Understanding Low Hemoglobin and High Platelet Counts in Oncology Patients
Low hemoglobin and elevated platelet count? Hello, doctor. For the past two years, I have frequently experienced dizziness, chest tightness, intermittent headaches, and often feel as if there is an earthquake. Last year, my blood test showed a hemoglobin level of 7 mg/dl, which l...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please bring your blood test report directly to register for the hematology outpatient clinic. If you have already been treated at the hematology outpatient clinic, you can address your concerns directly with the physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin and High Platelet Counts in Oncology Patients
Understanding Normal Pancreatic Index in Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Normal pancreatic index? My mother initially thought she had stomach discomfort, but after undergoing an MRI in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department, the report indicated a 90% likelihood of stage 3 pancreatic cancer. After being evaluated by an oncologist, there wer...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Currently, the method for biopsy in pancreatic cancer is endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, which has an extremely low risk of cancer cell dissemination due to the tumor biopsy. For stage III pancreatic cancer, preoperative treatment may involve either chemother...[Read More] Understanding Normal Pancreatic Index in Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Unexplained Bruises and Bone Pain: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Unexplained bruising and petechiae? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent bone pain and unexplained bruising and petechiae. I went to the hospital two days ago for a blood test, and all the results were normal except for a low platelet distribution width. However, the doctor ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Young women, due to thinner skin and more fragile microvessels, often experience bruising in areas that are prone to impact or injury. If a complete blood count and blood smear examination are normal, it is recommended to simply monitor the condition.[Read More] Unexplained Bruises and Bone Pain: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding Lymphadenopathy and Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms and Concerns
Unilateral lymphadenopathy, Sjögren's syndrome? I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask the doctor about some symptoms I experienced as a child. I discovered a lump under my right armpit and underwent a breast ultrasound, where the doctor diagnosed it as a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Doudou / 32 years old / Female 1. I apologize! I am an oncology specialist. Based on your condition, after evaluation by the physician, there is a suspicion of Sjögren's syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease that commonly occurs in individuals aged 40 to 60, predominantl...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy and Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Low Iron Levels: Is Further Testing Necessary?
I would like to inquire about this value? I would like to ask, after taking iron supplements for three months at a dosage of two pills a day, my hemoglobin level has returned to 13.5, but my iron content is 21 and my Fe/TIBC is only 5. (I would like to ask the doctor what this Fe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Iron deficiency anemia requires at least six months of iron supplementation for the body's iron stores to return to normal. However, women of childbearing age may need a longer supplementation period due to menstrual blood loss, which can vary in volume and lead to different...[Read More] Understanding Low Iron Levels: Is Further Testing Necessary?
Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Is further examination needed for abnormal white blood cell distribution ratios? Hello, doctor. Since around the 20th of last month, I have been experiencing itching on my eyelids and palms, as well as mild urticaria or rashes on my face, behind my ears, and on my feet, which fee...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This number is abnormal, and you need to see a hematologist for further testing and other related examinations. Thank you.[Read More] Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Enlarged Clavicular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Enlargement of the supraclavicular lymph nodes? Hello, Doctor! My mother is 67 years old. She previously lived in China for an extended period while taking care of children. During that time, she received the Sinopharm vaccine on June 24 of last year. At the end of August, she no...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The cytology report indicates that the specimen is insufficient for diagnostic purposes, which means this test is not useful. 2. Lymph nodes smaller than 1 cm should be biopsied (I mean excisional biopsy, where the entire node is removed for pathological examination, no...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Clavicular Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Axillary Lumps: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Axillary swelling issues? Hello Dr. Chen, I discovered a protrusion in my left armpit around late April. It has a smooth surface, is elongated, approximately 4×2 cm, and feels somewhat like a muscle; it is soft to the touch and not painful. I'm not quite sure how long it has...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sam / 37 years old / Male Hello, 1. What could this issue be and what should I pay attention to? a: I believe the first physician's response fully addressed your concerns. I do not have a better answer. 1.1 The family medicine physician indicated that there is nothing t...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lumps: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Do I Need to See a Hematologist After Anemia Diagnosis?
Do I need to see a hematologist after receiving my blood test results? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently received my gastrointestinal blood test results. The outpatient physician informed me that I have anemia and recommended that I see a hematologist at a major hospital. However, due t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your report, microcytic anemia is confirmed, but the cause is unknown (as other tests have not been performed). It is recommended to see a hematologist for a complete evaluation and medication. Thank you.[Read More] Do I Need to See a Hematologist After Anemia Diagnosis?
What to Know About Abnormal Blood Test Results in Oncology
What should be noted regarding the red text in blood test results? I would like to ask the doctor about the red-highlighted areas (the parts in parentheses) what I should pay attention to? Is further examination necessary? (MCHC 27.5) (MCV 71.4) MPV 9.4 Platelet 300 RBC 4.33 (RDW...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: (Hb 8.5) (MCV 71.4) indicates anemia. Please see a physician for medication. Thank you.[Read More] What to Know About Abnormal Blood Test Results in Oncology
Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Treatment, Supplements, and Monitoring
Management and Follow-up of Thalassemia I have thalassemia, and my hemoglobin levels are around 8-9 g/dL, with no specific symptoms on a daily basis. When I visited the doctor, in addition to blood tests, I was prescribed folic acid to take 5 mg daily. 1. I checked the recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. You do not need to take folic acid; it is unnecessary and not beneficial. 2. Currently, there is no need to take iron chelators. For patients with similar conditions, I only prescribe iron chelators covered by insurance if their ferritin levels exceed 2000. 3. In princi...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Treatment, Supplements, and Monitoring
Understanding High Vitamin B12 Levels and Their Link to Cancer Symptoms
Dizziness, Vitamin B12 Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing severe dizziness and lightheadedness for 24 hours continuously. I have undergone numerous tests, and the neurologist indicated that everything is normal and referred me to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist suspected that ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Is there a connection between Vitamin B12 and cancer? I disagree. The symptoms you mentioned do not seem to be related to any cancer, except for neurological examinations. You might also consider visiting an "Endocrinology" clinic, as sometimes "hypothyroidi...[Read More] Understanding High Vitamin B12 Levels and Their Link to Cancer Symptoms
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by lumpectomy, currently undergoing radiation therapy (inquiry made on April 14, follow-up on previous case)? Hello, (Old Case) A family member has a "triple-negative" left breast cancer measuring over 4 cm, a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chu / 52 years old / Female {New Inquiry} Initially, family members underwent "ultrasound, mammography (standing compression of the breast), and biopsy." After a week, they consulted the doctor, who said, "The lymph nodes are not infected." Whether the lym...[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Implications and Concerns
The white blood cell test results are highlighted in red? White blood cell (WBC) test result: 3.7 (highlighted in red), reference range: 4.0-10.0, unit: k/µL. What does this mean?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wang Xingfang / 23 years old / Female Hello: A count of 3.7 < 4.0 k/µL indicates that your immune system may be weaker. This could make you more susceptible to infections. It is advisable to avoid crowded places and wear a mask frequently. You may want to continue monitoring ...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Implications and Concerns
Understanding MRI Reports: Pituitary Gland Changes and Prolactin Levels
Inquiry about MRI report? I recently had elevated prolactin levels in my blood, with a value of 54.8. I later underwent a brain MRI, and the neurosurgeon stated that there were no tumors or other issues. However, I noticed a section in the report that reads: "No definite bra...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lunlun / 22 years old / Female Hello, 1. Is this related to my prolactin levels? A: The MRI results show no significant tumors, but there is a slight protrusion that cannot be determined if it is congenital or due to hyperplasia. Since the MRI cannot make a determination, it i...[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Pituitary Gland Changes and Prolactin Levels
Can Chemotherapy Be Administered with High White Blood Cell Count?
Elevated white blood cell count? The white blood cell count has risen to 19,500 with neutrophils at 86%. Is chemotherapy possible or not? There is thrombocytopenia and anemia. How can a liver abscess be diagnosed? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I am not your chemotherapy physician, so I cannot answer this question. 2. Thrombocytopenic anemia is not related to the diagnosis of a liver abscess. Thank you.[Read More] Can Chemotherapy Be Administered with High White Blood Cell Count?
Unexplained Fever: Could It Be Related to Cancer?
Fever I would like to consult a doctor. Since the end of January, I suddenly developed a fever of 38 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills and fatigue, but no other symptoms. After visiting a clinic and self-testing for COVID-19, I took antipyretics, which brought my temperature...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Fever of unknown origin caused by tumors is usually accompanied by systemic symptoms such as night sweats, weight loss, and loss of appetite, so observation is recommended. However, if other symptoms occur, such as easy flushing, sensitivity to heat and cold, and dry hair, a visi...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Could It Be Related to Cancer?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Is It Multiple Myeloma?
Abnormal blood test results? During a routine check-up, elevated total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO) levels were found, while other blood parameters were normal. The serum total protein was 8.7 g/dL, albumin (ALB) was 4.8 g/dL, and globulin was 3.9 g/dL. (Is this significantly ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You are too worried about whether you are ill. Tests are not infallible, and abnormalities do not necessarily indicate anything significant. Based on your description and reports, I do not have any recommendations. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Is It Multiple Myeloma?
Understanding Long-Lasting Neck Lumps: When to Worry and When to Relax
Years of neck mass? Hello doctor, when I was a child (around 11 or 12 years old), I discovered a lump in my neck that was movable and had a smooth surface. Later, after a prolonged cold that didn't improve, I went to the hospital for a check-up and found out I was close to d...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there have been no changes or any discomfort for over 10 years, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation without any particular concern.[Read More] Understanding Long-Lasting Neck Lumps: When to Worry and When to Relax
Understanding Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Cancer Patients: Concerns and Insights
Postoperative follow-up Hello, I have some questions regarding my experience with my elderly family member. Two years ago, they were diagnosed with stage 3B cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. They have been returning for follow-up appointments every three months, and ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
What type of cancer does your elder relative have? Please note that each type of cancer has different surgical and postoperative chemotherapy follow-up protocols. Generally, follow-up includes blood tests and consultations every 2-3 months, and imaging studies (such as CT scans o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Cancer Patients: Concerns and Insights