Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Preoperative and postoperative treatment for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm,...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Breast cancer treatment Hello, Dr. Lai! I would like to inquire about the follow-up treatment for breast cancer. The report states the following: Size: 22mm, Lymph nodes: no metastasis, Margins: clear, Distant metastasis: none, Stage: IIA, Classification: Luminal B type, ER: >...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Debbie, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: HER2 is positive [+++], which indicates that targeted therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis by one-third. If HER2 is positive [++], further FISH testing is required to confirm whether targeted ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Is Radiation Therapy Necessary After Chemotherapy for Stage II Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
In stage II triple-negative breast cancer, the necessity of radiation therapy after chemotherapy followed by surgery depends on several factors, including the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and the margins of the surgical resection. Radiation therapy is often recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You underwent chemotherapy before surgery, right? It is remarkable that no cancer cells were found in the pathology report, as the probability of this happening is usually only 30%. You are quite fortunate, as patients with such results tend to live long and well. Regardin...[Read More] Is Radiation Therapy Necessary After Chemotherapy for Stage II Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Questions regarding the FDG-PET/CT report and the issue of elevated lymphocyte levels after chemotherapy? Hello Doctor: Since I could not get answers from my treating physician, I kindly ask for your insights. 1. FINDINGS: Mild FDG hypermetabolism in the left chest wall (SUV: 2...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. The left chest wall shows an SUV of 2.5/2.4, which is associated with postoperative tissue response on the same side as the breast cancer. The right hilum shows an SUV of 2.5/3.2, which is due to reactive lymphadenopathy. 2. The levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, he...[Read More] Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Understanding the Necessity of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my sister, who has stage I breast cancer. She has already undergone a mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, and tests show that the cancer cells have not spread. However, there is a risk of recurrence, and t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. In response, it was mentioned that your sister is in stage I of breast cancer and has undergone a total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. For a detailed assessment, we will need to review your pathology report. If necessary, p...[Read More] Understanding the Necessity of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Regarding breast cancer radiotherapy? Is it necessary to perform another surgery to remove lymph nodes from the axilla for examination before radiation therapy for breast cancer, in order to determine the radiation dose, number of sessions, and whether the radiation field should ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, I am unable to give you more accurate advice. It is essential to review the pathology report and PET scan to determine the subsequent treatment and therapy option...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can triple-negative breast cancer be changed to tumor resection after infection following the first chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my friend's mother-in-law is nearly 70 years old. Last year, she discovered a hard lump in her right breast, and during a hospital examination, th...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruby Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have better outcomes when followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, this depends on the surgical method and the extent of resection. If the tu...[Read More] Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Breast cancer treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am 32 years old and have stage II breast cancer. I have undergone a lumpectomy on my left breast. The tumor analysis shows: hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 at 30%. I would like to know if I definitely need to un...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Vicky, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, we can only determine that targeted therapy is not required (HER2 negative / Ki67 50%). This is insufficient to ascertain the need for chemotherapy. - Chemother...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Hello, I would like to understand the effects of radiation therapy after breast cancer treatment. A stage I breast cancer patient has undergone surgery abroad and had a tissue expander implanted. The doctor has suggested that radiation therapy may ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Linlin, a 29-year-old female patient who underwent breast reconstruction, can still receive hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy postoperatively, which does not conflict with further treatment for breast cancer. Future follow-ups, including outpatient physical exam...[Read More] Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Second surgery for breast cancer? Hello, Dr. Lai! I found calcifications in my mammogram, and after an ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined to be stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) measuring 2.5 cm. I underwent surgery to remove a 7 cm x 7 cm tissue sample for pathologic...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Belinda Ho, Hello. In response to your inquiry regarding stage I breast cancer, I would like to ask whether you are considering breast-conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy. If you choose the former, it is recommended to follow up with adjuvant radiation the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Breast cancer metastasis to the lungs? Is it possible for breast cancer that has metastasized to the lungs to also metastasize to the liver?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, sir: The most common sites of cancer metastasis are the lungs, bones, and liver. The primary metastatic sites for different types of cancer are as follows: - Breast cancer: lungs, liver, bones. - Colorectal cancer: liver, peritoneum, lungs. - Kidney cancer: lungs, liver,...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Stage I breast cancer Hello, my mother has completed all the tests, and today when reviewing the report, the doctor indicated that it is a malignant tumor, approximately 1.1 cm in size, and currently there is no evidence of metastasis. The relevant report data is as follows: 1. E...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu, Thank you for your message. Here are my responses: 1. Is it generally better for ER/PR to be positive? What about one positive and one negative? If ER/PR is positive (+), that is considered better. If ER/PR is positive (+) and negative (-), the positive/negative ...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Radiation Therapy Concerns: Options After Stage II Breast Cancer Surgery
Radiation therapy issues Dr. Chen: Hello! I have two questions I would like to ask you, thank you! 1/ After a lumpectomy for stage II breast cancer, is it possible to choose not to undergo chemotherapy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that I could opt for ra...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Li / 54 years old / Female 1/ Can a patient with stage II breast cancer choose not to undergo chemotherapy after a lumpectomy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that radiation therapy and continuous medication for ten years are options. A: It's diff...[Read More] Radiation Therapy Concerns: Options After Stage II Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding Pain Under the Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pain when pressing on the left or right nipple? Pain upon pressure on the nipples, specifically located just below the nipples, is noted. There is no pain when pressing the surrounding areas. The left nipple feels less severe, but still painful, while the right nipple feels more ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
What are the main symptoms of breast cancer? 1. Painless breast lump. 2. Nipple retraction. 3. Abnormal nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody. 4. Changes in breast shape, with localized indentations or protrusions. 5. Skin changes on the breast resembling orange peel, redn...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Do I Need Chemotherapy After Stage 1 Breast Cancer Surgery?
Does cancer require chemotherapy? I have stage I breast cancer, have already undergone surgery, and my cancer markers are normal. Do I still need to undergo chemotherapy?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Cola, Thank you for your letter. The treatment for breast cancer depends on the degree of cellular differentiation indicated in your pathology report, which may lead to different approaches and treatment plans. Since I have not reviewed your pathology report, I cannot p...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy After Stage 1 Breast Cancer Surgery?
Should I Consider Preventive Mastectomy After Previous Breast Cancer?
If one breast has been removed and the opposite breast frequently shows calcifications that require monitoring, is it possible to perform a prophylactic mastectomy? Hello Dr. Lai, I am 45 years old. In 2012, I was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in my left breast and underw...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Hu, In response to your inquiry, I find it challenging to answer your question. Similar to American actress Angelina Jolie, who underwent prophylactic mastectomy, there are differing opinions within the medical community, and perspectives vary. I recommend discussing th...[Read More] Should I Consider Preventive Mastectomy After Previous Breast Cancer?
Understanding Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer
About breast cancer chemotherapy? Dear Director Lai, I apologize for the intrusion. My mother is 76 years old and was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in February of this year (with a 2.5 cm tumor in the left breast; CT and bone scans showed no metastasis). She underwent su...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, I understand from your letter that according to the National Health Insurance guidelines for targeted therapy, your mother must first complete chemotherapy before being eligible for "Hecancerping." If you wish to use the targeted medication directly, no...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer
Concerns About a Hard Lump in the Breast: Is It Cancer?
Chest lump Hello Doctor: My mother has a large hard lump in her left breast. It feels very firm and solid, and pressing on the lump is quite painful. Sometimes, even without touching it, the lump can hurt on its own, and it's very painful. The lump is located on the outer si...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Based on your description, there is a hard lump in the left breast that occupies about two-thirds of the breast. Although I have not performed a physical examination, I believe there is a significant likelihood of malignancy. I recommend...[Read More] Concerns About a Hard Lump in the Breast: Is It Cancer?
Is Local Radiation Necessary After Total Mastectomy for Stage IIB Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
The necessity of total mastectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy? My mother, who is 77 years old, underwent a right total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection on January 20. The postoperative pathology report indicated triple-negative breast cancer, stage IIB T3N0M0, with a t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Jojo, Thank you for your letter. I would like to respond as follows: Your mother has been diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer, T3N0M0, with a tumor size of 10 cm, grade 3, triple-negative, and stage IIB. 1. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the standard ...[Read More] Is Local Radiation Necessary After Total Mastectomy for Stage IIB Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consider Pregnancy After Treatment?
Can breast cancer patients conceive? Hello, I am a breast cancer patient. I have completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy and have 30 sessions of radiation therapy remaining. I am currently taking hormone therapy medication, and my doctor mentioned that I need to take it for at least 5...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Candy, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. You should wait at least two years after chemotherapy before attempting to conceive. 2. Pregnancy is not permitted during radiation therapy. 3. During hormone therapy with Nolvadex (Tamoxif...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consider Pregnancy After Treatment?