Exploring Torisel Coverage for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
Hello, doctor. Regarding the application for reimbursement of Torisel for metastatic renal cell carcinoma? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which has already metastasized to the lungs, bones, adrenal glands, neck, and multiple lymph nodes. The biopsy fro...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Pharmacist, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: 1. Regarding the diagnosis - The biopsy was taken from the L3 vertebra and the adrenal metastasis. The pathology report shows positive results for AMACR and PAX8. Both of these immunohistochemical tests are non-sp...[Read More] Exploring Torisel Coverage for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Rising CEA Levels and Abnormal Blood Cells After Breast Cancer Surgery
Post-operative increase in CEA levels in breast cancer and the presence of abnormal cells in the blood? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a breast cancer patient. After surgery in 2012, I underwent chemotherapy and have been taking Tamoxifen ever since. To prevent and detect any signs of recu...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The reference values for CEA can vary among different hospitals, but generally, the upper limit is between 5 and 8. Even healthy individuals will have a measurable value, which cannot be zero. Therefore, I agree with your physician's statement that it doesn't hol...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels and Abnormal Blood Cells After Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Possible Causes and Concerns
Since childhood, I have had a hard lump in my armpit that is painful? Hello, I would like to ask about a hard lump located below my right armpit. It hurts when pressed (while others feel itchy when scratched, I feel pain). However, I have had this since childhood, and there is a ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 22 years old / Female I apologize for being unable to determine the issue based on your description. It is necessary for you to seek in-person medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis. Thank you for your message. Taoyuan Hospital Dr. Chen Sih-Rong[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Possible Causes and Concerns
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Birth Control Pills?
Can breast cancer patients take contraceptive pills? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2008 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Currently, I am on regular follow-up visits. However, I have recently noticed that my menstr...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy, In response to your inquiry, my recommendations are as follows: 1. It is advisable to postpone the use of contraceptive pills. 2. The decrease in menstrual flow may indicate the onset of menopause. You can check the levels of LH and FSH in your blood to confirm wh...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Birth Control Pills?
Understanding Unilateral Breast Tissue Asymmetry: What You Need to Know
Breast tissue Hello, I previously inquired about this, but another physician seemed to misunderstand my question. They might have thought I was asking about bilateral asymmetry, so I would like to ask again about unilateral (local) asymmetry. Recently, a family member underwent...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
AC / 20 years old / Female. The breast ultrasound report needs to be explained by the physician; it cannot be interpreted solely based on the information you provided regarding asymmetry. Please return to the physician's clinic for a face-to-face consultation. Happy New Year...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Breast Tissue Asymmetry: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unilateral Breast Tissue Asymmetry: What You Need to Know
Unilateral breast tissue asymmetry? Hello, my family member recently had a breast ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that there is asymmetry in the tissue of one breast. He advised a follow-up appointment next week. What does unilateral breast tissue asymmetry mean? Is it a pre...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The asymmetry in breast size does not necessarily correlate with breast cancer; it may be premature to make such a conclusion. Of course, the presence of microcalcifications is a concerning finding on mammography, but the definitive diagnosis of breast cancer ultimately re...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Breast Tissue Asymmetry: What You Need to Know
Understanding Movable Neck and Chest Lumps: When to Seek Specialist Care
A movable mass was found in the neck and chest? Hello Doctor, I have had a lipoma on the back of my neck since my teenage years, which was surgically removed by a plastic surgeon last year. This year, I discovered a movable round mass about 2 cm on the right side of my neck, whic...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Happy New Year! If you have a neck lump in Australia, you should see an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or a Plastic Surgeon. Thank you for your message. Chen Sih-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Movable Neck and Chest Lumps: When to Seek Specialist Care
Understanding Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
Post-treatment for breast cancer? Your mother is currently sixty years old and underwent a left mastectomy on December 21, 2015. The tumor measured 0.7 cm with no lymph node metastasis, and testing revealed HER2+++ which is considered positive. The physician has recommended chemo...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Han: 1. Your mother has a left breast cancer tumor measuring 0.7 cm, with no lymph node metastasis. Her2 is 3+ (positive), estrogen receptor positive (+, 10%), and progesterone receptor positive (+, 40%). She underwent a left mastectomy on December 21, 2015. 2. According to t...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Stage II breast cancer Hello Dr. Lai: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the end of 2014 and underwent a total mastectomy. At the same time, there was another tumor about 1 cm on the opposite side, which the doctor assessed as benign through a core needle biopsy, so i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Mammography and breast ultrasound cannot provide a definitive diagnosis; only a pathological biopsy can confirm it with 100% accuracy. 2. Since you are now 55 years old and postmenopausal, it is still recommended that you undergo a mammogram. (Premenopausal women ...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Metastasis Risks During HER2 Breast Cancer Treatment
Is there a possibility of metastasis during breast cancer treatment? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer (HER2 type) in May 2015. She has completed six rounds of chemotherapy and has undergone surgery for local excision, targeted therapy, and radiation thera...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. It is relatively uncommon for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted drug treatment to experience distant metastasis (unless the breast cancer is at a very advanced stage with a high number of infected axillary l...[Read More] Understanding Metastasis Risks During HER2 Breast Cancer Treatment
Understanding Bone Metastasis in Stage 4 Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Breast cancer metastasis to bone? Hello, Doctor Lai! My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer earlier this year, which has metastasized to her bones. In March, she underwent surgery on her spine (from the neck to the upper body) because a tumor was pressing on her nerve...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ying-Chi, In response to your inquiry regarding your mother's condition, she has a history of breast cancer with bone metastasis following surgery and radiation therapy. 1. She is experiencing neck pain and pain behind the left ear, which may indicate new bone me...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis in Stage 4 Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Understanding Bone Metastasis and Treatment Options for Cancer Patients
Bone metastasis 1. There is neck pain and pain behind the left ear after the head. This may indicate new bone metastases; please arrange for a whole-body bone scan. If new lesions are found, palliative radiation therapy can be considered. 2. There is left facial paralysis. Is t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Side Effects of Brain Radiation Therapy: (Acute Side Effects) 1. During the treatment process, increased intracranial pressure may occur, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, localized edema from the tumor may exacerbate these symptoms. In...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis and Treatment Options for Cancer Patients
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment and Recurrence Risks
What is the treatment duration for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 58 years old and has just undergone a lumpectomy for breast cancer this year. The tumor was 1.3 cm in size, and there was no lymph node metastasis. She is currently receiving chemotherapy with a regimen ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your mother's postoperative pathological staging should be stage I, which is considered early stage. In my experience, it is very rare to encounter or hear of someone who relapses during postoperative chemotherapy; it is truly uncommon! Once...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment and Recurrence Risks
Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment Options for Recurrence and Symptoms
Breast cancer recurrence and metastasis? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. I did not receive chemotherapy during the interim and have been under continuous follow-up. Unfortunately, the cancer has now recurred and spread throug...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no best answer or standard answer to your question. Even with chemotherapy (and possibly targeted therapy, depending on the pathology report) and brain radiation therapy, there is no guarantee of how much normal function can be restored. Please find a trusted phys...[Read More] Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment Options for Recurrence and Symptoms
Comparing Efficacy and Coverage of Cancer Treatments: Hecancer Plus Paclitaxel vs. Vinorelbine
"Herb Cancer Clear + Wen Nuo Ping" Hello, Director Lai. I am a terminal patient with liver metastasis from breast cancer. My doctor has suggested treatment with "Capecitabine + Paclitaxel" or "Capecitabine + Vinorelbine." If I choose the less effecti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, regarding your questions, you may consult a hematology-oncology specialist. As for "Hecacef and Vinorelbine and Paclitaxel," if they meet the health insurance regulations, there will be no need for out-of-pocket expenses. This is from Director Lai of the...[Read More] Comparing Efficacy and Coverage of Cancer Treatments: Hecancer Plus Paclitaxel vs. Vinorelbine
Optimal Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis
End-stage breast cancer with liver metastasis? Hello, Director Lai. I am a terminal breast cancer patient with liver metastasis. My doctor has suggested two treatment options: (1) Hecare (Capecitabine) + Paclitaxel or (2) Hecare (Capecitabine) + Vinorelbine. Could you please advi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, Choosing (1) Gemcitabine + Paclitaxel: The side effects are relatively greater, but the treatment efficacy is better. The physician will also assess your physical condition. For chemotherapy side effects, you can consult your attending physician. It is also impo...[Read More] Optimal Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, my mother (currently 68 years old) was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in August 2010 and began treatment (chemotherapy, left mastectomy, and radiation therapy) for nearly a year and a half. She currently maintains follow-up visits to the oncology departme...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the low white blood cell count you mentioned, it is indeed quite unusual. I have many breast cancer patients who are taking Fulvestrant, and they have not experienced low blood counts. I believe the low white blood cell count is unrelated to this medication. If i...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts in Cancer Patients
Understanding Breast Lumps: Could It Be Cancer and Where to Seek Help?
Breast lump Hello: I felt a hard lump in my left breast near the nipple. It is not painful and can be moved when touched. When I press it to the side, the lump is clearly visible. Could this possibly be breast cancer? If I go to the hospital for an examination and some hospitals ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. / 36 / 11. It is recommended that you undergo a mammogram. Based on the examination results, the probability of cancer can be estimated (see attachment below). 2. General Surgery attachment below: The interpretation of breast imaging results is primarily divided into 7 cate...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Could It Be Cancer and Where to Seek Help?
Understanding Stage III Breast Cancer: Progression to Stage IV Timeline
Stage III breast cancer My mother is currently in stage III breast cancer, and it has been almost a month since her last examination. I would like to ask how quickly stage III breast cancer can progress to stage IV.
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: The extent of breast cancer invasion determines the treatment method, which is staged based on tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, and metastasis to other organs: Stage 0: The breast tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters and there is no lymph node involvement. ...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Breast Cancer: Progression to Stage IV Timeline
Understanding Cancer Treatment: Myths and Realities Explored
Cancer treatment & non-treatment I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello everyone, each person can have their own opinion. After the publication of the book, there will also be fans of his work. I cannot judge which of his thoughts are right or wrong based on my personal views. He acknowledges that 1. There are cancers that can be treated with c...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Treatment: Myths and Realities Explored