: Lymphoid tissue can undergo benign hyperplasia and enlargement, as well as develop malignant lymphoma. It can also enlarge due to metastasis from cancers in other locations to the lymph nodes, all of which can be referred to as lymphadenopathy. To confirm the diagnosis, a ...[Read More] What is Lymph Node Tumor? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Nutrition Strategies for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Diet for Pancreatic Cancer The patient has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with cancer cells disseminated in the abdominal cavity (resulting in ascites) and is currently only able to eat small bites, leading to rapid weight loss. How can we enhance their dietary intake to h...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Xiao Shu: I'm afraid it might be difficult. May I ask if the attending physician could consider using Megestrol Acetate to increase appetite?[Read More] Nutrition Strategies for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding Fetal Protein Levels: Implications for Liver Cancer and More
Questions regarding fetal protein index? Thank you, doctor? Hello Dr. Fan, I have a few questions to ask you. Thank you for your response. 1. Does the fetal protein index indicate liver cancer, or is it a marker for other diseases or conditions? 2. With a fetal protein index...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Maburow: The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level can indicate liver cancer, but it can also indicate germ cell tumors. AFP levels may be elevated in cases of liver inflammation or when other cancers metastasize to the liver. A high AFP level does "not" cause liver cancer;...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Protein Levels: Implications for Liver Cancer and More
Unexplained Left Hand Swelling and Pleural Effusion: A Tumor Case Study
Unexplained swelling of the left hand leading to pleural effusion in the left lung? 1. Five years ago, my sister underwent an endoscopic surgery to remove a tumor approximately 5 centimeters in size from her stomach. However, after the biopsy, cancer cells were detected, leading ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Ms. Su: If the doctor at National Taiwan University confirms that it is not lymphedema, it is possible that cancer has caused a deep vein thrombosis in the left arm that has progressed to the left subclavian vein. You may want to ask the doctor if a venography is necessary for di...[Read More] Unexplained Left Hand Swelling and Pleural Effusion: A Tumor Case Study
Understanding Meningiomas: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery Insights
Meningioma This Sunday, I am going for surgery, and the doctor said that the biopsy results will determine whether it is benign or malignant. They also mentioned that there is a significant possibility of affecting my vision and limbs. I would like to ask: 1. If it is malignant, ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Before the surgery, they will clean the area for you. If the brain structures are damaged, the effects may indeed be irreversible. However, the malignancy rate of meningiomas is relatively low, and malignant ones are not easily metastatic; the common issue is local recurrence. Wi...[Read More] Understanding Meningiomas: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery Insights
Why Isn't My Hemoglobin Rising Despite Taking Iron Supplements?
Why is hemoglobin (Hb) still not increasing after taking iron supplements? Hello, my hemoglobin (Hb) has been consistently around 9.5. After going to the hospital for a check-up, I found out that I have iron deficiency, but even after taking iron supplements for a while, my Hb is...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
1. It is possible that the dosage of iron supplements is insufficient or that there is ongoing blood loss. Gastrointestinal bleeding, urinary tract bleeding, and excessive menstrual bleeding in females all require examination and treatment. 2. The diagnosis can be further confi...[Read More] Why Isn't My Hemoglobin Rising Despite Taking Iron Supplements?
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms, Treatments, and Support Options
Issues related to multiple myeloma? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for taking up your time! My mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (stage II) four years ago. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, along with diligent care, her condition has remained relatively st...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Zhang: The recurrence and progression of multiple myeloma should be determined by abnormal immunoglobulin levels from blood tests, X-ray imaging of the bones, and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. As far as I know, the new drug Velcade must be purchased out-of-pocket, but a ...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms, Treatments, and Support Options
Post-Lipoma Surgery: Pain Management and Travel Tips
Just had lipoma surgery? I just had this surgery yesterday, and the wound is on the left side of my abdomen. It hurts a lot right now. How can I manage the pain? Also, I have to attend class on Monday, and I need to take a long bus ride to get to school. What should I do about my...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Peipei: I apologize for the delayed response due to my trip abroad for a conference. However, you’re not in pain anymore, right? Bye![Read More] Post-Lipoma Surgery: Pain Management and Travel Tips
Understanding Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer: Process, Survival, and Hepatitis B Concerns
Liver transplantation I have a friend who has liver cancer and may need a liver transplant (I've heard that if the liver blood vessels are obstructed, they might only live for three months). I would like to know what the process is like if they are fortunate enough to wait f...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Mr. Li: Liver transplantation involves the complete removal of a diseased liver affected by liver cancer and replacing it with a donated liver from another person. The surgical procedure carries certain risks, and post-surgery, long-term use of immunosuppressants is necessary to ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer: Process, Survival, and Hepatitis B Concerns
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Tumor My boyfriend has irregular sleep patterns due to his military service. A few days ago, he mentioned that he was only sleeping about 4 hours each night and started experiencing some abdominal pain (located slightly below the appendix area). Initially, we thought it might be ...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss, the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the right inguinal region, if it has already subsided, is likely due to inflammation and is mostly benign. As for the lower abdominal pain, you asked, "What could it be?" To be honest, I can't pinpoint it either. How...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Risks, Treatment, and Care Tips
Laryngeal cancer? I would like to ask a question!! My father has been diagnosed with throat cancer, and his condition has been ongoing for 5 to 6 months. The doctor at Shin Kong said it is already very serious and that we need to start treatment quickly. I would like to know if t...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Xiao Pei: In the early stages of throat cancer, surgical treatment can be considered. However, this comes at the cost of losing the vocal cords, and the patient will need to use an assistive device for speech. If the cancer is "already quite advanced," it may not be pos...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Risks, Treatment, and Care Tips
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Confirmed diagnosis of throat cancer? Laryngeal cancer is classified into stages based on the TNM system, which assesses Tumor size (T), lymph Node involvement (N), and Metastasis (M). 1. **Stage I**: The cancer is small and localized to the larynx. Symptoms may include hoarsen...
Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Laryngeal cancer staging is quite complex and cannot be detailed here. Generally, it is classified based on the size of the primary tumor, the extent of local tissue involvement, the degree of lymph node metastasis in the larynx, and the presence of distant metastasis. The five-y...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging, Symptoms, and Treatment Options