Should I Consider Preventive Mastectomy After Previous Breast Cancer?
If one breast has been removed and the opposite breast frequently shows calcifications that require monitoring, is it possible to perform a prophylactic mastectomy? Hello Dr. Lai, I am 45 years old. In 2012, I was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in my left breast and underw...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Hu, In response to your inquiry, I find it challenging to answer your question. Similar to American actress Angelina Jolie, who underwent prophylactic mastectomy, there are differing opinions within the medical community, and perspectives vary. I recommend discussing th...[Read More] Should I Consider Preventive Mastectomy After Previous Breast Cancer?
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Low White Blood Cell Count
Lymphadenopathy with leukopenia? Last week, I visited a gastroenterologist due to gastrointestinal discomfort. After undergoing an endoscopy, no abnormalities were found, only mild gastritis. I also asked the gastroenterologist to refer me to an ENT specialist to examine the lymp...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Mr. Zhao: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Since each individual's constitution is different, it is indeed possible. If you are concerned about anesthesia leading to low white blood cell counts, please discuss with your physician whether a re-evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Low White Blood Cell Count
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Next Steps
Diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, I hope you don't mind me reaching out for advice. My mother (68 years old) was found to have four tumors during an LDCT scan (1 in the right middle lobe, 2 in the right upper lobe, and 1 in the left upper lobe). She only feels some ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Joyce, Regarding your letter, as you described, "After surgery, three tumors were confirmed to be lung adenocarcinoma (RML*1, RUL*1, LUL*1)." Therefore, the postoperative cancer staging should be M1a. As for whether there is metastasis beyond the lungs, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Eye Flashes: Could They Indicate a Pituitary Tumor?
Flashes of light in the eyes? I have been experiencing flashes in my right eye for several months, and they occur in a fixed position (I already have floaters). The doctor examined my retina and found no issues. Previously, a doctor suggested that I see a neurologist, but during ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, student: Based on your described symptoms, it does not seem like a pituitary tumor. Is your menstrual cycle normal? I recommend you see an endocrinologist for a proper diagnosis. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng[Read More] Understanding Eye Flashes: Could They Indicate a Pituitary Tumor?
Understanding Armpit Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Axillary pain Hello, I have a question I would like to ask. In June 2015, I first noticed a hard lump under my left armpit. It wasn't very noticeable, but when I went to the hospital, the doctor used a scan and didn't say much, so he prescribed two types of medication f...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Miss Arno, thank you for your letter. Based on the symptoms you described, I would like to ask if there is any relation to your menstrual cycle. Is the swelling and pain occurring only before and after your menstruation possibly related to endocrine factors? I recommend tha...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer
About breast cancer chemotherapy? Dear Director Lai, I apologize for the intrusion. My mother is 76 years old and was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in February of this year (with a 2.5 cm tumor in the left breast; CT and bone scans showed no metastasis). She underwent su...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Huang, I understand from your letter that according to the National Health Insurance guidelines for targeted therapy, your mother must first complete chemotherapy before being eligible for "Hecancerping." If you wish to use the targeted medication directly, no...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Axillary lump It seems that for about one or two weeks, I have developed a lump in my armpit. It has become painful due to friction, which is why I found it strange. When I press on it, it hurts, and if I press for a while and move it, the lump decreases in size, but after a shor...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Yu, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry: Based on the symptoms you described, I would like to ask if there is any correlation with your menstrual cycle. Is the swelling and pain occurring only before and after your menstruation possibly related to end...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Long-Term Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chronic lymphadenopathy Hello, I have had multiple lymph nodes in my body for many years. For about three years, I have had them on the left side of my neck, behind my ears, and in the groin area. They have been persistent but do not cause any pain or seem to be enlarging. Some a...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Jacky, Thank you for your message. In response, lymph nodes can become enlarged when there is inflammation, infection, or the presence of tumor cells. It is recommended to consult a surgeon or a hematologist-oncologist for evaluation. A thorough examination by a physici...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy A few weeks ago, I felt a lump in my neck and went to see an ENT doctor who said it was swollen lymph nodes. However, since it is soft and movable, it is not a major concern and can be monitored. Recently, I have noticed that the lump seems to be getting larger. C...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Madam, Thank you for your message. Here is my response: Lymphadenopathy may be an immune response to bacterial or viral infections, leading to inflammation characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. It is common to notice enlarged cervical lymph nodes during a col...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can You Keep a Dog During Stomach Cancer Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy for gastric cancer in dogs? Hello Dr. Lai, my family member is in the late stage of stage III gastric cancer. They have had half of their stomach removed and have started their first round of chemotherapy. The hospital mentioned that it's best not to have a dog ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss L: I would like to inform you that 1. The hospital advises against having a dog during chemotherapy, as they are concerned about the risk of infection due to weakened immunity during this period. Once chemotherapy is completed and immunity is restored, it is certainly...[Read More] Can You Keep a Dog During Stomach Cancer Chemotherapy?
Should You Get a Lump on Your Arm Checked? Expert Insights
There is a lump on the arm? There has been a lump on your arm since childhood that you can feel just beneath the skin. It hasn't changed in size or caused any pain over the years. Should I see a doctor for an examination?
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Student Aben, I have received your letter regarding the lump on your arm that has been present since childhood. It has not increased in size and is not painful. Since I have not conducted a physical examination, I cannot make a definitive assessment. I recommend that you vi...[Read More] Should You Get a Lump on Your Arm Checked? Expert Insights
Understanding Oral Cancer Metastasis: Treatment Options and Costs
Oral cancer metastasis Hello Doctor: My father is 60 years old and was diagnosed with stage IV gingival cancer that had invaded the mandible in June of last year. He underwent surgery to remove the mandible and had lymphadenectomy, and the postoperative report showed no cancer ce...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Chuang, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: 1. Your father is currently receiving the standard treatment regimen of "cisplatin + gemcitabine" for head and neck cancer. If this treatment fails, there are many other chemotherapy agents available, s...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cancer Metastasis: Treatment Options and Costs
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects in Elderly Patients with Rectal Cancer
Elderly patients are unable to tolerate chemotherapy? Dear Director, My father is 84 years old. After the Lunar New Year, he was diagnosed with stage 2B rectal cancer (the tumor is 4 cm from the anal opening). The attending physician assessed that the tumor is too large and reco...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yun, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: Your father has a stage 2B malignant tumor in the lower rectum, and there is a possibility for "sphincter-preserving treatment." Based on our experience, preoperative radiation combined with chemother...[Read More] Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects in Elderly Patients with Rectal Cancer
Understanding Painful Lumps in the Throat: Possible Causes and Concerns
My girlfriend has a small hard lump on the left side of her throat that is painful when touched? Hello, my girlfriend said she felt a small hard lump on the left side of her throat that hurts. Could this be lymphadenitis?
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Mr. Jie: It is recommended that you first visit an otolaryngologist, as the symptoms may indicate tonsillitis. Please prioritize a consultation and examination, and do not self-medicate with pain relievers. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps in the Throat: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Size, Growth, and Treatment Options
Pituitary adenoma Hello doctor, I previously lost weight (without taking weight loss medication, just through diet control and exercise), but then my period stopped. I went to see a gynecologist, and after some time of examination, I found out that my period only comes when I tak...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Jemy, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: A 0.5 cm pituitary adenoma is referred to as a "microadenoma." Medical treatment can be considered initially, and if it is ineffective, surgery or radiation therapy may be considered. I recommend that you f...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Size, Growth, and Treatment Options
Understanding Axillary Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Axillary swelling and pain? Hello doctor, recently I noticed a painful sensation in my right armpit while showering. Initially, I thought it was a pimple, but there doesn't seem to be any visible issue. When my arm is hanging down, I don't feel anything unusual, but whe...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Hsiao, Thank you for your message. In response to your inquiry: the swollen sensation in your right armpit, could it be related to your menstrual cycle? If the swelling and pain only occur before and after your menstruation, it may be associated with hormonal changes....[Read More] Understanding Axillary Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Enlarged Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Causes and Concerns
Submandibular lymph nodes I recently noticed that the lymph node under my jaw is about 1 cm in size, roughly two-thirds the width of my finger. It is movable and not painful, and my daily routine is normal. I exercise regularly, but I am still concerned about what it might be. Co...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Chou: The lymph node in your lower jaw is approximately 1 cm in size, and it is most likely to be inflamed. Whether it is a sebaceous cyst needs to be evaluated by a physician. You may consult a dermatologist or an otolaryngologist for further examination. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About a Hard Lump in the Breast: Is It Cancer?
Chest lump Hello Doctor: My mother has a large hard lump in her left breast. It feels very firm and solid, and pressing on the lump is quite painful. Sometimes, even without touching it, the lump can hurt on its own, and it's very painful. The lump is located on the outer si...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Based on your description, there is a hard lump in the left breast that occupies about two-thirds of the breast. Although I have not performed a physical examination, I believe there is a significant likelihood of malignancy. I recommend...[Read More] Concerns About a Hard Lump in the Breast: Is It Cancer?
Could a Lump in My Shoulder Indicate a Tumor? Seeking Medical Advice
Feeling a lump similar to a tumor in the shoulder? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the pain I've been experiencing in my right shoulder and neck area. It has been very sore and feels tight and stiff for about 2 to 3 months. Recently, when I applied a muscle relief oi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Chou, Thank you for your letter. In response to your described symptoms, it is difficult to assess your actual condition without a physical examination. We recommend that you visit an otolaryngologist for further evaluation and treatment. If needed, we can assist with a...[Read More] Could a Lump in My Shoulder Indicate a Tumor? Seeking Medical Advice
Can Hemorrhoid Wounds Cause Groin Lymph Node Swelling?
Can a hemorrhoid wound cause lymphadenopathy in the groin? Hello Doctor, on March 21, 2016, I experienced an acute episode of external hemorrhoids that resulted in thrombosis, and I went to the hospital for treatment. Later, due to the presence of a wound, the area around the hem...
Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Henry, Thank you for your letter. In response to your concerns regarding the lump in your right groin, which is not very hard, feels slightly elastic, is painful upon pressure, and is movable, measuring approximately 1.5 cm, I personally believe that the likelihood of l...[Read More] Can Hemorrhoid Wounds Cause Groin Lymph Node Swelling?