Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence I have been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer for over four years and have follow-up appointments every three months, along with CT scans. Recently, I experienced a tingling sensation in my ear, so my doctor ordered an MRI. The report indica...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It did not exist originally. 2. Please first confirm whether there is a recurrence. The methods for confirmation are: (1) MRI to determine if there is a consultation with the ENT department and the radiation oncology department for radiological diagnosis. (2) Perform a ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Prognosis and Treatment Options
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Dear Dr. Fan, My cousin, who is about 10 years old, was hospitalized due to gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Unfortunately, due to a delay of nearly two months in Vietnam, her condition has worsened significantly...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Jing: Based on your assessment, the situation appears to be very pessimistic due to significant delays in treatment. It is challenging to administer chemotherapy to patients with renal failure, and without chemotherapy, acute lymphoblastic leukemia cannot achieve remission a...[Read More] Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Prognosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Tumors: When to See a Specialist for Your Symptoms
There is a tumor in the neck (cervical region)? Hello: I have a lump near my spine at the back of my neck that has been present for about two to three years. Western medicine suggests it is a lipoma, while traditional Chinese medicine indicates it may be due to poor circulation o...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: You should see a surgeon![Read More] Understanding Neck Tumors: When to See a Specialist for Your Symptoms
Is Frequent Nosebleed in Kids a Sign of Blood Cancer?
Frequent nosebleeds in children can be concerning, but they are not necessarily indicative of leukemia. Nosebleeds can occur for various reasons, including dry air, allergies, nasal trauma, or underlying conditions such as clotting disorders. If a child experiences recurrent nose...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Cynthia: Please take your son to see an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Is Frequent Nosebleed in Kids a Sign of Blood Cancer?
Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in urine? I noticed blood when I went to the bathroom, but it doesn't happen often. I'm currently in my first year of vocational school. On April 29, I saw blood when I used the restroom. The last time it happened was in middle school, which was quite a while ago....
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hematuria, with the most common being urinary tract infections, urinary stones, and tumors. Generally, a urinalysis is performed first to rule out urinary tract infections. If the cause is not due to an infection, further evaluation with intravenou...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Treatment Options and Costs in Taiwan
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) DEAR DOCTOR, My father is 63 years old and living in Hong Kong. Last year, he was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the small intestine, which caused severe bleeding, necessitating an urgent resection of the ileum. Af...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Phonix: If your father is a citizen of the Republic of China and has paid his general health insurance fees regularly, he is certainly covered under the health insurance program. Our General Health Bureau will approve GLEEVEC for metastatic GIST after physicians submit a for...[Read More] Managing Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Treatment Options and Costs in Taiwan
Understanding Lumps on the Neck: Causes and Concerns
There are two lumps on the neck? Hello, doctor. This week, I noticed a painless, movable lump on my neck. There are also some near my collarbone. I saw an ENT specialist yesterday, and they said it was lymphadenopathy. They mentioned that since it is movable, it should not be a c...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Is it better now? If it has worsened, please urgently go to the hematology department for a blood test. It's important, very important.[Read More] Understanding Lumps on the Neck: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Post-Transplant Challenges in Lymphoma Patients
Regarding lymphatic cancer after bone marrow transplantation? Hello, my father was diagnosed with lymphoma last year and has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, but each time it was halted due to low white blood cell counts. Recently, he underwent an autologous stem cell tr...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
It's really difficult to answer. Based on what you've described, the situation is very critical, and we can only ask your father's physician to do everything possible to save him.[Read More] Understanding Post-Transplant Challenges in Lymphoma Patients
Understanding Elevated Platelet Levels: What You Need to Know
About platelets? Dear Doctor, Hello! I am a 24-year-old female. Recently, I went to the hospital for a health check-up and also had a blood test. The results showed that everything was normal except for my platelet count, which was 460. Since the normal range is 120-350, I would...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a hematologist or an internist. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding CEA Levels: Do You Need Colon Cancer Screening?
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Recently, I underwent a physical examination due to constipation and hemorrhoids. The results showed a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 3.1 µg/L. My stool is hard but there is no occult blood. I do not smoke. Should I be screened for colorect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: The normal value for CEA is <4, which can be monitored every three to six months or during a general health check-up. (A) Alternatively, a colonoscopy or barium enema can be performed. (B) CEA levels can be elevated due to (1) malignant tumors such as those in the gastr...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels: Do You Need Colon Cancer Screening?
Understanding High White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Blood Cancer?
Elevated white blood cell count? Dear Doctor, My mother is 71 years old, and her health has not been very good this past week. She has been feeling lethargic and wanting to sleep all the time, which has caused us great concern. Yesterday, we finally persuaded her to go to the ho...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Concerned individual: Based on the data you provided, this is definitely blood cancer, specifically leukemia. Leukemia can be acute or chronic, and the treatment varies, but it is not necessarily a "terminal illness." In terms of diet, please refrain from eating fruits ...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Blood Cancer?
Could My Lymph Node Issue Be Lymphoma or Metastatic Cancer?
Could I have lymphoma or metastatic cancer? Hello Dr. Fan: Three months ago, I discovered a lump above my right clavicle that has been growing larger and harder, approximately 4 centimeters. I consulted multiple specialists, but none could determine the cause, all stating it was ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Miss Chia-Chia: Lymph node tuberculosis does not always culture Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the pathological biopsy results should be reliable. It is essential to take anti-tuberculosis medication for a sufficient duration to achieve recovery. Please collaborate with you...[Read More] Could My Lymph Node Issue Be Lymphoma or Metastatic Cancer?
Understanding the Rapid Progression of Stomach Cancer: A Patient's Journey
The development period of gastric cancer? Dear Doctor: Recently, I read about a physician from National Taiwan University who was diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away within a brief period of 2 to 3 months. Is it possible for all types of cancer to progress from zero to te...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Normal gastric cells naturally undergo apoptosis and regeneration at fixed intervals, achieving homeostasis. 2. During the process of cell regeneration, which involves gene replication and division, some genetic mutations may occur. 3. A small number of cells with genet...[Read More] Understanding the Rapid Progression of Stomach Cancer: A Patient's Journey
The Significance of Elevated IgG Levels in Brain Tumor Diagnosis
What is the significance of IgG levels in relation to brain tumors? Dear Doctor, the blood test report shows that the IgG level significantly exceeds the standard range (690-1400 mg/dl). What is the significance of this test result in relation to the occurrence of a brain tumor (...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: The letter did not specify how high the IgG levels are, and without other clinical manifestations and examinations, it is difficult to make a recommendation. If individuals have any concerns, they should seek medical consultation for further evaluation and testing. IgG is ...[Read More] The Significance of Elevated IgG Levels in Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a small hard lump on the arm? Hello, doctor. A month ago, I noticed a lump on my arm. When I touch it, I can feel something like a hard mass. I'm not sure if it's related to pressure on the blood vessels, as I can clearly see the blood vessels on the lump. What...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: A visual examination is needed. It is recommended to see a plastic surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, general surgeon, or oncologist. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
Liver Transplant: Risks for Donors and Options for Patients with Cancer
Liver transplantation My mother has cirrhosis and liver cancer. Yesterday, she underwent radiation therapy for the cancer cells. Since I am living abroad, I cannot be with her, and I have informed my sister that the cirrhosis may further endanger my mother's life. It would b...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Vegetables: Liver transplantation is really not my area of expertise; I recommend consulting a surgical team with experience in liver transplants. I apologize for that.[Read More] Liver Transplant: Risks for Donors and Options for Patients with Cancer
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Beyond Blood Cancer Risks
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor: My mother is 46 years old. A few days ago, she underwent an adult health check-up and her white blood cell count was over 20,000. The doctor mentioned the possibility of leukemia. Could you please tell me what other conditions could cause elevated white...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Bao: There are too many possibilities to guess and answer one by one. It's best to see a hematologist for advice as soon as possible. If, unfortunately, one is diagnosed with blood cancer, it doesn't necessarily mean it's terminal. Some types of blood cancer can ...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Beyond Blood Cancer Risks
Understanding Osteoradionecrosis: Complications After Oral Cancer Treatment
Radiation-induced osteonecrosis 1. Is the surgical debridement performed due to osteoradionecrosis after oral cancer surgery considered a treatment for cancer or a complication following cancer radiotherapy? ( ) Treatment for cancer (X) Complication following cancer radiotherapy ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding complications after cancer radiotherapy. 2. Due to impaired local blood circulation following radiation therapy, some bone necrosis may occur, which can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. If that is not effective, surgical debridement will be necessary...[Read More] Understanding Osteoradionecrosis: Complications After Oral Cancer Treatment
Understanding Primary Lymphoid Disorders: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Primary lymphoid neoplasm (lymphoma) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about primary lymphoid disorders (lymphoma). A family member has similar symptoms, and after going to the hospital for blood tests and X-rays, the doctor said everything was fine, but further gastrointestinal ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Benign lymphadenopathy, such as that caused by a cold or bacterial infection, can lead to localized lymph node enlargement, which should resolve with infection control. 2. Malignant lymphoma is formed due to DNA mutations in lymphocytes, but it is very sensitive to radi...[Read More] Understanding Primary Lymphoid Disorders: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Could It Be Lymphoma? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Do I have lymphoma? I have been experiencing fever at night for a month, but it only reaches a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius and does not go any higher. My gums are inflamed, and I initially thought it was a dental issue, but treatment has not been effective. I also thought it mi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: A fever at night lasting for a month may indicate a chronic infection. Please visit a major hospital's dental and otolaryngology departments (to check for sinusitis). If necessary, blood tests should be conducted to evaluate the blood cell counts for reference. This r...[Read More] Could It Be Lymphoma? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps