Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
For questions regarding blood test reports, please consult your doctor? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were around 40 and my cholesterol was just over 200, so I have been following up every three months. Howe...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The answer is the same, but in my words: I will ask you to come back in two weeks for a follow-up blood test. That's it; the current data doesn't indicate much. Medicine is a science, and we don't speculate without evidence. We only speak based on the eviden...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?
Interpretation of Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Hello Doctor, traditional chest computed tomography (CT) can detect tumors in the lungs, but I recently experienced hemoptysis and went to a large hospital for a CT scan, which reported normal results. However, a month later, I sti...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is a question about "predicting the future" and even as a physician, I cannot know whether I will develop lung cancer next month. 1. The resolution of a CT scan is generally defined as being able to detect lesions larger than 0.5 cm, so smaller lesions canno...[Read More] Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?
Understanding Persistent Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Recurrent lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my lymph nodes, which are swollen all over my body (on both sides of my collarbone, armpits, groin, and behind my knees). They do not feel hard; rather, they are soft and noticeably protruding. They have been swoll...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consult a hematology-oncology specialist for a detailed examination.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
After breast cancer surgery, the CEA level increased from 3.8 at the end of chemotherapy to 5.4, with the most recent level being 6.2. Can this be confirmed as metastasis? The mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (which has been surgically removed) ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The blood cancer markers cannot definitively determine whether cancer has metastasized, especially since the CEA level is only 6, which makes it quite tenuous to draw any conclusions. Thank you for your response.[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
Understanding Right Groin Mass and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Right groin mass + bilateral shoulder/knee/hip joint pain? Hello, doctor. I am a 59-year-old female housewife. From 2018 to 2019, I occasionally experienced dull pain in my right lower abdomen at night (at most once a month), which resolved after urination. Around October 2019, I...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lan / 59 years old / Female Regarding the issue of a mass in the right lower groin: 1. You have already undergone abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, so you have seen a doctor. 2. You should have had the doctor you consulted examine it! What did the doctor say? If there are any is...[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Mass and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Neck Masses and Low Platelet Counts: Key Insights
Neck mass and thrombocytopenia? 1. About last September, I noticed a hard lump in the back of my shoulder that has been swollen and painful. It has not gone away and is about 1 cm in size; it does not hurt or move and feels very hard. It hasn't grown larger, but my family in...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. If there is no continuous enlargement, it is recommended to simply observe. 2. In young women with thrombocytopenia, it may be autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. 3. However, if there are other hematological abnormalities present, it is advisable to consult a pediatric he...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses and Low Platelet Counts: Key Insights
Understanding Symptoms of Leukemia: Throat Pain and Weakness
Symptoms of leukemia? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing a sore throat for the past week (I noticed possible inflammation near the soft palate), along with weakness in my arms and legs, and my appetite has not been very good most of the time. Could this possibly be related ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaomi / 38 years old / Male, is there a problem with leukemia? A: Leukemia typically involves an increase in white blood cells, which can be determined through a blood test. It is recommended that you go to a laboratory, clinic, or large hospital for examination. Wishing you saf...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Leukemia: Throat Pain and Weakness
Understanding High Platelet Count: What It Means for Your Health
Examination Report Doctor, I would like to ask you about the health check-up and blood test required for school enrollment in my country. I am currently in the third grade, and today I received my previous report. Everything else is normal, but my platelet count is elevated at 50...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Dr. Chen Sih-Jung, A 16-year-old male can undergo examinations at the Hematology Department. Thank you for your inquiry. Best regards, Taoyuan Hospital[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Low Red Blood Cells and High MCH
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I have two abnormal values in my blood test report that I would like to inquire about: Red blood cells (RBC) 4.25 (normal range 4.5-5.9 x10^6/µL) and MCH 35.1 (normal range 26-34 pg). All other blood test parameters are normal. The report indicate...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Blood cell counts can fluctuate at any time; they are not fixed numbers and change daily. As long as they remain within a safe range, that's acceptable. Based on your values, I don't see anything particularly concerning, and I don't feel the need to investig...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Low Red Blood Cells and High MCH
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in the Occipital Region: When to Worry?
Cervical lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen: A couple of days ago, I asked you about the enlargement of the occipital lymph node, and I would like to confirm some details. Thank you! I have actually noticed that the single enlarged lymph node in the occipital region has been present ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Bao / 40 years old / Male 1. Do you think it is necessary to go to a large hospital for further examination due to the uncertainty of the tactile sensation? A: Generally, people visit a doctor for a cold 1-2 times a year. During that time, you can visit an otolaryngologis...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in the Occipital Region: When to Worry?
Understanding Lymph Node Changes in the Neck: What You Need to Know
Urgent issue with multiple lymph nodes in the neck? At the end of 2019, I suddenly discovered a lymph node on the right side of my neck. By this year, its size has not changed much (approximately six months later, an ultrasound abroad showed it measuring 8*2*7 mm, close to one ce...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Question 1: The report states that the ultrasound shows multiple lymph nodes. Is this normal? Answer: If they are larger than 1 cm, there is a possibility of malignancy, and you should seek medical attention promptly. Question 2: The ultrasound indicates that everything is nor...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Changes in the Neck: What You Need to Know
Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Prostate cancer Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 81 years old and had a PSA level of 14.9, which led to a prostate biopsy that confirmed the presence of cancer cells. The doctor then arranged for a CT scan of the pelvic area, a chest X-ray, and a nuclear medicine scan of the entire s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
J / 52 years old / Male Hello! 1. The doctor recommended laser treatment to remove the prostate. A: This procedure is likely not aimed at prostate cancer but rather at benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What I mean is: for BPH, laser treatment is applicable; for prostate canc...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Small Cysts and Blood Test Implications in Oncology
Issues related to small cysts and blood tests? Hello Dr. Chen, In the summer of 2018, I noticed a soft lump near my throat and visited an ENT specialist several times. The doctor diagnosed it as something resembling a large pimple and prescribed antibiotics to see if it would g...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ch, 24 years old, female. First, would a general tumor affect white blood cell abnormalities? A: Not significantly related. Second, is this size considered large? A: 0.95 cm requires monitoring. If it increases in size, closer follow-up is necessary. However, if you do not notice...[Read More] Understanding Small Cysts and Blood Test Implications in Oncology
Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
The necessity of continuing to participate in clinical trials? Hello Dr. Chen: The patient's second sister (59 years old) has stage IV breast cancer. The doctor did not perform surgery due to metastasis, so she is undergoing chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy to t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you join a clinical trial, you must adhere to the trial regulations. I cannot advise you on whether to withdraw from the trial, as this is an agreement between you and the principal investigator, and outsiders cannot know the specific details involved. 2. Psychol...[Read More] Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Eosinophils Hello Doctor: I had a blood test at the hospital the other night, and the report shows that my eosinophil count is 8.9, while the normal range is 0-6. Should I undergo further testing? I kindly ask for your guidance. Thank you for your help!
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In the classification of white blood cells, there are neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, etc. Therefore, the 8.9% you see is just a percentage, indicating that there are 8.9 eosinophils among 100 white blood cells. This ratio should be interpreted in conjunction wi...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Understanding Right Groin Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Right inguinal swelling? Hello Doctor: The swelling in my groin has been present for over a year, but it is only on one side (the right side) and has not moved. It started to become noticeable about six months after my acute appendicitis surgery in November 2017. Recently, in the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ivy / 31 years old / Female 1. The swelling in the ankle has persisted for over a year. Recently, in the past month, the swelling has become more pronounced, with a width of approximately 5 centimeters in diameter. 2. Two months ago, a basic health check was performed, which sho...[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Gynecological cancer metastasized to the lungs? Hello, Doctor! My mother was diagnosed with vulvar cancer 7-8 years ago and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. It recurred two years later, requiring another surgery and radiation therapy. Last year, several tumors were found in...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There are no textbook-standard answers to these three questions; the responses can vary for each patient even under similar circumstances. 1. The risk assessment and outcomes of surgery are not something I can explain; that should be addressed by the surgeon. 2. The dec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Blood Test Anomalies and Groin Lump Concerns
Blood test issues and groin mass? Hello doctor, last month I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and to assess for anemia, I underwent a blood test. The report showed two abnormalities: neutrophils at 76.9% and lymphocytes at 16.7%, while other white blood cells and red blood cells...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The normal range for white blood cells (WBC) is 4,000 to 12,000 cells per microliter. White blood cells can be further classified into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and others. Therefore, a neutrophil percentage of 76.9% and a lymphocyte percentage of 16.7% represent a rat...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Anomalies and Groin Lump Concerns
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Cervical lymph nodes Hello doctor, about three months ago, I noticed a movable hard lump in my groin (less than 1 cm). I visited a nearby clinic, and they suggested monitoring it. About a month ago, I felt 3 to 4 lymph nodes of varying sizes (0.5-1.5 cm) in my neck, which made me...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jason / 14 years old / Male 1. Should I get further examinations, or is it enough to just observe? A: Observation is sufficient. If there is an increase in size, number, or change in color, you should see a doctor again. 2. Will constantly touching it prevent it from going aw...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Elevated Immature White Blood Cells and Atypical Lymphocytes: What to Know
Blood test shows elevated levels of immature white blood cells and atypical lymphocytes? I previously went to the hospital due to unstable blood pressure. The doctor initially planned to check my cholesterol levels through a blood test, but instead found immature white blood cell...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If immature white blood cells contain blast cells, it may indicate a hematologic malignancy, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Elevated Immature White Blood Cells and Atypical Lymphocytes: What to Know