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 Stage II Breast Cancer: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Inquiries related to breast cancer? Recently, my mother was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. She has already undergone surgery and is preparing to start chemotherapy. I would like to know if there is a possibility of recovery in this situation, or if she can return to a nor...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhenyu / 24 years old / Male 1. Is it possible for you to recover from this condition? A: Most people do recover. 2. Can you live a normal life? A: Yes, you can. 3. What should be noted regarding your mother's health condition? A: From a Western medicine perspect...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: Vaccine Injection Concerns
Post-operative injection issues in breast cancer? Hello, doctor. In 2008, I underwent a total mastectomy of the left breast (early stage – tumor near the nipple) and partial lymph node removal. I do not need to take medication. The doctor advised that there is a risk of lymphedem...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wen, 57 years old, female. Hello. 1. February 13. 2. Injection in the left hand. 3. Possible side effects are not significant and should be manageable; any hand-related side effects are expected to heal. Wishing you peace. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: Vaccine Injection Concerns
Can I Get Vaccinated in My Left Arm After Breast Surgery?
Issues related to vaccine injection at the site of administration? Hello, doctor. In 2008, I underwent a total mastectomy of the left breast (early stage), and some lymph nodes were partially removed. I was advised not to take medication and to avoid measuring blood pressure in m...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Typically, six months after breast cancer surgery, if there are no symptoms such as lymphedema or any discomfort, normal use can be resumed.[Read More] Can I Get Vaccinated in My Left Arm After Breast Surgery?
Can Patients with Implanted Vascular Devices Use Body Fat Scales During Chemotherapy?
Is it safe to use a body fat scale during chemotherapy if there is an artificial blood vessel implanted in the body? My mother is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and has an artificial blood vessel implanted in her body. I have noticed that commercial body fat ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Concerned individual / 20 years old / Woman. Cannot use body fat scale before the artificial blood vessel is removed. Wishing for a smooth treatment at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Can Patients with Implanted Vascular Devices Use Body Fat Scales During Chemotherapy?
Understanding Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: A Guide for Patients
Inquiry about breast cancer pathology report? Hello, doctor: My family recently received a pathology report, but we don't quite understand it. I would like to ask you about it. ER (6F11): positive PR (1A6): positive HER-2-neu (polyclonal): negative (1+) GATE3 (+) and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Maio, 36 years old, female. It is not necessary to know every detail; just understand the following: ER (6F11): positive (Estrogen Receptor positive) PR (1A6): positive (Progesterone Receptor positive) HER-2-neu (polyclonal): negative (1+) (HER-2-neu negative) This means...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: A Guide for Patients
Persistent Arm Inflammation: Could It Be a Sign of Breast Cancer?
I have developed a lump on my forearm! It has been inflamed repeatedly for over three months, with each episode lasting more than a month. When the inflammation is severe, I experience pain in my armpit, and I can also feel small lumps on my upper arm and chest? Hello Doctor: I h...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ring, 41 years old, female. At your age, you should have a mammogram every two years. If there are any issues, you can consult a breast surgeon and undergo a breast ultrasound for more specific guidance. Wishing you good health. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung.[Read More] Persistent Arm Inflammation: Could It Be a Sign of Breast Cancer?
Understanding Risks and Concerns for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Hormone receptor negative, HER2 positive, lymph node metastasis (T2N2M0 / Stage IIB) Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer (HER2+, with lymph node metastasis) last month. She has undergone one round of chemotherapy, and 12-13 days after chemotherapy,...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kathy / 45 years old / Female 1. Is there a risk associated with tooth extraction after chemotherapy? Are there any precautions? A: There is a risk of infection. It may be considered to suture the extraction site (usually, tooth extractions do not require sutures, allowing the w...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Concerns for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients
Does breast cancer metastasize? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (surgically removed) and stage I lung adenocarcinoma (surgically removed) last year. She has been undergoing regular follow-ups, and her recent CEA levels were 3.8, 5.4, and 6.2 over ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jerry / 43 years old / Male Hello: CT findings: 1. Degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, scoliosis of the spine, and osteopenia with osteoporotic changes of the visible bony structures, indicating degeneration. 2. No definite osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions or bo...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
After breast cancer surgery, the CEA level increased from 3.8 at the end of chemotherapy to 5.4, with the most recent level being 6.2. Can this be confirmed as metastasis? The mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (which has been surgically removed) ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The blood cancer markers cannot definitively determine whether cancer has metastasized, especially since the CEA level is only 6, which makes it quite tenuous to draw any conclusions. Thank you for your response.[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
Dietary Tips for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Diet During Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: A friend's family member is undergoing chemotherapy for stage II breast cancer and is experiencing a loss of appetite. They searched online for dietary recommendations related to cancer chemotherapy, and many suggested ma...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Currently, there is no clinical evidence regarding the effects of food-based beverages on cancer chemotherapy. It is unclear whether they are harmful or beneficial. Therefore, I am unable to provide you with advice. Thank you![Read More] Dietary Tips for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
The necessity of continuing to participate in clinical trials? Hello Dr. Chen: The patient's second sister (59 years old) has stage IV breast cancer. The doctor did not perform surgery due to metastasis, so she is undergoing chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy to t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you join a clinical trial, you must adhere to the trial regulations. I cannot advise you on whether to withdraw from the trial, as this is an agreement between you and the principal investigator, and outsiders cannot know the specific details involved. 2. Psychol...[Read More] Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
Understanding CT Findings: Could It Indicate Cancer Metastasis?
The CT report shows three enhancing nodules in S4b, with the largest measuring up to 21mm, suspicious for metastasis? Hello Dr. Chen, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and completed chemotherapy over a year ago. Recently, during a follow-up, the doctor recommended a CT sca...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
I'm sorry, but I cannot answer this question on behalf of the original treating physician.[Read More] Understanding CT Findings: Could It Indicate Cancer Metastasis?
Understanding Breast Lumps: What Young Adults Should Know
Subareolar mass Hello doctor: I am a 21-year-old college student, and I have had issues with being overweight. Recently, I noticed a hard lump under my right breast that feels deep and has a slight pain. I am very worried; could it be breast cancer?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wang / 21 years old / Male 1. 21 years old, male, rare case of breast cancer. 2. Overweight, may appear to have gynecomastia. 3. A hard lump; advised to see a general surgeon for examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What Young Adults Should Know
Understanding Persistent Fever and Breathing Issues in Brain Cancer Patients
Breast cancer metastasis to the brain, with persistent fever and shortness of breath? I'm sorry to hear about your family's situation. Here are the translated questions: Q1: The doctor said the wheezing is due to pneumonia, but why does it continue to worsen even after...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
If a 25-year-old woman says: 1. This is your only family member! However, the reality is that the disease has metastasized and has progressed to stage IV. If her physical condition is poor, it can be considered terminal. Generally, even after chemotherapy and radiation therapy fo...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Breathing Issues in Brain Cancer Patients
Understanding Chest Lumps: Pain, Risks, and Cancer Concerns
There is a hard lump in the left chest? Hello Doctor: I am currently 20 years old, male. About a month ago, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my left chest, similar to menstrual cramps, but it lasted for about 10 minutes and then went away, so I didn't pay much attention ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The situation you described may not necessarily be breast cancer. If you are very concerned, you can schedule an appointment with a general surgeon for an examination. 2. Both benign and malignant tumors typically do not cause breast pain. 3. Yes, smoking and alcohol co...[Read More] Understanding Chest Lumps: Pain, Risks, and Cancer Concerns
Understanding the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk
The relationship between breast cancer and oral contraceptives? Hello Dr. Lai: I would like to ask you a few questions: Is it advisable for individuals with a family history of breast cancer to use oral contraceptives? Does the dosage of contraceptives have an impact on breast ca...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Currently, epidemiological studies have not confirmed a link between the use of oral contraceptives and the risk of breast cancer. The relationship between breast cancer and genetic inheritance, as well as dietary habits, is much clearer. If you have a family history that ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Director Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, the clinic tested it again with a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the results ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss La Bao: Question 1. Is there a limit to the CEA index? Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most commonly used tumor marker for colorectal cancer. However, CEA is not exclusive to colorectal cancer; it can also be elevated in breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancre...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
PET Scans After Breast Cancer Radiation: Understanding False Positives
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is performed immediately after completing radiation therapy for breast cancer? Hello Dr. Chen: If a patient has just completed radiation therapy (after having undergone a lumpectomy) and then undergoes a PET scan, could the area that rece...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mary / 60 years old / Female Dear Mary, It is generally recommended to wait two months after completing radiation therapy. 1. The treated area may show diffuse enhancement, which is different from malignant tumors, so it can theoretically be distinguished. 2. However, if you ...[Read More] PET Scans After Breast Cancer Radiation: Understanding False Positives
Should My 67-Year-Old Mother with 1cm Breast Cancer Undergo Chemotherapy?
Breast cancer measuring 1 cm without metastasis, uncertain whether to undergo chemotherapy? Dear Dr. Lai, My mother is currently 67 years old and has hypertension. She is continuously taking medications including Clonidine, Bisoprolol, and Amlodipine. She also has bone spur issu...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Lai: Whether adjuvant chemotherapy is needed after breast cancer surgery primarily depends on the tumor size. For example, if the tumor is larger than 1 cm or there is axillary lymph node metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended. Here, it is important to explain...[Read More] Should My 67-Year-Old Mother with 1cm Breast Cancer Undergo Chemotherapy?