Pregnant with Chronic Leukemia: Risks and Considerations for Mother and Baby
I have blood cancer, but I am pregnant..? Hello Doctor, I found out two years ago that I have chronic leukemia, but I recently discovered that I am pregnant, and I am now three months along. I am still considering whether to carry the baby to term. If I decide to proceed with t...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
If you are still undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, it may adversely affect your baby. Please discuss this with your hematologist-oncologist and obstetrician as soon as possible.[Read More] Pregnant with Chronic Leukemia: Risks and Considerations for Mother and Baby
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment: Insights and Questions
Cervical cancer treatment Dear Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you about my mother. In February 1999, she was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer and subsequently underwent surgery, during which her uterus, ovaries, and pelvic lymph nodes were removed. After her discharge, she ...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
In terms of radiation therapy, the aforementioned management is sufficient. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor for any recurrence or late effects. Generally, early-stage cancer has a higher cure rate, but no physician can guarantee that there will be no recurrence or met...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment: Insights and Questions
Understanding Choriocarcinoma: Causes, Treatment, and Surgery Options
What is a teratoma? I have a classmate who has small red bumps on her chest, and she mentioned that they are called "xie zu xing zhong liu" (not sure if that's the correct spelling). What is this condition? Are people with this type of tumor always hereditary? Can ...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
"Keloid" is what you might have meant to write. A keloid is a benign overgrowth of fibrous tissue that occurs during wound healing. If concerns about aesthetics arise or if the keloid becomes larger and causes itching or pain, surgical excision followed by electron beam...[Read More] Understanding Choriocarcinoma: Causes, Treatment, and Surgery Options
New Treatments and Care Strategies for Melanoma: What You Need to Know
Efficacy Dear Dr. Yang, 1. Are there any new medications available to improve the treatment outcomes for melanoma, given that chemotherapy and radiation therapy have proven ineffective? I have read in the news about RH2; has it been clinically validated yet? 2. If a pathology r...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Radiation therapy has a certain effectiveness for localized melanoma; however, if there is metastasis, it becomes a systemic issue that is difficult to treat, and chemotherapy is also not very effective. In the United States, IL-2 (interleukin-2) is used for treatment, which has ...[Read More] New Treatments and Care Strategies for Melanoma: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Stage IV Lung Cancer Patients
About chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Yang, my father was hospitalized on April 26 at Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu due to a suspected stroke (he was conscious at the time). After emergency treatment, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which has progressed to stage IV. The doctor...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Patients with brain metastases have an average life expectancy of only one to two months if left untreated. However, with the addition of radiation therapy, the average survival can be extended by four to five months. Most patients pass away within a year, and surviving beyond a ...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Stage IV Lung Cancer Patients
Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Is liver cancer treatable? Last year, my father discovered that he was suffering from severe abdominal pain. Initially, he thought it was discomfort caused by high blood pressure. After undergoing an examination at a veterans hospital, he was diagnosed with cancer and was advised...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
In principle, surgery should be performed whenever possible. The decision to add radiation therapy and chemotherapy will depend on the surgical findings and the pathology results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cancer, but it cannot guarantee th...[Read More] Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Is King Trumpet Mushroom Effective Against Liver Cancer Metastasis?
Maitake mushroom Hello, I would like to ask about a food called Agaricus blazei (Brazilian mushroom). I'm wondering if it is effective for liver cancer that has metastasized from colorectal cancer. Thank you!
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
There are numerous health supplements on the market that claim to be effective in treating cancer. If these claims were true, oncologists would likely be out of business. The effectiveness of any drug (or food) in treating cancer must be determined through rigorous clinical trial...[Read More] Is King Trumpet Mushroom Effective Against Liver Cancer Metastasis?
Does Health Insurance Cover Tumor Removal for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer Is tumor resection covered by health insurance?
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Hello, Miss Mickey: The National Health Insurance covers tumor removal, so please rest assured![Read More] Does Health Insurance Cover Tumor Removal for Breast Cancer?
Understanding CT Scan Results: Mucus or Tumor?
Question Dear Dr. Yang, I previously had a CT scan at the Veterans General Hospital, and the doctor said there were no issues. However, when I took the images to another major hospital, the doctor pointed out a very small white spot on the CT scan, indicating some abnormalities....
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
You inquired in your letter, likely concerned about the possibility of developing something harmful in your body. Given your age, if you do not smoke (including exposure to secondhand smoke), the risk of developing lung cancer is very low. The small white spot observed on the CT ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Mucus or Tumor?
Understanding Malignant Astrocytoma and Lymphoma: Treatment and Side Effects
Malignant astrocytoma in the brainstem and lymphoma? Dr. Yang: My brother-in-law was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma in the brainstem last year. After undergoing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to reduce intracranial pressure and radiation therapy, the brain tumor significant...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
The second diagnosis is lymphoma, and it is unclear whether it is primary in the brainstem or from another location. Lymphoma is primarily treated with chemotherapy supplemented by radiation therapy. After chemotherapy, the patient experiences auditory hallucinations and delusion...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Astrocytoma and Lymphoma: Treatment and Side Effects
Understanding Tumor Oncology: Key Insights and Challenges
I'm sorry, but it seems that I'm sorry, but it seems like your input is not clear
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Is this a test question?[Read More] Understanding Tumor Oncology: Key Insights and Challenges
Understanding the Link Between Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer Risk
Lung cancer Hello, Dr. Yang! I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule, but I have a question I would like to ask. I read reports stating that individuals with pre-existing lung diseases (such as tuberculosis) are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. A yea...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Tfen: After recovering from pulmonary tuberculosis, there is a possibility, albeit very rare, that it may progress to lung cancer several years later. Lung cancer is not contagious! Pulmonary tuberculosis is infectious, but it is generally not easily transmitted to heal...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer Risk
Is Redness from Eyes to Nose a Sign of Cancer?
Is redness in the area from under the eyes to the nasal wings a sign of cancer? Is the redness from below the eyes to the wings of the nose a sign of cancer? My grandfather has prostate cancer, and the area below his eyes to the wings of his nose is red. I've heard people sa...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
It should not be the case; if it were a tumor, a hard mass should be palpable. If you have concerns, you should promptly seek a professional physician for a diagnosis. It could also be an issue like sinusitis, in which case you need to see an ENT specialist for an examination.[Read More] Is Redness from Eyes to Nose a Sign of Cancer?
Understanding a Hard Lump Near the Bone: Is It a Lipoma?
There is an unknown lump near the bone in the lower leg? Hello, I have a question I would like to ask you. There is an unknown lump next to my calf bone that has been present for about 4 to 5 months. Initially, it felt soft to the touch and was only a slight swelling, so I didn&#...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
If the lump becomes larger and harder, you should promptly seek evaluation from a surgeon and consider having a biopsy. Lipomas are not harmful to the body; many people develop them, and there is a very low chance of them turning malignant, so you can rest assured.[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump Near the Bone: Is It a Lipoma?
Understanding Tumor Markers: Do Negative Blood Tests Guarantee No Cancer?
Tumor markers Dr. Yang: Hello, I would like to ask you, if blood tests for tumor markers show no issues, does that mean there are definitely no problems? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
This depends on the clinical situation. Tumor markers are one of the reference data points. For example, the tumor marker for colorectal cancer is CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), but not every patient with colorectal cancer will have elevated CEA levels; some may have normal leve...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: Do Negative Blood Tests Guarantee No Cancer?
Understanding Fibrocystic Changes: Is Your Breast Lump Benign or Malignant?
Fibromatosis A year ago, I discovered a tumor the size of a coin on the outer left side of my chest, which becomes swollen and painful during my menstrual period, and I also feel swelling and pain in the left armpit. The doctor said that surgery is not necessary, but how can I de...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Considering your age, most breast lumps are benign. If both hospitals agree that it is a fibrocystic change, it is likely benign and does not require excision. However, if you feel anxious and it affects your daily life and sleep, you may consider fine needle aspiration to check ...[Read More] Understanding Fibrocystic Changes: Is Your Breast Lump Benign or Malignant?
Should I Choose Radiation Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment?
Urgent! Urgent! Urgent! I don't know whether I should undergo radiation therapy or not??? I am a breast cancer patient and have just completed my second treatment. I am currently facing the decision of whether or not to undergo radiation therapy. I hope to gain insights thro...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Cheng: You have not clearly described your clinical condition, such as how many axillary lymph nodes are infected, the size of the tumor, the extent of invasion, and its location, etc. If you undergo a local excision, radiation therapy is essential to prevent local recu...[Read More] Should I Choose Radiation Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment?
Are Lymph Node Tumors Cancerous? Understanding Risks and Treatments
The presence of a tumor in the lymph nodes may indicate cancer, but it is not definitive on its own. Lymph node tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Further evaluation, including imaging studies and possibly a biopsy, is necessary to determine the nature...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Please visit the otolaryngology clinic immediately for an examination to determine if there is head and neck cancer.[Read More] Are Lymph Node Tumors Cancerous? Understanding Risks and Treatments
Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects in Early-Stage Gastric Cancer Patients
Side effects Hello! A friend of mine's father has been diagnosed with stage I gastric cancer, as there is no lymphadenopathy observed on the CT scan. He opted for chemotherapy instead of surgery. However, 12 hours after the first chemotherapy session, the patient experienced...
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Your chemotherapy attending physician has the obligation to explain to you. Since I am not familiar with the patient's condition, I cannot make any comments casually; I apologize for that. Please discuss this with your primary physician.[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects in Early-Stage Gastric Cancer Patients
Post-Surgery Care and Prognosis for Patients with Liver Malignancies
Metastatic liver malignancy Hello, for patients with metastatic liver malignancies after surgical resection, what precautions should be taken? What is the likelihood of recurrence, and what is the survival rate?
Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Due to the metastatic liver carcinoid tumor, it is already a systemic issue. There are no clear reports on the recurrence rate after resection, but regular imaging examinations can help monitor for recurrence. Carcinoid tumors have the potential to trigger carcinoid syndrome, whi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Prognosis for Patients with Liver Malignancies