Understanding Breast Lump Diagnosis: Benign vs. Malignant Confusion
Breast lump benign or malignant? Hello Dr. Li, Recently, my mother (56 years old) discovered a 1.2 cm lump in her right breast. After a biopsy, the doctor indicated that it is malignant and recommended a whole-body bone scan and CT scan to determine the surgical approach. Howeve...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Currently, core needle biopsy is the primary method for sampling, while fine needle aspiration is not a diagnostic criterion. However, even with core needle biopsies, malignant tumors may sometimes sample less aggressive areas, so breast cancer biopsies may reveal ductal c...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lump Diagnosis: Benign vs. Malignant Confusion
Tetanus Shot and Antibiotics: Understanding Post-Bite Symptoms
Tetanus and Antibiotics Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about a situation where I was bitten by a dog and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics the next day. It has been four days now, and the injection site on my arm is sore. I am wondering if the sudden headache and co...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It's the fourth day, and it's not a big deal. The more common issue is an allergic reaction. Stay safe! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Tetanus Shot and Antibiotics: Understanding Post-Bite Symptoms
Understanding Painful Left Breast Lump in Young Women: Causes and Insights
Left breast mass issue? Hello doctor, I am 24 years old. Last year, I discovered a hard lump in my left breast and underwent ultrasound, blood tests, and MRI at the hospital. The pituitary gland showed no issues, but the doctor mentioned that I have elevated prolactin levels, whi...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Are you currently taking any psychiatric medications, stomach medications, diuretics, or antihypertensive medications? If so, adjustments to your medications may be necessary. Regarding gynecomastia in males, surgical removal may be considered primarily for cosmetic reason...[Read More] Understanding Painful Left Breast Lump in Young Women: Causes and Insights
Managing Recurrent Cellulitis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Recurrent cellulitis Hello, Doctor. My father had a serious car accident the year after I was born (in 1981), and after surgery, he had a prosthetic plastic bone implanted in his left thigh, which has caused him to walk with a limp ever since. He has experienced recurrent celluli...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! This is mostly chronic osteomyelitis, which generally causes significant suffering for patients and their families. It is recommended to seek treatment at a hospital that offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Of course, smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided, and fam...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Cellulitis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Burn Injury: Understanding Infection Risks and Complications
Burn infection I burned the inner side of my left forearm yesterday at noon with hot soup, affecting an area about the size of a third of my palm. The skin is red and swollen, with some areas turning brown, and there are blisters of various sizes, but there are no open wounds. Ot...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! This is a second-degree burn. It is recommended to seek medical attention from a general surgeon. The general principle for treating blisters is to drain the fluid without removing the blister itself, as the dead skin will not regenerate. Apply burn ointment and change the...[Read More] Burn Injury: Understanding Infection Risks and Complications
Understanding Bruises: When to Worry About Persistent Hard Lumps After an Injury
The lump at the site of the bruise has not resolved after the car accident? Hello Doctor, I was involved in a car accident on September 27th, which resulted in an impact to my left calf. I was taken to the emergency room where the doctor diagnosed it as a contusion and confirmed ...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! The general principles for managing bruises and contusions are as follows: if there is no open wound or only a superficial abrasion, conservative treatment is recommended, and at most, aspiration with a fine needle may be performed. If the overlying skin is necrotic, debri...[Read More] Understanding Bruises: When to Worry About Persistent Hard Lumps After an Injury
Understanding Wound Care and Healing Time After Injury: A Guide
Wound issues? Due to currently working in Vietnam and being unable to return to Taiwan because of the pandemic, I have some questions I would like to ask a physician regarding my injury. The details of the injury are as follows: From September 14 to September 17, I was struck on ...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! The principles for managing subcutaneous fluid accumulation and hematoma are as follows: if there is no surface wound, conservative treatment can be applied, and at most, a fine needle aspiration can be performed. However, if there is an infection and necrosis at the wound...[Read More] Understanding Wound Care and Healing Time After Injury: A Guide
Understanding Skin Thinning After Wound Healing: Causes and Solutions
Wound healing issues - thinning of the skin? Hello, doctor. I previously sustained a deep cut from a chair and received stitches at the hospital. After the wound healed, the skin in the injured area became thinner and is prone to bleeding with minor friction. I would like to ask ...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It seems that at that time, there was a deeper abrasion on the skin, resulting in damage to both the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis needs to regenerate, and the newly formed epidermis is more fragile and thinner. The skin will gradually thicken, but if the underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Thinning After Wound Healing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fibroadenomas: Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgery on Nipple
Fibroadenoma Hello, I am 18 years old. Last week, I experienced pain when my right breast was touched, and it was found that I have three fibroadenomas that are almost connected. During the ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that they are approximately 3 centimeters in size, but si...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Minimally invasive surgery is primarily effective in reducing damage to the milk ducts when dealing with multiple fibroadenomas, which helps prevent mastitis during pregnancy and lactation. However, if there is only one fibroadenoma located near the nipple, traditional sur...[Read More] Understanding Fibroadenomas: Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgery on Nipple
Why Is My Wound Not Healing Properly After an Accident?
The wound has not healed? Hello Doctor, I sustained multiple abrasions from a car accident at the end of July. During this time, I have been changing the dressings regularly and have used artificial skin, but the wounds have only developed a thin, transparent layer of skin, and t...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Once the wound has healed and there is no more drainage of serous fluid, you can start applying scar gel daily. Avoid sun exposure. The appearance you described, resembling blood vessels under the skin, is scar tissue. It will take some time to fade. Take care! Changhua Ho...[Read More] Why Is My Wound Not Healing Properly After an Accident?
Managing a Torn Toenail: Pain Relief and Care Tips
Nail problems Hello Dr. Lee, I accidentally hit my big toe against the refrigerator door around 9 PM last night, causing half of the toenail to lift up, exposing the underlying tissue, but there was no bleeding. The base and the right side of the nail are still attached. After vi...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Removing the toenail can make it easier to change the dressing, but it is also possible to leave it in place. However, the recovery time for the old toenail to be pushed out is similar to that of directly removing it. For dressing changes, use sterile saline solution and a...[Read More] Managing a Torn Toenail: Pain Relief and Care Tips
Can You Wear Compression Socks with a Bruised Toenail?
Nail hematoma Hello, doctor. Yesterday I stubbed my big toe on a rock, and the entire nail is bruised. Since I need to stand all day at work, can I still wear compression socks? I have a habit of wearing medical compression socks. If it's not advisable for now, should I wait...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Wearing compression stockings is fine, just be careful with any issues related to the nail bed wounds. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Can You Wear Compression Socks with a Bruised Toenail?
Managing Wound Healing After a Motorcycle Accident: Tips and Concerns
Wound after a motorcycle accident? Hello Doctor, I had a motorcycle accident on July 23, and since then, I have severe abrasions on my right foot with four wounds. I went to the hospital for a diagnosis, and the doctor assessed the abrasions on my right foot as equivalent to a se...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! High-speed grinding wounds are similar to burns and may also have issues with contractures. You can go to a rehabilitation clinic for therapy. Once the wound has healed and the skin has grown over, the tissue will not increase further. The remaining concern is to reduce sc...[Read More] Managing Wound Healing After a Motorcycle Accident: Tips and Concerns
Understanding Pain and Swelling After a Leg Abrasion Injury
Pain in the abrasion area of the left calf? Hello, I would like to ask a question. I was in a car accident on Monday, and my left side hit the ground. I have a large abrasion on my left calf. After going to the hospital and returning home, it has now been five days. Whenever I tr...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! For large wounds that are exposed to the ground, there may be a lot of dirt and debris on them. It is important to clean them daily with a sterile cotton swab and saline solution; otherwise, they will remain in an infected state, causing pain and swelling. It is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling After a Leg Abrasion Injury
Understanding the Connection Between Neck Strains and Chest Pain
Cervical contusion Hello doctor, I would like to ask, after a medical consultation, the doctor diagnosed me with a "cervical contusion." If I notice chest pain a few days later, is there a correlation with the cervical contusion?
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It depends on how you got injured—was it a car accident, a fall, or an assault? A common scenario is a car accident combined with a concussion, where the impact at the moment is unclear, and later you may experience lingering pain. Take care! Changhua Hospital is concerned...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Neck Strains and Chest Pain
Understanding a Bump on the Head: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a bump on the top of the head? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed a bump on the top of my head, slightly to the left. When I touch it, I can feel a distinct protrusion, but there is no pain. It feels somewhat hard, like bone, when pressed. In the past, my hairstylist menti...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is recommended to consult a general surgeon, as a physical examination is safer. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding a Bump on the Head: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Delayed Wound Healing: Causes and Solutions
Wound healing issues Hello Dr. Lee, in mid-February of this year, I sustained a deep laceration on the skin over the anterior tibia of my lower leg (almost to the bone) from a motorcycle side stand. I promptly went to the hospital for debridement and suturing. Two weeks after the...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! This wound is difficult to heal. If there are no secretions after healing, we will monitor it conservatively. Taking vitamin B12 can promote nerve repair. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Delayed Wound Healing: Causes and Solutions
Managing Swelling and Pain After a Cycling Accident: When to Seek Surgical Care
Bicycle accident resulting in swelling of the face and palms? It has been about a month since my motorcycle accident, and my external injuries are mostly healed. However, my forehead is still swollen; it looks uninjured on the surface but is swollen and painful to the touch. My p...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! For the forehead hematoma, applying a warm compress is sufficient. As for your palm, have you had an X-ray? If not, I recommend getting one. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Managing Swelling and Pain After a Cycling Accident: When to Seek Surgical Care
Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Doctor and What to Expect
Chest pain There has been recent pain in the upper left area of the left nipple, and the most painful spot seems to have a small hard lump about the size of a one-dollar coin. The painful area feels like it is beneath the skin rather than on the surface. Should I see a doctor? Wh...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is most likely gynecomastia. Please consult a general surgeon. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Doctor and What to Expect
How Long Does It Take for Nail Bed Inflammation to Heal with Topical Treatment?
The doctor diagnosed it as an early stage of paronychia. How many days will it take to improve with just topical medication? I have finished the course of Dexamethasone but still experience pain. Should I go to the pharmacy to buy more medication on my own? Hello Doctor, last Sat...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! If it improves, the swelling should subside in a few days. If it doesn't improve, it will remain red, swollen, hot, and painful. This is due to cutting the nail too short, which causes it to grow deeper into the skin, leading to worsening conditions, including possibl...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Nail Bed Inflammation to Heal with Topical Treatment?