Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer or Polyps?
Do I have cancer? Hello, I would like to explain my previous health condition: I usually experience constipation and am prone to diarrhea, which I attribute to irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes, I notice bleeding during constipation, which I believe is due to hemorrhoids. Recen...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ching-Ching, Regarding your inquiry, you may visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a specialist evaluation to determine whether a colonoscopy is necessary and to assess the appropriate type. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Sincerely, Direc...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer or Polyps?
Understanding Elevated Bone Markers in Cancer Patients: What to Know
Elevated bone density index? My mother has cancer and needs to return for check-ups every three months. Recently, her blood test results showed elevated bone markers, and the doctor advised us to come back in three months for a detailed examination. What does this mean? Why isn&#...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sunny, 20 years old, female. My mother has cancer and needs to return for check-ups every three months. Recently, her blood test results came back, and the doctor mentioned that her bone markers are elevated. I don't know what type of cancer she has, and I need to understand...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bone Markers in Cancer Patients: What to Know
Could It Be a Tumor? Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Concerns
Could it be a tumor? Hello, doctor. Due to long-term fatigue and excessive sleepiness, I have sought medical attention multiple times. After examinations, I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Following a maxillomandibular advancement surgery, I began experiencing ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Is it possible for a 45-year-old male to have a tumor in the head, specifically in the ENT region? I apologize for not being able to assist you in finding the right specialty to determine the cause. I can only address the possibility of cancer. You have already consulted a physic...[Read More] Could It Be a Tumor? Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, my mother (currently 68 years old) was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in August 2010 and began treatment (chemotherapy, left mastectomy, and radiation therapy) for nearly a year and a half. She currently maintains follow-up visits to the oncology departme...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the low white blood cell count you mentioned, it is indeed quite unusual. I have many breast cancer patients who are taking Fulvestrant, and they have not experienced low blood counts. I believe the low white blood cell count is unrelated to this medication. If i...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts in Cancer Patients
Can a PSA Level of 1.13 Indicate Remaining Prostate Cancer?
Is it possible to have malignant tumors with a post-prostate cancer PSA level of 1.13? On June 29, 2015, the PSA level was 17.4. A biopsy on August 3 of the same year confirmed the presence of malignant tumors, specifically prostate cancer. On September 4, the PSA level increased...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is used for monitoring, not for diagnosing prostate cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer relies on pathological biopsy; if cancer is present, it is confirmed. Unless you have undergone surgical removal, you cannot say there are...[Read More] Can a PSA Level of 1.13 Indicate Remaining Prostate Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in Head and Neck Cancer Metastasis
Lymphatic metastasis Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the symptoms and appearance of lymphadenopathy caused by head and neck cancers metastasizing to the lymph nodes are similar to those caused by lymphoma, or if there are differences. Additionally, if gastrointestinal cance...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The lymphatic system, like our blood, circulates throughout the body. Therefore, cancer from any part of the body can metastasize to lymph nodes anywhere. This is true for head and neck cancers, lymphomas, and even gastrointestinal cancers. They all appear similar, and it ...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in Head and Neck Cancer Metastasis
Challenges of Uncovered Oral Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment
The National Health Insurance does not cover oral targeted therapy medications? Hello, Director Lai. My father was diagnosed with hematologic cancer at the end of June, and the report stated "subacute myeloid leukemia" (but I couldn't find much information on this ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Ya-Hui, Regarding your question, you may consult a hematology-oncology specialist. The physician will inform you about the medications used. Currently, there are numerous targeted therapies available, making it difficult to answer your question specifically. Thank you...[Read More] Challenges of Uncovered Oral Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment
Understanding Blood Counts in Myeloid Leukemia: Key Insights for Patients
The blood cell counts of patients with leukemia typically show elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, decreased red blood cell (RBC) counts, and reduced platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Although you did not explicitly state your diagnosis, based on your description, I suspect you may have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Our hematologists consider MDS to be a precursor to blood cancer, and if left untreated, there is a significant chanc...[Read More] Understanding Blood Counts in Myeloid Leukemia: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Lymph Nodes in the Neck: When to Worry?
Cervical lymph nodes Hello, doctor. There is a lymph node located below my left ear in the neck that has been present since childhood. Additionally, there are two lymph nodes in the left side of my neck that have also existed for a long time. These three lymph nodes sometimes enl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: When experiencing lymphadenopathy, most people worry and ask if it is "lymphoma" or a benign "inflammatory response" or "lymphoid hyperplasia." The clinical differentiation methods are as follows: 1. Cancer typically grows rapidly, often doubl...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes in the Neck: When to Worry?
Understanding Bone Marrow Cell Levels: What Does Over 75% Mean?
Bone marrow cells Normal! Greater than 75%! Does this matter? This is without taking any medication or being sick with a cold! Thank you!
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If more than 75% of the cells in the bone marrow are normal, considering your age in your 30s, this is generally acceptable (typically, young individuals have a full bone marrow, around 70-80%, and as one ages, the bone marrow becomes more hollow, leading to a decrease in ...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Cell Levels: What Does Over 75% Mean?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Multiple palpable lymph nodes? Hello Dr. Chen, I can feel 2 to 3 lymph nodes, each about 1 cm in size, in my neck, just below my chin, which have been present for almost a month. The one under my chin was discovered later. On both sides of my groin (the left side is slightly lar...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: After reviewing the first part of your description, it actually does not resemble the typical presentation of a true lymphoma patient that we usually encounter in our specialty (your symptoms of fever and sweating do not seem to fit). Regarding the numerous small lymph nod...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Pain and Symptoms Explained
(Lymph node issues) Hello Dr. Chen, I previously inquired about the issue of lymphadenopathy, but I would like to add some details regarding nearby pain that I did not mention before. I have a swollen lymph node in my left groin measuring about 1 to 1.2 centimeters, and there is ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
University student / 20 / 01. I am unsure if this situation indicates a problem with the lymph nodes, or if it could be a benign manifestation of prostatitis or lymphadenitis. I agree with what the doctor said last week that everything is normal. 2. I would like to ask the doctor...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Pain and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Worry
Two areas of lymphadenopathy? Hello Dr. Chen: I have swollen lymph nodes in my neck and groin. I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for blood tests and X-rays, and the doctor said the results were normal, advising me to continue monitoring the situation. I would like to ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If blood tests and X-rays are normal, what could be the possible causes of lymphadenopathy? Inflammation and the immune system's response to bacterial invasion can lead to lymph nodes that remain enlarged in some individuals while others may resolve. 2. Does a normal bl...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Worry
Concerns About Ovarian and Uterine Tumor Recurrence: What to Know
Concern about the recurrence of ovarian tumors and uterine tumors? Hello. My mother has been experiencing bloating in her lower left abdomen for the past month, and she can feel a hard mass when pressed. The bloating is particularly noticeable after meals, even though she doesn&#...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If your mother has been regularly following up at the outpatient clinic, please go back and schedule an appointment for her. We need to determine if any tests are necessary (abdominal X-ray, blood tests for cancer markers, colonoscopy, or CT scan...). All your concerns are...[Read More] Concerns About Ovarian and Uterine Tumor Recurrence: What to Know
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, I would like to ask: My husband had a health check-up, and his white blood cell count was 3.57 x 10^3/µL (normal range 4.0-11.0). His MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was 68.5 (normal range 79-99), and his MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) was 21.1 (normal range 26...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms./Mr. AMBER, Currently, your white blood cell count is low. Please consult a hematology-oncology specialist. Sincerely, Director Lai, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Hard lump on the inner thigh? I have a hard lump near the junction of my inner thigh and scrotum that I've been able to feel for some time. It only hurts slightly when touched, but two days ago it became unusually swollen and painful. I saw a doctor who couldn't feel an...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, If a lump is located in the groin area, it is one of the primary sites for lymph node aggregation and an important part of the body's immune system. When viruses, bacteria, or abnormal body cells are intercepted in the lymph nodes, it triggers an immune response, ca...[Read More] Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects and Fever in Advanced Lung Cancer
Fever in lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my husband is 35 years old and is currently in advanced stage lung cancer, close to stage IV. He has undergone surgery and has just started chemotherapy with "Taineng." However, he began experiencing side effects on the fourth day of ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Sweetheart Mom, Hello! Accepting chemotherapy may lead to various side effects; some individuals may experience partial side effects, while others may have none at all. This largely depends on the type and dosage of chemotherapy your husband is receiving, as well as his bo...[Read More] Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects and Fever in Advanced Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer Risk and Nutritional Care for Diabetic Patients
CEA = 5.48, DR 70 = 1.3, WBC = 2.98. Is there a cancer diagnosis? How to care for and supplement nutrition for someone with diabetes? CEA = 5.48, DR 70 = 1.3, WBC = 2.98. Is there a cancer diagnosis? How to care for and supplement nutrition for someone with diabetes?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Miss Chien. Your CEA level is 5.48, DR70 is 1.38, which are considered low to moderate risk. It cannot be concluded that you have cancer. For follow-up, you have two options: 1. Blood tests for monitoring. If the levels continue to rise, we can arrange further diagnostic t...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Risk and Nutritional Care for Diabetic Patients
Understanding MDS: Treatment Options and Blood Count Concerns
MDS Disease Issues 2 Thank you for the doctor's response. I would like to ask another question: my blast count is over 5%, but I do not have anemia, my platelet count is normal, and my white blood cell count is between 13,000 and 16,000. Does this mean that I cannot use this...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
According to the National Health Insurance reimbursement regulations, there is no specific requirement for blood cell counts to be above or below a certain level in order to use Azacitidine; it is sufficient that you have MDS RAEB (regardless of whether it is RAEB-1 or RAEB-2). T...[Read More] Understanding MDS: Treatment Options and Blood Count Concerns
Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
MDS disease issues In the case of MDS RAEB-1, is it necessary to have a specific blood cell count decrease in order to use targeted therapy? I have normal or elevated peripheral blood counts, but I was diagnosed with this condition due to issues found in a bone marrow biopsy. Cur...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
You have been diagnosed with MDS RAEB-1, correct? It is important to note that for this diagnosis, the presence of abnormal blast cells in the bone marrow examination should account for 5-9% of the total blood cells. Although this does not qualify as acute leukemia (commonly refe...[Read More] Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy