Can Brain Tumors Undergo Second Radiation Therapy?
Can a brain tumor be treated with radiation therapy twice? My father is 71 years old and was diagnosed with lung cancer a few years ago at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. After undergoing chemotherapy for the lungs, the cancer metastasized to the brain. He then received radi...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: It is best to discuss with the radiation oncologist regarding the initial dosage, as it is unknown. If it is a single lesion, surgery may be considered. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Can Brain Tumors Undergo Second Radiation Therapy?
Is Hair Dye Safe for Patients with Brain Tumors?
Can I dye my hair if I have a tumor on my head? Doctor: Hello! I was diagnosed with a tumor on my scalp over 10 years ago, but the doctor said it could be removed or left alone for now. Can I dye my hair? (Because I have more gray hair, and the mix of black and gray looks odd.) W...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Hair dyes contain chemical ingredients, so it's best to avoid dyeing if possible. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is Hair Dye Safe for Patients with Brain Tumors?
Understanding Post-Head Injury Swelling in Children: What to Know
Swelling after a head injury? My daughter (7 years old) bumped the back of her head while playing two weeks ago. That day, it was red, swollen, and painful. Three days later, since she felt a slight bulge at the injury site and it was still painful when pressed lightly, I took he...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: We recommend that you take her to our neurosurgery outpatient clinic for better assistance. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Post-Head Injury Swelling in Children: What to Know
Understanding Sudden Head Pain and Swelling: When to Seek Help
Swelling on the head with throbbing pain? On April 23, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my head. By April 24, it returned to normal. Around April 26 and 27, the sharp pain started again, and I noticed a small bump on the top of my head at the site of the pain. The forehead ar...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Tumors rarely grow rapidly within a few days, but based on your description, it is difficult to determine your exact condition. I recommend discussing this further with your physician or asking them for a referral for further evaluation. Thank you, Dr. Hong Hsu-Yi.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Head Pain and Swelling: When to Seek Help
Treatment Options for Pseudo-Tumor and Eye Movement Disorders After Carotid Surgery
How should a right carotid artery pseudoaneurysm and ocular movement disorders be treated? What is the treatment for a pseudotumor and ocular movement disorders following balloon embolization of a carotid-cavernous fistula? During the treatment, is there a risk of complications o...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Due to insufficient information, I am unable to provide you with recommendations. I suggest consulting a radiologist, as they have more experience in this area. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Treatment Options for Pseudo-Tumor and Eye Movement Disorders After Carotid Surgery
Managing Hand Numbness After Brain Tumor Surgery: Expert Tips
Numbness in the hands? Hello Doctor: After my brain tumor surgery, my hand has been numb and even lacks sensation for a long time. What can I do to improve this condition?
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Your question could not be answered due to insufficient information regarding your brain tumor condition. It is recommended that you consult your attending physician. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Managing Hand Numbness After Brain Tumor Surgery: Expert Tips
Understanding Spinal Discomfort: When to Seek Orthopedic or Neurosurgical Care
Spinal discomfort? Doctor: I previously experienced some occasional neck pain, which I didn't pay much attention to, thinking that it would go away with more rest. However, it has not only persisted but has also increased from one area to two. Am I at risk of having bone can...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: As you mentioned, please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for treatment. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Discomfort: When to Seek Orthopedic or Neurosurgical Care
Understanding Nerve Sheath Cysts: Are They Considered Intradural Tumors?
Could you please provide more details or specific questions regarding nerve sheath cysts? Hello, Doctor: I sought medical attention for lower back pain and was diagnosed with a sacral intradural nerve sheath cyst approximately one centimeter in size via MRI. At the time, the doct...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, it seems to be a benign cyst. However, it would be best for you to bring a copy of the imaging studies to the outpatient clinic to determine if surgery is necessary. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Nerve Sheath Cysts: Are They Considered Intradural Tumors?
Finding Experienced Surgeons for Spinal Tumor Treatment in Taiwan
Could you recommend an experienced doctor for treating spinal tumors? Dear Dr. Chiu, My mother (58 years old) has been diagnosed with a "spinal tumor" through an MRI at Taichung Cheng Ching Hospital. The diagnosing physician has recommended surgery, and both my mother ...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Please visit the outpatient clinic to understand your condition. Wishing you good health![Read More] Finding Experienced Surgeons for Spinal Tumor Treatment in Taiwan
Best Treatment Options for Benign Astrocytoma: A Patient's Guide
Brain tumor Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August, and the biopsy showed it to be a benign astrocytoma. The physician recommended gamma knife treatment, but I found online information stating that gliomas are not suitable for radiation therapy. Could you plea...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult your attending physician for a clearer understanding of the patient's condition. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Best Treatment Options for Benign Astrocytoma: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Meningioma: Treatment Options and Surgical Alternatives
Meningioma What are the treatment options for meningiomas? Are there any methods that can cure it without surgery? What is the likelihood of a complete cure?
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Meningiomas are primarily treated with surgery, while other treatments serve as adjuncts. There are no non-surgical methods that can cure them. However, it is essential to know the tumor's location; if it is situated at the skull base, surgery may sometimes be unmanag...[Read More] Understanding Meningioma: Treatment Options and Surgical Alternatives
Recognizing Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Symptoms of brain tumors Hello Dr. Ding: I would like to ask, what are the obvious symptoms if someone has a brain tumor? Recently, I have been experiencing some pain in my head that feels different from regular headaches, and sometimes I also feel a bit nauseous. I am very worri...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the symptoms of a brain tumor are not very obvious, and headaches are common. However, many conditions can cause headaches, so there is no need to be overly anxious. Drinking plenty of water is a good way to address your issue. If you are still concerne...[Read More] Recognizing Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recurrence
Pituitary tumor Hello Dr. Chiu, I have a question regarding my health. In May 2003, I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor at a hospital in Taichung, which was approximately 1 cm in size at that time. I attempted to manage it with medication, but after about a year of outpatient...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello! As you mentioned, it can be difficult to determine whether a tumor has recurred or if it is fatty tissue. It is recommended that you consult Dr. Chung Wen-Yu, a neurosurgeon at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, as he is an expert in this area. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recurrence
Understanding Brain Aneurysms: Surgical Options and Concerns
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? Hello Dr. Chiu, I would like to ask you a few questions. I originally consulted an ophthalmologist, but since they couldn't find any issues, I was scheduled for an MRI recently. It revealed that I have a vascul...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: The Gamma Knife is not a universal solution. You can consult Dr. Chung Wen-Yu, a neurosurgeon at Veterans General Hospital, to explore its possibilities. Additionally, Professor Du Yong-Guang from National Taiwan University is quite experienced in this area of surgery (one...[Read More] Understanding Brain Aneurysms: Surgical Options and Concerns
Understanding Coma Levels and Neurosurgery Options for Brain Tumors
Issues related to brain tumors? Coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness where a person cannot be awakened and fails to respond to stimuli. The levels of coma can vary, and they are often assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which ranges from 3 to 15. A GCS score of 3...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: You can find information about the Glasgow Coma Scale online. Generally speaking, the prognosis for brainstem tumors is poor, and surgery is often not an option. The most that can be done is radiation therapy. If the patient is already in a coma, further evaluation may be ...[Read More] Understanding Coma Levels and Neurosurgery Options for Brain Tumors
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery
Pituitary adenoma Hello Doctor, my husband was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor after experiencing weakness and numbness on the right side of his body in August of last year. The tumor was located above the brainstem, and the doctor informed me that it is classified as a benign t...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
In medical terms, it is a benign tumor, but clinically it is considered a malignant tumor (as it poses a life-threatening risk when the tumor compresses the brain tissue)... This description does not sound like a typical pituitary adenoma, so it is advisable to consult the origin...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery
Understanding a Painless Head Lump: Is It a Serious Concern?
There is a lump on my head? Hello Doctor: I have a lump located slightly to the left at the center of my head that has been present for about two to three months. During this time, I have not experienced any head trauma. The lump is palpable but not painful, although it fluctuate...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions based on appearance alone. I recommend surgical excision for further examination. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding a Painless Head Lump: Is It a Serious Concern?
Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor? Hello Dr. Hsiao: What are the obvious symptoms if someone has a brain tumor? For the past month or two, I've been feeling something unusual with my scalp; it's not pain, but rather a tingling sensation. Sometimes it occurs on the ...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
The symptoms of brain tumors are very diverse, but it is rare for them to present as scalp numbness; facial numbness is more common. If you are concerned, it is advisable to consult a specialist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Effects of Gamma Knife Surgery on Nerve Compression
Household knife Hello, doctor. After undergoing Gamma Knife treatment, there may be a phenomenon where the tumor initially enlarges before shrinking. In some cases, doctors may choose to administer radiation therapy before surgery to facilitate a cleaner resection. In both situat...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Radiation therapy may initially cause slight swelling of the affected area and surrounding tissues, and it can also potentially lead to the worsening of symptoms.[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Gamma Knife Surgery on Nerve Compression
Exploring Nerve Repair Options After Facial Nerve Tumor Surgery
Nerve repair I have a facial nerve tumor located in the middle ear and mastoid region on the right side of my face. In June, I underwent mastoidectomy and tumor resection at Taichung Cheng Ching Hospital's ENT department. Due to the surgeon removing a portion of the nerve, m...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
The hypoglossal nerve can be used for nerve repair; generally, tongue movement will be affected, but the impact on speech articulation is minimal. Additionally, consideration can be given to using the contralateral facial nerve for repair.[Read More] Exploring Nerve Repair Options After Facial Nerve Tumor Surgery