Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Two months after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the MRI still shows bright spots? I am a stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 6 cycles of chemotherapy at National Taiwan Univer...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Li / 41 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is this normal? (Is it because the MRI was done too soon after treatment (2 months), causing the radiation effects to not completely eliminate the tumor?) A: The timing seems reasonable. You can confirm this through one of the following tw...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. Previously, I could feel several lymph nodes in my groin area, and following your advice, I had one lymph node removed for testing. The results showed it was a benign lymphadenopathy. However, I still have several lymph nodes in my groin that are ov...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. If generalized lymphadenopathy has been evaluated and cancer, autoimmune diseases, or viral infections (including HIV) have been ruled out, and there are no systemic symptoms (such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss), it is recommended to follow...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
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 Thyroid Tumors: What You Need to Know About Surgery Risks
Thyroid tumor Dear Dr. Hu: About a month ago, I was diagnosed with a hard nodule on my thyroid. Following the doctor's recommendation, I underwent an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy. When I reviewed the report, the doctor suggested that I need surgery because th...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: The report for thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy is categorized into several major types (insufficient specimen, benign, malignant, suspicious for malignancy, etc.); the reason the physician recommends surgery is likely to rule out the possibility of malignanc...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: What You Need to Know About Surgery Risks
Could My Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
I would like to ask if I have nasopharyngeal cancer? I would like to ask if I have nasopharyngeal cancer. A year or two ago, I had sinusitis, and since then, I have been experiencing persistent phlegm (which hasn’t improved) that is always clear in color. I do not have nasal cong...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: A cancer diagnosis can only be confirmed through a pathological biopsy; it cannot be determined solely based on symptoms like hemoptysis or nosebleeds. Since you have already had your lungs examined, you should consult an otolaryngologist to check for any abnormalities in ...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Key Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
Lymphadenopathy Hello, Doctor. Over the past two months, I have noticed several lymph nodes in my body, including in the head and neck, armpits, and groin. Recently, I visited a surgeon and decided to remove the lymph nodes in my groin, one on each side. The doctor chose the left...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. If it is indeed lymphoma, the pathological characteristics throughout the body should be consistent, so any lymph node that is biopsied should yield similar results; 2. The transverse orientation in the groin area is likely related to blood vessels or tendons/l...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Key Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
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
Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Examination items In general, when assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans and EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) titers, other methods may include physical examinations, endoscopic evaluations, and PE...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Lai. 1. In assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans, the EBV index, along with the physician's visual examination and the patient's self-reported symptoms, are also imp...[Read More] Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Total or partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma? Hello, Director Lai. I am a 38-year-old female. In July of this year, a health check revealed a suspected tumor larger than 3 cm on the left side of my thyroid. I was referred to a larger hospital for blood tests and...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Niu. 1. Surgery is typically the first step in treating thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. In rare cases of localized and well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a unilateral lobectomy may be considered; however, most patients should ...[Read More] Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
About pancreatic cancer? Hello, I am asking on behalf of my mother who is 50 years old, does not smoke or drink, and has a normal lifestyle. A month ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the ovaries and colon. Initially, she experienced abdominal ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
According to your description, your mother has pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the ovaries and colon, classified as stage IV cancer. Currently, she is post-surgery and receiving gemcitabine chemotherapy and thrombolytic therapy. To address your questions in order: 1. Accor...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
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
Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
The efficacy of TS-1? Hello, Doctor. My father has been diagnosed with stage IIA pancreatic cancer and has undergone a Whipple resection to remove the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and gallbladder. The attending physician plans to use oral TS-1 for adjuvant therapy. I would lik...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. TS-1 as adjuvant therapy after pancreatic cancer surgery has shown a clinical treatment effect compared to the commonly used first-line chemotherapy drug (Gemcitabine), with a 5-year survival rate increase of approximately 20%. 2. Overall, TS-1 may be benefi...[Read More] Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Tumor issues Today in April, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to nasal congestion. The doctor said I had a deviated septum and there was a mass in the nasopharynx that needed a biopsy. After the examination, it was determined to be benign tissue, so I proceeded with surg...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, internet user: Smoking itself is a risk factor for cancer (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). As you mentioned, hyperplasia of the nasopharyngeal tissue is not necessarily malignant, and benign biopsy results do not completely rule out malignancy (as it is possible that ...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
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
Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
The significance of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening index? Hello Dr. Chen, I have seen many people online saying that a positive reaction for both EA-IgA and VCA-IgA indicates a very high probability of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Does this mean that if both EA an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, in Taiwan, many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) indeed have very high EBV titers at the time of diagnosis. As cancer treatment progresses, these titers tend to decrease, and if the treatment is successful, the levels will normalize. Clinically, w...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
Can Massage Chairs Be Safe for Patients with Stomach Cancer?
Can patients with stomach cancer use a massage chair? Hello, Director Lai: I would like to ask you, my father underwent stage 0 gastric cancer surgery three years ago and had 2/3 of his stomach removed. He occasionally experiences inflammation. May I ask if it is safe for my fath...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Lu: If the massage is not specifically targeting the abdominal area, it can be used; however, it is best to seek a professional massage therapist to perform the massage techniques to avoid any potential injury. Thank you for your inquiry. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Can Massage Chairs Be Safe for Patients with Stomach Cancer?
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 Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Post-radiation changes in the skull base after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment? Hello Dr. Lai, I have completed my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment nearly two years ago. In April of this year, an MRI scan revealed a gray area at the skull base. The radiologist informed me that...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiahe, In response to your inquiry, please find our reply below: 1. The gray lesions observed at the skull base on your MRI scan, whether seen on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), or under contrast enhancement, have different implications. Given y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options