Managing Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy: Insights and Solutions
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet after chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, I apologize for bothering you with a few questions. 1. My father was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in February 2013 and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. He started chemotherapy in March...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Borgy, Certain chemotherapeutic agents can lead to peripheral vascular complications. For example, platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin), vincristine (Oncovin, Vincristine), and paclitaxel can cause neurotoxicity due to chemotherapy, which may gradually...[Read More] Managing Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy: Insights and Solutions
Understanding Blood Cancer: Transmission Risks and Genetic Factors
The transmission of leukemia? Hello, my uncle is currently being tested for suspected blood cancer. I would like to know if I can talk to him or share meals without the risk of transmission. I have heard that a virus can cause blood cancer; is it possible to contract this virus t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, there are not many types of cancers that are primarily caused by viral infections. Common examples include nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cervical cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and Kaposi'...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cancer: Transmission Risks and Genetic Factors
Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Pain with Urgency and Specialist Referrals
There is a mass in the right lower abdomen that causes a dull pain when there is a sensation of bowel or urinary urgency, along with pain in the groin area? A mass in the lower right abdomen causes discomfort and pain when there is a need to defecate or urinate, and there is pain...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If you can feel a lump, can the doctor feel it too? 2. The ultrasound did not detect anything. 3. The gastroenterologist's reasoning makes sense (you had a colonoscopy five months ago, so it shouldn't be this issue). If you are still concerned about cancer, you c...[Read More] Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Pain with Urgency and Specialist Referrals
What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?
What to do if you consume food containing radiation? I previously had several X-rays and thought that drinking green tea would help repair the damage caused by radiation exposure, so I have been drinking a strong Japanese green tea daily. However, I recently found out that this g...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Fujiwara, I hope this message finds you well. In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following information: 1. According to Japan's national inspection standards, the average cesium content is 500 becquerels per kilogram, while the detected level...[Read More] What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?
Understanding Steroid Use in Oncology: Risks and Research Insights
Ask about steroids again? Thank you for the doctor's response. I would like to ask again: after my follow-up visit, I have stopped taking steroids, but this doctor does not believe that taking steroids for two weeks after my CT scan for cough treatment will have any impact. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. After the follow-up visit, I have stopped taking steroid medication. A: That's great! If the condition requires it in the future, you can resume the medication. 2. However, this doctor does not believe that taking steroids for two weeks after a CT scan for cough treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Use in Oncology: Risks and Research Insights
Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, I am 177 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I have experienced occasional dizziness, so I went to the hospital for blood tests. On August 4th, my complete blood count showed that only the following three items were low: red blood cell count 4.62, hemoglobin 13....
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
David: You have mild anemia, and thalassemia remains a consideration for diagnosis. Mild thalassemia can sometimes be difficult to detect. It is recommended to continue monitoring, and if there are no changes, you should be reassured. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Can I go to the gym for weight training after breast surgery? Hello, Doctor. I am a stage 0 breast cancer patient. I underwent a partial mastectomy on my left side in December last year and completed radiation therapy in March this year. Some people have advised me to avoid exert...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
My patient, Xiaoya, has undergone axillary lymph node dissection and received radiation therapy. 1. Holding her grandchild 2. Sewing under pressure 3. Lifting heavy objects, such as a basket of vegetables, has caused her to experience persistent edema, which may eventually resolv...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Increased eosinophils? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: At the end of 2012, I had a health check at Taichung City Hospital, and the results that were flagged were: Eosinophil percentage 4.0% (reference range 0.2–1.4%) and Eosinophil count 0.3 (reference range 0.0–0.2 x 10^3/uL). All other...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Betty: If you are concerned about leukemia, please go to the hematology department to schedule a blood test. We cannot make a diagnosis without proper examination. For the nosebleeds, please see an otolaryngologist to determine whether it is a nasal mucosa issue or a potenti...[Read More] Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery
Lymph Node Medical Issues Hello, doctor. In March of this year, I underwent surgery for early-stage oral cancer on my right cheek. Post-surgery, there were no significant issues. However, in August, I started experiencing unexplained night sweats and fever. In September, my right...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Bao: Is a CT scan out-of-pocket? I suggest consulting the National Health Insurance Administration. For lymphatic issues, I recommend directly excising one for testing. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a left-sided posterior neck mass? Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 64 years old and was diagnosed with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma 23 years ago. She underwent cobalt-60 radiation therapy at that time, and her condition has been under control sinc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Zhao / 32 / 1 Hello! 1.1 The medical history has lasted for 23 years, with regular check-ups and blood tests at the hospital every year showing no issues. Is there a high chance that this tumor is due to a recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A: The likelihood is low, but ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Understanding Axillary Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Axillary lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I have a history of asthma. Recently, I had a persistent cough, so I visited a pulmonologist. After blood tests and an X-ray, the doctor diagnosed me with a Mycoplasma infection causing bronchitis, and prescribed antibiotics and cough medica...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! Inflammation and cancer can both cause lymphadenopathy. Lymph nodes affected by cancer tend to continue enlarging and becoming harder, while inflamed lymph nodes are generally softer and often resolve on their own, although a small percentage may persist. However, it can b...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Managing Eyelid Swelling After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Do?
Nasal cavity cancer with eyelid edema? Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma for over ten years. Recently, for more than two months, I have had swelling in the upper eyelid of my left eye. I have visited several clinics, but the ointments and eye dr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Personally, I do not believe that the ophthalmologist is correct; typically, electrotherapy would not be applied to the eyelid area. 2. I recommend returning to the ophthalmology department and treating it as a common case of eyelid swelling. 3. It would be more appropriate ...[Read More] Managing Eyelid Swelling After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Do?
Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Terminal lung cancer Hello, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 due to pleural effusion, but she was classified as stage III and could not undergo surgery, so she was treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and has also received oral target...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Since I have not seen your mother's pathology report, CT imaging, etc., I currently do not know the extent of her lung cancer. If the cancer cells have spread, chemotherapy will be the primary treatment. Even in the advanced stages of cancer, chemotherapy can still be...[Read More] Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
What are the dietary considerations for cancer patients? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. My father underwent surgery for stage II colon cancer in February of this year and is currently receiving chemotherapy, having completed about six sessions so far. The...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Nutritional intake and adequate sleep are essential in cancer treatment. It is recommended that you discuss with your attending physician whether to refer you to a nutritionist for nutritional counseling. ~Changhua Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Could My Hip Pain Indicate Bone Cancer Symptoms?
Are these the symptoms of osteosarcoma? Recently, I've been experiencing some pain near the hip joint in my thigh, which has become more pronounced this morning. The pain is especially noticeable when I move the joint, and I often feel discomfort in my calf muscles (like a w...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A-Bao / 16 years old / Male 1. The physician did not perform an X-ray because no obvious mass was palpated. 2. It sounds like your symptoms are intermittent rather than constant, which makes it less likely that there is a tumor persistently causing discomfort. 3. Considerin...[Read More] Could My Hip Pain Indicate Bone Cancer Symptoms?
Understanding Back Pain: Insights from Oncology Specialist Dr. Chen
Lower back pain issues? Thank you very much to Dr. Chen Sih-Rong from the Oncology Department for your answers, which have put my mind at ease! Very professional! You have also helped the person with questions by providing detailed solutions—truly a great doctor! Thank you, other...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Doctor, can an MRI also detect issues (in the spine) aside from blood-related problems? The neurosurgeon is concerned that I might have ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily requires blood tests for confirmation. An MRI can assess for any structural problems, but blood tests ar...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Insights from Oncology Specialist Dr. Chen
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Spinal Tap for Cancer Diagnosis
Spinal tap examination Dear Dr. Fan, My mother previously visited Fengyuan Hospital for an examination due to elevated white blood cell counts. You recommended that she be hospitalized for a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to investigate further. However, she is concerned about pot...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: We recommend performing a "bone marrow" examination, which involves taking a sample of the hematopoietic bone marrow from the iliac crest. Although a local anesthetic will be administered, there may still be some discomfort during the procedure, but it is general...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Spinal Tap for Cancer Diagnosis
Managing Fever During Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy - Fever Hello, doctor. My family member is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but yesterday they caught a cold and developed a fever of 38 degrees Celsius. They went to a nearby clinic for an injection and medication, but t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Sir: Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause side effects in the body. On one hand, it requires the effort of the physician, and on the other hand, it requires the effort of the patient. It is important to ensure adequate nutrition and sufficient sleep during...[Read More] Managing Fever During Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Chronic Back Pain: Should You Get Blood Tests for Cancer?
I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. I have been experiencing lower back pain for nearly a year. I have had X-rays done by an orthopedic specialist, which showed no issues, and I also underwent an MRI with a neuro...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Xiaowen, you have undergone blood tests and there is no indication of ankylosing spondylitis! There is no need to test for blood cancer, as the tests for ankylosing spondylitis typically include a complete blood count. Since your blood count is normal, it rules out blood ca...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Should You Get Blood Tests for Cancer?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Key Tests and Treatment Questions
Nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal cancer examination items and issues? Hello Dr. Chen, my husband recently discovered a lump on the left side of his neck. After going to the hospital for examination, the biopsy report on April 15 confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He was referred ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Can these tests comprehensively identify where cancer cells are located in the body? Are there any other more precise tests available? Is it necessary to undergo them? A: Generally, these tests are sufficient and comprehensive. There is no need for additional tests. Of course,...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Key Tests and Treatment Questions