Challenges of Uncovered Oral Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment
The National Health Insurance does not cover oral targeted therapy medications? Hello, Director Lai. My father was diagnosed with hematologic cancer at the end of June, and the report stated "subacute myeloid leukemia" (but I couldn't find much information on this ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Ya-Hui, Regarding your question, you may consult a hematology-oncology specialist. The physician will inform you about the medications used. Currently, there are numerous targeted therapies available, making it difficult to answer your question specifically. Thank you...[Read More] Challenges of Uncovered Oral Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, I would like to ask: My husband had a health check-up, and his white blood cell count was 3.57 x 10^3/µL (normal range 4.0-11.0). His MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was 68.5 (normal range 79-99), and his MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) was 21.1 (normal range 26...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms./Mr. AMBER, Currently, your white blood cell count is low. Please consult a hematology-oncology specialist. Sincerely, Director Lai, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Hard lump on the inner thigh? I have a hard lump near the junction of my inner thigh and scrotum that I've been able to feel for some time. It only hurts slightly when touched, but two days ago it became unusually swollen and painful. I saw a doctor who couldn't feel an...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, If a lump is located in the groin area, it is one of the primary sites for lymph node aggregation and an important part of the body's immune system. When viruses, bacteria, or abnormal body cells are intercepted in the lymph nodes, it triggers an immune response, ca...[Read More] Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Cancer Markers: Insights on Stage 3B Rectal Cancer
The cancer index for sigmoid colon cancer? Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 3B sigmoid colon cancer, after surgery, the cancer marker level decreased from over 50 to around 4. Is this a significant reduction? I understand that cancer markers are not always accurate, but a de...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Huang Xiaomei: The current clinical application of tumor markers is primarily for monitoring treatment. The interpretation of elevated markers helps determine whether patients' levels return to normal after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, and whether they rise aga...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Markers: Insights on Stage 3B Rectal Cancer
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon and Liver Cancer
I'm here to help! Please provide the content you would like me to translate? My brother is 51 years old and has stage III colon cancer, along with three malignant tumors in his liver. Initially, the doctors planned to perform surgery on both, but due to concerns about his ab...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. You, Regarding your brother's Stage III colorectal cancer, it has metastasized from the primary site in the colon to the liver. As for surgery, the attending physician will assess the patient's overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for t...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon and Liver Cancer
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a hard lump in the neck? I noticed a lump in my neck today during the New Year celebrations. It's located on the side and back of my neck, and I measured it to be about 1.5 centimeters in size. It moves around when I touch it. There is also another smaller lump, abo...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Neck masses can be broadly categorized into three main types: congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic. 1. **Congenital masses**: These are more common in children but can also appear in adults. They include branchial cleft cysts (which account for approximately 20% of...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects and Fever in Advanced Lung Cancer
Fever in lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my husband is 35 years old and is currently in advanced stage lung cancer, close to stage IV. He has undergone surgery and has just started chemotherapy with "Taineng." However, he began experiencing side effects on the fourth day of ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Sweetheart Mom, Hello! Accepting chemotherapy may lead to various side effects; some individuals may experience partial side effects, while others may have none at all. This largely depends on the type and dosage of chemotherapy your husband is receiving, as well as his bo...[Read More] Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects and Fever in Advanced Lung Cancer
Managing Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy: Insights and Solutions
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet after chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, I apologize for bothering you with a few questions. 1. My father was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in February 2013 and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. He started chemotherapy in March...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Borgy, Certain chemotherapeutic agents can lead to peripheral vascular complications. For example, platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin), vincristine (Oncovin, Vincristine), and paclitaxel can cause neurotoxicity due to chemotherapy, which may gradually...[Read More] Managing Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy: Insights and Solutions
Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Colorectal cancer in family members? My grandmother had colon cancer surgery on December 30th. Will chemotherapy shorten her life? She is currently in stage III, and the surgeon mentioned that out of 39 lymph nodes removed, 8 were infected. What is her current survival rate? Can ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: 1. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is aimed at preventing cancer metastasis and recurrence, and it is intended to extend the patient's life, not shorten it. 2. Survival rates must be assessed based on the patient's stage of diagnosis, treatment status, and ch...[Read More] Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Exploring MRI-Guided Ultrasound Therapy for Bone Metastasis in Taiwan
Magnetic Resonance Navigated Ultrasound Therapy Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to inquire about the use of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound therapy for bone metastasis of gastric cancer in the left thigh. Besides Taipei Hospital, are there other hospitals that can perfor...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ah-Wei: 1. Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) was introduced in July 2014 as a new treatment device and method. Currently, there are no research reports demonstrating its efficacy, while radiation therapy has been studied for over a decade and has shown...[Read More] Exploring MRI-Guided Ultrasound Therapy for Bone Metastasis in Taiwan
What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?
What to do if you consume food containing radiation? I previously had several X-rays and thought that drinking green tea would help repair the damage caused by radiation exposure, so I have been drinking a strong Japanese green tea daily. However, I recently found out that this g...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Fujiwara, I hope this message finds you well. In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following information: 1. According to Japan's national inspection standards, the average cesium content is 500 becquerels per kilogram, while the detected level...[Read More] What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?
Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Is chemotherapy necessary? Stage I breast cancer, partial mastectomy, PR negative, ER positive (90%), Her-2/neu protein: without overexpression (score 1+), Ki-67: ~15% labeling index, 50 years old, perimenopausal, tumor size less than 1 cm (0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6), nuclear grade: 3, no ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Wu, Breast cancer treatment primarily involves surgical intervention, with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy as adjuncts. For Stage I: when the tumor is less than two centimeters and has not metastasized beyond the breast, surgical removal of the br...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Debunking Myths: Do Cancer Treatments Really Accelerate Tumor Growth?
The internet is spreading misinformation regarding cancer treatment (forwarded from the Minister's mailbox)? Hello, may I ask if the following shared content is accurate information? The United States has finally acknowledged that surgery or chemotherapy can actually acceler...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Miss: Please do not trust reports circulating on the internet regarding cancer treatment. It is important to follow the diagnosis and judgment of professional physicians. Many reports are not accurate, so please discuss with a qualified doctor. ~Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Debunking Myths: Do Cancer Treatments Really Accelerate Tumor Growth?
Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Terminal lung cancer Hello, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 due to pleural effusion, but she was classified as stage III and could not undergo surgery, so she was treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and has also received oral target...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: Since I have not seen your mother's pathology report, CT imaging, etc., I currently do not know the extent of her lung cancer. If the cancer cells have spread, chemotherapy will be the primary treatment. Even in the advanced stages of cancer, chemotherapy can still be...[Read More] Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
What are the dietary considerations for cancer patients? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. My father underwent surgery for stage II colon cancer in February of this year and is currently receiving chemotherapy, having completed about six sessions so far. The...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Miss: Nutritional intake and adequate sleep are essential in cancer treatment. It is recommended that you discuss with your attending physician whether to refer you to a nutritionist for nutritional counseling. ~Changhua Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Managing Esophageal Tumor Treatment: Balancing Chemotherapy and Radiation
Esophageal tumor treatment Hello Doctor, my family member has esophageal cancer and has started undergoing out-of-pocket chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They have completed two cycles of chemotherapy and eight sessions of radiation therapy, but their throat has started to fee...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Family Member, The side effects of electrotherapy can vary depending on the condition. It is recommended that you discuss the continuation of treatment with your physician. You can also talk to your doctor about prescribing medication to alleviate pain from the side effects...[Read More] Managing Esophageal Tumor Treatment: Balancing Chemotherapy and Radiation
Managing Fever During Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy - Fever Hello, doctor. My family member is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but yesterday they caught a cold and developed a fever of 38 degrees Celsius. They went to a nearby clinic for an injection and medication, but t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Sir: Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause side effects in the body. On one hand, it requires the effort of the physician, and on the other hand, it requires the effort of the patient. It is important to ensure adequate nutrition and sufficient sleep during...[Read More] Managing Fever During Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Understanding Esophageal Cancer: Survival Rates and Treatment Options
Esophageal tumor Hello, doctor. My father has been diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer, and the tumor has grown into the bronchus, making surgery impossible. The doctor has suggested paying out of pocket for injections and radiation therapy. Given my father's current ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Amy: Treatment for esophageal cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can improve survival rates. It is important to assess the extent of your father's tumor invasion, as radiation therapy may be beneficial. If possible, please bring your father's me...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Cancer: Survival Rates and Treatment Options
Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Worry About Cancer?
There is a lump in the breast? Hello, doctor! When I was in the 5th and 6th grades, I noticed a hard lump in my nipple. By the time I was in the 2nd year of junior high, it hadn't changed much (it grew very slowly). However, in the 3rd year of junior high, I felt that it see...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: Breast tumors are classified into benign tumors and malignant tumors. A definitive diagnosis still requires examination at a hospital. You can visit our Radiation Oncology Department, or the Breast Surgery or General Surgery departments for further evaluation. ~Changhua Ho...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Impact of Iodine-131 Isolation on Lung Cancer Patients in Shared Rooms
Lung cancer Is there any adverse effect on a lung cancer patient if they share a room for about three days with a patient who has received a dose of iodine-131 (120 mCi) and has completed a three-day isolation in the hospital, even if there is a distance of about one meter betwee...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello: Regarding your question about nuclear medicine, it is recommended that you consult with a nuclear medicine physician at your hospital for more clarity. ~Changhua Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Impact of Iodine-131 Isolation on Lung Cancer Patients in Shared Rooms