Blood, Oncology FAQ

Understanding APTT: High Levels and Potential Concerns in Oncology

APTT, or Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and the report indicated that my activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is elevated. The normal range is 23.9 to 34.9 seconds, while my value is 38.9 seconds. Additionally, after show...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Peggy: Your condition resembles purpura, and it may be necessary to prioritize the evaluation of autoimmune issues that could be causing the coagulation dysfunction. Please seek consultation at the hematology and immunology outpatient clinics as soon as possible. Thank you.

Important Considerations for Cold Medications in Leukemia Patients

excuse me? 1. For patients with leukemia and low white blood cell counts, are there any precautions to take when using cold medications (such as antibiotics, antihistamines, etc.)?

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: Antibiotics and antihistamines should not pose any significant issues and can be taken as prescribed. Thank you.

Are Your Kidneys at Risk After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma?

Is there a problem with the kidneys? You are currently in the third stage of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) and have completed the seventh cycle of chemotherapy (CHOP). Your recent blood test shows a creatinine level of 0.5 mg/dL and an estimated glomerular filtration rate...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: The information you provided indicates that kidney function is still normal. If there are significant bubbles in the urine, it may be worth checking for proteinuria. Thank you!

Understanding Severe Anemia: When to Consult a Hematologist

Severe anemia Hello Doctor: I am a lacto-vegetarian and have slight gastric and esophageal ulcers. My main issue during blood tests is anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 7.2, hematocrit of 26.7, mean corpuscular volume of 65.9, mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 17.8, and mean corpus...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: It seems like iron deficiency anemia. Please visit the hematology clinic for an examination. After confirming the diagnosis, you can start treatment with iron supplements. Thank you!

Post-Surgery Diet Tips for Colorectal Cancer Patients

Postoperative Diet for Colorectal Cancer I would like to ask about my mother, who is 52 years old and recently underwent colorectal cancer resection surgery. What dietary considerations should be taken into account post-surgery? Should she follow a completely raw food diet, or is...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The Western medical perspective on diet is that as long as a patient maintains their weight, it is acceptable. 2. Can patients tolerate a completely raw or low-residue diet? It's important to consider whether the patient can mentally and physically accept it. 3. For e...

Understanding Risks of Alcohol Injection for Elderly Liver Cancer Patients

Liver cancer consultation Dr. Chen: Hello! Thank you for your response. My grandmother has tested positive for hepatitis B antigen. In April, her AFP was 200, in May it was 400, in September it was 500, and in November it was 1000. The doctor informed us that surgery and emboliza...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rita: Based on the report, it should be liver cancer, so there is no need for a biopsy since the doctor has already informed you that surgery or embolization is not possible. Of course, he may have already discussed what treatment options he recommends. Below, I provide a piece o...

Treatment Options for Liver Tumors in Elderly Diabetic Patients

Liver cancer Your grandmother, who is 82 years old and has diabetes, recently had a pacemaker implanted a week ago and is taking aspirin. She has now been found to have a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size near the liver close to major blood vessels. What type of treatment...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rita: 1. Are you sure it's liver cancer? 2. You should have a physician make a diagnosis. Have you done a CT scan, angiography, PET scan, or even a biopsy? Only after a diagnosis can further treatment be considered. 3. Of course, liver cancer is a concern, but first, a blood...

Should ALCL Stage III Patients Consider Autologous Transplant?

Is autologous stem cell transplantation necessary for stage III anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)? A patient with stage III Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) has undergone their fifth cycle of CHOP chemotherapy. The treatment plan mentioned by the physician includes autol...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Currently, there is a lack of large-scale clinical studies providing us with strong evidence for a universally satisfactory answer to this question. To be frank, in the case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), if the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is positive, the prognos...

Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management

Primary thrombocythemia Hello Doctor: Male, 33 years old, height: 178 cm, weight: 68 kg, bad habits: smoking, staying up late. I impulsively went to the clinic for a blood test and found the following results: WBC: 10,900, RBC: 5.55, HGB: 17.2, HCT: 52.1, MCV: 93.9, MCH: 31, MCHC...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
The attending physician in the hematology department of the medical center said: "Since becoming a doctor, I have seen fewer than 10 patients with this condition. Therefore, I think you should definitely try another hospital. At least, Anagrelide is not currently the most re...

Understanding Chemotherapy Options After Stomach Cancer Surgery

Postoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, my father (73 years old) underwent a total gastrectomy due to stomach cancer and was discharged just one week ago. The outpatient physician mentioned that he needs to schedule chemotherapy. I would like to know if che...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chemotherapy for gastric cancer can be administered orally or through injection. If the patient's condition allows, injection chemotherapy is generally more intense; however, it also comes with more significant side effects, primarily nausea and vomiting, as well as a decrea...

Does Liver Cancer Spread to Bones? Understanding Symptoms and Risks

Does liver cancer invade the bones? In March of this year, my father's AFP test result was 903, and the doctor confirmed liver cancer. Previously, it was only suspected. My father mentioned that his arm hurts and he is unable to reach back to grab a tissue. Could this be rel...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jovi: Hello, I suspect two things: 1. The bone in my arm may have metastasized liver cancer. 2. The cervical spine may have metastasized liver cancer causing compression of the spinal nerves, which connect to the arm right after exiting the cervical spine. Regardless, I recommend...

Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients

A patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by the doctor for bone pain? 1. If a patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by their doctor for bone pain, can this medication be taken long-term?

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: Blood cancer refers to leukemia, and treatment should be focused on leukemia. For bone pain, Fosamax (alendronate) may not be necessary, and there could be issues with insurance coverage as well.

Can Cancer Patients Donate Blood? Understanding Cervical Cancer Guidelines

Can a person with cervical cancer donate blood? Can a person with cancer donate blood?

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Oolong: Individuals with cancer are not allowed to donate blood. Note: You raised this question on February 26, and I just received the message now, so you may feel the response is slow. I have also expressed this concern, but it seems there is not much that can be done.

Understanding Smooth Muscle Sarcoma: Treatment Options and Concerns

Smooth muscle sarcoma I'm sorry, Doctor. My mother had one ear removed, which has affected her hearing. If it is malignant, could it spread through the bloodstream to the entire body? After the partial removal of the ear, it seems to have spread to the lungs, and she had sur...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
It seems that you may not fully understand the condition, possibly because you are still young and your parents have not completely explained it to you. It might be a good idea to have a thorough discussion with them to gain a better understanding, which could help alleviate any ...

Targeted Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Efficacy and Prognosis

Can nasopharyngeal carcinoma be treated with targeted therapy? Hello Dr. Chen: Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the pathology report indicates it is stage II. Aside from a hard mass in the neck measuring about 3 cm, there are no other cl...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Due to the high sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to radiation, radiation therapy has been the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. While radiation therapy can effectively control local tumor cells, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prone to metastasis; theref...

Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment Options, and Dietary Considerations

Liver cancer Hello, my older brother (51 years old) was recently admitted to the emergency room due to gastric bleeding and was diagnosed with liver cancer. The cancer cells are 5 centimeters in size and have invaded the blood vessels, and he also shows symptoms of liver cirrhosi...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello, Mr. Guo: Please quickly find another hospital to see if they can perform embolization therapy.

Understanding Chronic Leukemia: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Chronic leukemia Hello, doctor! I recently received my health check report. My blood pressure (systolic) is 96, blood pressure (diastolic) is 60, urine occult blood is (+-), red blood cell count is 387, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration is 33.1, platelet count is 416,000,...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
In cases of iron deficiency anemia, an increase in platelet count is often observed. Please visit the hematology department at the hospital for a definitive diagnosis and treatment; there is no need to worry too much.

Seeking Help for Grandmother's Brain Tumor and Stroke Recovery

excuse me? I kindly ask for your help regarding a serious situation: My grandmother has a tumor in her brain, so we took her to the hospital for treatment. The doctors said that the tumor requires a catheter to prevent it from rupturing. On October 2nd at 9:30 AM, she was taken t...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
It sounds like an arteriovenous malformation or an aneurysm; it would be best to consult a neurosurgery specialist directly.

Post-Treatment Concerns for Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survivors

Post-treatment issues of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? I would like to ask the doctor... My mother was diagnosed with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2001. After treatment, she has been returning for follow-up appointments every six months. However, it has been 3.4 years since h...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. A. The onset of tinnitus when there was none before B. Nosebleeds C. Bone pain D. Poor appetite and continuous weight loss E. Persistent cough with blood-streaked sputum F. Visiting an ENT specialist every time I catch a cold, and also seeing the doctor who treated my mother f...

Understanding Chemotherapy Decisions for Elderly Cancer Patients

Some questions regarding chemotherapy? Dear Dr. Fan, My mother is 78 years old and discovered a lump in her breast in February. She underwent surgery at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, where a biopsy confirmed it was cancer. A few weeks after the surgery, we received the pathology repor...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Yuan, Hello. First of all, considering your mother's age, it is highly likely that her breast cancer specimen's estrogen receptor (ER) is positive. If this is the case, I recommend administering the oral estrogen receptor antagonist Tamoxifen for two years, fo...

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