Exploring Treatment Options for Stage III Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Stage III esophageal adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor, my father was diagnosed with stage III esophageal adenocarcinoma in mid-April. There is only some space left in the upper part of his stomach, and the gastric wall at the gastroesophageal junction has thickened. In early May, a c...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Shiori: Based on the condition you described, your father will primarily continue with chemotherapy, supplemented by radiation therapy. Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Stage III Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. Last week, I felt a lymph node about 2 cm in size at the intersection of my neck and left shoulder. It is movable and not painful. The next day, I went to see an ENT specialist and had blood tests done. The doctor reviewed the results and said that ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: If you have noticed lymph nodes that have been palpable for a short period, it is advisable to monitor them for a few months. If they continue to enlarge or if more nodes appear, further evaluation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Assessing End-Stage Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms and Treatment Options
End-stage assessment of multiple myeloma? Dear Doctor, My father was diagnosed with stage II multiple myeloma six years ago at the age of 65. He did not undergo a stem cell transplant but chose treatment with CyBorD (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone). For the firs...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The original physician from Hospital L has returned, and the physician from Hospital Z has asked you to go back to the original hospital for treatment, so it’s quite clear where to go. 2. The symptoms of multiple myeloma are primarily related to the bone marrow. As the ...[Read More] Assessing End-Stage Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment Challenges and Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia cannot restore hemoglobin levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing issues since over five years ago, with my blood test reports showing normal hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts around 13,000. Two years ago, I underwent partial gastrecto...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone gastric resection, it may partially affect the absorption of oral iron supplements, so it is common to switch to injectable iron. How long it takes to improve anemia depends on the dosage of iron you receive each time and the frequency of injections, ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment Challenges and Concerns
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Tips for Managing Thalassemia
The hemoglobin level is only 6.3? I have had Mediterranean anemia since childhood. Besides being unable to climb mountains and occasionally experiencing dizziness, I haven't had major issues in my daily life. However, during my pre-marital check-up, it was found that my hemo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: It is important to supplement with iron and pay attention to safety (avoid falls and intense exercise, etc.); however, a level of 6.3 is too low, so it is recommended to see a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Tips for Managing Thalassemia
Can Nutritional Supplements Replace Iron Supplements for Anemia?
Regarding anemia? Dear Doctor: My mother is 55 years old and has iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of 9. The doctor has prescribed iron supplements. A friend recommended Aibu Yite Supplement Essence for my mother. She is now considering switching to Aibu Yite Supplem...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: It is recommended that both be taken, as it would be more appropriate for your mother.[Read More] Can Nutritional Supplements Replace Iron Supplements for Anemia?
Understanding Anemia: Differentiating Iron Deficiency and Normocytic Anemia
Anemia-related issues Based on your blood report, the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is 15.5%. This value can indicate variability in red blood cell size, which is often seen in iron deficiency anemia. However, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 81.0 fL, which is consi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on the report you provided, it indicates normocytic anemia. However, I still suspect that you may have iron deficiency, as the numbers are for reference only and may not necessarily align perfectly. Given your age, iron deficiency anemia is still the most likely poss...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Differentiating Iron Deficiency and Normocytic Anemia
Understanding High Platelet Count: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Thrombocytosis Hello Doctor, I recently received the results of my university health check, which indicated that I have thrombocytosis (586) and leukocytosis (13). I had another test done later, and although the numbers decreased, they are still high: platelets (546) and white bl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please try not to worry too much; having high platelet counts is not cancer. Normally, a healthy individual's platelet count ranges from about 100,000 to 300,000. If the platelet count remains persistently elevated, such as exceeding 450,000, it could indicate two con...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Could Aplastic Anemia Progress to Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Is it possible for aplastic anemia to transform? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia since middle school, and it has been many years now. Although my lab results have never been very good, I have never required a blood transfusion. However, my hemoglobin has decrea...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult to determine whether the 1% blast cells are truly malignant leukemia cells or if they are normal cells that accidentally ended up in the peripheral blood. You will need to undergo a bone marrow biopsy to get a definitive answer. It's important to p...[Read More] Could Aplastic Anemia Progress to Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Understanding Blood Cell Abnormalities: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy
Abnormalities in the two blood cell lineages? Dear Doctor, The above is my blood report prior to the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy report. Since the attending physician has many patients, I am unable to ask too many questions in the clinic, so I have a few inquiries for you...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on the information you provided, I also agree that it is aplastic anemia. Although the definition needs to be very precise, in clinical practice, not every patient fits the standard profile, and it is impossible to completely align with what is written in textbo...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cell Abnormalities: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy
Understanding Mild Aplastic Anemia: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy Results
Mild Aplastic Anemia Hello, Doctor. This is my second time seeking your advice. Last time, you recommended that my wife undergo a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy by the attending physician. The report has come back, and the attending physician diagnosed her with mild aplastic a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, everyone: 1. Aplastic anemia is a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning it is diagnosed only after ruling out other possible causes); 2. If it is mild aplastic anemia and there are no clinical symptoms, it is recommended to simply observe. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Mild Aplastic Anemia: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy Results
Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Abnormal blood cells Hello, doctor. My wife is 40 years old. In 2006, a blood test revealed that her white blood cell count was low at 3100, while other blood cell counts were normal. This abnormality in white blood cells persisted until 2011, with other blood cell counts remaini...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. While there is a temporal relationship between leukopenia and low hemoglobin levels, both should be considered together; 2. The incidence of two types of cytopenia, specifically megaloblastic anemia, is significantly higher than that of myelodysplastic syndrome...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Symptoms of mediastinal tumors may include: 1. Chest pain or discomfort 2. Coughing, which may be persistent or worsening 3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 4. Wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound) 5. Hoarseness or changes in voice My mother is 64 year...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: A mediastinal tumor may be a thymoma, which can be associated with myasthenia gravis. This condition can affect the ocular muscles, leading to ptosis and diplopia; if it impacts the respiratory muscles, it may result in respiratory muscle weakness or respiratory f...[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Dosage Differences Explained
Iron deficiency anemia Hello doctor, I have iron deficiency anemia. Some doctors recommend that I take three iron supplements a day, while others suggest just one. What is the difference between taking one and three? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Basically, I think the difference lies in the iron content of the formulations. Typically, those taken once a day contain about 300 mg of iron per tablet, while those taken three times a day usually contain 100 mg of iron per tablet. However, I believe it's just a mat...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Dosage Differences Explained
Unexplained Fatigue and Headaches: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Unexplained fatigue and headaches? Hello Doctor, I have very troubling symptoms and would like to seek different suggestions. When I wake up in the morning (while lying down) or after a nap (whether lying face down or sitting), I experience dull headaches. I have a feeling of pre...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, I would like to perform a blood test (including a complete blood count and endocrine system evaluation). Thyroid dysfunction, anemia, or polycythemia are all possibilities, and we can investigate these areas further. Thank you![Read More] Unexplained Fatigue and Headaches: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding MDS: Treatment Options and Blood Count Concerns
MDS Disease Issues 2 Thank you for the doctor's response. I would like to ask another question: my blast count is over 5%, but I do not have anemia, my platelet count is normal, and my white blood cell count is between 13,000 and 16,000. Does this mean that I cannot use this...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
According to the National Health Insurance reimbursement regulations, there is no specific requirement for blood cell counts to be above or below a certain level in order to use Azacitidine; it is sufficient that you have MDS RAEB (regardless of whether it is RAEB-1 or RAEB-2). T...[Read More] Understanding MDS: Treatment Options and Blood Count Concerns
Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
MDS disease issues In the case of MDS RAEB-1, is it necessary to have a specific blood cell count decrease in order to use targeted therapy? I have normal or elevated peripheral blood counts, but I was diagnosed with this condition due to issues found in a bone marrow biopsy. Cur...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
You have been diagnosed with MDS RAEB-1, correct? It is important to note that for this diagnosis, the presence of abnormal blast cells in the bone marrow examination should account for 5-9% of the total blood cells. Although this does not qualify as acute leukemia (commonly refe...[Read More] Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, I am 177 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I have experienced occasional dizziness, so I went to the hospital for blood tests. On August 4th, my complete blood count showed that only the following three items were low: red blood cell count 4.62, hemoglobin 13....
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
David: You have mild anemia, and thalassemia remains a consideration for diagnosis. Mild thalassemia can sometimes be difficult to detect. It is recommended to continue monitoring, and if there are no changes, you should be reassured. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Bone Marrow Transplant Challenges
Aplastic anemia Your friend's daughter has aplastic anemia and has not responded well to immunosuppressive therapy. Should treatment rely on medication or blood transfusions, or is a bone marrow transplant necessary? Her hemoglobin is 6, white blood cell count is 3000, plate...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mier: Due to a system error, I apologize for the delayed response. The effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy has been poor, and currently, the only option is allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. However, this carries certain risks. Sibling donors are preferred. Finding a ...[Read More] Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Bone Marrow Transplant Challenges
Understanding Prolonged APTT with Normal PT: Insights for Patients
APTT prolonged, PT normal? Hello Doctor, in mid-April last year (2010), I noticed petechiae on my arm, which was the second occurrence I remembered. Therefore, I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results were normal at that time (including PT, APTT, bleeding time, et...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Lin: After scratching, small red spots appear in the scratch marks, which usually suggests a possible decrease in platelet count. Have you had your platelet levels checked? If the platelet count is indeed low and the APTT is prolonged, one possible consideration is an autoimm...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged APTT with Normal PT: Insights for Patients