Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Lymph Nodes
A lump has developed near the center of the back of the neck? Hello, around mid-December, I discovered a lump on the back of my neck (approximately in the area behind my ear, near the middle of my neck) that is about 2 centimeters in size. It feels oval-shaped, measuring about 1....
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
GARY / 30 years old / Male According to your description, there are two locations of concern: 1. The posterior neck (approximately the area behind the ear, near the middle of the neck) has a mass about 2 cm in size. It feels oval-shaped, measuring roughly 1.5 to 2 cm in length...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Lymph Nodes
Managing Low Blood Counts After Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Post-chemotherapy indices are low? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my grandmother, whose cancer cells have metastasized to her lungs. She has undergone approximately four rounds of chemotherapy, but the doctor mentioned that all her levels are low, and she should avo...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, Important precautions during chemotherapy: 1. Wear a mask when visiting public places. During periods of low white blood cell counts, avoid going to crowded areas to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. 2. Avoid contact with individuals who have colds, measl...[Read More] Managing Low Blood Counts After Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Is It Relapse or Just Maintenance Therapy?
Multiple Myeloma Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my family member who has successfully undergone autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. However, after six months of follow-up, the doctor wants to administer chemotherapy again (with an IgG level of 156...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Until now, regardless of any treatment, we hematologists must acknowledge that multiple myeloma is still considered "incurable." However, its treatment can significantly prolong life (for several years, perhaps 3-4 years, or even longer!). Therefore, in the treat...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Is It Relapse or Just Maintenance Therapy?
Understanding Thyroid Cancer: Key Questions and Surgical Considerations
Thyroid cancer issues? Hello Doctor: I previously asked you a question, and I appreciate your response. I have a thyroid nodule on the right side that is approximately 2.2 cm. The fine needle aspiration report indicates calcification, cellular mutation, and unclear margins, with ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
In response to your question: 1. The thyroid nodule is 2.2 cm; if it is confirmed to be malignant, complete removal is necessary. 2. Endoscopic surgery has smaller incisions and lower risks compared to traditional surgery. 3. Preoperative evaluations, in addition to blood tests (...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer: Key Questions and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Symptoms After Grandpa's Fall: A Focus on Tumor Concerns
After Grandpa fell, he exhibited many symptoms? A few weeks ago, my grandfather fell and has been unable to bathe himself. He has also become a bit forgetful and has experienced chest pain. Later, he underwent blood tests, which showed an Immunoglobulin G level of 5870.00 mg/dL, ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Your grandfather's IgG levels are elevated, which could indicate "multiple myeloma." However, since you have this lab report, the ordering physician likely has a suspicion. It would be best to follow the recommendations of the physician who ordered the tests...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Grandpa's Fall: A Focus on Tumor Concerns
Should Further Testing Be Done for Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis?
Is further examination or diagnosis necessary? Dear Dr. Chen, My mother is 57 years old and has been experiencing coughing symptoms regardless of whether she has a cold. In December 2014, she underwent ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, and MRI at a major hospital due to left-s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Elaine / 33 years old / Female Hello: 1. The attending physician only informed my mother that the examination results indicated "malignant tumor or suspected malignant tumor, specifically papillary thyroid carcinoma." As you mentioned, it has already been confirmed as...[Read More] Should Further Testing Be Done for Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights into Tumor-Related Concerns
Blood Inquiry Hello Doctor, last week I went to the emergency room due to headaches and dizziness. The blood test report showed CBC 8.95 10^3/µL, SEG 26.3%, LYMPH 55.4%, MONO 10.7%, PDW 9.2 fL, and other values were within the standard range. I have researched hematological sympt...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on the blood test results you provided, there does appear to be a hematological issue. The most significant concern is the elevated percentage of lymphocytes, which accounts for 55.4% of the total white blood cell count. This is abnormal, as the normal range for lymp...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights into Tumor-Related Concerns
Understanding Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma: Key Questions and Answers
Could you please provide more details about your question regarding papillary thyroid carcinoma? Hello Doctor: Could you please give me some good advice? I am feeling very anxious and worried. In November, I went to see a family physician due to discomfort and a rapid heartbeat. ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Lee: 1. We will confirm the true condition once the fine needle aspiration (FNA) report is available, which will help determine if it is indeed papillary thyroid carcinoma. 2. If the FNA report confirms papillary thyroid carcinoma, please do not worry; this type of cancer has...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma: Key Questions and Answers
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights for Tumor Patients
Blood report Hello Doctor, due to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness, I went to the emergency room last week. The blood test results showed WBC 8.95 x 10^3/µL, PDW 9.2, F1SEG 26.3%, LYMPH 55.4%, MONO 10.7%, with other values at the standard margins. I researched online a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I am 30 years old and female. Since middle school, my white blood cell count has always been elevated. I am unsure why I cannot donate blood each time. There is a family history of leukemia. Should I undergo further testing based on this report? Is this a hematology issue,...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights for Tumor Patients
Understanding Lymph Node Hardness: When to Seek Specialist Care
Lymph node mass Hello Doctor, last March I was diagnosed with a hard lump in my lymph nodes. At that time, I had blood tests and stool tests, and the doctor confirmed that there were no issues. I was informed that the lump may not necessarily go away; however, it sometimes causes...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sunny, 30 years old, female. Hello, which department should I visit? I would like to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. Thank you for your message, and Happy New Year! Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Hardness: When to Seek Specialist Care
Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Stage II breast cancer Hello Dr. Lai: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the end of 2014 and underwent a total mastectomy. At the same time, there was another tumor about 1 cm on the opposite side, which the doctor assessed as benign through a core needle biopsy, so i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Mammography and breast ultrasound cannot provide a definitive diagnosis; only a pathological biopsy can confirm it with 100% accuracy. 2. Since you are now 55 years old and postmenopausal, it is still recommended that you undergo a mammogram. (Premenopausal women ...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Abdominal Hard Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Umbilicus Hello doctor, in the past month, I have felt a hard lump under my navel, about the size of a soybean, which is immovable. I experienced severe stomach pain in mid-November and mid-December, to the point where walking was difficult. During the hospital visit in mid-Novem...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss (unsigned), Regarding your concerns mentioned in your letter, I have not personally seen the patient and can only make judgments based on the limited information provided: 1. You experience frequent severe stomach pain (in November and December) lasting for several ho...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hard Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Abnormal Blood Counts: MDS and Beyond
Blood Cell Issues 2 I apologize, but my platelet count (PLT) is between 450 and 600, which is considered elevated, and my white blood cell count (WBC) ranges from 13,000 to 17,000. During my first bone marrow biopsy, I was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), but durin...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It turns out that not only are your white blood cell counts elevated, but your platelet counts are also high. If that's the case, I wouldn't consider you to have Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), as MDS would typically show at least one hematopoietic lineage being...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Abnormal Blood Counts: MDS and Beyond
High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
The white blood cell count is as high as 23,100? In September, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 15,000. I had two more tests in between, and the count remained around 15,000. I underwent a white blood cell differential, which came back normal. However, on December...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear young lady, 1. We have received your letter informing us that your white blood cell count was 15,000 in September and increased to 23,100 in December without any fever. The concern you have regarding leukemic conditions, specifically the presence of "immature leukocyte...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Risks and Monitoring
Blood cell issues? I have had elevated white blood cell and platelet counts for a long time, with white blood cells currently around 13,000 to 17,000 and platelets between 45,000 and 60,000, while all other parameters are normal (without any illness). I have undergone two bone ma...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your information, your white blood cell count is slightly higher than normal, while your platelet count is somewhat lower (45-60, what is the unit?). Is that correct? Generally speaking, clinical physicians would typically suspect you might have MDS (Myelodysplast...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Risks and Monitoring
Understanding Long-Term Low White Blood Cell Counts: Causes and Solutions
Chronic leukopenia? Last December, a blood test showed a white blood cell count of 3,270 (with other blood parameters normal). In September of this year, the white blood cell count was 3,390 (with other blood counts normal). In November, a first blood test showed a white blood ce...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your white blood cell count has been slightly low for a long time (almost a year). To be honest, if you really had a blood-related cancer, it would have manifested by now, and you would likely be aware of it. Therefore, I don't...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Low White Blood Cell Counts: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Fatigue and Headaches: Seeking Answers in Endocrinology
Unexplained fatigue and headache? Hello doctor, I consulted you last time, but this year I have had multiple blood tests (not including the company checks from over 10 years ago). My thyroid, blood sugar, liver function, kidney function, etc., are all normal. I can also donate bl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone all the tests and everything is normal, then I don't have any specific thoughts on the matter. Thank you![Read More] Unexplained Fatigue and Headaches: Seeking Answers in Endocrinology
Unexplained Fatigue and Headaches: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Unexplained fatigue and headaches? Hello Doctor, I have very troubling symptoms and would like to seek different suggestions. When I wake up in the morning (while lying down) or after a nap (whether lying face down or sitting), I experience dull headaches. I have a feeling of pre...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, I would like to perform a blood test (including a complete blood count and endocrine system evaluation). Thyroid dysfunction, anemia, or polycythemia are all possibilities, and we can investigate these areas further. Thank you![Read More] Unexplained Fatigue and Headaches: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts and Their Infection Risks
Leukopenia Hello, doctor. Does low white blood cell count cause fever, or does a low count make one susceptible to infection, which then leads to fever?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is a "which came first, the chicken or the egg" question, and both ways of asking are fundamentally correct. However, it is still worth discussing. Generally speaking, the normal white blood cell count in healthy individuals is around 4,000 to 9,000 per micr...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts and Their Infection Risks
Understanding Painful Swelling Under the Right Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Right axillary swelling and pain? I have swelling and pain in my armpit. When I press it hard with my hand, white pus comes out followed by blood-tinged fluid, but there is still a lump. It hurts when I press it, and I had similar symptoms before that resolved on their own.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhenzhen / 17 years old / Female 1. I'm not sure what your exact issue is. Some people ask what department to see or what tests to undergo, etc. 2. It appears to be an infected abscess, but a definitive diagnosis should be made by a clinical physician. 3. Visiting a doctor ...[Read More] Understanding Painful Swelling Under the Right Armpit: Causes and Concerns