Understanding Adenovirus and Lymph Node Swelling in Children
Adenoviral lymphadenopathy I would like to ask the doctor about my 5-year-old son. He started having a persistent fever last Monday that didn't go down. After four days, we took him to a large hospital for blood tests, urine tests, and a throat rapid test. The results indica...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Infectious diseases can also cause lymphadenopathy, so it is recommended to simply monitor the condition.[Read More] Understanding Adenovirus and Lymph Node Swelling in Children
Understanding Blast Cells During Chemotherapy: Implications for Treatment Efficacy
Is it possible to still detect blast cells in peripheral blood during the hospitalization period after chemotherapy? My daughter is 15 months old and has achieved remission after two rounds of induction therapy. She is currently hospitalized for her third round of chemotherapy, a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, it is advisable for you to consult a pediatric hematologist for more appropriate guidance.[Read More] Understanding Blast Cells During Chemotherapy: Implications for Treatment Efficacy
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
Understanding the Connection Between Elevated White Blood Cells and Weight Gain
White blood cell and weight issues? Hello, I had a health check-up at the hospital on May 13th. The report indicated that my white blood cell count is 13,000, which is slightly elevated. My high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is >= 45. I did not have a cold or take any ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: If we exclude other acute and potential infectious causes, it is possible that the increase in white blood cell count is related to a significant weight gain.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Elevated White Blood Cells and Weight Gain
Understanding Groin Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass Recently, I discovered an oval-shaped hard lump on the left side of my groin, located between the scrotum and the anus, about the size of my thumb. It doesn't hurt when I touch or squeeze it. However, today after having a bowel movement, I noticed that the lump...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, it sounds like an abscess. If the pus drains out and it gradually decreases in size and improves, then it's advisable to just monitor it. However, if there is no improvement, it would be best to see a general surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
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 Lymph Node Issues in Lymphoma: Key Questions Answered
Lymph Node Issues - Follow-up Questions Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have a question to ask. You mentioned that removing a lymph node can only confirm whether that specific node is problematic. However, another doctor told me that lymphoma is systemic, so it do...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. "Seeing is believing" is 100% certain, while "based on experience" is not necessarily so. 2. The same issue is a matter of probability; the best diagnostic method would be to excise all lymph nodes throughout the body, regardless of size, and send...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Lymphoma: Key Questions Answered
Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Why do doctors generally not recommend surgery? Is it because there may be potential complications? Hello Doctor, in early December 2016, I felt pain inside my right lower jaw. I thought about massaging it and found a lymph node. After taking medication at a nearby ENT clinic, it...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Since you have seen so many specialists, it's best to follow their advice and just observe. Clinically, lymph nodes that are recognized to have malignant changes typically have a diameter greater than 1 cm, and most cancers are around 2-3 cm in size. So, is your lymph...[Read More] Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
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 White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma
White blood cells after chemotherapy I have had lymphoma (mediastinal) and completed chemotherapy a year ago. During this period, my follow-up blood tests showed a maximum white blood cell count of 4500. Is there a problem with this?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin Hsiao-Fen / 38 years old / Female 1. Lymphoma (mediastinum) has completed chemotherapy for one year, but during this period, the highest white blood cell count during follow-up blood tests was 4500. Is there a problem with this? A: The key point is not the highest count; ...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages: Causes and When to Seek Help
Petechiae Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about a problem related to subcutaneous bleeding. I have a bamboo mat for my mattress, and yesterday I knelt down to move to the table next to it to grab something (just about the distance of a single bed). After sitting down, I no...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, it looks like you have marks on your skin that resemble those made by a bamboo mat. :)[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Continuous Chemotherapy for Cancer Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cancer Treatment: Treatment for Cancer Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid Hello Dr. Chen: My wife was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer at the end of last year after six years. Cancer cells were found in her cerebrospinal fluid, and she is currently undergoing her fifth roun...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chen Shunqing / 56 years old / Male 0. I am quite shocked to hear this. Is this true? A: In terms of Western medicine, once the disease has spread, it is considered incurable. Medications can only control it, which is a blessing. How long it can be controlled is also a blessin...[Read More] Understanding Continuous Chemotherapy for Cancer Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Is Blood Cancer Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Risks and Implications
Does leukemia run in families? Hello, if my uncle has blood cancer, is there a chance that it can be inherited by us or our mother? If so, what is the likelihood? Thank you.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
User: Blood cancer is mainly related to genetics and the environment (for example, some people have genes that will definitely lead to the disease, etc.), and it is not a hereditary disease...[Read More] Is Blood Cancer Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Risks and Implications
Understanding the Necessity of Cord Blood Storage for Leukemia Treatment
Leukemia and umbilical cord blood issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a necessity to store umbilical cord blood. Currently, is umbilical cord blood only used for leukemia? I have read online that when a child has a problem and needs to use umbilical cord blood,...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. In addition to being used for leukemia, umbilical cord blood can also be utilized for certain congenital blood disorders. 2. Yes, it is necessary to collect enough stem cells from umbilical cord blood, with a minimum storage volume of at least two bags. 3. Rega...[Read More] Understanding the Necessity of Cord Blood Storage for Leukemia Treatment
Choosing Chemotherapy Drugs for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy drug options for triple-negative breast cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer last December, approximately 2.4 cm in size. The lymph node biopsy did not show any cancer cells because the tumor is located too close to the nip...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Clare, Thank you for your letter. I appreciate your concern for your mother; you are a caring daughter. Regarding the choice of chemotherapy drugs for triple-negative breast cancer that you mentioned, there are some discrepancies with your mother's attending physic...[Read More] Choosing Chemotherapy Drugs for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Managing Side Effects of Third Chemotherapy for Thymic Tumors
Side effects of the third chemotherapy session? The patient is in the advanced stage of malignant thymoma (approximately 7.5 cm at diagnosis, encasing major blood vessels and close to the heart). After two rounds of chemotherapy, the doctor mentioned some shrinkage, but did not s...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. The treatment for malignant thymoma primarily involves surgical resection, followed by postoperative pathological evaluation to determine the necessity for further radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In the case you described, which falls under ...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Third Chemotherapy for Thymic Tumors
Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Postoperative examination after adrenal benign tumor resection? Hello Doctor, my family member underwent adrenal tumor removal at the beginning of the year. The tumor was 4 centimeters in size and has been confirmed as benign after testing. What follow-up items should be arranged...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. CJ, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: Generally, hormone levels can be assessed through tests such as serum cortisol to detect any abnormalities in the adrenal glands early on. CT and MRI scans provide clear images of the renal contours, perirenal spaces,...[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Preoperative and postoperative treatment for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm,...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Understanding Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels in Lymphoma Diagnosis
Please provide your questions related to the B2-M index? Hello Dr. Hu, A month ago, I developed a cluster of five lymph nodes of varying sizes on the right side of my neck within a week. The doctor tested my cancer marker, and my Beta-2 microglobulin level was 2415 (the referen...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Beta-2 microglobulin is a protein found on the surface of nucleated cells. Its elevation can sometimes indicate activation of immune cells in the body. Therefore, blood tests during allergic reactions may be affected to some extent.[Read More] Understanding Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels in Lymphoma Diagnosis
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