Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Regarding the complications of lung cancer? My father is a patient with hepatitis B and lung cancer (aged 60). He completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy about one to two years ago, and since then, he sneezes at least once a day (sometimes even more, including several sneeze...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It should not be a side effect of the treatment. You can consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
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
Can Radiation Therapy Improve Speech in Elderly Patients with Brain Cancer?
Radiation Therapy for Brain Cancer The elderly patient (80 years old) at home has secondary brain cancer that is compressing the nerves, leading to unclear speech (but with clear consciousness and understanding). It is also affecting other cranial nerves (such as the inability to...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuil / 27 years old / Female 1. Due to her age, she just wants to try radiation therapy to see if it can help her regain normal speech. Doctor, is there a chance that radiation therapy can restore normal speech? A: The chances are related to the duration of compression; the long...[Read More] Can Radiation Therapy Improve Speech in Elderly Patients with Brain Cancer?
Understanding Gastric Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastric cancer metastasis I would like to ask the doctor about an elderly family member who, due to their age, is reluctant to undergo further examinations. They have only had their stomach checked, where a tumor was found. In addition to the symptoms of gastric cancer, they are ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I cannot answer this question without a CT scan. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Gastric Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Concerns
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 Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Cancer Risk Assessment
Lymphadenopathy There is lymphadenopathy in the left inguinal region that has been present for 3 weeks, measuring approximately 2x2 cm. There are no other abnormalities in the body, the lymph node is mobile, and it feels somewhat firm. Is there a high probability of cancer?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
16-year-old male high school student: 1. The location is somewhat awkward. 2. The size of 2x2 cm is a bit too large. 3. It is recommended to visit a general surgery outpatient clinic for a personal evaluation by a physician. 4. Please inform family members or the school doctor. W...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Cancer Risk Assessment
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Treatment Options Explained
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence Doctor, this is the 10th year since my nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence. An MRI has revealed lymph nodes behind my right ear and neck. I underwent a traditional lymphadenectomy, and the Epstein-Barr virus test came back normal. Why is it nec...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Cai Cai / 40 years old / Female The recommendation from the hospital you visited is reasonable. For neck recurrence, surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy should be considered to reduce the chances of further recurrence. Of course, choosing between the two optio...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Treatment Options Explained
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
Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan
Many questions? Hello, Dr. Chen, who is extremely patient. I have a 55-year-old female elder at home with no history of smoking. She used to work at a hospital's front desk. There is a family history of lung cancer within the third degree of kinship. She has undergone one LD...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. The elder in my family is a 55-year-old female with no smoking history. She had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan three years ago. Should she return to the same hospital for the follow-up examination, or is it acceptable to go to a d...[Read More] Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan
Exploring SLOG Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
The effectiveness of SLOG therapy for pancreatic cancer? Hello, doctor. My mother is 76 years old. In July of this year, she experienced abdominal pain and was examined at Cathay General Hospital in Taipei, where she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis. My ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no standard answer to this treatment question. When it comes to medication options for advanced pancreatic cancer, which is better? Which has fewer side effects? What kind of treatment can the body still tolerate? It all depends on the current situation. I cannot ...[Read More] Exploring SLOG Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Many questions? Hello, doctor. My family members do not smoke or drink alcohol. During the day, they work in an office, and at night, they cook. One family member was diagnosed with bone metastasis from squamous lung cancer after suffering from a persistent cough that would not i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. How often should I get an LDCT scan? Is it too frequent to have one every two to three years? A: 1.1 Please confirm if you meet the criteria for the "Taiwan Low-Dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening Consensus Statement" reg...[Read More] Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
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
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: When to See a Doctor
There is a lump in the armpit? I noticed a small lump in my right armpit three days ago. I'm wondering if it could be cancer because it feels a bit hard, but it doesn't hurt when I'm not touching it. If it is cancer, which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang Song, 15 years old, male, has been experiencing some stiffness. Please consult a general surgeon for confirmation. Wishing you safety, health, and academic success. Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: When to See a Doctor
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?
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?
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
Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Postoperative treatment issues for colorectal cancer? My father is in his seventies and has stage IV colon cancer with liver metastasis (both lobes have tumors of varying sizes). After undergoing bowel resection, he received 8 cycles of chemotherapy and 5 cycles of targeted thera...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The thickening of the peritoneum indicates localized inflammation of the intestines, which may be a localized inflammatory response caused by chemotherapy. 2. The gallbladder issue was discovered incidentally and is not indicative of metastasis; the report suggests it may be...[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
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 Brain MRI Reports: Insights from a Tumor Specialist
Dear Dr. Chen, please interpret the brain MRI report. Thank you? 109/09/16 Imaging or pathology report content Outpatient Zhang Yingzhen 4573630-9 F 5099 050 REQ# PROCEDURE: (15020011) Order Date: 2020/06/04 14:30 Corrected Report D55JCM5 MRI/BRAIN (For GK Follow-up) Execution Da...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Lin / 57 years old / Male Regarding the interpretation of the report: 1. The images belong to Zhang Yingzhen, not you. 2. Online, you cannot prove that you are his relative; the outpatient clinic requires a dual identification authorization form, or you should have accompanie...[Read More] Understanding Brain MRI Reports: Insights from a Tumor Specialist