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
Managing High Platelet Count: Should You Consider Oral Chemotherapy?
Thrombosis caused by thrombocytosis? Hello Doctor, I underwent a stent placement due to a myocardial infarction on January 29 this year. The cardiologist discovered that my platelet count was as high as 780,000 and referred me to a hematologist. The hematologist does not recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Since your platelet count has risen to 930,000, you may consider taking the antiplatelet medication Angrylin. My patients who have taken this medication rarely report any adverse side effects. If it were me, I would start you on Angrylin. Thank you![Read More] Managing High Platelet Count: Should You Consider Oral Chemotherapy?
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Ureteral cancer Dear Dr. Lai, My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignancy in April of this year. On April 21, 2016, she underwent surgery at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to remove her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder cuff. The doctor menti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Errorwu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Regarding the ureteral tumor that is close to the lymph nodes but has not metastasized distantly, whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the pathology report indicating lymph node invasion. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Pain Under the Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pain when pressing on the left or right nipple? Pain upon pressure on the nipples, specifically located just below the nipples, is noted. There is no pain when pressing the surrounding areas. The left nipple feels less severe, but still painful, while the right nipple feels more ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
What are the main symptoms of breast cancer? 1. Painless breast lump. 2. Nipple retraction. 3. Abnormal nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody. 4. Changes in breast shape, with localized indentations or protrusions. 5. Skin changes on the breast resembling orange peel, redn...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Surgery
There is a lump in the groin area? I have had a hard lump in my groin for three months. It started suddenly with a hard lump on the left side of my groin, which swelled up and caused pain while walking. A surgeon diagnosed it and to find the cause, I underwent an ultrasound, bloo...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 27 years old / Male 1. There has been a hard lump in the groin for three months. 2. The surgical diagnosis included ultrasound, blood tests (elevated white blood cell count), and a CT scan (approximately 4x3 cm), but no aspiration or biopsy was performed. 3. Aft...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Surgery
Should We Wait for Follow-Up Ultrasound for a 2.3 cm Liver Tumor?
Liver tumor measuring 2.3 centimeters, with all blood test indices showing positive results? Hello Doctor: My mother is 45 years old, and her recent health check-up report showed a liver tumor measuring 2.3 cm. When we visited the hospital, the doctor only mentioned to wait for a...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry regarding your mother, the health check report indicates a liver tumor measuring 2.3 cm. To confirm the diagnosis, you may discuss with your attending physician to arrange for a triphasic CT scan of the liver. ...[Read More] Should We Wait for Follow-Up Ultrasound for a 2.3 cm Liver Tumor?
Understanding Treatment Options and Prognosis for Multiple Myeloma
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Hello Dr. Chen: My husband is 73 years old and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year. He has completed eight cycles of Velcade treatment and, after a two-month rest, his doctor performed another blood test, finding that his IgG level increase...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the first question, I cannot answer it because I do not know which stage your husband was in initially. 2. For the second question, besides Venclexta and Revlimid, commonly used medications for treating multiple myeloma include Thalidomide, Melphalan (Alke...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options and Prognosis for Multiple Myeloma
Understanding Lymphatic Swelling in the Neck: Causes and Next Steps
There is lymphatic edema in the left side of the neck? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, I discovered lymphatic swelling on the left side of my neck (about five centimeters from the thyroid position, approximately 1.5 times larger than the corresponding lymph node on the right side...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Huan, In response to your inquiry, please find the answers below: 1. Your concern about "tumors in the neck metastasizing to the oral cavity" is not a phenomenon that occurs clinically. Additionally, the description of "left cervical lymphatic swelling, ...[Read More] Understanding Lymphatic Swelling in the Neck: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Low White Blood Cell Count
Lymphadenopathy with leukopenia? Last week, I visited a gastroenterologist due to gastrointestinal discomfort. After undergoing an endoscopy, no abnormalities were found, only mild gastritis. I also asked the gastroenterologist to refer me to an ENT specialist to examine the lymp...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Zhao: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Since each individual's constitution is different, it is indeed possible. If you are concerned about anesthesia leading to low white blood cell counts, please discuss with your physician whether a re-evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Low White Blood Cell Count
Lump in Groin: Symptoms and Specialist Consultation Guide
There is a lump in the groin area? About April 12, after exercising and showering, I noticed a lump on the right side of my groin (approximately 2 cm in size, oval-shaped, uncomfortable when pressed but not painful, with no significant color difference on the surface; it has been...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: Xiao Hou / 26 years old / Male 1. On April 12, after exercising and showering, I discovered a hard lump on the right side of my groin (approximately 2 cm in size, oval-shaped, uncomfortable to press but not painful, with no significant color change on the surface; it ha...[Read More] Lump in Groin: Symptoms and Specialist Consultation Guide
Understanding Lumps Near the Elbow: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lymph nodes in the arm? Hello doctor, I have recently noticed three or four irregularly sized lumps near my right arm, from the palm to the elbow. I suspect they might be lymph nodes. Should I seek medical attention for this condition? If I am concerned about any issues, which sp...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It is best to seek medical attention to determine the nature of the skin condition. You can consult a hematologist for blood disorders or a general surgeon to check if it is a lymph node issue. Alternatively, it could be a general rash.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Near the Elbow: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding White Blood Cell Recovery After Chemotherapy
White blood cell issues How long does it typically take for white blood cell counts to return to normal after completing chemotherapy? If it has been six months since the end of chemotherapy and the white blood cell count is still low (1600), what could be the reason for this? Is...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the hematopoietic cycle of bone marrow is about 14 days. Therefore, even if chemotherapy reduces the white blood cell count due to toxicity, regardless of how low it drops, even below 500 cells, it usually recovers and rises again within 10-14 days, and...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Recovery After Chemotherapy
Understanding Rising CEA Levels and Abnormal Blood Cells After Breast Cancer Surgery
Post-operative increase in CEA levels in breast cancer and the presence of abnormal cells in the blood? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a breast cancer patient. After surgery in 2012, I underwent chemotherapy and have been taking Tamoxifen ever since. To prevent and detect any signs of recu...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The reference values for CEA can vary among different hospitals, but generally, the upper limit is between 5 and 8. Even healthy individuals will have a measurable value, which cannot be zero. Therefore, I agree with your physician's statement that it doesn't hol...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels and Abnormal Blood Cells After Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding High-Risk Groups for Multiple Myeloma: Prevention and Management
Regarding high-risk groups for multiple myeloma? Hello Director Lai, Last year, my father was informed that he is in a high-risk group for multiple myeloma, which was discovered through blood test results. The doctor advised that he should have blood tests every three months to ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Shen: In response to your inquiry regarding your father's high-risk status for multiple myeloma, I would like to provide the following information: 1. It is generally recognized that risk factors for multiple myeloma include: age, gender (male > female), race (Black...[Read More] Understanding High-Risk Groups for Multiple Myeloma: Prevention and Management
Understanding Thrombocytopenia and Thyroid Medication: Key Concerns
Thrombocytopenia and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: My grandfather has been taking thyroid medication for a long time and has been diagnosed with thrombocytopenia in recent years. I would like to ask: 1. Is it possible that the long-term use of thyroid medication could be a si...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding your grandfather's issue, I will answer each question separately: 1. This question is not very clear. Is he currently taking medication for hyperthyroidism or for hypothyroidism? It would be helpful if you could provide the names of the medications, as I c...[Read More] Understanding Thrombocytopenia and Thyroid Medication: Key Concerns
Understanding the Early Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Signs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Could you please tell me about all the warning signs of nasopharyngeal cancer, including occasional migraines, tinnitus, and blood in nasal discharge? I have undergone biopsy and endoscopic examinations, but no cancer has been found. What could ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Do you have a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? 2. I recommend that you first undergo a blood test to check the EBV DNA viral load: a. If the levels are below the reference value, you can have regu...[Read More] Understanding the Early Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Concerns About Blood in Phlegm and Urine: What Could It Mean?
Is there a serious problem with the body? Hello, doctor. I went to the chest department in January due to phlegm with blood streaks and had an X-ray taken, which showed no significant abnormalities. However, I have recently developed a fever and visited the ENT department, where ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of blood in urine, you can consult a urologist. A urinalysis can be performed to check for the presence of occult blood (to determine if it is kidney stones or ureteral stones), and then please seek the physician's advice. Thank you![Read More] Concerns About Blood in Phlegm and Urine: What Could It Mean?
Can Lung Cancer Patients Eat Sweets? Understanding Dietary Restrictions
Can lung cancer patients eat sweets? Hello Doctor: My family member currently has cancer that has metastasized to the lungs. They recently completed chemotherapy and their cough has been relatively stable. However, last night they ate some sweet glutinous rice balls and started c...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Huang: I received your letter and would like to respond as follows: 1. After completing chemotherapy, your cough has stabilized. However, after consuming sweet tangyuan, you started coughing again. I personally recommend that you first undergo a chest X-ray and a complete b...[Read More] Can Lung Cancer Patients Eat Sweets? Understanding Dietary Restrictions
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Birth Control Pills?
Can breast cancer patients take contraceptive pills? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2008 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Currently, I am on regular follow-up visits. However, I have recently noticed that my menstr...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy, In response to your inquiry, my recommendations are as follows: 1. It is advisable to postpone the use of contraceptive pills. 2. The decrease in menstrual flow may indicate the onset of menopause. You can check the levels of LH and FSH in your blood to confirm wh...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Birth Control Pills?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: Leukemia Risks and Dietary Tips
Elevated white blood cell count? During a blood test in middle school, it was found that my white blood cell count was elevated. However, during a health check-up last December, my white blood cell count reached 18,000. Due to the high white blood cell count, I had another blood ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Kelly: 1. Based on your description, a white blood cell count of 10,800 does not resemble the symptoms of leukemia; it is more indicative of an infection. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation. 2. The normal range for white b...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: Leukemia Risks and Dietary Tips