Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Postoperative examination after adrenal benign tumor resection? Hello Doctor, my family member underwent adrenal tumor removal at the beginning of the year. The tumor was 4 centimeters in size and has been confirmed as benign after testing. What follow-up items should be arranged...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. CJ, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: Generally, hormone levels can be assessed through tests such as serum cortisol to detect any abnormalities in the adrenal glands early on. CT and MRI scans provide clear images of the renal contours, perirenal spaces,...[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Preoperative and postoperative treatment for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm,...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Breast cancer treatment Hello, Dr. Lai! I would like to inquire about the follow-up treatment for breast cancer. The report states the following: Size: 22mm, Lymph nodes: no metastasis, Margins: clear, Distant metastasis: none, Stage: IIA, Classification: Luminal B type, ER: >...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Debbie, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: HER2 is positive [+++], which indicates that targeted therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis by one-third. If HER2 is positive [++], further FISH testing is required to confirm whether targeted ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Cervical cancer treatment The patient is a 72-year-old mother who has been diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. The gynecologist believes that surgery is not advisable. After undergoing 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, the tumor has slightly sh...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. HDJDJKFKD, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. After 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, a PET scan is required. It is important to rest for 6 to 8 weeks to avoid false positives. 2. The effectiveness of the treatment will ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Understanding Stage Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Patient's Journey
A family member was diagnosed with stage 2A lung adenocarcinoma and underwent thoracotomy, only to be informed afterward that it is actually stage 4. Does this mean the surgery was in vain? Hello Dr. Lai, the patient started coughing in October last year and continued seeking med...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Xiao Mei, 1. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans have certain limitations, such as the inability to accurately predict very small lymph nodes or small lesions in the brain or liver. 2. Currently, the patient's condition is "inoperable," so I recomme...[Read More] Understanding Stage Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Radiation and Chemotherapy for Stage II B Endometrial Cancer
Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy for Cancer Hello, my mother has been diagnosed with stage II B endometrial adenocarcinoma and will undergo radiation therapy. The side effects of radiation therapy seem quite significant. With the current linear accelerator technology, will ther...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
1. Regarding radiation therapy: The uterus and bladder are adjacent organs, so part of the bladder may fall within the radiation field, which can lead to difficulties in urination during treatment. These symptoms are temporary and reversible, and will gradually improve after trea...[Read More] Understanding Radiation and Chemotherapy for Stage II B Endometrial Cancer
Managing Side Effects of Cancer Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Medication consultation The patient has been taking hormonal therapy for nearly a year but can no longer tolerate the side effects, including joint pain, which is making it difficult to get out of bed. They feel as though they are on the verge of a stroke and have no energy, so t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
According to your letter, the use of Femara has resulted in joint pain, with a reported incidence of approximately 1-10% in the literature. You are ER+3 and PR+3, indicating that hormonal therapy is highly effective for you. Therefore, I recommend discussing with your attending p...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Cancer Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Questions regarding the FDG-PET/CT report and the issue of elevated lymphocyte levels after chemotherapy? Hello Doctor: Since I could not get answers from my treating physician, I kindly ask for your insights. 1. FINDINGS: Mild FDG hypermetabolism in the left chest wall (SUV: 2...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
1. The left chest wall shows an SUV of 2.5/2.4, which is associated with postoperative tissue response on the same side as the breast cancer. The right hilum shows an SUV of 2.5/3.2, which is due to reactive lymphadenopathy. 2. The levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, he...[Read More] Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Hard Lump Under Armpit: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
There is a raised hard lump in the armpit, approximately one centimeter in size, which is painful when lightly pressed? Hello Doctor: About a year ago, I noticed a lump in my armpit that feels hard and is painful when pressed, measuring about one centimeter. What could be the cau...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Huahua, A physician cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment without a personal examination and palpation. Please consult a dermatologist or a general surgeon in person. The physician is unable to give advice; if you are very concerned, you may visit a larger medical facili...[Read More] Hard Lump Under Armpit: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Swollen, Painful Lumps in the Neck: What You Need to Know
There is a sliding sensation in the neck muscle, accompanied by pain, heat, swelling, and a feeling of fullness? Hello Doctor, I noticed a movable, soft, painful, warm, swollen lump on the muscle under my left neck, just below my ear. Occasionally, my throat feels itchy. Two days...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Yi: The physician cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment without a personal examination and physical assessment. If you are very concerned, you may visit a larger medical facility or a specialty clinic for consultation. Please consult a dermatologist or a general surge...[Read More] Understanding Swollen, Painful Lumps in the Neck: What You Need to Know
Understanding a Hard Lump Below the Cerebellum: When to Seek Help
A mass located beneath the cerebellum? Hello doctor, I have a hard lump located under my cerebellum where it connects to my neck (on the left side). It doesn't seem to have grown larger, and it doesn't hurt when I press on it. What could this be? Should I go to the hosp...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Hsun: The physician cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment without a personal examination and physical assessment. Please consult a dermatologist or a general surgeon in person. The physician is unable to give advice; if you are very concerned, you may visit a larger m...[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump Below the Cerebellum: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Necessity of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my sister, who has stage I breast cancer. She has already undergone a mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, and tests show that the cancer cells have not spread. However, there is a risk of recurrence, and t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. In response, it was mentioned that your sister is in stage I of breast cancer and has undergone a total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. For a detailed assessment, we will need to review your pathology report. If necessary, p...[Read More] Understanding the Necessity of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Understanding Axillary Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Small lump in the armpit? Recently, I experienced sudden pain in my right armpit. It hurts significantly when I touch it, raise my arm, or squeeze my armpit. Upon closer examination, I found a small swollen area. The next day, I visited a dermatologist who diagnosed it as inflamm...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Chia-Yu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding the swollen feeling in your armpit, please consider whether it is related to your menstrual cycle. If the swelling and pain occur before and after your period, it may be linked to hormonal change...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Examination items In general, when assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans and EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) titers, other methods may include physical examinations, endoscopic evaluations, and PE...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Miss Lai. 1. In assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans, the EBV index, along with the physician's visual examination and the patient's self-reported symptoms, are also imp...[Read More] Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Total or partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma? Hello, Director Lai. I am a 38-year-old female. In July of this year, a health check revealed a suspected tumor larger than 3 cm on the left side of my thyroid. I was referred to a larger hospital for blood tests and...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Miss Niu. 1. Surgery is typically the first step in treating thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. In rare cases of localized and well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a unilateral lobectomy may be considered; however, most patients should ...[Read More] Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
About pancreatic cancer? Hello, I am asking on behalf of my mother who is 50 years old, does not smoke or drink, and has a normal lifestyle. A month ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the ovaries and colon. Initially, she experienced abdominal ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
According to your description, your mother has pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the ovaries and colon, classified as stage IV cancer. Currently, she is post-surgery and receiving gemcitabine chemotherapy and thrombolytic therapy. To address your questions in order: 1. Accor...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
Referral Challenges in Oncology: Navigating CT Scans and Hospital Transfers
Referral issues Recently, my mother was referred to a hospital where the doctor assessed that a CT scan was necessary. The doctor also provided a date for the examination and gave the family a form to fill out at home. If we want to switch to another hospital for treatment, do we...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Hsiao-Ko: If you wish to seek treatment at another hospital, you may have the new hospital evaluate and arrange for further examinations to facilitate your treatment. Please be mindful of medical resources and avoid unnecessary repeat tests. Wishing you good health. R...[Read More] Referral Challenges in Oncology: Navigating CT Scans and Hospital Transfers
Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Regarding breast cancer radiotherapy? Is it necessary to perform another surgery to remove lymph nodes from the axilla for examination before radiation therapy for breast cancer, in order to determine the radiation dose, number of sessions, and whether the radiation field should ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Lin, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, I am unable to give you more accurate advice. It is essential to review the pathology report and PET scan to determine the subsequent treatment and therapy option...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can triple-negative breast cancer be changed to tumor resection after infection following the first chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my friend's mother-in-law is nearly 70 years old. Last year, she discovered a hard lump in her right breast, and during a hospital examination, th...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Ruby Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have better outcomes when followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, this depends on the surgical method and the extent of resection. If the tu...[Read More] Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Breast cancer treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am 32 years old and have stage II breast cancer. I have undergone a lumpectomy on my left breast. The tumor analysis shows: hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 at 30%. I would like to know if I definitely need to un...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Vicky, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, we can only determine that targeted therapy is not required (HER2 negative / Ki67 50%). This is insufficient to ascertain the need for chemotherapy. - Chemother...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy