Understanding Painful Swelling Near the Back of the Head: Possible Causes
The left occipital region is swollen? Hello, Doctor: About two weeks ago, I noticed a lump on the left side of my neck, near the upper part of the occipital region, which is indented. It hurts when I press on it, and it is even more painful when I massage it vigorously. I occasio...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, young mother: I believe your concerns should be addressed directly at a medical facility. Just describing symptoms is not sufficient to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your understanding. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Painful Swelling Near the Back of the Head: Possible Causes
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Vasculitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I previously had 2 to 3 instances where reddish-brown spots appeared on my hands and feet. I visited a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with vasculitis. They conducted blood tests and a urinalysis, and the results indicated that my immune system activit...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of vasculitis is quite high, and further examination is recommended. 2. There should be no correlation with sexual activity or peeling skin. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
What Could This Bump on My Neck Be? Understanding Lymph Nodes and Infections
What exactly has grown on my neck? Hello Doctor, about three weeks ago I had a bit of a runny nose and a cold, then my eyes started to feel sore and watery in bright light, and my throat was a bit sore. A couple of days later, I noticed a lump near my neck. It's hard to desc...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to confirm the disease based on your description. To simplify, if there are no lesions on the skin surface, it may be something that has developed subcutaneously. A subcutaneous mass could potentially be a lymphadenopathy or a salivary gland tumor. Without ...[Read More] What Could This Bump on My Neck Be? Understanding Lymph Nodes and Infections
Can a Cold Affect Thyroid Hormone Levels? Understanding T4 Results
Can a cold affect thyroid hormones? Hello Doctor: I am a 27-year-old woman. I had a health check-up on January 12 of this year, and the result showed that my T4 level was 23, which is significantly above the normal range. However, I had a cold at the time of the test. I searched ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A cold should not have a significant impact on thyroid function. If T4 levels are markedly elevated, it is advisable to recheck TSH levels. If TSH is significantly decreased, it can further confirm the presence of hyperthyroidism.[Read More] Can a Cold Affect Thyroid Hormone Levels? Understanding T4 Results
Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Allergy + facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, Thank you for your previous response! I have some follow-up questions regarding allergies and facial edema that I would like to ask you. My family doctor has become quite annoyed with my inquiries, saying I have too much knowledge and doesn...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome primarily refers to the obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava due to lung cancer at the apex, leading to conditions such as facial and upper limb edema. This persistent edema can be life-threatening, unlike episodic edema, which dif...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention for Concerns
My lymph nodes? Hello doctor, a while ago I felt a lump in my throat when swallowing saliva, so I went to see an otolaryngologist. I mentioned that I felt a movable lymph node on the left side of my neck, and the doctor said it was nothing serious. The swallowing issue was attrib...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Systemic lymphadenopathy can initially be evaluated by a hematologist-oncologist or an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention for Concerns
Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, About a week ago, my face started to swell. It happened right after I had dinner at an Italian restaurant, so the doctor suspected it was a food allergy. After taking Prednisone for three days, the swelling is not as severe as it was initially, but t...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your symptoms sound like angioedema (also known as angioneurotic edema or Quincke's edema). It is a type of allergic reaction caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream after exposure t...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, about three months ago, I noticed a line of swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. When I visited an ENT specialist, the doctor checked for nasopharyngeal cancer and said it was not the case. He mentioned that it was caused by a viral infe...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In principle, lymphadenopathy tends to resolve on its own, and the likelihood of cancer is relatively low. The possibility of a painful infection is greater; however, this is not absolute. You may consider consulting an oncologist or an infectious disease specialist for further e...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy About two weeks ago, I noticed swelling of a lymph node in the back of my right neck. I consulted an ENT specialist who suspected a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. The next day, the lymph node did decrease in size, ...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, if the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged for more than a month and do not resolve, a biopsy should be performed to understand the cause. If they have resolved, it is likely due to a viral infection that the body has developed immunity against. Additionally, if there has...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gallium-67 Scans: Risks and Differences from CT Imaging
excuse me? 1. Will undergoing a Gallium-67 whole body tumor scan have any adverse effects on the body in the future? Additionally, what are the differences between a Ga-67 tumor scan and a CT scan? 2. I have been experiencing persistent lymphadenopathy in the head and neck regio...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Gallium-67 (Ga-67) binds to transferrin in the blood and accumulates in areas of inflammation, infection, or tumors. The radiation dose used for detecting inflammation or infection is 3-5 mCi (millicuries, where 1 mCi = 1000 microcuries), while the dose for tumor detection is 5-1...[Read More] Understanding Gallium-67 Scans: Risks and Differences from CT Imaging
Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Symptoms
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, I would like to ask a question. Recently, I have been experiencing unexplained heat in my head and a feeling of internal heat in my body. I have researched various related materials, but some indicate that it is not serious, while others sugge...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The symptoms you described involve several organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Therefore, it is more likely to be caused by a systemic disease, such as an autoimmune disorder or infection. You should first determine if you have...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Symptoms
Understanding Neck Pain During Physical Strain: Causes and Solutions
Neck pain (during exertion) 1. I have been experiencing soreness in my spine, specifically in the center between my shoulder blades, whenever I pull my shoulders back. This condition has persisted for a year and a half. 2. On the morning of May 15, 2005, I noticed that whenever...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Most of your symptoms are likely caused by cervical disc herniation, which compresses the nerves extending towards the shoulders and head. In addition to neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and occipital headaches, if the nerves extending towards the wrists and back are also compresse...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain During Physical Strain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the posterior neck? I have noticed two asymmetrical small lumps on the back sides of my neck, which feel soft and movable. They become visible when I turn my head to the sides, and they are about 1 cm in size. This condition has been present for ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
There may be a condition of lymphadenopathy, and the medication does not seem to have much relevance. If the symptoms persist, it may be advisable to consider seeing an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes and Treatment Options
Thyroid enlargement? I previously visited a small clinic due to a cold and learned that I have an enlarged thyroid gland. I have also been to a provincial hospital's endocrinology department for examination, and my mother reviewed the doctor's report, which she said was...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Obvious thyroid enlargement can cause a protrusion in the lower neck, which can be confirmed through visual inspection or palpation. If the enlargement is not very pronounced, an ultrasound examination can be used for confirmation. Patients with thyroid enlargement may not necess...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes and Treatment Options
Swollen Lips and Red Spots: Allergy or Food Poisoning Concerns?
Swollen lips, with red spots appearing on the neck and arms? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have experienced swelling of the lips, small red spots on my neck and arms, bone pain, and a slight pain in my tonsils. Which department should I consult? Could this be an allergy or food poiso...
Dr. Huang Maosen Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response. Based on the symptoms you described, it should be considered an allergic reaction, as there are no symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting, which are not typical of food poisoning. You should consult a general internist. Thank you![Read More] Swollen Lips and Red Spots: Allergy or Food Poisoning Concerns?
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
The junction between the neck and shoulders? Hello, for the past couple of days, I have been experiencing significant soreness in my shoulders and neck, particularly around the muscles near the junction of my neck and shoulders, where several vertebrae are located. These muscles ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Due to high work stress, long working hours, poorly designed chairs, certain jobs requiring prolonged sitting or leaning over a computer, and bad habits such as holding the phone between the shoulder and neck, the neck can be fixed in poor positions. If the neck is held in...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough After Cervical Spine Injury
Chest tightness and cough after cervical spine injury? Hello, doctor. Thank you for helping me with my concerns. I was in a car accident two and a half months ago, and after X-ray and MRI examinations, a neurosurgeon diagnosed me with a C5-C6 disc herniation. I am currently weari...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
Hello Miss, 1. After your car accident, the neurosurgery department conducted X-rays and MRI examinations, diagnosing you with C-5 and C-6 subluxation. You are currently wearing a cervical collar for observation. During this time, please be cautious with your neck and avoid any...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough After Cervical Spine Injury
Seeking Medical Advice for Persistent Headaches and Numbness
Please provide me with the content you would like translated? Doctor, my mother often experiences "headaches, neck stiffness, numbness in her hands, and numbness on one side of her face," especially in the evening when her symptoms worsen. I would like to take her to th...
Dr. Huang Maosen Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, I recommend seeing a neurologist. Thank you![Read More] Seeking Medical Advice for Persistent Headaches and Numbness
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Symptoms Explained
Thyroid nodule Hello Dr. Yang: At the beginning of October, I visited a nearby hospital due to discomfort in my neck and underwent tests for my thyroid. The blood tests showed normal function, but an ultrasound revealed the presence of thyroid nodules. The doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In most cases, the size of the thyroid should not change significantly within a month. Discomfort in the neck is a common symptom, and many individuals do not show any abnormalities upon examination. If there are concerns, it is usually sufficient to follow up with routine checks...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Lower Jaw: Causes and Concerns
My mouth is swollen... = =” Doctor, recently the edge of my lower jaw has been swollen and hard, and it hurts when I press on it. I have taken medication twice, and although the swelling subsided, it returned again after a while. One doctor said it was a bacterial infection due t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many causes of swelling along the lower jawline. It is essential to first determine the exact location and size of the swelling, whether there is pain, heat, hardness, mobility, enlargement, or any systemic symptoms. 2. For the lower jaw area: it may be due to head a...[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Lower Jaw: Causes and Concerns