Understanding Tongue Cancer: Bleeding, Treatment Options, and Pain Management
I have a question to ask? Dr. Huang: I have a few questions to ask. Why does tongue cancer keep bleeding? Is this related? Since it is now in the terminal stage, can chemotherapy and radiation therapy still be administered? If so, how can we alleviate the patient's suffering...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The cause of bleeding is due to the weakened surface cells of the tongue cancer, which can easily become injured and bleed from friction during eating, or due to cancer cells invading blood vessels. 2. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be administered. 3. To allevia...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Cancer: Bleeding, Treatment Options, and Pain Management
Understanding Persistent Lumps Under the Jaw: When to Seek Help
Regarding the small lump under the skin..? Hello Dr. Fan, I have some questions I would like to ask, thank you! When I was in elementary school (around 10 years old), my relatives accidentally discovered some small, round, painless lumps near my lower jaw (on the left side of m...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Tong: Your lump appears to be a lymph node. It can become inflamed significantly in response to a bacterial infection. This is due to the battle between white blood cells and pathogens within the lymph node. It could also be an excessive immune response. If you wish to seek ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumps Under the Jaw: When to Seek Help
Understanding Submandibular Tumors: To Remove or Not to Remove?
A tumor has developed under the left jaw? Approximately a year and a half ago, a long oval-shaped tumor developed under the left jaw. It has now grown to a diameter of 2 cm and a length of 4 cm. After being evaluated at two large hospitals, X-rays of the lungs and CT scans of the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: You mentioned a 2cm tumor under the left jaw, which makes it difficult to determine whether it is benign or malignant. If both major hospitals' tests show benign results, it is likely a benign tumor, most probably a lipoma. Additionally, benign tumors generally do not...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Tumors: To Remove or Not to Remove?
Can Cancer Be Transmitted Through Blood or Other Means?
Transmission of Cancer Cancer is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through droplets, blood contact, or other means. Having indirect blood contact with a patient suffering from blood cancer (such as a wound coming into contact with the patient's blood) does not increas...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Because cancer is a malignant transformation of cells, it is generally not transmitted through droplets or blood contact. However, infections such as Hepatitis B and C can easily occur through blood or bodily fluids. Therefore, while contact with the blood of cancer patien...[Read More] Can Cancer Be Transmitted Through Blood or Other Means?
Can Lymphoma Cause Pleural Effusion After Chemotherapy?
Can lymphoma cause pleural effusion? Can lymphoma cause pleural effusion? Secondly, after completing chemotherapy for lymphoma, if the follow-up shows a cancer marker level of 360 (within normal range) and blood tests are also normal, why would there still be pleural effusion?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Huang: Lymphoma can indeed cause pleural effusion. After completing chemotherapy for lymphoma, normal cancer marker levels do not guarantee a complete cure. However, patients with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk for tuberculosis. Therefore, it is recommended...[Read More] Can Lymphoma Cause Pleural Effusion After Chemotherapy?
How to Increase Low White Blood Cell Count: Tips and Insights
Leukopenia Hello, doctor. Two months ago, I went to the hospital for a health check-up, and the results showed that my white blood cell count was 4,750, which was marked as low. How can I adjust my lifestyle to increase my white blood cell count? Additionally, I have hereditary t...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Leo: The normal range for white blood cell count is between 4,000 and 10,000, so your white blood cell count is normal, and there is no need to worry. Hereditary spherocytosis does not affect white blood cells. Everything is fine![Read More] How to Increase Low White Blood Cell Count: Tips and Insights
Understanding Stage 3B Lung Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Care
Please ask questions related to "lung cancer." Is stage 3B lung cancer, which has metastasized to the bones after radiation therapy, considered terminal? The patient originally had mild asthma, a history of tuberculosis (now cured), peptic ulcer disease, elevated blood ...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: 1. Metastasis to the bones indicates stage IV disease. 2. In addition to chemotherapy, supportive therapies, such as pain management and nutritional supplementation, are also very important for patients. 3. It is advisable to increase fluid intake, and a physician may pres...[Read More] Understanding Stage 3B Lung Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Care
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in Young Children: When to Seek Further Evaluation
The young girl has a peanut-sized lump located 2-3 centimeters behind each ear on the neck? A 2-year-old girl has a hard lump about the size of a peanut, located approximately 2-3 cm behind her ear on the back of her head. It is movable. A month ago, a physician mentioned that su...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mrs. Wang: The most likely cause of your child's enlarged lymph nodes behind the ear is a viral infection. We can arrange for a blood test, and if leukemia is ruled out, then I recommend just monitoring the situation. There's no need to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in Young Children: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Kidney Tumors: Surgery Options and Post-Operative Care
Renal tumor Dear Doctor, my father recently discovered blood in his urine. The examination results show that he has an 8 cm renal tumor, and the doctor said it is at stage II. They plan to perform surgery to remove the right kidney. Is this a definitive solution? I would like to ...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: Regarding your father's hematuria, the examination results indicate a renal tumor. It is recommended to consult a urologist for treatment and to have the treating physician explain the details of the surgery and postoperative care.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Tumors: Surgery Options and Post-Operative Care
Understanding Breast Changes: Concerns About Size, Veins, and Lumps
Breast cancer Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding breast cancer. I have stretch marks on my breasts, and one side is larger than the other. In high school, I was a D cup, and after attending a junior college, my breasts became an E cup. It feels like they are gett...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: It is normal to see blood vessels, and the small lump on the breast is more likely to be a benign tumor. It is recommended to consult a physician for a physical examination. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Tsung-Che, Department of Oncology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welf...[Read More] Understanding Breast Changes: Concerns About Size, Veins, and Lumps
Understanding Kidney Tumors: Pain and Symptoms Explained
Renal tumor A kidney tumor located in a vascular area, measuring approximately 3.5 to 4 centimeters, is not definitively classified as benign or malignant prior to surgery, and the absence of hematuria is noted. However, experiencing deep, stabbing pain in the bones of the arm ex...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: The preoperative assessment of renal tumors for benign or malignant characteristics primarily relies on symptoms and imaging studies (such as computed tomography). Urinary cytology can also be helpful. Regarding the "bone pain," based on your description, the lik...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Tumors: Pain and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Nocturnal Paroxysmal Hemoglobinuria: Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of nocturnal paroxysmal hematuria? Hello Dr. Fan: My grandmother has had low platelet, white blood cell, and red blood cell counts for the past two months, and she has experienced dark urine (hematuria?!) during this time. Could this be indicative of p...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: Nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria is indeed a possibility. However, hemolysis and bone marrow suppression caused by autoimmune diseases may also be factors. It would be best to consult a hematology specialist as soon as possible. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Nocturnal Paroxysmal Hemoglobinuria: Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Leukemia Treatment: Differences in Approaches and Medication Management
Treatment methods for leukemia? Dear Doctor, I have a question regarding the treatment of leukemia that I would like to ask you. My sister, who is studying abroad, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL, L2) in November of last year. Initially, she underwent the fi...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Jiaxiang: Antibiotics are used to prevent infections when white blood cell counts are low, while contraceptives are intended to prevent heavy bleeding associated with menstruation, especially when a low platelet count is anticipated. Now that your blood cell counts have retu...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia Treatment: Differences in Approaches and Medication Management
Understanding Giant Benign Pituitary Adenomas: A Patient's Journey
Giant benign pituitary adenoma Hello Dr. Lin, About three years ago, I noticed some blurriness in my left eye. After an examination at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's ophthalmology department, my vision was found to be normal. Later, the doctor referred me to the neurosurger...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! It seems that you have received quite comprehensive treatment. If you do not have any new tumor-related neurological symptoms and the medication is not causing significant side effects, then continuing medication therapy appears to be the better option. Your condition may ...[Read More] Understanding Giant Benign Pituitary Adenomas: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Tumors and Treatment Options
Cervical lymph nodes Hello, doctor. A month ago, I noticed pus below my left wisdom tooth and found two lymph nodes under my chin—one painful and one not. I visited a dental clinic, and the doctor prescribed a 3-day course of antibiotics. The pain in the lymph node subsided, but ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptom description, since the antibiotic treatment has been effective, it is likely that you have lymphadenitis rather than cancer. Please rest assured. However, the source of infection may sometimes be related to dental caries, so it is important to careful...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Tumors and Treatment Options
Is Liver Transplantation Possible for End-Stage Liver Cancer?
Is liver transplantation feasible for end-stage liver cancer? My uncle was recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and was given a prognosis of only six months to live. Is liver transplantation a viable option? However, there is a possibility that cancer cells are also pres...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! Liver transplantation is currently not considered a suitable treatment option for liver cancer, especially for tumors that are difficult to resect surgically. Surgical resection remains the best chance for a cure. It is advisable to bring the patient's CT scans and re...[Read More] Is Liver Transplantation Possible for End-Stage Liver Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Stress Impact and When to Seek Medical Help
Lymph node Hello, last year I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for an examination due to a hard lump in my neck, which was diagnosed by the doctor as a lymph node. I had blood tests and a biopsy, and everything was normal, except for an elevated immune system (I think ...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: (1) Diseases caused by immune system imbalance may sometimes present with lymphadenopathy, which could be related to stress. (2) Certain malignancies are more common in patients with immune dysregulation; if there is newly discovered lymphadenopathy, it is essential to ret...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Stress Impact and When to Seek Medical Help
Managing Liver Tumors: Dietary Considerations and Potassium Levels
Liver tumor Dear Dr. Fan, My father was recently diagnosed with a liver tumor. The attending physician believes that embolization therapy is still a viable option, but due to the presence of ascites and elevated bilirubin levels (close to 3), he recommended that my father first ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Bai: Hello, when cirrhosis leads to ascites, doctors often use the diuretic Aldactone. While most diuretics cause potassium loss, this medication helps retain potassium in the body. However, if the diet contains excessive potassium, it may lead to hyperkalemia, which can be l...[Read More] Managing Liver Tumors: Dietary Considerations and Potassium Levels
Can Cancer Patients Take B2 or B12 Supplements During Chemotherapy?
Can I take health supplements B2 or B12 while undergoing chemotherapy? My mother has a tumor about one centimeter in size in her lungs, located near a blood vessel, and surgery is not an option. She has undergone bronchoscopy and biopsy, and the results were negative. Does this i...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello Charlene, health supplements such as B2, B12, and folic acid are consumable.[Read More] Can Cancer Patients Take B2 or B12 Supplements During Chemotherapy?
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Dear Oncologist, I am a 30-year-old female. About a month ago, I noticed a lump approximately 1 cm in diameter located in the right lower part of my neck, near the clavicle. Two weeks ago, I visited the ENT department at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Hsinchu. After blood...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it seems to be lymphadenopathy following an infection. After controlling the infection, it should decrease in size, although it may not completely disappear, and you can continue to monitor it. Since you are seeing an otolaryngologist, they shoul...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation