High Platelet Count and Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Blood Disorders
Persistent thrombocytosis and lymphadenopathy raise concerns for hematological disorders? Since I started working and participating in company health checks, I have noticed that my platelet count has often been highlighted in red (indicating elevated levels). The health check rep...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You only need to monitor your platelet count; the other tests are unnecessary and are a result of excessive anxiety. Clinically, they do not indicate any specific illness. There is no need to obsessively prove whether you are sick or have cancer, as it is meaningless. Than...[Read More] High Platelet Count and Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Blood Disorders
Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels? Hello Dr. Chen, My family member is a carrier of hepatitis B and has not been monitored for three years. This month, the GOT and GPT levels are normal, but the AFP level is 360 ng/ml. Is this situation concerning? Will the AFP level decr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Hu / 30 years old / Female Hello~ 1. Is this situation not good? A: This index raises suspicion for cancer. An ultrasound is necessary for initial assessment, followed by further imaging studies such as a CT scan, angiography, or liver MRI as directed by the physician for...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What You Need to Know
Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
How long does it take for the wound to heal after the first surgery for oral cancer treatment? Hello Doctor: My father had a mouth sore that did not heal by the end of last year. At the beginning of this year, he went to an otolaryngologist for a biopsy, which revealed stage II o...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wu / 25 years old / Female. Doctor, after completing both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, how long is the typical recovery period for the wound? Is it normal to still experience pain at this point? A: 1. Some individuals may not experience pain after surgery and before radi...[Read More] Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Cervical lymphadenopathy It has been a month since I discovered the issue, so I went to the clinic for an ultrasound. The doctor said it looks like benign lymphadenopathy (on both sides). I often palpate it myself, so I can confirm that it is painful and movable. However, my sist...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I'm a 22-year-old male. In this situation, do I need to get a special examination? A: 1. You have already seen a doctor. 2. If there are changes such as enlargement, hardness, discoloration, or symptoms (redness, swelling, heat, pain), then see a doctor again. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Concerns About Swelling and Cancer
Lymphatic issues Hello doctor, I suspect I have lymphadenopathy and I'm worried it might be lymphoma, but I'm not sure if I'm overthinking it. I have a few questions to ask: 1. Is lymphadenopathy dangerous even if it hasn't been continuously enlarging? I have...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Student Li / 13 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is it dangerous if lymph nodes are enlarged but do not continue to grow? A: Many enlarged lymph nodes can remain for years without resolving. If they do not increase in size, change color, become hard, or present new symptoms, then t...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Concerns About Swelling and Cancer
Understanding Stage II Oral Cancer: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival Rates
Stage II oral cancer Hello Doctor, my sister was diagnosed with stage II left oral mucosal cancer in September last year. Bone scans and neck CT scans showed no metastasis. After the primary physician surgically removed the tumor and sutured with artificial skin (without performi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 46 years old / Female Hello, I have been diagnosed with stage II oral cancer, and after the tumor was removed, it has been less than a year, and now it has metastasized to the lymph nodes. Is this possible? A: Yes, it can occur. If metastasis happens, how is the ca...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Oral Cancer: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival Rates
Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Risk of breast cancer recurrence Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the risk of cancer recurrence related to the IHC4 score. The pathology report states: IDC, Grade 1, pT1cN0M0, ER (80%), PR (50%), Her-2 (score 1+), Ki-67 5% (<5%). The IHC4 score is -23.675. I am co...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wendy / 54 years old / Female Hello, I have calculated my IHC4 score as -23.675, which matches the data provided by your doctor. You made an error in your calculation; the reason is that Her-2 (score 1+) is considered negative, so you should input 0 for that calculation. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Iodine-131 waste contamination Hello, I am a patient with thyroid follicular carcinoma and I am undergoing my first iodine-131 treatment with a dosage of 30 mCi. On the first day after taking radioactive iodine, I accidentally allowed urine to come into contact with the bathtub w...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Hsu / 43 years old / Female Is there a risk that this will affect the child's future development? A: No. The dosage is low, and this type of radiation has limited penetration. Should I take my child for regular thyroid check-ups in the future? A: There is no need to have...[Read More] Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Questions about endometrial cancer? Hello, Doctor. I recently sought medical attention due to abnormal bleeding, and after examination, the diagnosis report is as follows: Endometrial Cancer Grade 2/3. The blood test results are: CA-125: 14, CEA: 1, β-hCG: 11. I would like to ask...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Q: Hello, Qingwen, 60 years old, female. I would like to ask about the significance of three blood test indicators and results, and why there can be a situation where tumor markers are normal but a biopsy shows cancer? A: These blood test indicators are not specific to endometr...[Read More] Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Malignant pleural effusion cannot be drained? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my mother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for over ten years. In recent years, the cancer has metastasized to various areas, and she has also devel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sunny / 28 years old / Male Hello, you are already in stage IV. Although you have been undergoing treatment, ultimately, there may come a point where 1. there are no treatment options available, or 2. you may lack the physical strength to continue treatment. As for whether ther...[Read More] Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello! My mother is 71 years old. Earlier this year, a cytological examination revealed a malignant tumor (a papillary carcinoma) in the isthmus of her thyroid, while both lobes of the thyroid were unaffected. After consulting with the doctor, she unde...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 44 years old, female Hello! 1. The postoperative report indicates that there is one metastatic lymph node among six surrounding the thyroid (the doctor mentioned it is stage I). Is this considered distant metastasis? The doctor stated that this situation is relatively...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma with distant metastasis? My boyfriend is from mainland China and has recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma at a hospital there. The cancer has metastasized to the bilateral cervical lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, multip...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, stage IV cancer is considered incurable. The treatment goals are primarily to control the disease and extend the patient's average survival time. It is recommended to follow the physician's advice and subsequent treatment plans.[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Understanding Fluctuations in CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels in health checkup? Hello, last December my CEA level was 14, which has never been this high; it has always been between 1 and 2. I do not smoke. Last week, I had my blood drawn again for CEA, and the result was a normal value of 1.3....
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
HeroC / 41 years old / Male has returned to normal, so it is not cancer. I will only respond regarding cancer as it is my area of responsibility. Wishing you physical and mental well-being. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
CA19-9 Issues Hello, doctor. Two to three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was less than 10. This year, from February to May, the levels increased from 15 to 17, then 18, and finally 23. All other markers are normal. Does this increase indicate inflammation in the body? Should I under...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wen / 38 years old. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, and elevated levels can be associated with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and gastric cancer. Occasionally, conditions like cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis can also result in increased levels. So...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, my father started experiencing severe coughing after the Lunar New Year this year. He has visited many hospitals, and by mid-March, he was admitted to the emergency department due to persistent fever and chills every night. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Vanessa / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. The content does not include a PET report; the final section contains a pathology report. 2. Tuberculosis and cancer can sometimes be difficult to differentiate, and even our attending physicians have encountered similar situations. Ini...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Turmeric and Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: A Cautionary Guide
Breast cancer and curcumin? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the information available online states that turmeric contains estrogen. For patients with hormone receptor-positive conditions undergoing lactation restoration therapy, would combining turmeric affect their hormon...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During the period of taking galactagogue medications, it is not recommended to consume turmeric-related dietary supplements.[Read More] Turmeric and Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: A Cautionary Guide
Understanding Rising CA19-9 Levels: What It Means for Cancer Detection
Elevated CA 19-9 levels? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was over 5, and recently it has increased to over 15 in the last two months, and then to over 17 two months later. All of these values are within the normal range (below 37), but it seems to be rising. I wo...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Long / 37 years old / Male The normal values are within range. Don't be too hard on yourself; his name is a tumor marker, but it is also a substance naturally produced in the body, so it won't be zero. Wishing you a warm spring and good days every day. Taoyuan Hos...[Read More] Understanding Rising CA19-9 Levels: What It Means for Cancer Detection
Key Questions About Cancer Risks and Diagnosis in Oncology
Some questions I would like to confirm? Hello, Doctor. I have health anxiety and often think about many things. I hope you can provide clear answers to my questions: 1. How closely should I monitor my health if a relative has had cancer? My grandmother had stomach cancer; shoul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Only less than 2% of stomach cancer is hereditary; however, the causes of cancer require several conditions: 1. personal factors (such as smoking and alcohol consumption), 2. environmental factors, and 3. genetic mutations. Therefore, even if there are hereditary factors, the ...[Read More] Key Questions About Cancer Risks and Diagnosis in Oncology
Recommended Supplements for HER2+ Cancer Patients Under Targeted Therapy
My mother is HER2 positive and is currently undergoing targeted therapy. What supplements can she take? Hello Doctor, I was advised by other physicians to consult a hematologist-oncologist. I would like to ask about my mother, who is 56 years old and was diagnosed with HER2-pos...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. To reduce fatty liver, exercise and dietary control are essential; however, taking liver health supplements such as vitamin B complex or natto red yeast rice may be beneficial. 2. The use of brown rice suppressants is not recommended. 3. During targeted therapy for breast canc...[Read More] Recommended Supplements for HER2+ Cancer Patients Under Targeted Therapy
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What It Means for Your Health
Elevated CEA levels? Recent health check results show that my CEA level is 5.27 ng/mL. I have a smoking habit, and my chest X-ray is normal. Does this mean I have cancer? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin, 23 years old, male. The CEA level is 5.27 ng/mL. If the hospital's normal value is 5, then it's acceptable. Non-tumor-related conditions that can cause elevated CEA levels include smoking, peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, obstructive ja...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What It Means for Your Health