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
Understanding Lymphoma: Early Detection and Treatment Concerns
I don't want to give up on my lymphoma issues; I want to focus on early detection and early treatment? Hello Doctor: Before I received your response, I underwent a core needle biopsy yesterday. The doctor I consulted is a hematologist-oncologist, and the report will not be a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: It sounds more like a viral infection. Typically, viral infections resolve on their own. During this time, make sure to replenish your strength (such as getting enough sleep) and maintain a normal diet, while you wait for the pathology report. By Dr. Hu Zi-r...[Read More] Understanding Lymphoma: Early Detection and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues Related to Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I have some questions regarding my lymph nodes that I would like to ask you. My medical history includes atopic dermatitis, which I have had since kindergarten, and I have been receiving treatment, including topical medications and ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: If you have new lymphadenopathy, it is recommended that you have a follow-up examination. :) By Dr. Hu Zi Ren[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Testing
The number of lymph nodes is increasing? Hello doctor, about a month ago I noticed a small lymph node on the right side of my neck. After taking antibiotics, it did not go away and gradually became a chain of swollen nodes, varying in size. I have not felt anything on the other s...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. I recommend that you see a hematologist-oncologist; 2. If a biopsy is needed, I suggest an excisional biopsy of the lymph node rather than a core needle biopsy, as the diagnostic value of a core needle biopsy for lymphoma is not high. By Dr. Hu Zi-ren.[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Testing
Addressing Lung Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns
The issue of colorectal cancer metastasizing to the lungs? Dear Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer 4-5 years ago, which was staged from 1 to 2. He underwent surgery for tumor resection and received approximately 8 months of che...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Doctor, Borgy / 39 years old / Female 1. Could you please change the medication? 2. If your esteemed father is physically able, there are injectable options available, as well as targeted therapies that can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Thank you for your cor...[Read More] Addressing Lung Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns
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?
Can Lung Cancer Patients Have Blood in Sputum Without Coughing?
Lung cancer without cough or hemoptysis? Hello, doctor. Is it possible for a lung cancer patient to not exhibit coughing symptoms but only present with hemoptysis? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Li / 22 years old / Male Hello, is it possible for a lung cancer patient to not exhibit coughing symptoms but only present with hemoptysis? A: Yes, it is possible. Some individuals may have many symptoms, while others may have very few symptoms. Thank you for your inquiry...[Read More] Can Lung Cancer Patients Have Blood in Sputum Without Coughing?
Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Questions regarding the FDG-PET/CT report and the issue of elevated lymphocyte levels after chemotherapy? Hello Doctor: Since I could not get answers from my treating physician, I kindly ask for your insights. 1. FINDINGS: Mild FDG hypermetabolism in the left chest wall (SUV: 2...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. The left chest wall shows an SUV of 2.5/2.4, which is associated with postoperative tissue response on the same side as the breast cancer. The right hilum shows an SUV of 2.5/3.2, which is due to reactive lymphadenopathy. 2. The levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, he...[Read More] Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Abnormal Blood Test Results Explained
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, I have a problem with enlarged lymph nodes that won't go away, so the hematologist drew my blood and found two abnormal values: platelet distribution width at 9.0 fL (reference range 10.0-16.0) and eosinophils at 8.2% (reference range 0.0-7.0). ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The values from the instruments in each hospital can indeed vary, so please trust this fact. Since the testing instruments purchased cannot be standardized across Taiwan, a test result that shows abnormal levels at one facility may appear normal at another. It is essential...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Abnormal Blood Test Results Explained
Could My Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
I would like to ask if I have nasopharyngeal cancer? I would like to ask if I have nasopharyngeal cancer. A year or two ago, I had sinusitis, and since then, I have been experiencing persistent phlegm (which hasn’t improved) that is always clear in color. I do not have nasal cong...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: A cancer diagnosis can only be confirmed through a pathological biopsy; it cannot be determined solely based on symptoms like hemoptysis or nosebleeds. Since you have already had your lungs examined, you should consult an otolaryngologist to check for any abnormalities in ...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Key Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
Lymphadenopathy Hello, Doctor. Over the past two months, I have noticed several lymph nodes in my body, including in the head and neck, armpits, and groin. Recently, I visited a surgeon and decided to remove the lymph nodes in my groin, one on each side. The doctor chose the left...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. If it is indeed lymphoma, the pathological characteristics throughout the body should be consistent, so any lymph node that is biopsied should yield similar results; 2. The transverse orientation in the groin area is likely related to blood vessels or tendons/l...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Key Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Total or partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma? Hello, Director Lai. I am a 38-year-old female. In July of this year, a health check revealed a suspected tumor larger than 3 cm on the left side of my thyroid. I was referred to a larger hospital for blood tests and...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Niu. 1. Surgery is typically the first step in treating thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. In rare cases of localized and well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a unilateral lobectomy may be considered; however, most patients should ...[Read More] Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
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
Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can triple-negative breast cancer be changed to tumor resection after infection following the first chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my friend's mother-in-law is nearly 70 years old. Last year, she discovered a hard lump in her right breast, and during a hospital examination, th...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruby Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have better outcomes when followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, this depends on the surgical method and the extent of resection. If the tu...[Read More] Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
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 Clavicular Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms and Next Steps
Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy I recently found a lymph node on the right side of my clavicle, and I have been experiencing palpitations. Today, I discovered that there is also a lymph node on the left side, which feels relatively large but is usually difficult to palpate due to...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. It feels like there is a heartbeat and a horizontal orientation, which suggests it might be a blood vessel (are you too thin?). 2. If it is indeed a lymph node, 2-3 cm feels quite large; I recommend seeing an ENT specialist or a general surgeon for evaluation. ...[Read More] Understanding Clavicular Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been suffering from swollen lymph nodes. I am quite thin, with body fat below 10%, and I can feel many lymph nodes, especially in the groin area. However, the doctor said that being thin and being able to feel lymph nodes are not rel...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. Lymphadenopathy refers to lymph nodes with a diameter greater than 1 or 1.5 cm; 2. Do you experience pain when you palpate it? Is there any elasticity when you touch it? Does it move when you palpate it? 3. Are there any accompanying symptoms such as fever,...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Recurring Thigh Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Further Evaluation
Bilateral inner thigh nodules? Hello Doctor, last Friday I noticed a small lump on the inner side of my right thigh (about the size of a fingertip). This is the third occurrence this year (the previous two were on my left thigh and disappeared after about a week). I don't fe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend! You can check for yourself whether the texture is very hard (without elasticity) and if it is fixed (unable to move). 1. Usually, if it disappears on its own within about a week, it is unlikely to be a malignant disease. 2. However, if it has recurred three ...[Read More] Recurring Thigh Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy
White blood cells after chemotherapy? It has been 7 months since I completed chemotherapy, and during my monthly follow-up visits to the hospital, my white blood cell count has consistently been around 2,000 to 3,000. All other lab results are normal. I have also undergone PET sc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Did you have low white blood cell counts seven months ago before starting chemotherapy? If so, that indicates there was already an issue. 2. If not, could it be related to the chemotherapy drugs? I believe it is unlikely, as the effects of chemotherapy typically reso...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy