Chronic Back Pain: Should You Get Blood Tests for Cancer?
I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. I have been experiencing lower back pain for nearly a year. I have had X-rays done by an orthopedic specialist, which showed no issues, and I also underwent an MRI with a neuro...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Xiaowen, you have undergone blood tests and there is no indication of ankylosing spondylitis! There is no need to test for blood cancer, as the tests for ankylosing spondylitis typically include a complete blood count. Since your blood count is normal, it rules out blood ca...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Should You Get Blood Tests for Cancer?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Key Tests and Treatment Questions
Nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal cancer examination items and issues? Hello Dr. Chen, my husband recently discovered a lump on the left side of his neck. After going to the hospital for examination, the biopsy report on April 15 confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He was referred ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Can these tests comprehensively identify where cancer cells are located in the body? Are there any other more precise tests available? Is it necessary to undergo them? A: Generally, these tests are sufficient and comprehensive. There is no need for additional tests. Of course,...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Key Tests and Treatment Questions
Understanding Esophageal Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Prognosis
Esophageal tumor Hello, doctor. My father has recently been diagnosed with an esophageal tumor, and the thoracic surgeon informed us that the biopsy results indicate it is malignant. He underwent a full-body CT scan and endoscopy yesterday. I would like to ask about my father...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Cindy, if you are confirmed to have esophageal cancer, please discuss treatment options, success rates, side effects, etc., with your physician. A. Is this condition very serious? Weight loss and inability to eat can lead to rapid weakness, so you might consider receiving I...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Prognosis
Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Worry About Cancer?
There is a lump in the breast? Hello, doctor! When I was in the 5th and 6th grades, I noticed a hard lump in my nipple. By the time I was in the 2nd year of junior high, it hadn't changed much (it grew very slowly). However, in the 3rd year of junior high, I felt that it see...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Breast tumors are classified into benign tumors and malignant tumors. A definitive diagnosis still requires examination at a hospital. You can visit our Radiation Oncology Department, or the Breast Surgery or General Surgery departments for further evaluation. ~Changhua Ho...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Impact of Iodine-131 Isolation on Lung Cancer Patients in Shared Rooms
Lung cancer Is there any adverse effect on a lung cancer patient if they share a room for about three days with a patient who has received a dose of iodine-131 (120 mCi) and has completed a three-day isolation in the hospital, even if there is a distance of about one meter betwee...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about nuclear medicine, it is recommended that you consult with a nuclear medicine physician at your hospital for more clarity. ~Changhua Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Impact of Iodine-131 Isolation on Lung Cancer Patients in Shared Rooms
Understanding Lumps in the Jaw: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a lump on the right lower jaw? Hello doctor, a few days ago I suddenly felt pain in the lower right jaw area. At first, I thought it was a toothache, but then I felt a small movable lump on my face that is also a bit painful. It feels very much like lymphatic pain. Since...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Socks, Both your face and neck have lymphadenopathy. The causes of lymph node enlargement are diverse, and most of the reasons are not easily identifiable, which is why it is referred to as non-specific lymphadenopathy. If the lymphadenopathy is caused by the invasion o...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Jaw: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Concerns About Lymph Nodes in the Left Neck Area
Regarding the suspected lymph nodes in the left neck? Dr. Chen, I am the one who was previously very anxious about "cancer phobia." This time, I really felt a lump in the lower middle part of my left neck. Here’s what happened: two days ago, while I was showering, I acc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
"Coco, who is suffering from cancer anxiety: 1. The internet says that lymph nodes above the left clavicle 'must be a metastasis from stomach cancer,' but that is not necessarily true. 2. If they feel soft and movable, they are more likely benign, so don't wor...[Read More] Understanding Concerns About Lymph Nodes in the Left Neck Area
Overcoming Cancer Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Tumor Fears
Cancer phobia Hello Doctor: I have been consumed by the fear of cancer for the past few months. It started with an ultrasound examination last September (initially for fatty liver, but the doctor suspected a tumor in my kidney). A subsequent CT scan confirmed that everything was ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Coco: 1. Your reaction is completely normal; it's good to remember any health information you hear and reflect on whether it applies to you. 2. You may have overreacted a bit; if the tests come back negative, just let it go and find peace! 3. You have already noted the sympt...[Read More] Overcoming Cancer Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Tumor Fears
Can Cancer Be Contagious? Understanding Hepatocellular, Cervical, and Stomach Cancer
Can cancer be transmitted? Hello, I saw a message online stating that liver cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer are contagious. Is this true?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Cancer itself is not contagious. 2. Most patients with liver cancer have either hepatitis B or hepatitis C, which can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact. If you have received the hepatitis B vaccine, you do not need to worry; however, there is no vaccine for hep...[Read More] Can Cancer Be Contagious? Understanding Hepatocellular, Cervical, and Stomach Cancer
Comprehensive Cancer Screening: Key Questions and Insights
Cancer screening Hello Dr. Lai: 1. How can a comprehensive cancer screening be performed? 2. Is it necessary to conduct separate screenings for each organ? 3. What is the accuracy of the results? 4. What do cancer markers signify? Thank you for your responses, Doctor!
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ma: In response to your questions, I provide the following answers: 1. Currently, major hospitals are conducting various cancer screenings, which include blood tests, computed tomography (CT) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, tailored to individual ...[Read More] Comprehensive Cancer Screening: Key Questions and Insights
How to Differentiate Between a Sternum Lump and a Tumor?
How to distinguish between a xiphoid process and a tumor when there is a hard lump in the center of the sternum? Hello, I recently discovered a hard lump in the center of my chest, specifically at the xiphoid process, and it seems to have grown larger. It is more noticeable when ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Some individuals suddenly experience a noticeable change in their xiphoid process, which becomes enlarged and hardened. The xiphoid process is a piece of cartilage at the lower end of the sternum. In childhood, it is not very prominent due to its cartilaginous nature. However, in...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between a Sternum Lump and a Tumor?
Understanding Severe Edema in Pregnant Women: Causes and Concerns
Edema in pregnant women? Hello Dr. Chen: My sister-in-law is 37 years old and during her seventh month of pregnancy, she suddenly developed full-body edema after taking cold medication, which has persisted for over a month. Her neck is also swollen, to the point that it is affect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Yang: Hello. 1. Is the direction of the above suspicions correct? Are there any other possibilities that may not have been considered? The three most common organs affected by edema—heart, liver, and kidneys—are all functioning properly, so the physician has to look for oth...[Read More] Understanding Severe Edema in Pregnant Women: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Transition from Benign to Malignant Tumors in Cancer Insurance
Cancer is indeed classified as a malignant neoplasm. Thank you very much? Subject: Inquiry about the classification of benign tumors that become malignant or undergo changes, and whether they can still be defined as "malignant neoplasms." I am very grateful for your ass...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, your main points are: 1. The term "malignant neoplasm." 2. Whether a malignant neoplasm that develops on a benign tumor is covered. 1. I believe the term "malignant neoplasm" in Chinese corresponds to "malignant tumor" in English. Medical st...[Read More] Understanding the Transition from Benign to Malignant Tumors in Cancer Insurance
Understanding Flat Stools: Signs of Potential Colon Issues
My stool is flat? Doctor, I would like to ask why my stool is flat and I have diarrhea with mucus. I have only had one instance of blood in my stool, but I haven't seen these symptoms since. It seems that I read somewhere that children can also have colon cancer, which made ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, the causes of mucus in stools can vary widely. Conditions such as diarrhea and enteritis often produce mucus as well. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterologist for an evaluation. If you have any questions, feel free to call our center at 04-8298686 ext. 1051. ~...[Read More] Understanding Flat Stools: Signs of Potential Colon Issues
Understanding Stage III Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma Dear Doctor, My mother was diagnosed with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma in August of this year. A week after the diagnosis, she promptly underwent several tests arranged by the hospital, including the creation of a model necessary for radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Hsu has just returned to work today after traveling abroad, so her response is a bit delayed; please forgive her. 1. I have heard that self-funded medical devices, such as the helical knife and the Arthur knife, have fewer side effects and better efficacy for patients. Is t...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Symptoms: Could My Child Have Colon Cancer?
Is there still cancer in children? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Chen Xiaodi: Please don't be nervous. The presence of mucus in your stool does not necessarily indicate a problem. To maintain regular bowel movements, you can start by engaging in regular exercise and following a balanced diet, which includes plenty of fruits and veg...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Could My Child Have Colon Cancer?
Exploring Alternatives to Surgery for Suspected Salivary Gland Tumors
20% suspected salivary gland cancer (tumor) Hello, doctor. My father has been experiencing abnormalities in his left cheek, and after three years of monitoring, this year the doctor cultured cells and believes there is a 20% chance of salivary gland cancer. He recommends surgical...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ben/35/01. Are there any other methods besides surgical removal? Benign tumors do not necessarily need to be excised, but many benign tumors are removed, while malignant tumors must be excised. There is no method that can guarantee 100% certainty that a tumor is benign, so if you...[Read More] Exploring Alternatives to Surgery for Suspected Salivary Gland Tumors
Understanding CA-153 Levels: What to Do When It's 50.1 in an 86-Year-Old
CA-153 level is 50.1? My mother recently had a health check-up and her CA 15-3 level was found to be 50.1. Given her advanced age of 86, how should we proceed with this situation? She currently has a history of hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chuo / 55 / CA 15-3 is commonly used clinically for breast cancer, third trimester of pregnancy, some patients with cirrhosis, more active lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer, among others. It may sometimes also cause a slight increase in CA 1...[Read More] Understanding CA-153 Levels: What to Do When It's 50.1 in an 86-Year-Old
Does Your Hospital Offer Radiation Therapy for Cancer Patients?
Does your hospital offer electrotherapy? Dear Mrs. Chang, I would like to inquire if your hospital offers radiation therapy for cancer patients, as my family member, who has cancer, has recently moved back to Hsinchu from another location. Thank you.
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mrs. Chang, We offer radiation therapy (commonly referred to as radiotherapy), and we would like to know what type of cancer your family member is diagnosed with. If it aligns with the treatment requirements, we will arrange it after evaluation. The number of treatment days...[Read More] Does Your Hospital Offer Radiation Therapy for Cancer Patients?
Exploring CLS Immunotherapy for Advanced Stage Throat Cancer Treatment
CLS Biological Immunotherapy Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about CLS biological immunotherapy because my father is a stage IV oropharyngeal cancer patient. He has already undergone treatment at Hsinchu Hospital, including seven weeks of radiation therapy and three cycles ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello; In your letter, you mentioned CLS biological immunotherapy. Currently, this treatment is not a standard therapy. If you wish to pursue this treatment, please discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you for your letter. Changhua Hospital cares about you~~[Read More] Exploring CLS Immunotherapy for Advanced Stage Throat Cancer Treatment