Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
MDS disease issues In the case of MDS RAEB-1, is it necessary to have a specific blood cell count decrease in order to use targeted therapy? I have normal or elevated peripheral blood counts, but I was diagnosed with this condition due to issues found in a bone marrow biopsy. Cur...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
You have been diagnosed with MDS RAEB-1, correct? It is important to note that for this diagnosis, the presence of abnormal blast cells in the bone marrow examination should account for 5-9% of the total blood cells. Although this does not qualify as acute leukemia (commonly refe...[Read More] Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
Managing Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy: Insights and Solutions
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet after chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, I apologize for bothering you with a few questions. 1. My father was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in February 2013 and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. He started chemotherapy in March...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Borgy, Certain chemotherapeutic agents can lead to peripheral vascular complications. For example, platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin), vincristine (Oncovin, Vincristine), and paclitaxel can cause neurotoxicity due to chemotherapy, which may gradually...[Read More] Managing Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy: Insights and Solutions
Understanding Blood Cancer: Transmission Risks and Genetic Factors
The transmission of leukemia? Hello, my uncle is currently being tested for suspected blood cancer. I would like to know if I can talk to him or share meals without the risk of transmission. I have heard that a virus can cause blood cancer; is it possible to contract this virus t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, there are not many types of cancers that are primarily caused by viral infections. Common examples include nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cervical cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and Kaposi'...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cancer: Transmission Risks and Genetic Factors
Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Colorectal cancer in family members? My grandmother had colon cancer surgery on December 30th. Will chemotherapy shorten her life? She is currently in stage III, and the surgeon mentioned that out of 39 lymph nodes removed, 8 were infected. What is her current survival rate? Can ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: 1. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is aimed at preventing cancer metastasis and recurrence, and it is intended to extend the patient's life, not shorten it. 2. Survival rates must be assessed based on the patient's stage of diagnosis, treatment status, and ch...[Read More] Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
How to Prevent Prolapse After Colostomy Surgery: Tips for Patients
How to prevent stoma prolapse? I had colorectal cancer surgery a year and a half ago, and recently I noticed a significant bulge at the left stoma site (it was flat right after the surgery). Could you please advise me on how to prevent further protrusion? I'm quite worried. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, rectal prolapse is a very common condition, and its occurrence varies depending on the location and type of the procedure performed. There are no effective preventive methods. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Qichao, Director of the Colorectal Surgery Depa...[Read More] How to Prevent Prolapse After Colostomy Surgery: Tips for Patients
Exploring MRI-Guided Ultrasound Therapy for Bone Metastasis in Taiwan
Magnetic Resonance Navigated Ultrasound Therapy Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to inquire about the use of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound therapy for bone metastasis of gastric cancer in the left thigh. Besides Taipei Hospital, are there other hospitals that can perfor...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ah-Wei: 1. Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) was introduced in July 2014 as a new treatment device and method. Currently, there are no research reports demonstrating its efficacy, while radiation therapy has been studied for over a decade and has shown...[Read More] Exploring MRI-Guided Ultrasound Therapy for Bone Metastasis in Taiwan
Exploring Non-Radiation Imaging Options for Abdominal Mass Evaluation
Examination methods for a right lower abdominal mass? Thank you for your response, Doctor. 1. If you can feel the lump, can the physician also feel it? The surgeon and gastroenterologist can feel it, but they also said they are unsure what it is. 2. The ultrasound did not dete...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
If you are still afraid of cancer, Alen, you can choose option A: a CT scan and a colonoscopy, or option B: a self-paid PET scan costing between 30,000 to 50,000 NTD. You had an abdominal CT scan in October and a colonoscopy in May, so the doctor is suggesting another test. The q...[Read More] Exploring Non-Radiation Imaging Options for Abdominal Mass Evaluation
Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Pain with Urgency and Specialist Referrals
There is a mass in the right lower abdomen that causes a dull pain when there is a sensation of bowel or urinary urgency, along with pain in the groin area? A mass in the lower right abdomen causes discomfort and pain when there is a need to defecate or urinate, and there is pain...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If you can feel a lump, can the doctor feel it too? 2. The ultrasound did not detect anything. 3. The gastroenterologist's reasoning makes sense (you had a colonoscopy five months ago, so it shouldn't be this issue). If you are still concerned about cancer, you c...[Read More] Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Pain with Urgency and Specialist Referrals
What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?
What to do if you consume food containing radiation? I previously had several X-rays and thought that drinking green tea would help repair the damage caused by radiation exposure, so I have been drinking a strong Japanese green tea daily. However, I recently found out that this g...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Fujiwara, I hope this message finds you well. In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following information: 1. According to Japan's national inspection standards, the average cesium content is 500 becquerels per kilogram, while the detected level...[Read More] What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?
Understanding Steroid Use in Oncology: Risks and Research Insights
Ask about steroids again? Thank you for the doctor's response. I would like to ask again: after my follow-up visit, I have stopped taking steroids, but this doctor does not believe that taking steroids for two weeks after my CT scan for cough treatment will have any impact. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. After the follow-up visit, I have stopped taking steroid medication. A: That's great! If the condition requires it in the future, you can resume the medication. 2. However, this doctor does not believe that taking steroids for two weeks after a CT scan for cough treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Use in Oncology: Risks and Research Insights
Impact of High-Dose Steroids, Sleep Deprivation, and CT Scans on Cancer Risk
The effects of undergoing a CT scan, experiencing sleep deprivation, and taking corticosteroids? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I have undergone a CT scan and am continuing to take high doses of steroids (Methylprednisolone 4 mg four times a day). I have a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
I understand your anxiety, but the past cannot be changed. You can only focus on the future: 1. Reduce the number of CT scans. 2. Minimize the use of corticosteroids. 3. Treat your insomnia. However, you certainly did not intend to undergo CT scans or take corticosteroids; these ...[Read More] Impact of High-Dose Steroids, Sleep Deprivation, and CT Scans on Cancer Risk
Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Is chemotherapy necessary? Stage I breast cancer, partial mastectomy, PR negative, ER positive (90%), Her-2/neu protein: without overexpression (score 1+), Ki-67: ~15% labeling index, 50 years old, perimenopausal, tumor size less than 1 cm (0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6), nuclear grade: 3, no ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Breast cancer treatment primarily involves surgical intervention, with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy as adjuncts. For Stage I: when the tumor is less than two centimeters and has not metastasized beyond the breast, surgical removal of the br...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Nutrition Myths: Pineapple and Lemon for Early Breast Cancer Patients
Diet for Breast Cancer Regarding early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy and radiation treatment, is it true that consuming pineapple and lemon is said to have excellent effects on controlling the condition? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pineapp...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello PAC, I hope this message finds you well. 1. For early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy and radiation treatment, there are widespread claims that consuming pineapple and lemon can significantly help control the condition. Is this true? A: This is not...[Read More] Nutrition Myths: Pineapple and Lemon for Early Breast Cancer Patients
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Can I go to the gym for weight training after breast surgery? Hello, Doctor. I am a stage 0 breast cancer patient. I underwent a partial mastectomy on my left side in December last year and completed radiation therapy in March this year. Some people have advised me to avoid exert...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
My patient, Xiaoya, has undergone axillary lymph node dissection and received radiation therapy. 1. Holding her grandchild 2. Sewing under pressure 3. Lifting heavy objects, such as a basket of vegetables, has caused her to experience persistent edema, which may eventually resolv...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Navigating Treatment Options for Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Treatment issues for bone metastases in breast cancer? Hello Doctor, In mid-March of this year, I was diagnosed with bone metastasis from breast cancer (the metastatic areas range from the skull to the left foot, with larger metastases in the left hip and left pelvis). Currently...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. So how should one choose correctly? Some breast cancer patients with bone metastasis have survived for 5 years. I don't understand if it's due to: A) You have already used many types of medications, leaving no options available now; B) Your physical condition cannot ...[Read More] Navigating Treatment Options for Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Managing Side Effects After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Radiation Therapy
Side effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? My father has completed his radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, but he has been experiencing throat pain for two weeks without improvement and still requires a nasogastric tube for feeding. How long might these s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, may I ask how long the side effects will last? 1. A small number of people experience persistent pain and require tube feeding. 2. Most people recover significantly within two weeks to two months. What methods can help speed up recovery? 1. Pay attention to nutrition. 2. O...[Read More] Managing Side Effects After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Radiation Therapy
Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Increased eosinophils? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: At the end of 2012, I had a health check at Taichung City Hospital, and the results that were flagged were: Eosinophil percentage 4.0% (reference range 0.2–1.4%) and Eosinophil count 0.3 (reference range 0.0–0.2 x 10^3/uL). All other...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Betty: If you are concerned about leukemia, please go to the hematology department to schedule a blood test. We cannot make a diagnosis without proper examination. For the nosebleeds, please see an otolaryngologist to determine whether it is a nasal mucosa issue or a potenti...[Read More] Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Is Using Tap Water for Daily Enemas Safe After Colorectal Surgery?
Enema solution For a patient with a left-sided colostomy after colorectal cancer surgery, using warm tap water for daily enemas may not be appropriate. The concern with using unboiled tap water is the potential presence of bacteria or contaminants that could lead to infections or...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. You can use saline solution or warm water. 2. I haven't heard of anyone specifically boiling water before using it at a warm temperature, but if you don't mind the extra effort, you can do that. 3. Not boiling the water should not affect your health in the fut...[Read More] Is Using Tap Water for Daily Enemas Safe After Colorectal Surgery?
Understanding Coughing: Is It Chronic Bronchitis or Allergies?
Coughing issues? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, smoking about a pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s not frequent (about 3-4 times a day), and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, I had ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Xiao Ke: Since you have already had two X-rays with no abnormalities, we can rule out cancer larger than 0.5 cm, which is likely due to chronic bronchitis or allergies caused by smoking. Quitting smoking should be prioritized over further examinations. Are you determined to...[Read More] Understanding Coughing: Is It Chronic Bronchitis or Allergies?
Understanding the Connection Between Multiple Tumors in Different Locations
Tumors in different locations Hello Dr. Chen, I had surgery for uterine fibroids two years ago, and during a health check last March, a papilloma was found in my breast. Recently, another health check revealed a hemangioma in my liver. Essentially, all of these are benign, but th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Jingjing, 1. Benign and malignant tumors are not necessarily related. 2. Once uterine fibroids are removed, they will not turn into cancer. The likelihood of hepatic hemangiomas becoming cancerous is very low. 3. Is there a correlation or does this indicate a higher ris...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Multiple Tumors in Different Locations