Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Advice
Elevated red blood cell count? Hello, doctor! My hemoglobin is 15.4, my red blood cell count is 5.42, and my hematocrit is 48.2. Is there any problem with these results? Do I need to go to the hospital for further testing?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on this report, it is recommended that you visit a hospital to see a hematologist, as there may be a possibility of polycythemia. Further blood tests are needed, and if that is the case, medication treatment will be required.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Infection? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: I have a history of hypertension and usually take medication to control it. My routine blood tests show a white blood cell count of about 12,000 to 13,000. On January 14, I received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and three days later, i...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult to determine whether it's an infection or a vaccine side effect, but based on your second blood test report, it does not appear to be leukemia, as there is no mention of blasts, which allows us to rule out the possibility of blood cancer. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Understanding Enlarged Neck Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Cancer Risks
Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes? Hello, Doctor! My mother is 67 years old. She lived in China for an extended period while caring for children and received the Sinopharm vaccine on June 24 of this year. At the end of August, she discovered swollen lymph nodes above her clavic...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may simply be localized lymphadenopathy caused by generalized urticaria, and since the fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes did not reveal any cancer cells and the size of the lymph nodes has decreased, it is recommended to just observe. As for whether it is relate...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Neck Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Cancer Risks
Understanding Leukemia Symptoms and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Symptoms and Tests for Leukemia Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. For the past 10 days, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever accompanied by severe, nearly all-day dizziness, extreme fatigue, and night sweats. I have also started to notice unexplained small bru...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Both the first and second test results are normal. 2. White blood cell counts fluctuate; each time you draw blood, the results can vary. The normal range is 4,000 to 9,000, but even if the count is slightly outside this range, it does not necessarily indicate disease. 3...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia Symptoms and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. Global Perspectives
What are the differences in MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) between Taiwan and other countries? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your response yesterday, but it did not address my concerns. I have reviewed many original literature and studies from various countries, such as the UK...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I am a specialist in hematology, and I do not agree that myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are classified as cancer. I am not sure why other countries do this, and I do not wish to explain their actions. In any case, Taiwan is the only country with a national health insu...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. Global Perspectives
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Consider a Biopsy
Neck mass Doctor, I have a lump over two centimeters in size on the right side of my neck. It is not painful and is movable. However, last week I went to the hospital's hematology and oncology department for blood tests and X-rays, all of which came back normal, and my cance...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chen / 22 years old / Male 1. Is a biopsy necessary to obtain an accurate result? A: Theoretically, yes. 2. The doctor also mentioned that continuous self-observation is important to see if it is growing larger. A: If it has not increased in size for 3 months, it should b...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Consider a Biopsy
Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Duodenal ampullary cancer My mother was diagnosed with duodenal ampulla cancer and just completed her ninth round of chemotherapy yesterday. During this time, she has also been taking traditional Chinese medicine for conditioning. Her weight has dropped to 42 kg since the start o...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The tumor has not decreased in size but has also not increased (indicating that the tumor is in a stable control state). Additionally, the patient's overall condition has improved, and there has been weight gain, which suggests that the current treatment is still effective. ...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Red Spots on Skin: When to See a Specialist
Blood test I have small, dense red dots on the inner side of my lower leg that are not painful or itchy. After researching online, they resemble petechiae (similar to the images in this link: https://www.dcard.tw/f/girl/p/235207040). This is the only area affected, and it measure...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Laboratory reports from the past three months are more valuable for reference. 2. It is advisable to first consult a dermatologist to rule out localized dermatitis. If there are no abnormalities and the red spots expand or are accompanied by bleeding in other areas (such as pe...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots on Skin: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Blood Clotting Issues: When to Consult a Specialist
Coagulation function test six months ago? Hello doctor, I have a cluster of small red dots on the inner side just below my calf. They are not painful or itchy. After researching online, they resemble petechiae (similar to the image of this person: https://www.dcard.tw/f/girl/p/23...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The current situation has no value; that was six months ago. 2. You should see a dermatologist; any physician will issue a blood test order, and if they can't interpret it, they will refer you to a hematologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Clotting Issues: When to Consult a Specialist
Can Lung Cancer Present with Blood-Streaked Phlegm Without Coughing?
Lung cancer may not present with a cough? Today at work, after finishing lunch, around 4 PM, I went to the restroom intending to wash my face. I had some phlegm in my throat, and without coughing, I made a sound to expel it into my mouth, which had bright red streaks of blood. Si...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Don't overthink it; if you're worried, go see a doctor for an X-ray. Thank you.[Read More] Can Lung Cancer Present with Blood-Streaked Phlegm Without Coughing?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights from Oncology Experts
Health examination issues Dr. Hu, is there any issue with this blood report? R.B.C: 4.55 W.B.C: 5.22 Hb: 13.6 Hct: 40.5 MCH: 29.9 MCHC: 33.6 MCV: 89.0 Platelet: 221 CRP: 0.022 A-Lym: 0.0 Band: 0.0 Baso: 1.0 Blast: 0.0 Eosin: 3.4 Lym: 41.2 Metamyelo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
No problem; Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, and Lymphocytes are all types of white blood cells. Their ratios may fluctuate, but as long as they remain within the normal reference range, they are considered normal.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights from Oncology Experts
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Hard lump connecting the inner thigh under the groin? Hello doctor, over the past 2 to 3 days, I have noticed swelling in the area where my thigh connects to my groin, about 2 centimeters in size. I'm not sure if it's a hard lump. The day before, I squeezed out some pus...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be an abscess or other folliculitis; it will either drain on its own once it matures or be absorbed by the body.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Bilirubin Levels in Beta-Thalassemia: Causes and Concerns
Bilirubin in Mediterranean Anemia Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed with Beta-thalassemia. In previous follow-ups, my hemoglobin levels were around 9.3 g/dL, red blood cell count was 4.5 M/uL, total bilirubin was approximately 6.0 mg/dL, and direct bilirubin was 0.4 mg/dL. In ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, both anemia and hemolysis have worsened. However, this congenital thalassemia should not change with aging, so there must be something that has happened recently. Have you had a cold? Taken medications indiscriminately? Used traditional Chinese medicine? Consumed...[Read More] Understanding Bilirubin Levels in Beta-Thalassemia: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
The blood test report shows elevated platelet levels? Hello Dr. Chen, two years ago my platelet count was 412, and this year it has increased slightly to 440. Here are my blood test results from 2021: - White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 7.11 - Eosinophils (% Eosin): 1.7 - Neutrophi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The platelet count is just slightly elevated, and there is no need for any special examinations. There are no specific dietary considerations to be aware of. Platelets are not influenced by food intake. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Bruising on Thigh: When to Seek Medical Attention
Thigh contusion Hello Doctor, I noticed a not very obvious bruise on the inner side of my right thigh while taking a shower today. It hurts a bit when I wash with hot water, but I don't feel anything when I press on it later. Previously, I had a small, not very noticeable br...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Although I don't know what tests were done on your blood or what the results are, based on your description, if you're concerned, it's best to see a dermatologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Thigh: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
There is a lump in the groin area? When walking, I feel discomfort from a hard lump that I tried to pop myself. It bled, but it wasn't pus. The surface now appears a bit dark, but the round hard lump is still there and hasn't gone away.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yu Ling / 20 years old / Female 1. I tried to pop it myself and there was blood, not pus. A: I do not recommend popping it. If there is an infection or inflammation that hasn't fully developed into an abscess, popping it too early can lead to a situation similar to your...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results in Cancer Survivors
Abnormal blood test results! Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. My mother has a medical history of being diagnosed with stage II colorectal cancer in March 2019. After surgery, she did not undergo any treatment and returned home to rest, with re...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: After reviewing the blood test results you mentioned, I believe there is no major concern. The blood cell counts are slightly low, which does not seem to be related to cancer recurrence. It appears more like a manifestation of nutritional deficiency. Individuals who follow...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results in Cancer Survivors
Understanding Throat Pain and Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Help
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my throat and pharyngeal wall (the area from the uvula down to the deep throat) for the past three months. The symptoms seem to be getting more ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Some individuals may experience a persistent sensation of a foreign body or pain in the throat after tonsil surgery. If gastroesophageal reflux or oropharyngeal reflux issues are ruled out, and there are no abnormalities found during regular follow-ups with an otolaryngologist an...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Cancer Cell Transmission and Risks in Daily Life
Issues related to cancer cells contacting other sites? Hello Dr. Hu, I would like to ask some questions regarding cancer: 1. Can cancer cells be found in our feces? Do patients with colorectal cancer have cancer cells in their feces? Do these cancer cells in the feces have the ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. No, colorectal cancer will only present with blood in the stool or black stools, or there may be a positive fecal occult blood test. 2. None of the above concerns will occur; cancer is not transmitted through contact.[Read More] Understanding Cancer Cell Transmission and Risks in Daily Life
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Concerns for CML Patients
Blood test report Hello Dr. Chen, 1. I have chronic myeloid leukemia and have been taking Glivec for four years. Today, during a routine blood test at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, my WBC count spiked to 10.1, whereas it has previously been controlled around 8. Is there ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. No problem. 2. You should ask your hematologist about this. 3. It is normal. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Concerns for CML Patients