Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Thyroid tumor Hello, doctor. I have a nodule on my right side that has been monitored and aspirated, both results indicating it is benign. I found it bothersome, so I opted for surgical intervention. The doctor performed a unilateral total thyroidectomy to remove the tumor (nodul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Shine: 1. If a thyroid nodule appears hard and is accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy, malignant transformation should be considered. If a long-standing goiter suddenly enlarges rapidly, accompanied by localized skin redness and fever, differentiated thyroid carcino...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Persistent Discomfort: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Physical discomfort? 1. This symptom has persisted for several months without a clear cause. The symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the eyes and a sensation of obstruction in vision, followed by dizziness, headaches, and even nausea. The first occurrence happened after a f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The symptoms you are experiencing may be related to your eyes or headaches. It would be advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to check your intraocular pressure. If your eyes are normal, it is likely a mild tension-type headache, which is often caused by significant...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Discomfort: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Excess Hair Growth and Irregular Periods
Is it an endocrine disorder? Hello, doctor. Since I started developing in the sixth grade, I've noticed an increase in body hair, particularly on my chest, which is quite noticeable and not just fine hair. There are also two very thick hairs, about 5 to 6 centimeters long, s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Sofia: 1. There are many causes of hirsutism in women; the more common ones include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism. Less common causes may include medications (such as Danazol), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, adrenal tumors, ...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Excess Hair Growth and Irregular Periods
Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
75 grams oral glucose tolerance test? Hello, I recently underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test after fasting for eight hours, and the results were as follows: Fasting: 75 mg/dL, 1 hour after drinking the glucose solution: 88 mg/dL, and 2 hours after drinking the glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huihui: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Red blood cells (RBC) 5.84 (reference range 3.70–5.50) Hemoglobin (Hb) 10.9 (reference range 11.3–16.0) Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 59.4 (reference range 80.0–100.0) The above data was obtained two years ago when I was in high sc...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, and the possible causes include "thalassemia" (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia) or iron deficiency anemia, or both. It cannot be concluded that you definitely have "thalassemia" just because yo...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Am I normal? I have recently been experiencing frequent itching on my calves, but I haven't noticed any mosquito bites. Sometimes there are small bumps (most of the time there aren't), but they disappear quickly. I came across information stating that uremia can cause s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss 123: 1. Uremia can indeed cause skin pigmentation and the deposition of metabolic products, leading to a darker skin color and even a sensation of itching. However, it should not be localized solely to the calves as you described. There are many possible reasons for s...[Read More] Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Constipation Hello, doctor. A few months ago, I was having regular bowel movements at least once a day. Recently, I have experienced a small amount of bright red blood during bowel movements, accompanied by severe pain. Now, when I feel the urge to go again, I am afraid to do so ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao Lai: 1. Generally speaking, the presence of blood in the stool is indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary diagnoses to consider clinically include hemorrhoids, colon ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious bowel diseases, colorectal canc...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Is Seaweed Calcium Safe for Patients with Hyperthyroidism?
Is it appropriate for patients with hyperthyroidism to take seaweed calcium? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My mother is a patient with hyperthyroidism. After treatment and several years of follow-up, her thyroid levels have returned to normal, and her thyroid has not been surgically removed. ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hank: 1. There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, toxic diffuse goiter, and thyroiditis, among others. The majority of patients fall under Graves' disease, while the others are relatively less common. 2. I am not familiar with the ...[Read More] Is Seaweed Calcium Safe for Patients with Hyperthyroidism?
Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Is it irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I would like to ask you some questions... For the past few months (over 3 months), I have been experiencing some unusual bowel habits. I have been having bowel movements 4-5 times a day, and about 10 minutes after eating, I feel t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacks effective physical examination or biochemical blood markers. It is generally accepted that abdominal pain lasting more than three months, occurring more than three days per month, along with any two of the f...[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Gynecomastia I went to see a doctor for gynecomastia, and I have stretch marks on my abdomen that resemble those associated with obesity. The doctor mentioned that it might be influenced by steroids. The blood tests I need to undergo include ALT, ALK, and alpha-fetoprotein. I loo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir, 1. The causes of gynecomastia in males are numerous; the fundamental pathological mechanism is due to an increase in the action of female hormones. In fact, female hormones, male hormones, adrenal corticosteroids, aldosterone, and others can interconvert within the end...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Do I Need to See a Doctor for Low Platelet Count?
Do I need to see a doctor for low platelet count? Hello, Doctor Gao. I had a health check-up two weeks ago and found that my platelet count is 90,000. The health check center advised me to see a hematologist, but I feel that it doesn't seem serious since it's not below ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If the platelet count is indeed 90,000/uL, it should be sufficient for the body's needs unless surgery is required. The current issue is to identify the underlying cause. Some cases of thrombocytopenia are related to immune system problems,...[Read More] Do I Need to See a Doctor for Low Platelet Count?
Understanding Low TSH Levels After Thyroidectomy: Causes and Implications
Hypothyroidism I underwent a total thyroidectomy about 4 years ago and have been taking thyroid hormones since then. My T3 and T4 levels are maintained within the normal range, but my TSH levels have consistently been very low. I would like to know the reason for this. Is it beca...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ting: 1. This question should be directed to your attending physician, as it involves what specific thyroid disease you have, the reasons for total thyroidectomy, whether you are taking other medications, if there are any other endocrine issues, and if there are any oth...[Read More] Understanding Low TSH Levels After Thyroidectomy: Causes and Implications
Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Hair loss, irregular menstruation, weight gain, and easy fatigue? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about my condition. I started experiencing hair loss around July of last year and have visited 3-4 clinics and one large hospital for examinations. The diagnosis from each pla...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult the "Endocrinology and Metabolism Department" as misdiagnosis can occur if the wrong specialty is chosen.[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Understanding Bruising and Bleeding: Could It Be Leukemia?
Bruising and bleeding during brushing? Hello, doctor. I have two or three unexplained bruises on my body and I've been experiencing bleeding while brushing my teeth, so I went for blood tests. My white blood cell count was normal, and I had two tests done about a month apart...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chiu Rong-Ching: 1. Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of precursor cells of granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, or leukocytes, leading to a reduction in normal white blood cells. It includes acute lym...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Bleeding: Could It Be Leukemia?
Understanding Dietary Sensitivities: Dizziness and Nausea After Sweet Foods
Dietary Issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask you something. Since elementary school, I have noticed that whenever I consume sweet foods or drinks, I start to feel dizzy and nauseous. This is very obvious, for example, when I drink beverages or eat chocolate. Even fruits that ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, the following are summarized: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour ...[Read More] Understanding Dietary Sensitivities: Dizziness and Nausea After Sweet Foods
Is High White Blood Cell Count Linked to HIV Infection?
Is there a connection between elevated white blood cell count and HIV? 1. Is there a correlation between elevated white blood cell count and HIV/AIDS? 2. Can elevated white blood cell count lead to infections that can be transmitted to others?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Whenever there is inflammation or infection in the body, white blood cell count will increase.[Read More] Is High White Blood Cell Count Linked to HIV Infection?
Understanding Weight Distribution and Healthy Eating for Students
I am a student? Hello, Doctor! 1. I am currently a student with a BMI of over 20, but compared to others of the same height, my thighs and buttocks are noticeably larger (while my waist is relatively slim). Could you explain why this is happening? Are there any methods to impro...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. However, my knowledge in this area is limited, and I may not provide an accurate response. I recommend consulting a nutritionist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Weight Distribution and Healthy Eating for Students
Understanding GI and Weight Management: Tips for Students
GI-related issues Hello, doctor! 1. I am a student with a BMI of over 20, but compared to others of the same height, my thighs and buttocks are noticeably smaller, while my waist is relatively slim. Why is this? Are there ways to improve it? (I spend most of my time in school a...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. To achieve a good physique, in addition to dietary control, exercise is also essential. 2. Your BMI is approximately 20, so there is no need for weight loss; therefore, questions 3 and 4 are irrelevant (do not trust online information; consulting a nutritionist is the b...[Read More] Understanding GI and Weight Management: Tips for Students