Is Gastric Surgery an Effective Weight Loss Solution? Key Insights and Considerations
Gastric surgery Is gastric surgery really effective for weight loss? What does the procedure involve, and what are the potential side effects? How long does one need to rest before returning to normal activities, and what is the approximate cost of the surgery?
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Mr. QQQ: What you mentioned refers to individuals who are overweight and undergo "sleeve gastrectomy" to reduce their food intake for weight loss. If someone is severely overweight (i.e., morbidly obese) and meets the criteria for health insurance coverage, the insuranc...[Read More] Is Gastric Surgery an Effective Weight Loss Solution? Key Insights and Considerations
Understanding Hard Lumps Under Nipples: Should You Worry About Breast Cancer?
Nipple lump Recently, I noticed a small hard lump under my nipple, but there is no discharge. Does this symptom indicate breast cancer?
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
A young adolescent female, during her developmental stage, has a small hard lump beneath the nipple, but there is no discharge. This is mostly indicative of benign breast development, which is different from the signs of breast cancer. Breast cancer typically presents as a painle...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Under Nipples: Should You Worry About Breast Cancer?
Common Questions About Fibrocystic Breast Changes in Young Women
Some questions about fibrocystic changes? I am 25 years old and discovered a hard lump in my right breast in September. Last month, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, and the doctor said it is a typical fibrocystic change. I have found a lot of related informat...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
In young women, breast lumps are mostly benign fibrocystic changes or fibroadenomas. If an ultrasound examination shows a typical fibrocystic lesion, you can feel reassured. Generally, the discomfort associated with fibrocystic changes varies from person to person; some may feel ...[Read More] Common Questions About Fibrocystic Breast Changes in Young Women
Understanding Painful Nipple Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Nipple lump This morning I woke up to find a hard lump on my nipple, and it hurts when I touch it. I'm a bit worried about what this symptom could be. How can I get rid of this lump? What could be causing this symptom? Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should pay ...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
During the developmental period of a 12-year-old male, the appearance of painful lumps in the nipples can have various causes, most of which are benign and related to hormonal changes during development. The focus should not be on how to eliminate these lumps, but rather on inves...[Read More] Understanding Painful Nipple Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Understanding Breast Size Discrepancies: Concerns and Insights for Young Women
Worrisome breast issues? Hello Doctor, I am a 20-year-old female and would like to ask you some questions. My breasts are uneven in size, with the left breast being significantly smaller than the right, approximately half the size. This has been the case since I started develop...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Hello, Miss Indigo: It is quite common to have differences in breast size, but a discrepancy of half a size is less common, and the cause is often unclear. In a few cases, it may be related to trauma during breast development in childhood. Breast cancer can cause asymmetry in bre...[Read More] Understanding Breast Size Discrepancies: Concerns and Insights for Young Women
Understanding Breast Fibromas: When is Surgery Necessary?
Breast fibroma Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with a breast fibroadenoma measuring approximately 1.5 centimeters. I have consulted two different hospitals and received two different management approaches; one suggested that I only need to be monitored for 1-2 years, while th...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Dear Patient, Generally speaking, when a physician diagnoses a fibroma, it is often done through ultrasound. In your case, being a 25-year-old female with a 1.5 cm mass, here are some considerations: 1. Benefits of surgery: The excised tissue can be sent for pathological examin...[Read More] Understanding Breast Fibromas: When is Surgery Necessary?
Understanding Small Tumors: Are They Signs of Breast Cancer?
Small tumor Hello doctor, there is a round hard mass about 1 cm in size located approximately 4 cm above my left nipple. I can feel it, but it is not painful. Could this be a tumor? Is it a sign of breast cancer? I would greatly appreciate your help in addressing my concerns. Tha...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Hello Miss Xiaohua: A young woman with a one-centimeter hard mass in her breast that is not painful most likely has a fibroepithelial tumor or a breast cyst, as both are benign tumors. However, if this occurs around the time of menstruation, it could also be due to glandular swel...[Read More] Understanding Small Tumors: Are They Signs of Breast Cancer?
Is Mammotome the Right Choice for Removing a Fibroadenoma?
Breast lump The doctor has determined that I have a 1.95 cm fibroadenoma in my left breast, which does not feel painful at all. I am concerned that removal might leave a scar. I learned about the Mammotome, a mini breast tumor excision device, which reportedly leaves a very small...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Ms. QQ: It is a common wish among young women to avoid scars from breast surgery. The Mammotome device indeed leaves smaller scars compared to traditional surgical methods. However, this device is not covered by health insurance, so it is advisable to consult further with your or...[Read More] Is Mammotome the Right Choice for Removing a Fibroadenoma?
Understanding Subcutaneous Cysts: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Is it a subcutaneous cyst? About a year ago, I noticed some symptoms where I found lumps in certain areas of my body. The lumps themselves are not painful, but if I apply pressure, a white, paste-like, but non-sticky secretion can be expelled. Once expelled, the lumps are no long...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Hello: Based on your description, the lump can be squeezed to release a non-sticky white pasty secretion, and it is mostly located in the groin and underarm areas. From the information provided, it is preliminarily judged to be a sebaceous cyst, somewhat similar to acne. The term...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Cysts: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Understanding Gastritis vs. Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Gastrointestinal pain Which is more serious, gastritis or gastroenteritis? Eating irritating foods and feeling pain when hungry—what medications should I take? What foods should I avoid? What foods or supplements should I consume more of? Any other recommendations? Please help me...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Gastritis and gastroenteritis are both gastrointestinal disorders with no significant differences between them. Commonly, the symptoms of gastritis include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, while gastroenteritis is characterized by additional symptoms such as diarrhea and a...[Read More] Understanding Gastritis vs. Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Comparing PPH and Endoscopic Treatments for Hemorrhoids: Which is Better?
Please ask your questions regarding hemorrhoid surgery? Dear Sir/Madam, Traditional hemorrhoid surgery often causes significant pain for patients and requires several days of hospitalization. It is said that a circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PPH) can reduce pain and even allow...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Hemorrhoids can be classified into three types: internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, and mixed hemorrhoids (which involve both internal and external hemorrhoids). 1. Internal hemorrhoids can be treated with rubber band ligation, which is a quick procedure (approximately ...[Read More] Comparing PPH and Endoscopic Treatments for Hemorrhoids: Which is Better?
Is It a Malignant Tumor? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is it a malignant tumor? My boyfriend has a small lump located below his shoulder blade, on the front of his chest. It used to be a pimple, but it has since evolved into a small growth. He has noticed that it has been gradually increasing in size, although not significantly. He a...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Miss Hsiao-Chi: The small lump located below your boyfriend's scapula and along the anterior chest wall may be an inflamed sebaceous cyst that has gradually enlarged. It is likely unrelated to his headaches. To determine whether it is a malignant tumor, it is recommended to ...[Read More] Is It a Malignant Tumor? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Breast Health: Common Concerns and Self-Examination Tips
Will I die? May I ask... isn't it said that a breast self-exam only counts if you feel a lump? What does that lump feel like? When I check myself, I often feel something hard that feels uneven. So is that what is referred to as a lump, or is it just the normal structure of t...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Breast self-examination should be performed at an appropriate time, typically 3-5 days after menstruation, when hormonal influence is minimal, making it more accurate. It is important to use the pads of your fingers rather than the tips to conduct the examination correctly. Gener...[Read More] Understanding Breast Health: Common Concerns and Self-Examination Tips
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Changes: To Remove or Not?
Regarding the breasts..? Hello Dr. Lin: I previously consulted you about my condition, and I have since undergone examinations at the hospital. The doctor diagnosed it as a fibrocystic breast condition. However, I am unsure whether I need to have it surgically removed. If I do ha...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Fibrocystic changes are benign tumors of the breast. If a cyst measures 0.9 centimeters, it is recommended to perform a breast aspiration for cytological examination to confirm the diagnosis as a fibrocyst or something else. Generally speaking, if surgically removed, it is unlike...[Read More] Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Changes: To Remove or Not?
Understanding Breast Changes: Itchy Nipples and Size Discrepancies
Regarding the breasts..? Hello Dr. Lin, I have a question I would like to ask you. Last May, I frequently experienced itching in my left nipple. I initially had an ultrasound, which showed a small dark spot. The doctor recommended a mammogram, which also revealed a small abnorma...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
A young woman underwent an ultrasound and mammogram, which revealed a small dark shadow. At this point, it is most likely a benign fibrocystic change or a fibroadenoma, and the chance of malignancy being the cause of nipple itching is very low. It is worth considering whether the...[Read More] Understanding Breast Changes: Itchy Nipples and Size Discrepancies
Urgent Surgical Inquiry: Seeking Timely Answers from Dr. Lin
I'm sorry, but I need more Dr. Lin: I apologize for asking you a question earlier; I was wondering when you would be able to respond to me.
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
A young woman underwent an ultrasound and mammogram, which revealed a small dark spot. At this stage, it is most likely a benign fibrocystic change or a fibroadenoma. The likelihood of the itching nipple being caused by malignancy is very low. It is worth considering whether it c...[Read More] Urgent Surgical Inquiry: Seeking Timely Answers from Dr. Lin
Which Specialist to See for a Non-Painful Wrist Lump?
Which department should I consult? I have a lump on the back of my left wrist that is about 1 to 2 cm in diameter. It is not painful, but there is a noticeable protrusion. I'm not sure whether I should see an oncologist or a surgeon. Could you please clarify? Thanks!
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
A lump approximately 1-2 centimeters in diameter has developed on the dorsal side of the wrist, with a noticeable protrusion. Based on past experience, this is more likely to be a ganglion cyst, which is a benign tumor. It is recommended to first consult a general surgeon or a ha...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for a Non-Painful Wrist Lump?
Understanding Anal Cysts: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgical Options
There is a cyst at the anal opening? Hello, sir. I have a cyst at my anal area that started to drain pus and is painful since yesterday afternoon. I visited Shin Kong Hospital this morning, and the doctor said I need surgery. Since I am returning to Hualien tomorrow, I would like...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Based on what you said, this is a perianal abscess. If not properly managed (through incision and drainage surgery along with antibiotic treatment), it can easily lead to complications such as anal fistula or recurrent infections. Surgery is a necessary intervention. If you retur...[Read More] Understanding Anal Cysts: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgical Options
Can Mini Mastectomy Be Done Immediately After Consultation?
Mastectomy device Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask if a mini breast excision surgery can be performed immediately after a consultation, or if a separate appointment is required for the procedure. Are there any potential side effects? Will there be any impact on the appearance...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Mini mastectomy is a procedure for the removal of a lump, and different hospitals have varying protocols based on their outpatient procedures. Most hospitals require a separate appointment due to the busy schedules of physicians. After the biopsy, there should be no noticeable im...[Read More] Can Mini Mastectomy Be Done Immediately After Consultation?
Understanding Breast Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Breast pain Hello, Dr. Lin. Recently, while massaging my breasts, I felt a small lump that hurts when pressed firmly, and it seems that some surrounding areas are also painful, which was not the case before. Could you please help me understand the possible reasons for this and th...
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
A 33-year-old woman has palpable lumps in her breast that are tender to the touch. If these occur during the menstrual cycle, there is a higher likelihood that they are benign fibroadenomas. It is recommended to visit a general surgeon (or preferably a breast surgeon) for further...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help