Understanding Persistent Lumps: Are They Signs of Lymphoma?
An unexplained mass for nearly two years? Hello doctor, I started noticing a lump under my left ear and below my right ear during the summer of 2014. It doesn't hurt or itch, and it feels soft to the touch. It has remained about the same size, roughly 1 centimeter, for over ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, sir: It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist regarding the lumps behind your left ear and below your right ear, as well as seek dental treatment for your cavities. Maintaining good healthcare habits can provide peace of mind, and the specialists in each fiel...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumps: Are They Signs of Lymphoma?
Can Stopping Betel Nut Consumption Reduce Cancer Risk?
Shoulder pain If I used to chew betel nut but no longer do, will I get cancer? I went to a clinic for an examination, and the doctor said everything is fine.
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, sir: It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology department for an examination or go to major hospitals for cancer screening. Our hospital offers free head and neck as well as otolaryngology cancer screenings for individuals aged 30 and above. You are welcome to com...[Read More] Can Stopping Betel Nut Consumption Reduce Cancer Risk?
Understanding Abdominal Hard Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Umbilicus Hello doctor, in the past month, I have felt a hard lump under my navel, about the size of a soybean, which is immovable. I experienced severe stomach pain in mid-November and mid-December, to the point where walking was difficult. During the hospital visit in mid-Novem...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss (unsigned), Regarding your concerns mentioned in your letter, I have not personally seen the patient and can only make judgments based on the limited information provided: 1. You experience frequent severe stomach pain (in November and December) lasting for several ho...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hard Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Is a Small Painful Lump Near My Groin Safe? Insights for College Students
A small hard lump measuring 1.8 cm on the right side of the pubic area (connecting to the right thigh)? I am a freshman, and yesterday I discovered a small hard lump on the right side of my pubic hair (where the body connects to the right thigh). It hurts a little when I press on...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, sir: Regarding your question, it is recommended to first undergo a consultation and evaluation by a general surgeon to determine if there are any other possibilities. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Dr. Lai, Department of Radiation Oncology.[Read More] Is a Small Painful Lump Near My Groin Safe? Insights for College Students
Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns
Cancer-related fatigue Hello Doctor, I have recently read about cancer-related fatigue, which includes symptoms such as "physical and mental exhaustion, fatigue, lethargy, tiredness, feeling drained, listlessness, weakness in the limbs, forgetfulness, difficulty concentratin...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Sir: Fatigue is a common symptom in various chronic diseases and is characterized as a subjective feeling or objective decline in physical capacity. Out of respect for cancer patients, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has traditionally been defined as a self-perceived symptom ...[Read More] Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns
High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
The white blood cell count is as high as 23,100? In September, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 15,000. I had two more tests in between, and the count remained around 15,000. I underwent a white blood cell differential, which came back normal. However, on December...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear young lady, 1. We have received your letter informing us that your white blood cell count was 15,000 in September and increased to 23,100 in December without any fever. The concern you have regarding leukemic conditions, specifically the presence of "immature leukocyte...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer: What to Watch For
Head and neck cancer Hello Doctor: Recently, my father (63 years old) has developed some lumps in his head and neck area. I have researched some information about head and neck cancers online and would like to inquire whether the following symptoms are related to head and neck ca...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Ms. Chen: I received your letter regarding your father's neck area having some lumps. 1. I researched head and neck diseases online, and I found that the symptoms observed in clinical practice are often quite advanced. It is advisable to visit an oncology specialist for ea...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer: What to Watch For
Understanding Bone Metastasis in Stage 4 Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Breast cancer metastasis to bone? Hello, Doctor Lai! My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer earlier this year, which has metastasized to her bones. In March, she underwent surgery on her spine (from the neck to the upper body) because a tumor was pressing on her nerve...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Ying-Chi, In response to your inquiry regarding your mother's condition, she has a history of breast cancer with bone metastasis following surgery and radiation therapy. 1. She is experiencing neck pain and pain behind the left ear, which may indicate new bone me...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis in Stage 4 Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Understanding Bone Metastasis and Treatment Options for Cancer Patients
Bone metastasis 1. There is neck pain and pain behind the left ear after the head. This may indicate new bone metastases; please arrange for a whole-body bone scan. If new lesions are found, palliative radiation therapy can be considered. 2. There is left facial paralysis. Is t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Side Effects of Brain Radiation Therapy: (Acute Side Effects) 1. During the treatment process, increased intracranial pressure may occur, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, localized edema from the tumor may exacerbate these symptoms. In...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis and Treatment Options for Cancer Patients
Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Esophageal cancer Hello Doctor: My father has been diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer, which has spread to the lungs. He is currently undergoing stenting and gastroesophageal procedures. Despite receiving antibiotic injections, he has been experiencing recurrent high fever...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss, I have carefully read your letter regarding your father's condition. You mentioned that he has stage IV esophageal cancer with lung involvement. The "infection" you described likely refers to either metastasis or a bacterial infection in the lungs. Give...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Sudden Growth and Pain of a Rectal Lump: What You Need to Know
The lump suddenly increased in size and is painful? In April 2014, I underwent surgery for rectal prolapse. After that, I discovered an irregular hard mass growing inward next to the anus. It is painful when pressed, but it is not visible externally. I experienced intermittent pa...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Miss: Based on the description of your condition in your letter, I personally tend to believe that it is a case of anal fistula, which is benign, so please do not worry. The primary treatment for anal fistula is surgical intervention. I have already discussed your condition...[Read More] Sudden Growth and Pain of a Rectal Lump: What You Need to Know
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Risks of Inaction
Laryngeal cancer: Risks of treatment and non-treatment? Hello, Doctor! My father is 63 years old. He was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in September 2014, classified as glottic type, with the tumor located on the vocal cords. There was no metastasis, but the doctor did not speci...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Chen: First, we need to know your father's treatment schedule, the radiation dosage, the locations of the two recurrences, and the intervals between them in order to provide you with accurate advice. Generally, the recommendations are as follows: Laryngeal cancer ty...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Risks of Inaction
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options and Concerns
Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello, doctor! A few years ago, during a health check-up, I discovered that I had a thyroid tumor on the right side, measuring over 2 centimeters. All the examinations indicated it was benign, so I was treated with medication. Later, not w...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Olivia, 1. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a malignant tumor with a relatively good prognosis. Near-total thyroidectomy (with preservation of the parathyroid glands) is the primary treatment approach. If the postoperative pathology reveals well-differentiated papillary c...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Radiation Effects on Tumor Sites After Surgery
The impact of radiation on tumors after surgical resection? The family member had a benign tumor removed around the age of ten. However, since the surgery, whenever they are exposed to areas with slightly higher radiation levels, the site of the tumor feels stiff, and they experi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Xiaotian, Regarding the above issues, do you have regular follow-up appointments for check-ups after the excision? As for the effects of radiation on human health, they depend on factors such as radiation intensity, duration of exposure, type of radiation, and the types...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Effects on Tumor Sites After Surgery
Comparing Efficacy and Coverage of Cancer Treatments: Hecancer Plus Paclitaxel vs. Vinorelbine
"Herb Cancer Clear + Wen Nuo Ping" Hello, Director Lai. I am a terminal patient with liver metastasis from breast cancer. My doctor has suggested treatment with "Capecitabine + Paclitaxel" or "Capecitabine + Vinorelbine." If I choose the less effecti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Yang, regarding your questions, you may consult a hematology-oncology specialist. As for "Hecacef and Vinorelbine and Paclitaxel," if they meet the health insurance regulations, there will be no need for out-of-pocket expenses. This is from Director Lai of the...[Read More] Comparing Efficacy and Coverage of Cancer Treatments: Hecancer Plus Paclitaxel vs. Vinorelbine
Optimal Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis
End-stage breast cancer with liver metastasis? Hello, Director Lai. I am a terminal breast cancer patient with liver metastasis. My doctor has suggested two treatment options: (1) Hecare (Capecitabine) + Paclitaxel or (2) Hecare (Capecitabine) + Vinorelbine. Could you please advi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Yang, Choosing (1) Gemcitabine + Paclitaxel: The side effects are relatively greater, but the treatment efficacy is better. The physician will also assess your physical condition. For chemotherapy side effects, you can consult your attending physician. It is also impo...[Read More] Optimal Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer or Polyps?
Do I have cancer? Hello, I would like to explain my previous health condition: I usually experience constipation and am prone to diarrhea, which I attribute to irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes, I notice bleeding during constipation, which I believe is due to hemorrhoids. Recen...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Ching-Ching, Regarding your inquiry, you may visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a specialist evaluation to determine whether a colonoscopy is necessary and to assess the appropriate type. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Sincerely, Direc...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer or Polyps?
How Many More Chemotherapy Sessions Are Needed After Surgery for Ewing's Sarcoma?
Number of chemotherapy sessions Hello, doctor. I have Ewing's sarcoma and have undergone four rounds of chemotherapy before my surgery, which has now been completed. I also had a CT scan, and the doctor said my lungs are clear. How many more rounds of chemotherapy do I need ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: Regarding your question, it is necessary to discuss the follow-up treatment with the attending physician, and regular monitoring will still be required. This is from Director Lai of the Oncology Department at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] How Many More Chemotherapy Sessions Are Needed After Surgery for Ewing's Sarcoma?
Drug Interactions: Can Cranberry Supplements Affect Hormonal Therapy?
Drug interactions Hello Doctor: I am a patient with endometrial cancer. I previously underwent radiation therapy, which led to ureteral fibrosis. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. My doctor suggested that I could take a dietary supplement calle...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: Regarding your question, there are currently no specific side effects associated with the combined use of Megejohn and New Cranberry. However, if you only supplement with New Cranberry but do not drink enough water or hold in urine, it can still lead to urinary tract infec...[Read More] Drug Interactions: Can Cranberry Supplements Affect Hormonal Therapy?
Understanding Stage III Breast Cancer: Progression to Stage IV Timeline
Stage III breast cancer My mother is currently in stage III breast cancer, and it has been almost a month since her last examination. I would like to ask how quickly stage III breast cancer can progress to stage IV.
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: The extent of breast cancer invasion determines the treatment method, which is staged based on tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, and metastasis to other organs: Stage 0: The breast tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters and there is no lymph node involvement. ...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Breast Cancer: Progression to Stage IV Timeline