Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Abnormally high platelet levels (increasing with each of the two tests)? Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a blood test (results below), and the only abnormal finding was a platelet count of 469. At that time, the doctor mentioned that it was fine to just monitor it. However, I...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be caused by inflammation (such as a cold). It is recommended to follow up with a blood test in three months. If the levels remain elevated, consider consulting a hematologist.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Eosinophil Levels and Lymph Node Concerns in Oncology
Blood and lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions regarding my blood. Recently, I experienced chest tightness and went to the emergency room where I had a complete blood count and white blood cell differential. I found that my eosinophil (eos) coun...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the white blood cell count is normal but the differential shows a slight elevation, and specifically if eosinophils are elevated, there are many potential causes (such as allergies, medications, dermatitis, etc.). It is recommended to follow up in 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil Levels and Lymph Node Concerns in Oncology
Understanding Lateral Thigh Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Lateral thigh mass? I discovered this incidentally while showering, and I can only feel it when standing. It has been present for about a month. The tumor is quite superficial and relatively flat, but it has a diameter of at least 3 cm. It is immovable, harder than the surroundin...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The outer sides of both thighs are symmetrical and firmer than the surrounding muscle tissue, which is likely due to the greater trochanter (a normal bone structure). It's advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Lateral Thigh Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What You Need to Know
Blood tests and lymphadenopathy? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I had a blood test and found that my monocyte count is 11.4, which exceeds the normal range. I would like to know what issues I might be facing. Background: This series of blood tests was conducted because I was diag...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In a complete blood count (CBC), it is sufficient to monitor whether the WBC, HB, and PLT are within the normal range. Other white blood cell differentials may vary in elevation or decrease depending on physiological conditions. For example, monocytes may slightly increase during...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels are elevated above the standard value? Hello, Doctor! I am 32 years old and recently received my company health check results, which show that my CEA levels have been above 5 for three consecutive years; the recent results are 5.2, 5.7, and 7...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The textbook states that blood tumor markers should not be used as a tool for cancer screening because they are not accurate. Many patients who are in the terminal stages of cancer can have normal CEA levels. Therefore, a slightly elevated CEA does not indicate anything si...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Health Challenges of a 90-Year-Old Cancer Patient
Grandma is 90 years old and was diagnosed with stomach cancer four and a half years ago? About two weeks ago (the last weekend before the Lunar New Year), my grandmother caught a cold around the New Year, which led to throat inflammation and swelling, making it difficult for her ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there is a suspicion of heart problems, one can consult a cardiologist; if there is a suspicion that organ function decline (such as swallowing or coughing up phlegm) is caused by aging (dementia), one can see a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding the Health Challenges of a 90-Year-Old Cancer Patient
Understanding Hard Lumps in Armpit Lymph Nodes: Is It Cancer?
There is a hard lump in the axillary lymph nodes? I discovered a hard lump in my axillary lymph nodes about six months ago, accompanied by pain. I went to the hospital, and an ultrasound showed two tumors, each approximately two centimeters in size, with one showing signs of infl...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
S/37 years old/female 1. This blood test cannot determine if it is malignant. 2. Generally speaking, malignant tumors tend to grow continuously. Given your situation, from August until now, which is approximately six months, if it has remained stable, the likelihood of malign...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in Armpit Lymph Nodes: Is It Cancer?
Understanding High Platelets and Low Lymphocytes: What It Means for Your Health
Elevated platelet count and decreased lymphocyte count? I just received my health check report from December last year and noticed some red flags in the blood test results. I would like to consult Dr. Hu regarding the following: (1) I have had slightly elevated platelet counts ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
For the general public: When reviewing a blood report, it is sufficient to pay attention to whether the WBC, HB, and PLT values are within the normal range. Note: 1. WBC differential count (WBC DC) -- The percentages of Neutrophils (Seg), Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils a...[Read More] Understanding High Platelets and Low Lymphocytes: What It Means for Your Health
Assessing the Malignancy Risk of a Small Groin Lump: What You Need to Know
Is there a possibility of malignancy? There is a small, painless lump about 1 cm in size on the left side of my groin, which is not visible externally and can only be felt with some pressure. When I first discovered it, it felt firm and slightly mobile, so I decided to monitor it...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mimi / 42 years old / Female would like to ask about the appearance of a swelling that initially enlarged and then disappeared, leaving a small 1 cm lump. Is there a significant possibility of malignancy? A: 1. All previous doctors have examined it. 2. Blood tests at that time we...[Read More] Assessing the Malignancy Risk of a Small Groin Lump: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Questions for Oncology Patients
Blood test report related questions? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you some questions. A few days ago, I noticed something unusual in my previous blood test reports. Here are the results from three blood tests: Late June - RBC 5.13, HB 14.88; Late August - RBC 4.78, HB 13.8;...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
An Hb level greater than 13 is considered normal, with fluctuations between 13 and 17 being within the normal range. Weight loss is likely attributed to anxiety; it is recommended to maintain a normal diet and a BMI (height in kg/weight in m², 18.5-24.9).[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Questions for Oncology Patients
Does Cryoablation for Musculoskeletal Tumors Qualify as Surgery?
Is the procedure of cryoablation for skeletal muscle tumors considered a surgical operation? Hello Doctor, my mother recently underwent treatment for malignant bone tumors. Our claim for surgical insurance reimbursement was denied. Does this surgery meet the definition of a surgi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rain, 35 years old, male. Does this surgery meet the definition of surgical procedure? A: According to Dr. Huang Cai-wang from Today's News, cryoablation using micro-needles involves inserting micro-needles filled with argon gas into tumor tissue, creating an ice ball at a t...[Read More] Does Cryoablation for Musculoskeletal Tumors Qualify as Surgery?
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
White blood cell count is approaching abnormal levels? Recent blood test results show a white blood cell count of 6,900 (normal range: 3,600-11,200), hemoglobin (HB) of 15.9 (normal range: 13.7-17), erythrocyte distribution width (EDW) of 13.0 (normal range: 11.7-15), platelet co...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. A white blood cell count within the normal range is considered normal. However, I cannot provide an answer without knowing your specific situation. 2. No, it cannot be determined. 3. As mentioned before, I cannot answer this without knowing your circumstances. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts and Lymph Node Concerns in Oncology
White blood cell testing issues Recent blood test results show a white blood cell count of 6,900 (normal range: 3,600-11,200), hemoglobin (HB) of 15.9 (normal range: 13.7-17), erythrocyte distribution width (EDW) of 13.0 (normal range: 11.7-15), platelet count of 260 (normal rang...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The white blood cell count is within the normal range according to the instrument's interpretation, indicating that it is normal and does not require continuous monitoring. The lymph nodes have shown no changes over the past year, suggesting a higher likelihood of being beni...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts and Lymph Node Concerns in Oncology
Does Blood Transfusion Cause PSA Levels to Rise in Prostate Cancer?
The issue of elevated PSA levels after blood transfusion? Hello, due to abnormal hematopoietic function caused by stage IV prostate cancer, the patient has been experiencing anemia and received blood transfusions for three consecutive days. After three days, a blood test revealed...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang, 70 years old, male. 1. Will this condition continue indefinitely? A: The likelihood of this condition worsening is higher, as the PSA has nearly doubled. The reason is that the long-term hormone therapy has just become ineffective; it is less likely to be caused by a bl...[Read More] Does Blood Transfusion Cause PSA Levels to Rise in Prostate Cancer?
Understanding Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Breast cancer stage I relapsed one year after treatment without chemotherapy? Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021 and underwent a right mastectomy with reconstruction. Post-surgery, it was found that there was a 0.1 cm invasive cancer in the lymph n...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Evans, 43 years old, female. Due to the lack of personal insurance, the medical burden is really heavy. A: It is possible to choose treatment options covered by the National Health Insurance, but the general public tends to want to follow the doctor's advice if they can affo...[Read More] Understanding Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello, Director. Please help me review my mother's PET scan report; I don't understand it. Thank you. **PET Scan Report:** **Indication:** The 49-year-old woman is diagnosed with right middle lung cancer, stage IA1 (pT1aNx), status p...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Home / 48 years old / Female 0: It should be based on the explanation from her attending physician. 1. There were mildly increased FDG uptake in the right middle lung (SUVmax: 1.1) and right chest wall (SUVmax: ~1.7), probably post-operative changes. There is a post-operative rea...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Consultation Hello, Dr. Hu. This year, I discovered a lump behind my ear. Six months ago, I visited an ENT specialist, and the doctor noted that it felt soft and movable. A laryngoscopy showed no abnormalities, so I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there are concerns or suspicions of a malignant tumor, one may consider undergoing a surgical lymph node biopsy at a general surgery or otolaryngology department. Non-surgical options include computed tomography (CT) scans or self-paid whole-body positron emission tomography (...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Can an artificial blood vessel be removed without chemotherapy? Hello, my mother is 53 years old and has stage IV endometrial cancer. She underwent chemotherapy after having an artificial blood vessel placed, but her white blood cell count has been consistently low, causing delay...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Si-Rong / 53 years old / Female 1. He asked if it is possible to remove the artificial blood vessel. A: 1.1 Recommendations may vary by hospital; Taoyuan Hospital typically suggests waiting for 2 years without recurrence before removal. 1.2 Of course, if he is certai...[Read More] Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I am a 35-year-old male and would like to ask two questions regarding my blood tests from health check-ups. 1. I have concerns related to anemia. Here are my blood test results: - May 2019: RBC 7.22, Hb 16.1, Hct 48.9, MCV 67.7, MCH 22.3, MCHC...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your hemoglobin level is quite high (Hb 15-16), which is higher than many normal individuals (normal male Hb 13). You do not have any issues with anemia, so it is meaningless to focus on small details such as RBC count, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), etc. Even if you ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Prognosis
Breast cancer inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question regarding my mother, who is currently 61 years old. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (Luminal B type, grade 2) and has just undergone a partial mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (4 nodes)...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, 1. I would like to ask the doctor if the risk of recurrence for my mother is high. Using this algorithm, IHC4 = 32 > 30 indicates high risk, with ER = 90, PR = 90, Her2 = 1, and Ki67 = 30 for calculating the IHC4 score. 2. Since the doctor recommends both chemotherap...[Read More] Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Prognosis