Should HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Continue Treatment After One Year?
For HER2-positive breast cancer, after one year of treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin), it is important to evaluate the patient's individual situation, including the response to treatment and any potential side effects. Continuing treatment may be recommended based on the...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consider the following options: 1. The PET scan shows a very faint residual lesion in the left chest wall; should consideration be given to resecting the residual lesion to enhance treatment efficacy? 2. Continue maintenance therapy with anti-cancer treatment...[Read More] Should HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Continue Treatment After One Year?
Can Exercise Help Relieve Itchy Skin from Cancer Treatment Side Effects?
Medication side effects: Does exercise help with dry and itchy skin? Hello doctor, my aunt (67) is undergoing targeted therapy for breast cancer, and her hands and feet are very red and itchy. The last time she scratched, she broke the skin, and the wound hasn't healed yet. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 67 years old, female 1. I think moderate exercise might be helpful? A: Exercising and sweating is great! You can refer to online articles: "Exercise!" Endorphins are the most powerful and effective antidepressants. We can't avoid exercising just because...[Read More] Can Exercise Help Relieve Itchy Skin from Cancer Treatment Side Effects?
Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment
Elevated CEA levels? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire: "A family member had a CEA level of 3.6 on December 11, 2023, at the time of diagnosis with stage III breast cancer. Surgery was performed on January 3, 2024, but during the follow-up appointment three months later ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The normal range for CEA is 0-5. The values are interpreted by the machine. If the result is within the normal range (<5) and there are no significant abnormalities in imaging, it is recommended to simply monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment
Can You Get Cancer from Contact with Breast Cancer Discharge?
If the nose accidentally comes into contact with breast cancer secretions, is there a risk of infection? Hello doctor: If my nose accidentally comes into contact with the secretions (such as blood or other fluids) from a breast cancer patient (a relative), is there a risk of bein...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
No, cancer is not contagious, so there is no need to panic excessively.[Read More] Can You Get Cancer from Contact with Breast Cancer Discharge?
Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
National Health Service - Free Five Cancers Screening Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the free cancer screenings provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Service. Under qualifying conditions, individuals can receive free screenings every ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Fang Fang / 31 years old / Male If a free check-up was used on June 15, 2022, the next eligible date would be January 1, 2024, at Taoyuan Hospital, Merry Christmas. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
Post-Her2+ Targeted Therapy: Safe Supplements for Cancer Recovery
The HER2+ targeted therapy has been completed. I would like to ask the doctor what dietary supplements can be taken? Hello Dr. Hu, thank you for your previous assistance, which I am very grateful for. My mother has completed her targeted therapy, but she is going to undergo a hip...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Collagen, undenatured type II collagen, B vitamins, multivitamins, and selenium are all acceptable; in addition to regular monitoring, consider adjusting diet and lifestyle habits, such as reducing oil intake, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet.[Read More] Post-Her2+ Targeted Therapy: Safe Supplements for Cancer Recovery
Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Risk of breast cancer recurrence Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the risk of cancer recurrence related to the IHC4 score. The pathology report states: IDC, Grade 1, pT1cN0M0, ER (80%), PR (50%), Her-2 (score 1+), Ki-67 5% (<5%). The IHC4 score is -23.675. I am co...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wendy / 54 years old / Female Hello, I have calculated my IHC4 score as -23.675, which matches the data provided by your doctor. You made an error in your calculation; the reason is that Her-2 (score 1+) is considered negative, so you should input 0 for that calculation. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Malignant pleural effusion cannot be drained? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my mother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for over ten years. In recent years, the cancer has metastasized to various areas, and she has also devel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sunny / 28 years old / Male Hello, you are already in stage IV. Although you have been undergoing treatment, ultimately, there may come a point where 1. there are no treatment options available, or 2. you may lack the physical strength to continue treatment. As for whether ther...[Read More] Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Turmeric and Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: A Cautionary Guide
Breast cancer and curcumin? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the information available online states that turmeric contains estrogen. For patients with hormone receptor-positive conditions undergoing lactation restoration therapy, would combining turmeric affect their hormon...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During the period of taking galactagogue medications, it is not recommended to consume turmeric-related dietary supplements.[Read More] Turmeric and Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: A Cautionary Guide
Recommended Supplements for HER2+ Cancer Patients Under Targeted Therapy
My mother is HER2 positive and is currently undergoing targeted therapy. What supplements can she take? Hello Doctor, I was advised by other physicians to consult a hematologist-oncologist. I would like to ask about my mother, who is 56 years old and was diagnosed with HER2-pos...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. To reduce fatty liver, exercise and dietary control are essential; however, taking liver health supplements such as vitamin B complex or natto red yeast rice may be beneficial. 2. The use of brown rice suppressants is not recommended. 3. During targeted therapy for breast canc...[Read More] Recommended Supplements for HER2+ Cancer Patients Under Targeted Therapy
Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage I Breast Cancer: Key Considerations
Post-treatment for Stage I Breast Cancer? Hello Doctor, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year at the age of 42. The pathology report after surgery is as follows: ER: 98+ PR: 98+ Her2: 2+ FISH: Negative Ki67: 9% Tumor size: 1.9 cm. During lymph node surgery, 4...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
According to the report, the type of breast cancer is associated with a low risk of recurrence. It is recommended to follow the attending physician's advice to take Tamoxifen for 5-10 years and undergo postoperative radiotherapy, with regular follow-ups. There are no dietary...[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage I Breast Cancer: Key Considerations
Do I Need Chemotherapy for Stage 1A Breast Cancer with Ki-67 at 30%?
In stage 1A breast cancer with a Ki-67 index of 30%, is chemotherapy necessary? Hello, Doctor! I just underwent a lumpectomy, and the postoperative pathology report indicates that the original tumor size was 1.3 cm, with ER positive, 80% PR positive, 70% HER-2 positive, and Ki-67...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Amily / 46 years old / Female Hello! 1. Does the data above indicate a low or high risk of recurrence? I calculated the IHC4 score, and the postoperative specimen is 1.89, while the core needle biopsy specimen is 1530. Both are classified as intermediate malignancy. It is reco...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Stage 1A Breast Cancer with Ki-67 at 30%?
Understanding HER2 Positive Results in Breast Cancer: A Pathology Report Explained
I have undergone a total mastectomy of the right breast. Below is the pathology report. Before the surgery, the doctor mentioned that I was classified as Luminal A, but upon reviewing the report, I see that HER2 is positive. Will this change my classification to Luminal B after t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The growth of cancer cells is polymorphic, meaning that the morphology of cancer cells in different areas varies. Since the preoperative biopsy only samples a small portion of the tumor, there may be discrepancies with the actual tumor morphology. Therefore, the subsequent pat...[Read More] Understanding HER2 Positive Results in Breast Cancer: A Pathology Report Explained
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello doctor, I discovered a painless lump in my right armpit seven months ago. After undergoing a breast ultrasound, the doctor said that no lumps were detected on either side and that it was just breast tissue. However, I was still concerned ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
J / 26 years old / Female 1. Breast cancer is rare at 26 years old. 2. Regular breast examinations should be conducted once a year. 3. If a new lump is discovered, consult a physician again for confirmation. 4. If the physician says there is nothing to worry about, self-m...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Worry
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello, doctor. Seven months ago, I discovered a painless lump in my right armpit. Later, I had a breast ultrasound, and the doctor said that no lumps were found on either side, attributing it to breast tissue. However, I was still concerned and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
J / 26 years old / Female. Could this be cancer? I'm very worried. A: 1. Considering your age, breast cancer is quite rare at 26 years old. 2. In terms of size, lymph nodes larger than 1 cm have a higher likelihood of being cancerous. 3. Regarding the primary site, axillar...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Worry
Understanding Your Wife's Early-Stage Breast Cancer Biopsy Results
Inquire about the breast cancer tumor biopsy report issues? Hello Dr. Hu, my wife recently underwent a health check at her company, and an abnormality was found in her breast. A biopsy confirmed it to be stage I breast cancer, with the tumor size estimated at about 0.7 cm based o...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A Ki-67 index of 60% indicates that the tumor proliferation rate is very high, suggesting that it could have grown from 0.7 cm last year to 0.9 cm this year. A Ki-67 level greater than 20% typically signifies poorly differentiated cancer, which is associated with a rapid doubling...[Read More] Understanding Your Wife's Early-Stage Breast Cancer Biopsy Results
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 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
Post-Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Menopause-Inducing Injections
Post-breast cancer treatment - menopausal injection? Hello Doctor: ER: 95% PR: 95% HER2: 0 Ki-67: 5% Tumor size: 1.4 cm, sentinel lymph nodes negative. Surgery was completed in mid-September, and radiation therapy started in mid-October, with no chemotherapy. When the breast surg...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, taking only Tamoxifen is not enough! Secondly, it is quite unusual not to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery; theoretically, it should be done. However, this may be your personal choice, which I respect. That's all. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Menopause-Inducing Injections
Understanding HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion
HER2-positive ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion? Hello, Doctor! The pathology report for breast cancer is as follows: Ductal carcinoma in situ, high-grade, suspicious for microinvasive carcinoma, Pathological TNM Staging (in conjunction with ST22-05037): pT1mi pN0(sn) p...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, it is stage one. 2. This cannot be answered as your description lacks sufficient information, and I am not your attending physician, so I cannot provide a substitute answer. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion