Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Side effects after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Dr. Lai: I just completed radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in May of this year, and it has been exactly two months. I returned to work on July 18 and started feeling some numbness in my chin o...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee9788, Thank you for your message. I would like to respond as follows: Many patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience symptoms similar to yours. This is a side effect caused by radiation damage to the nerves in the cervical spin...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid malignant tumor progression time? Hello, doctor. Last month during a health check at the clinic, I discovered a tumor on my thyroid, so I was referred to National Taiwan University Hospital for an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed it to be a mal...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: The prognosis and progression rate of thyroid cancer are quite complex and related to the histological type. If it is well-differentiated, the deterioration and progression tend to be slower; however, if it is poorly differentiated or of a degenerative type,...[Read More] Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
A lump felt on the left side of the groin? Yesterday morning, I felt a sharp pain when pressing on the left groin area. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later in the evening while showering, I noticed a lump on the left side of my groin (near the thigh root, next to ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
19-year-old female presents with a left groin mass (near the thigh root, adjacent to the pubic hair), approximately less than 1.5 cm in size (upon palpation). The skin surface appears slightly red, and it is painful to the touch, but there is no discomfort while walking. The mass...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
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
Understanding Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Inguinal lymph nodes I am not sure if it's because I am relatively thin, but I can feel several lymph nodes in my body, particularly on both sides of the groin area. There are quite a few that feel relatively large, oval-shaped, and about 2 centimeters in size. Their positio...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The ability to palpate lymph nodes is not related to body weight. While everyone has a lymphatic system, under normal circumstances, lymph nodes are not palpable. If they can be felt, it is considered abnormal. Many times, this can occur due to conditions such as cold...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Understanding Non-Painful Groin Mass: Is It Bladder Cancer?
Inguinal mass There is a hard lump in the bladder that is not painful. I have experienced this situation before, but it resolved on its own. I am concerned whether it could be bladder cancer, but I do not have any symptoms of bladder cancer. I would like to know what this conditi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 16 years old, male 1. There is a hard lump in the bladder that is not painful. I have had this situation before, but it resolved on its own. A: The bladder is an internal organ, and you should not be able to self-examine for a hard lump in the bladder. It is likely a ...[Read More] Understanding Non-Painful Groin Mass: Is It Bladder Cancer?
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Ureteral cancer Dear Dr. Lai, My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignancy in April of this year. On April 21, 2016, she underwent surgery at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to remove her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder cuff. The doctor menti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Errorwu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Regarding the ureteral tumor that is close to the lymph nodes but has not metastasized distantly, whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the pathology report indicating lymph node invasion. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
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?
Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Has the lung cancer metastasized? Hello Dr. Lai: My father has had lung cancer for two years. Recently, he has been experiencing pain in his left leg, but he does not have any discomfort in other parts of his body. He has undergone chemotherapy twice in the past. I often wonder i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Hsiao-Ching: Please return to the hospital for a physician to arrange a bone scan to assess for possible metastasis. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you. Radiation Oncology Department, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng.[Read More] Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: Autoimmune Disease or Cancer Risk?
The lymph nodes have been swollen for nearly three years? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease - multiple sclerosis two to three years ago. I started receiving interferon treatment in July 2013. In November of the same year, I experienced full-body itching for...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Annie, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry, are you very thin? In thin patients, it is sometimes possible to palpate the inguinal or cervical lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes have not continued to enlarge over the past 2-3 years, they are likely benig...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: Autoimmune Disease or Cancer Risk?
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ureteral cancer Hello Dr. Lai: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignant tumor in April of this year. She has undergone the removal of her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder. She is now preparing to undergo chemotherapy. I would like to ask: 1. Are ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, 1. You have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, and the standard treatment involves a chemotherapy regimen of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, which is the first-line therapy and the most effective option available. 2. The medical center also utilizes this standard ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
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 Lymph Node Hyperplasia and Subcutaneous Nodules in the Abdomen
Lymphadenopathy and subcutaneous nodules in the abdomen? Hello Doctor: About four months ago, I discovered a lymph node approximately 1.5 cm in size on the left side of my neck (at position 2A), and there is also a lymph node around 1 cm on the right side. A fine needle aspiratio...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, those small nodules can only be definitively diagnosed through a pathological biopsy; speculation is merely speculation! However, if it is indeed a malignant cancer, it would typically grow rapidly, making it unlikely to be observed for an exte...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Hyperplasia and Subcutaneous Nodules in the Abdomen
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
Understanding a Soft Neck Lump: Is It Lymphoma or Something Else?
A lump on the right side of the neck? Hello Doctor: In mid-February of this year, I noticed a lump on the right side of my neck. It is elongated, measuring about 1 cm in length and only 2-3 mm in width. Over the past two months, it has not significantly increased in size, and it ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah Hong / 15 years old / Male 1. It shouldn't be like that. If it were cancer, it would continue to grow. 2. If it grows, becomes hard, changes color, or presents other symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding a Soft Neck Lump: Is It Lymphoma or Something Else?
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?
Is Delayed Radiation Therapy Increasing Cancer Recurrence Risk?
Is it too late for radiation therapy? Hello Dr. Lai! Two years ago, I underwent a partial mastectomy on my left breast, and the tumor measured 2.6 cm with no lymph node involvement. My Oncotype recurrence score was 18%, and my doctor mentioned that taking an aromatase inhibitor f...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. I would like to respond as follows: The delay of nearly five months before starting radiation therapy has not been formally documented in the medical community regarding its impact on the likelihood of recurrence. Please rest assured and co...[Read More] Is Delayed Radiation Therapy Increasing Cancer Recurrence Risk?
Understanding Neck Lumps: Could They Be Lymphoma?
A lump in the neck? Hello Doctor: Around January of this year, I noticed a lump in my throat area. It was initially somewhat large, but after I had a cold and recovered, the lump decreased in size, though it didn't completely disappear; it's about 0.5 cm now. In Februar...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Afa / 16 years old / Male 1. Around January of this year, I noticed a lump in my throat area. It was initially somewhat large, but after recovering from a cold, it shrank a bit, though it hasn't completely disappeared. It's about 0.5 cm in size. 2. In February, anoth...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Could They Be Lymphoma?
Curcumin's Potential in Inhibiting Multiple Myeloma Growth: Current Insights
Multiple Myeloma I found research reports from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Virginia Tech regarding multiple myeloma, indicating that curcumin has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Are there any clinical trial reports or information avail...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Yan: Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry regarding the ability of curcumin to inhibit cancer cell growth, as you mentioned, there are relevant research reports from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Virginia Tech in the United States. Ho...[Read More] Curcumin's Potential in Inhibiting Multiple Myeloma Growth: Current Insights