Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Connections
Inguinal mass Hello doctor, today while showering, I felt a hard lump in my left groin area, which is about 0.5 cm in size, firm, not easily movable, and painful (it hurts when pressed). Additionally, when I squeezed it, it bled a little (leaving a slight stinging sensation). A y...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The pain and bleeding upon pressure should be attributed to localized subcutaneous inflammation (possibly acne or folliculitis).[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Connections
Understanding Blood Test Results: Neutrophils and Lymphocytes Explained
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, on August 13th, my blood test results showed a WBC of 7.6, hemoglobin of 12.4, Neutrophils at 58.6%, Lymphocytes at 33%, and Monocytes at 7.5%. However, in today's blood test, my WBC is 6830, hemoglobin is 12.5, Neutrophils at 43.4%, Lymphocyt...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Neutrophils 40-75% and Lymphocytes 20-56% are considered normal. The percentages of Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Basophils, and Eosinophils are determined by the automated analysis of 500 white blood cells. Therefore, the percentages calculated from blood drawn at differe...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Neutrophils and Lymphocytes Explained
Can Normal Blood Tests Rule Out Blood Cancer? Understanding Sternum Pain
Midsternal tenderness Hello, doctor. Two weeks ago, I went to the hospital for a blood test because I had many small red spots on my arm, suspecting a coagulation issue. The report showed everything was normal, with normal blood cell counts and types of white blood cells. However...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a bone marrow biopsy is performed to diagnose blood cancer only after abnormal results are found in blood tests. You asked if it is possible to have blood cancer despite normal blood test results. In my 15 years as a physician, with 7 years specializing in hemat...[Read More] Can Normal Blood Tests Rule Out Blood Cancer? Understanding Sternum Pain
Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Help
There is a hard lump on the mons pubis? About one or two months ago, I discovered a lump on the right side of my vulva that hurts when pressed lightly. At first, I thought it was a pimple, and after squeezing it, I noticed some white particles and pus, which made me more certain ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You can go to see an obstetrician-gynecologist.[Read More] Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment
A large and a small mass on the left side of the neck? Hello Doctor, at the end of July, I felt pain near my jaw, but there were no other symptoms. Then, in early August, I had acute gastroenteritis. The doctor found a small hard lump on the left side of my neck, which he suspect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Xiao Gao. Regarding your condition: 1. The lymph nodes have become larger (approximately 2 cm). 2. They feel firm. 3. There is also a small one that may indeed have a possibility of cancer. It is reasonable for the physician to prescribe antibiotics initially, considering ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment
Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: Insights on Swelling and Inflammation
I have another question regarding lymphatic issues? Hello Dr. Chen, in February I had a mouth ulcer and swelling and pain in my left parotid lymph nodes. I also accidentally found a lymph node near the left side of my neck, close to the clavicle. Later, my mouth healed, and the l...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If you keep pressing it, it will only make you more anxious and panicked. A: It's advisable not to keep pressing it, as it may irritate the area. If you check it once a day to monitor its size, that would be fine! 2. Do you think the lymph nodes near the clavicle are nor...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: Insights on Swelling and Inflammation
Understanding Lumps in the Arm and Armpit: What to Expect from MRI Results
There is a lump on the wrist, and I also feel a lump under the armpit? Doctor, my mother has a lump on her wrist and a hard mass in the middle of her armpit that feels firm when pressed. She does not have a fever or cough. The doctor has ordered an MRI. If the lump is not attache...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is usually not necessary to redo the MRI. It is recommended to bring both the MRI images (CD) and the printed report with you.[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Arm and Armpit: What to Expect from MRI Results
Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Implications for Blood Disorders
Low neutrophil count? Hello Doctor: I was splashed with chloramphenicol on my face on August 8, 2018. I had a blood test on August 13, 2018, and the results were as follows: WBC: 6.51*10^3/μL (reference range 3.9~10.6*10^3/μL), Seg/CBC: 40% (reference range 42~74%), Lym/CBC: 47.2...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your numbers, it does not appear to be "aplastic anemia," which is a very serious condition characterized by severe pancytopenia (which differs significantly from your report). From your report, I do not see any particular abnormalities. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Implications for Blood Disorders
Assessing the Risk of Leukemia Recurrence After Childhood Recovery
What is the likelihood of leukemia relapse? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in my childhood and have been in remission since then. I stopped follow-up during middle school until last year and this year when I underwent a health check at work. Last ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, after so many years, I hope your leukemia has improved. However, you should have been going to the hematology department for blood tests once a year for follow-up. Secondly, since you have anemia, you should also visit the hematology department to get medicat...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Leukemia Recurrence After Childhood Recovery
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and When to Worry
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, previously I had swelling in the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, with about three nodes approximately 1 cm in size, soft in texture and movable. After a physical examination, the doctor said not to worry, indicating that there are many reas...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to simply observe.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and When to Worry
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Suspected cervical lymphatic issues? Hello, doctor. Around April of this year, I felt a swelling sensation on the left side of my Adam's apple, so I went to the ENT department at a nearby hospital. I was diagnosed with lymphadenopathy and was prescribed a five-day course of ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. If you only feel lumps on both sides of the Adam's apple, it is usually a benign condition (such as upper respiratory infections or inflammation); however, if you can feel lumps above both clavicles, the issue could be more serious (some may be benign diseases of the uppe...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About a Newly Discovered Lymph Node in the Neck
Today, I suddenly felt a lymph node in the back of my neck? Today, I suddenly felt a lymph node on the left side of my neck. It's about the size of a fingertip, slightly smaller than half of it. It feels soft and is likely movable; it's not very noticeable and I can onl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Many people often mistake subcutaneous lipomas (benign tumors) for malignant lymphoma. Generally, the posterior neck area is not a pathway for blood vessels, and there are very few lymph nodes distributed there, making the likelihood of palpating lymphoma in that area extr...[Read More] Concerns About a Newly Discovered Lymph Node in the Neck
Understanding Enlarged Neck Lymph Nodes: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Cervical lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, I have a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck near the collarbone, approximately 0.5 cm in size. I have been monitoring it for two to three months, and it hasn't changed in size. It is movable. Last Thursday and Friday, I not...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Chen / 27 years old / Male Hello, if you have any concerns, the best approach is to visit an otolaryngologist for an outpatient consultation. It would be beneficial to have a thorough examination of the entire nasopharynx, oropharynx, throat, and neck. Trust in the physician...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Neck Lymph Nodes: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Groin: When to Seek Further Testing
Hard mass in the right groin? Hello Doctor, I noticed this hard lump when I was around 24 years old during my military service. A few months after I was discharged, I had blood tests done by an oncologist (the results were normal) and also consulted a surgeon who advised just to ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there is no enlargement, it is recommended to simply monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Groin: When to Seek Further Testing
Why Is Hemoglobin Not Rising Despite Iron Supplementation?
Iron supplements have been taken, but hemoglobin levels have not increased; only iron levels have risen? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with anemia around November of last year, with a hemoglobin level of approximately 8.9 and iron levels at 14. My family physician diagnosed me wi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For females, the definition of iron deficiency anemia is a serum ferritin level of less than 10 ng/mL. You may not have iron deficiency anemia, so supplementing iron may not effectively improve your anemia (although it may increase the total iron levels). There are many ca...[Read More] Why Is Hemoglobin Not Rising Despite Iron Supplementation?
Understanding High Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Thrombocytosis On March 18, I had a pre-pregnancy check-up in the obstetrics and gynecology department, and my platelet count was reported at 755 (I reviewed the report on April 17). During a company health examination on March 31, the value was 1008. Following Dr. Chen's ad...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the hematology outpatient clinic and bring your reports. Waiting for a month is a bit long; you can come back in two weeks to have your blood drawn again. Thank you![Read More] Understanding High Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding High Platelet Count: Risks and Pregnancy Considerations
Thrombocytosis In March, during a company health check-up, it was found that my platelet count was elevated. The hospital provided a normal range of 150-450, while my value was 1008. Is there an immediate danger associated with this condition? Is it safe to become pregnant at thi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello, your platelet count is extremely high, which raises the risk of a stroke at any moment. Please see a hematologist as soon as possible for further blood tests. If your platelet count remains this high, medication will be prescribed to lower it. For now, it is advisable to a...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: Risks and Pregnancy Considerations
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Swelling
Is it lymphatic? Hello, Dr. Hu. Here's the situation: About two weeks ago, I had a cold, and then I experienced swelling and pain below my jaw. The doctor said it was lymphadenitis, and after taking medication for a week, the swelling subsided. However, at that time, I notic...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It sounds like it is advisable not to constantly pinch or stimulate it; just observe it instead.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Swelling
Understanding Adrenal Incidentalomas: Functionality and Follow-Up Care
Adrenal incidentaloma Dear Doctor, Last year in June and July, I consulted you regarding an adrenal gland tumor. Later, I went to the hospital and saw an endocrinologist who confirmed through a CT scan that I have a 2.56 cm tumor. The doctor arranged for blood tests and urine t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The initial test results may be influenced by oral steroids (false positives). It is usually recommended to monitor the values regularly. If the second test results are still abnormal, further examinations will be suggested. For detailed answers, please consult your attending phy...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Incidentalomas: Functionality and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Blood Test Results: A Guide for Cancer Patients
I don't understand the blood test report? I have a habit of donating platelets, but the center has noted abnormal results in my last three tests and referred me to a hospital for blood tests. However, I do not understand the meaning of the values and would like to consult a ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Thrombocytopenia (<100,000, your count is 47,000), combined with a history of splenomegaly, initially raises suspicion for "idiopathic (autoimmune) thrombocytopenic purpura." However, a definitive diagnosis requires further testing and the exclusion of other potentia...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: A Guide for Cancer Patients