Can Massage Chairs Be Safe for Patients with Stomach Cancer?
Can patients with stomach cancer use a massage chair? Hello, Director Lai: I would like to ask you, my father underwent stage 0 gastric cancer surgery three years ago and had 2/3 of his stomach removed. He occasionally experiences inflammation. May I ask if it is safe for my fath...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Lu: If the massage is not specifically targeting the abdominal area, it can be used; however, it is best to seek a professional massage therapist to perform the massage techniques to avoid any potential injury. Thank you for your inquiry. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Can Massage Chairs Be Safe for Patients with Stomach Cancer?
Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Post-radiation changes in the skull base after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment? Hello Dr. Lai, I have completed my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment nearly two years ago. In April of this year, an MRI scan revealed a gray area at the skull base. The radiologist informed me that...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Jiahe, In response to your inquiry, please find our reply below: 1. The gray lesions observed at the skull base on your MRI scan, whether seen on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), or under contrast enhancement, have different implications. Given y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Side effects after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Dr. Lai: I just completed radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in May of this year, and it has been exactly two months. I returned to work on July 18 and started feeling some numbness in my chin o...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Lee9788, Thank you for your message. I would like to respond as follows: Many patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience symptoms similar to yours. This is a side effect caused by radiation damage to the nerves in the cervical spin...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Second surgery for breast cancer? Hello, Dr. Lai! I found calcifications in my mammogram, and after an ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined to be stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) measuring 2.5 cm. I underwent surgery to remove a 7 cm x 7 cm tissue sample for pathologic...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Belinda Ho, Hello. In response to your inquiry regarding stage I breast cancer, I would like to ask whether you are considering breast-conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy. If you choose the former, it is recommended to follow up with adjuvant radiation the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Ureteral cancer Dear Dr. Lai, My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignancy in April of this year. On April 21, 2016, she underwent surgery at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to remove her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder cuff. The doctor menti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Errorwu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Regarding the ureteral tumor that is close to the lymph nodes but has not metastasized distantly, whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the pathology report indicating lymph node invasion. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Breast cancer metastasis to the lungs? Is it possible for breast cancer that has metastasized to the lungs to also metastasize to the liver?
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, sir: The most common sites of cancer metastasis are the lungs, bones, and liver. The primary metastatic sites for different types of cancer are as follows: - Breast cancer: lungs, liver, bones. - Colorectal cancer: liver, peritoneum, lungs. - Kidney cancer: lungs, liver,...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a lump in the armpit? Before bedtime, I massage the acupoints around my breasts, but a few days ago, while I was massaging, I applied too much pressure and suddenly felt a sharp pain, like something had been pinched or broken. It really felt that way, and the pain persis...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Ms. Tsai: Regarding your symptoms, I am unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually seeing them. Please return to the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Has the lung cancer metastasized? Hello Dr. Lai: My father has had lung cancer for two years. Recently, he has been experiencing pain in his left leg, but he does not have any discomfort in other parts of his body. He has undergone chemotherapy twice in the past. I often wonder i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Ms. Hsiao-Ching: Please return to the hospital for a physician to arrange a bone scan to assess for possible metastasis. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you. Radiation Oncology Department, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng.[Read More] Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Left Armpit Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Swelling in the left axilla? I have been feeling swelling in my left armpit for over a year. There are no visible tumors, and I can't feel anything unusual, but it just feels swollen. I previously had a breast ultrasound, and the doctor said it was just a fibrocystic breast ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Ms. Apple: 1. Excess fat in the armpit may cause a sensation of swelling. 2. Based on your description, it is difficult to answer your question; I recommend visiting a hospital for a physical examination by a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and assessment. Wishing you a...[Read More] Understanding Left Armpit Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: Autoimmune Disease or Cancer Risk?
The lymph nodes have been swollen for nearly three years? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease - multiple sclerosis two to three years ago. I started receiving interferon treatment in July 2013. In November of the same year, I experienced full-body itching for...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Annie, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry, are you very thin? In thin patients, it is sometimes possible to palpate the inguinal or cervical lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes have not continued to enlarge over the past 2-3 years, they are likely benig...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: Autoimmune Disease or Cancer Risk?
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ureteral cancer Hello Dr. Lai: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignant tumor in April of this year. She has undergone the removal of her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder. She is now preparing to undergo chemotherapy. I would like to ask: 1. Are ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Wu, 1. You have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, and the standard treatment involves a chemotherapy regimen of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, which is the first-line therapy and the most effective option available. 2. The medical center also utilizes this standard ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Stage I breast cancer Hello, my mother has completed all the tests, and today when reviewing the report, the doctor indicated that it is a malignant tumor, approximately 1.1 cm in size, and currently there is no evidence of metastasis. The relevant report data is as follows: 1. E...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Wu, Thank you for your message. Here are my responses: 1. Is it generally better for ER/PR to be positive? What about one positive and one negative? If ER/PR is positive (+), that is considered better. If ER/PR is positive (+) and negative (-), the positive/negative ...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Understanding Underarm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Something feels strange in the armpit? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing tightness in my left shoulder and neck, which is accompanied by a tight, stabbing sensation in my left armpit. I visited a rehabilitation specialist, who suggested that this might be due to l...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Juo, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to make an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Underarm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Pain in the Left Armpit: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain in the skin under the left armpit? The skin under my left armpit has been painful for about 5 days. There are no wounds, swelling, or hard lumps, and the pain has neither worsened nor improved. The painful area is roughly in the deeper creases of the armpit, and I feel pain ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss A-Rou, Thank you for your inquiry. In response to your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Cha...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Left Armpit: When to Seek Medical Help
Could a Hard Lump in the Neck Indicate a Tumor?
Neck problems Two days ago, I felt a hard lump (about 1-1.5 cm, non-spherical, somewhat elongated, and movable) near my left neck close to my ear. Could it possibly be a tumor?
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Xiaowen, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Best regard...[Read More] Could a Hard Lump in the Neck Indicate a Tumor?
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Causes of Swelling and Night Sweats
A lump in the neck? Hello, doctor. Around February, I noticed a lymph node about 1 cm in size on my neck. I thought it was a pimple and squeezed it, releasing some white fluid, but it didn't go away. Eventually, I couldn't stand it anymore and went to see an ENT special...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Xiaowen, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Best regard...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Causes of Swelling and Night Sweats
Post-Thymoma Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Heart Rate Changes
Postoperative symptoms related to thymoma? About a year ago, I was diagnosed with a thymoma through an X-ray examination, which was not accompanied by myasthenia gravis. A CT scan showed that the tumor was approximately 3x5 cm in size and had invaded the pericardium. The doctor a...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yan, In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following information: 1. Based on the symptoms you described, including the rapid heartbeat and pain located between the left clavicle and breast (closer to the sternum), which varies with weather ch...[Read More] Post-Thymoma Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Heart Rate Changes
Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules: Causes and Concerns in Tumor Care
Subcutaneous nodule Subcutaneous lumps in the thigh and buttock area that appear intermittently and resolve within a few days to a week may be indicative of various conditions, such as lipomas, cysts, or localized inflammation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear A-Chung, You mentioned that you occasionally experience subcutaneous lumps in your thigh and buttock areas, which tend to resolve after a few days to a week. Regarding your concern, I cannot provide an accurate response without seeing your condition in person. If you notic...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules: Causes and Concerns in Tumor Care
Understanding Pituitary Tumor Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Pituitary tumor recurrence About three months ago, I underwent endoscopic surgery through the nasal cavity to remove a pituitary tumor. It has now been discovered that part of it has regrown. Is this normal? Do I need to undergo another surgery? All my other health indicators are...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that the recurrence of your pituitary tumor has affected your vision. It is recommended to consider radiation therapy, such as Gamma Knife or photon therapy. Since we cannot fully understand your condition, please discuss this with your attending physic...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumor Recurrence: What You Need to Know