Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Travel Considerations
Questions Hi! About 2 weeks ago, I wrote an email to see if you could refer me to any hospital for leukemia. Thanks for your attention. My friend finally got the English name for her sister’s disease—“Aplastic Anemia.” She is actually in Thailand and is Thai. For this kind of dis...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Vivien, Aplastic anemia is referred to as "再生不良性貧血" in Mandarin. It is not a malignant disease, but severe forms of aplastic anemia can be life-threatening. The best treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, using either bone marrow or peripheral blood...[Read More] Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Treatment Options and Travel Considerations
Finding a Hematology-Oncology Specialist for Blood Cancer Treatment
Hematology-Oncology specialist Hi, I have a friend who has leukemia. Can you recommend a specialist in hematologic oncology? I have no idea which hospital to go to or who to consult. Thanks a lot.
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Vivien: It depends on where your friend lives. However, since leukemia often leads to emergent conditions, I believe that the patient has been admitted to a hospital for treatment. In general, I would recommend that a leukemia patient be treated at a medical center. On the o...[Read More] Finding a Hematology-Oncology Specialist for Blood Cancer Treatment
Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Expert Insights
Is coughing up blood related to neck tumors? Hello, Doctor: I am a 53-year-old female. Last year, I had a soft mass in my nasopharynx, and when I coughed it up, it turned out to be a blood clot. This lasted for three days. I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a nasal ultras...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Cherry: Your hemoptysis and purulent sputum may be indicative of bronchiectasis or tuberculosis. Please consider visiting a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Tuberculosis can present with cervical lymphadenopathy. Lung cancer can also cause hemoptysis and may metastasize ...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Expert Insights
Can Chemotherapy Be Administered with a Synthetic Vascular Graft?
Artificial blood vessel Dr. Fan: Due to the artificial vascular access created for chemotherapy, there is no blood return during testing. Can chemotherapy agents be administered? Thanks.
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Miss Tiffany: The latest design of artificial blood vessels has a feature that allows flow in only one direction. However, generally, artificial blood vessels should exhibit backflow. Occasionally, there may be instances where there is no backflow, yet the infusion still proceeds...[Read More] Can Chemotherapy Be Administered with a Synthetic Vascular Graft?
Understanding Artificial Vessels and Cancer Treatment Concerns
Artificial blood vessel Dear Dr. Fan, Thank you very much for answering my previous question (was my judgment correct?). Initially, my CEA level at the first hospital was 51.5, but after transferring to another hospital, it increased to 85.5. The two tests were conducted approxi...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Tiffany: Currently, the implantation of artificial blood vessels is very common, and the technology is quite mature. Wound healing occurs rapidly, and the risk of infection is minimal, so please feel confident in following your doctor's advice. During chemotherapy, since can...[Read More] Understanding Artificial Vessels and Cancer Treatment Concerns
Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Is liver cancer treatable? Last year, my father discovered that he was suffering from severe abdominal pain. Initially, he thought it was discomfort caused by high blood pressure. After undergoing an examination at a veterans hospital, he was diagnosed with cancer and was advised...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
In principle, surgery should be performed whenever possible. The decision to add radiation therapy and chemotherapy will depend on the surgical findings and the pathology results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cancer, but it cannot guarantee th...[Read More] Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Exploring the Link Between Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Traffic Accidents
The relationship between acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and car accidents...?! In 1988, a friend's mother was injured in a motorcycle accident and was taken to a regional hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion. After being discharged and resting at home, she...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Fang: To our knowledge, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (blood cancer) or malignant lymphoma is not caused by car accidents, and therefore, it can be said that there is no relation to trauma. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Traffic Accidents
Understanding Malignant Astrocytoma and Lymphoma: Treatment and Side Effects
Malignant astrocytoma in the brainstem and lymphoma? Dr. Yang: My brother-in-law was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma in the brainstem last year. After undergoing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to reduce intracranial pressure and radiation therapy, the brain tumor significant...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
The second diagnosis is lymphoma, and it is unclear whether it is primary in the brainstem or from another location. Lymphoma is primarily treated with chemotherapy supplemented by radiation therapy. After chemotherapy, the patient experiences auditory hallucinations and delusion...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Astrocytoma and Lymphoma: Treatment and Side Effects
Understanding Tumor Markers: Do Negative Blood Tests Guarantee No Cancer?
Tumor markers Dr. Yang: Hello, I would like to ask you, if blood tests for tumor markers show no issues, does that mean there are definitely no problems? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
This depends on the clinical situation. Tumor markers are one of the reference data points. For example, the tumor marker for colorectal cancer is CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), but not every patient with colorectal cancer will have elevated CEA levels; some may have normal leve...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: Do Negative Blood Tests Guarantee No Cancer?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Effects, and Workplace Safety
Health examination issues I have a few questions regarding my low white blood cell count due to my work in wastewater treatment: 1. What is the standard range for white blood cells, and what are the effects of having a low count on the body? 2. How can I treat or manage this cond...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang: A white blood cell count between 5,000 and 10,000 is considered normal, while a count below 4,000 is considered low. There are many reasons for low white blood cell counts, such as viral infections, splenomegaly, medications, heavy metals, radiation, and various ...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Effects, and Workplace Safety
Which Method Offers Higher Accuracy for Breast Cancer Detection?
Which method for detecting breast cancer has a higher accuracy? Which method for detecting breast cancer has a higher accuracy: ultrasound imaging, mammography, or blood tests (such as DR70)? Or are there other methods?
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Hello: Blood tests are the least accurate, while ultrasound and mammography each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Generally, when a breast lump is detected, an ultrasound is performed first, and if there are any concerns, a mammogram is done for further confirmation. ...[Read More] Which Method Offers Higher Accuracy for Breast Cancer Detection?
Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms and How to Identify Lumps
Breast cancer What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? How can one determine if a lump is hard? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
The most common signs of breast cancer are a hard lump in the breast or a hard lump in the same side's axilla, which is typically painless. Other signs include abnormal nipple discharge or discharge that contains blood. Skin changes in the breast, such as bruising and a peau...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms and How to Identify Lumps
Understanding Blood Cancer: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Leukemia Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, forms when there is an abnormal proliferation of blood cells, which can occur in the bone marrow or lymphatic system. This abnormal growth can lead to various types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myelom...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Blood cancer can be divided into two main categories: acute and chronic, and further classified into different types based on various stages of differentiation. Acute blood cancer occurs when there is an issue during the early stages of blood cell differentiation, leading to the ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cancer: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Risks and Treatment Options Explained
Multiple Myeloma What is multiple myeloma? What are its dangers? What treatment options are available? <Stage III> Thank you!
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Multiple myeloma is a malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to the excessive production of monoclonal immunoglobulin. Cancer cells secrete cytokines that stimulate osteoclasts, resulting in bone pain, multiple fract...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Risks and Treatment Options Explained
Why Not Stop Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients with Low White Blood Cell Count?
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello. I recently watched a drama on Public Television called "Big Hospital, Small Doctor." In it, there is a patient who seems to have breast cancer. The storyline indicates that she must have a white...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Television dramas often exaggerate the conditions of patients, and this is usually incorrect; it frequently frightens both patients and their families, causing them to miss the critical window for cancer treatment. When faced with similar issues, it is essential to consult a spec...[Read More] Why Not Stop Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients with Low White Blood Cell Count?
Understanding Photodynamic Therapy: Benefits for Throat Cancer Patients
What is photodynamic therapy? Dear Dr. Yang: What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)? I have heard reports that PDT can cause tumor necrosis without harming the surrounding normal cells; is this true? Also, what are HPD and PII? Do these treatments have any benefits for patients with ...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
PDT stands for Photo-Dynamic Therapy, a method that involves drawing blood from the patient, exposing it to ultraviolet light, and then reinjecting it back into the patient. Reports indicate that this treatment may lead to the reduction of certain tumors. This approach is conside...[Read More] Understanding Photodynamic Therapy: Benefits for Throat Cancer Patients
Could Stomach Pain Indicate Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it cancer? I sometimes experience stomach pain, but there is no blood in my stool (neither red nor black). Could this be cancer? Please be sure to reply!
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
The presence of occult blood in stool cannot be determined by visual inspection; it must be confirmed through a fecal occult blood test. The majority of causes of stomach pain are non-cancerous, but it is essential to have a proper diagnosis by a physician. You should consult a g...[Read More] Could Stomach Pain Indicate Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Post-Surgery Follow-Up: Essential Checks for Cervical Cancer Patients
Postoperative follow-up examination? Dear Dr. Yang, My mother was diagnosed with stage I cervical cancer in February of last year and underwent a radical hysterectomy. After her discharge, she received chemotherapy once a week for a total of 10 sessions. To date, she has been re...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
The five-year survival rate after surgery for stage I cervical cancer can be as high as 90%. Postoperative chemotherapy provides better assurance against future metastasis; additionally, the need for adjuvant radiation therapy should be considered based on the specific pathologic...[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up: Essential Checks for Cervical Cancer Patients
Understanding Follow-Up Care for Uterine Cancer: Key Checks and Signs
Uterine cancer Hello Dr. Yang: My mother was diagnosed with endometrial cancer two years ago due to vaginal bleeding, and she underwent a total hysterectomy followed by radiation therapy. She now has regular follow-up appointments every three months, during which she has a Pap sm...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Cervical endometrial cancer often presents with early symptoms such as bleeding, allowing for early treatment and potential cure, with a five-year survival rate reaching up to 90%. Surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are all quite effective. Your mother's...[Read More] Understanding Follow-Up Care for Uterine Cancer: Key Checks and Signs