Managing Suspected Multiple Myeloma: Key Insights and Recommendations
Management of suspected multiple myeloma? Hello, my father is 64 years old. Recently, a blood test revealed a hemoglobin level of 9.4 gm/dL. Despite multiple blood transfusions, his hemoglobin remains below 10 gm/dL, prompting further examination. The results showed the following...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Have you confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma? So you received a major illness certificate? Based on your statement, it is impossible because a bone marrow aspiration has not been performed! Without a bone marrow aspiration, a diagnosis of myeloma cannot be made. A...[Read More] Managing Suspected Multiple Myeloma: Key Insights and Recommendations
Understanding Blood Test Results After Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment
Blood values I would like to consult a physician. I was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma a year ago and have completed treatment. Recently, I had a blood test and found that my CD8 levels are elevated, CD4 levels are low, and CD19 is at 0. Other routine tests showed e...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please discuss the significance of this value with your primary physician. I personally do not use this for monitoring the condition regularly. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results After Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Insights on Biopsy Results and Cancer Concerns
Cervical lymphadenopathy? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the lymph nodes in my left occipital and left cervical regions. The lymph node in the left occipital area is approximately 1 cm and was discovered in September 2020. Ultrasounds conducted in September 2020 and Janu...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The left occipital lymph nodes have not changed, so monitoring should suffice as long as they do not increase in size. 2. The left cervical lymph nodes have decreased in size, which likely indicates that it is not cancer. 3. If there is metastatic cancer or lymphoma, fine ...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Insights on Biopsy Results and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Fluctuations in White Blood Cell Count: Is It Normal?
Decreased white blood cell count? Hello Doctor, I am Mr. Huang, who just posted a question regarding low white blood cell count. The title was about leukopenia. I recently reviewed my previous test reports: in September 2020, my white blood cell count was 4600, and during my mili...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Huang / 21 years old / Male 1. Variations within the normal range are acceptable. 2. Is such a significant change normal? A: What you refer to as significant is still within the normal range. 3. Is it possible that this could be leukemia? A: Being within the normal rang...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in White Blood Cell Count: Is It Normal?
Understanding Anemia in Oncology: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 9.8 Serious?
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, my previous blood test report indicated that I have anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 9.8. Is this value considered very low? Is it serious? What could happen if I ignore it?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
For a 33-year-old woman, a level of 9.8 is somewhat low. It is recommended to first consult a hematologist to investigate the cause of anemia. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 9.8 Serious?
Understanding Elevated Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels in Oncology
Why are the test values extremely high? Blood Radioimmunoassay Results: Vitamin B12 (RIA): 1460.0 Folic Acid (RIA): >20.00. Are there any issues with these test results?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: As long as the values are not too low, it's fine if they are slightly elevated; it is not a disease. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Elevated Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels in Oncology
Understanding Safe Radiation Doses and Treatment Continuity in Oncology
A small issue? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if an 800-milliCurie dose is considered a safe total amount for treatment, or if this is also the safe value during scanning examinations. Is it necessary to continue treatment with the original hospital and physician, rather than...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is a dose of 1.800 millicuries the safe total amount for treatment, or is this the safety value for the dose during scanning examinations? Answer: Yes, but this refers specifically to I-131 and does not include other examinations. 2. Is it necessary to stick with the origin...[Read More] Understanding Safe Radiation Doses and Treatment Continuity in Oncology
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of I-131 Treatment in Thyroid Cancer Patients
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. Due to PTC, I underwent a total thyroidectomy and received a 120 mCi dose of I-131. For the past two to three years, my follow-ups have included ultrasound, serum thyroglobulin, TSH, and FT4 tests. I would like to ask if radioactive iodine tre...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. I would like to ask if radioactive iodine treatment increases the future risk of infertility, pulmonary fibrosis, or leukemia? ANS: Potential side effects of radioactive iodine treatment include thyroiditis, which may occur if there is a si...[Read More] Understanding the Long-Term Effects of I-131 Treatment in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Abnormal White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Should You Worry?
Abnormal white blood cell count and platelet count? Hello Doctor, two years ago my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 7,600 and a platelet count of 256. This year, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 13,400 and a platelet count of 387. A month later, at an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Your data is insufficient to determine whether there is cancer or not. I do not recommend using blood tests to screen for any type of cancer, as they are not very accurate. Thank you.[Read More] Abnormal White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Should You Worry?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Leukemia
Blood test Hello Dr. Hu, I would like to ask you about my blood test results. My WBC is 4.43, Neutrophils segmented 27.0, Lymphocytes 56.0, Monocytes 9.0, Eosinophils 5.0, Basophils 0.0, and Atypical lymphocytes 3.0. In August of this year, I also had a WBC test done at my family...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Atypical lymphocytes are a transient physiological response caused by viral infections and are not malignant. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until the cold has resolved or to have blood drawn for follow-up after three months.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Leukemia
Understanding Causes of Normocytic Anemia: Is It Myeloma or Throat Bleeding?
The causes of normocytic anemia can vary, but in your case, the most likely reasons could include chronic disease, acute blood loss, or renal insufficiency? Hello Doctor, on August 22nd of this year, I suddenly experienced significant bleeding from my throat, with more than four ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Causes of normocytic anemia may include bleeding or hemolysis; it appears to be acute anemia caused by hematemesis. It is recommended to follow up with further testing after three months, provided there are no discomforting symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Causes of Normocytic Anemia: Is It Myeloma or Throat Bleeding?
Understanding Elevated Platelet Count: Is It Related to Birth Control Pills?
Thrombocytosis I have been taking oral contraceptives for about 2 years. During a health check-up at university, I found out that my platelet count is elevated, around 427. I would like to know what this means and if it is related to the medication I am taking.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The platelet count is acceptable, but we cannot determine the current status. It is recommended to have a follow-up blood test. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Count: Is It Related to Birth Control Pills?
Key Questions in Cancer Treatment: Insights for Patients and Caregivers
Cancer treatment-related issues? 1. Regarding the issue of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis, after ten cycles of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the CT scan shows no change in the metastatic tumors, but the tumor marker has decreased from fifty to thirty. How should thi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, regarding your cancer issue, it is best to consult your oncologist for answers, as I am not familiar with your condition and cannot provide guidance. Secondly, 1. I do not understand this; I have not heard of it. 2. Chemotherapy drugs should not be taken with...[Read More] Key Questions in Cancer Treatment: Insights for Patients and Caregivers
Is PRP Treatment Safe for Patients with a Cancer History?
Is it appropriate for patients with a history of cancer to undergo PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer six years ago and underwent surgical treatment without chemotherapy. My follow-up has been smooth since then. I am also ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah Xiong / 47 years old / Male believes that the so-called PRP is an intra-articular injection, not a systemic blood injection. Therefore, I personally think it is acceptable. Wishing you swift recovery, Chen Si-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Is PRP Treatment Safe for Patients with a Cancer History?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Masses: Possible Causes and Concerns
Hard mass in the left lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Recently, when lying flat, I can feel 4 to 5 firm lumps arranged in a line in my lower left abdomen. They are not painful or itchy, and they are especially noticeable in the morning, feeling larger (about one to two finger joint...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tang / 29 years old / Female Hello, 1. The outpatient appointment is scheduled for a CT scan in two weeks: further remote consultation is no longer meaningful. 2. Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns and alleviate my anxiety. A: You have already rec...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Masses: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Inquiry about anemia issues? Hello, doctor. My health check report shows the following values: white blood cell count 7030, red blood cell count 420, hemoglobin 9.3, hematocrit 32.5, mean corpuscular volume 77.4, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 22.1, mean corpuscular hemoglobin conce...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Common causes of anemia in young women, aside from thalassemia, include iron deficiency anemia, which is also quite prevalent. I believe your report may more likely suggest iron deficiency as the cause. You can visit a hematology clinic for a blood test to confirm. If it i...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Your Mother's Blood Test Results: Key Values Explained
Please assist in interpreting the examination report? Hello doctor, could you please help me review my mother's test report and identify which values are problematic? Thank you. Blood Test Parameters: - White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4.7 - Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.23 - ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There are abnormal blood cells in your blood; please see a hematologist. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Your Mother's Blood Test Results: Key Values Explained
Managing Nutrition and Diabetes During Stage IV Oral Cancer Chemotherapy
Patient is undergoing chemotherapy for stage IV oral cancer but has diabetes? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old, does not smoke, drink, or chew betel nut, and does not have dentures, yet he was recently diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes....
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For my cancer patients, I do not expect them to maintain perfect blood sugar levels; keeping it below 200 is sufficient. There is no need for strict control, as the cancer itself and the treatment process often lead to decreased appetite. By the end of the treatment, most ...[Read More] Managing Nutrition and Diabetes During Stage IV Oral Cancer Chemotherapy
Understanding White Blood Cell Count Changes: What You Need to Know
White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my white blood cell count has always been over 5000. On April 15th, it was 5640, but during a check on August 17th, I found it had dropped to 4100. My red blood cell count is 556, hemoglobin (Hb) is 16.6, hematocrit (Hct) is 48.9, mean corpusc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The white blood cell count is within the normal range, with no abnormalities. The numbers are inherently variable; they are not fixed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Count Changes: What You Need to Know
Could Your Blood Test Results Indicate a Blood Disorder?
Could a blood cell report indicate a blood-related disease? Dear Doctor: I would like to ask for your interpretation of my health check report for this year. In the past few years, the CBC/DC section only showed an issue with elevated platelet counts (without further examination ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Not all numbers are normal; some may be elevated or decreased. However, whether treatment is necessary requires a personal medical consultation to assess if the individual is experiencing discomfort or has a history of illness. Does this qualify as a blood disorder? It is ...[Read More] Could Your Blood Test Results Indicate a Blood Disorder?