Understanding Mild Aplastic Anemia: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy Results
Mild Aplastic Anemia Hello, Doctor. This is my second time seeking your advice. Last time, you recommended that my wife undergo a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy by the attending physician. The report has come back, and the attending physician diagnosed her with mild aplastic a...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, everyone: 1. Aplastic anemia is a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning it is diagnosed only after ruling out other possible causes); 2. If it is mild aplastic anemia and there are no clinical symptoms, it is recommended to simply observe. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Mild Aplastic Anemia: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy Results
Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
The efficacy of TS-1? Hello, Doctor. My father has been diagnosed with stage IIA pancreatic cancer and has undergone a Whipple resection to remove the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and gallbladder. The attending physician plans to use oral TS-1 for adjuvant therapy. I would lik...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: 1. TS-1 as adjuvant therapy after pancreatic cancer surgery has shown a clinical treatment effect compared to the commonly used first-line chemotherapy drug (Gemcitabine), with a 5-year survival rate increase of approximately 20%. 2. Overall, TS-1 may be benefi...[Read More] Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Tumor issues Today in April, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to nasal congestion. The doctor said I had a deviated septum and there was a mass in the nasopharynx that needed a biopsy. After the examination, it was determined to be benign tissue, so I proceeded with surg...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, internet user: Smoking itself is a risk factor for cancer (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). As you mentioned, hyperplasia of the nasopharyngeal tissue is not necessarily malignant, and benign biopsy results do not completely rule out malignancy (as it is possible that ...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Understanding Thyroid Surgery Reports and Nodule Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Thyroid Surgery Report and Nodule Issues Hello, Doctor. I have multiple nodules (0.4 cm to 0.8 cm in size) on both sides of my thyroid, and the doctor mentioned that one of them has an irregular shape. I was given the option of surgery or close monitoring, but after two fine need...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: 1. The pathology report should indicate a benign hyperplastic nodule; 2. Benign nodules are certainly different from follicular thyroid tumors; one is benign (surgical excision is sufficient), while the other is malignant (surgical excision may require adjuvant th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Surgery Reports and Nodule Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lymph node issues? Hello, doctor! Recently, I noticed a few small round lumps in my neck (they feel somewhat hard and are not painful). The lumps feel about 2-3 mm in size. Could these be lymph nodes? However, I have also heard that if they feel hard and are not painful, they cou...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: 1. 1.2 to 3 mm is too small; it usually has no clinical significance. 2. Could it just be some lipomas? I suggest monitoring it. :) By Dr. Hu Ziren[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding the Impact of Atezolizumab on High Platelet Count and Thrombosis
Thrombocytosis Due to thrombocytosis causing thrombosis and myocardial infarction, I am currently taking Clopidogrel and Aspirin for management. However, my platelet count remains between 850,000 and 930,000. The hematologist has indicated that I have myeloproliferative neoplasm,...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: 1. In primary thrombocythemia, if the platelet count exceeds 1 million or there is a history of stroke (thrombosis, etc.), it is recommended to use medication to control the platelet count to below 400,000; 2. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) works by inhibiting DNA synthesis...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Atezolizumab on High Platelet Count and Thrombosis
Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Abnormal blood cells Hello, doctor. My wife is 40 years old. In 2006, a blood test revealed that her white blood cell count was low at 3100, while other blood cell counts were normal. This abnormality in white blood cells persisted until 2011, with other blood cell counts remaini...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: 1. While there is a temporal relationship between leukopenia and low hemoglobin levels, both should be considered together; 2. The incidence of two types of cytopenia, specifically megaloblastic anemia, is significantly higher than that of myelodysplastic syndrome...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Understanding Clavicular Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms and Next Steps
Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy I recently found a lymph node on the right side of my clavicle, and I have been experiencing palpitations. Today, I discovered that there is also a lymph node on the left side, which feels relatively large but is usually difficult to palpate due to...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: 1. It feels like there is a heartbeat and a horizontal orientation, which suggests it might be a blood vessel (are you too thin?). 2. If it is indeed a lymph node, 2-3 cm feels quite large; I recommend seeing an ENT specialist or a general surgeon for evaluation. ...[Read More] Understanding Clavicular Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Back of the Head: When to See a Doctor
Occipital bone lump Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a situation where there is no external force involved, but for some reason, the left side of my occipital region feels swollen and painful to the touch. It is noticeably larger than the right side, but there are no visi...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: I suggest you consult with a neurologist and a rehabilitation specialist for more appropriate and clearer responses. Thank you!!! :))) By Dr. Hu Zi-Ren[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Back of the Head: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been suffering from swollen lymph nodes. I am quite thin, with body fat below 10%, and I can feel many lymph nodes, especially in the groin area. However, the doctor said that being thin and being able to feel lymph nodes are not rel...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, online user: 1. Lymphadenopathy refers to lymph nodes with a diameter greater than 1 or 1.5 cm; 2. Do you experience pain when you palpate it? Is there any elasticity when you touch it? Does it move when you palpate it? 3. Are there any accompanying symptoms such as fever,...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: Causes and Concerns
Posterior auricular lymphadenopathy? A few days ago, I noticed two round lumps behind my ear. They feel hard to the touch and are movable, but they are not painful and are slightly itchy. What could this be?
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, it sounds like it may be related to localized inflammation or infection. I suggest monitoring it for a while. :) By Dr. Hu Ziren[Read More] Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: Causes and Concerns
Recurring Thigh Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Further Evaluation
Bilateral inner thigh nodules? Hello Doctor, last Friday I noticed a small lump on the inner side of my right thigh (about the size of a fingertip). This is the third occurrence this year (the previous two were on my left thigh and disappeared after about a week). I don't fe...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, online friend! You can check for yourself whether the texture is very hard (without elasticity) and if it is fixed (unable to move). 1. Usually, if it disappears on its own within about a week, it is unlikely to be a malignant disease. 2. However, if it has recurred three ...[Read More] Recurring Thigh Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lump at Thigh and Groin Junction: What You Need to Know
There is a hard lump at the junction of the thigh and groin? Recently, I discovered a hard lump at the junction of my thigh and groin, approximately the width of my pinky finger. After a day, a similar-sized lump appeared on the other side. It does not hurt when pressed, and my f...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: Do you have any accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, weight loss, fatigue, painful urination, or abnormal discharge in your urine? If so, you should consider visiting a urology or infectious disease specialist for an examination. If not, you may observe fo...[Read More] Lump at Thigh and Groin Junction: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid malignant tumor progression time? Hello, doctor. Last month during a health check at the clinic, I discovered a tumor on my thyroid, so I was referred to National Taiwan University Hospital for an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed it to be a mal...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, online friend: The prognosis and progression rate of thyroid cancer are quite complex and related to the histological type. If it is well-differentiated, the deterioration and progression tend to be slower; however, if it is poorly differentiated or of a degenerative type,...[Read More] Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Symptoms of mediastinal tumors may include: 1. Chest pain or discomfort 2. Coughing, which may be persistent or worsening 3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 4. Wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound) 5. Hoarseness or changes in voice My mother is 64 year...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, netizen: A mediastinal tumor may be a thymoma, which can be associated with myasthenia gravis. This condition can affect the ocular muscles, leading to ptosis and diplopia; if it impacts the respiratory muscles, it may result in respiratory muscle weakness or respiratory f...[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery
Brain tumor Hello, doctor. I have neurofibromatosis and have undergone several surgeries for tumors in the past. I have had a brain tumor for three years now; initially, there was only one, but during a follow-up last year, it increased to three—one in each hemisphere and one in ...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Hello, user: 1. May I ask which type you are diagnosed with (Neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, or type 3 [Schwannomatosis])? 2. Regardless of the type, it can potentially affect the intracranial and spinal cord or peripheral nerves. It sounds like your symptoms, in addition to in...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a lump in the armpit? I have recently noticed a lump in my armpit that hurts when I raise my arm and squeeze it. It also hurts when I touch it. What could this symptom be? I've been under a lot of academic stress and have been staying up late for about a month. Coul...
Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Dear netizens, hello! Usually, a painful lump that appears in a short period of time is mostly caused by inflammation and infection. The primary site of infection and inflammation should be assessed in conjunction with other symptoms, such as: Is there a wound on the arm? Is ther...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns