Managing Diarrhea in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy Hello Dr. Chen, is it common for patients with rectal cancer who undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy to experience diarrhea? Does L-Glutamine have any benefits for chemotherapy patients? Thank you, Little Old Man.
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
1. That is caused by radioactive colitis. 2. Yes, it is possible.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Life Expectancy for Stage 3B Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
The life expectancy of a patient with stage IIIB squamous cell lung carcinoma can vary significantly based on several factors, including the patient's overall health, response to treatment, and specific characteristics of the cancer. Generally, stage IIIB lung cancer is cons...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
1. Radiation therapy can be considered. 2. Approximately 6 to 9 months.[Read More] Life Expectancy for Stage 3B Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Understanding Side Effects of Radiation Therapy After Pituitary Tumor Surgery
What are the side effects of radiation therapy after surgery for a pituitary tumor? My grandfather is 70 years old. He had a pituitary tumor that was originally 2 centimeters. After surgery, a follow-up MRI showed it is about 1 centimeter. The doctor said he needs to undergo radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Kang. I believe your doctor has already explained to your parents and grandfather about the pituitary tumor and radiation therapy. Perhaps you have also searched online for information. I suggest that if you really want to understand: 1. First, understand that radiation t...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Radiation Therapy After Pituitary Tumor Surgery
Am I at Risk for Cancer? Understanding Your Lifestyle Factors
Do I have a chance of getting cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if I have a chance of developing cancer under the following conditions: 1. Neither my parents nor my grandparents have had cancer. 2. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, have a regular daily routine, but I exe...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
This part of the question is indeed difficult to answer because cancer is caused by multiple factors, including years of accumulated genetic mutations. It is advisable to consider good cancer prevention habits.[Read More] Am I at Risk for Cancer? Understanding Your Lifestyle Factors
Understanding Neck Discomfort: Lymph Nodes and Thyroid Concerns
Lymph nodes and the issue of numbness in the front side of the neck? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions to ask. Initially, I went to see a doctor because I was experiencing a "full" and "numb" sensation in the front of my neck. After several visits, no clear...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. I understand that your concerns are reasonable. 2. You have already undergone appropriate examinations. 3. Currently, there are no issues with your health. 4. The tingling sensation may be related to the spinal nerves, but it is rarely due to a tumor. 5. Given the current ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Discomfort: Lymph Nodes and Thyroid Concerns
Evaluating the Risks and Treatment Options for Thyroid Tumors in Older Patients
Benign thyroid tumor 1. The patient is a 65-year-old female with a benign thyroid tumor on the left side, approximately 0.7 cm in size as per positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. What is the likelihood of it becoming malignant given the metastasis to the junction of the ri...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. There is a small chance that it could become malignant, but most thyroid cancers can be detected and treated early, with a treatment success rate of over 90%. Therefore, I suggest there is no need to worry. 2. I recommend monitoring the situation for now. If it grows larger,...[Read More] Evaluating the Risks and Treatment Options for Thyroid Tumors in Older Patients
Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Advanced Stomach Cancer
Gastric cancer chemotherapy Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer with ovarian metastasis in July of last year (it has spread to the diaphragm). During surgery, only the ovary was removed, and a gastric bypass was performed. Chemotherapy started in m...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Based on your description, it may be effective; however, it is advisable to discuss the specific situation with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Advanced Stomach Cancer
Dealing with Oral Cancer Recurrence: Expert Advice and Support
What to do if oral cancer recurs? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with oral cancer in June of last year. At that time, I noticed a pus-filled bump on the outside of my left cheek, which later ruptured and discharged pus with a foul odor. Additionally, there were white spots appeari...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Lin, how are you doing? I believe your current situation may be quite challenging, but aging, illness, and death are processes that everyone must go through. If you can relax and take it one day at a time, it could be a gain, and perhaps you will feel more comfortable! Regard...[Read More] Dealing with Oral Cancer Recurrence: Expert Advice and Support
Understanding Low-Grade Sarcoma: Recovery and Future Steps After Diagnosis
In situ cancer = Stage 0 tumor? Two years ago, I had a small hard lump under my left chest that was surgically removed and diagnosed as a benign fibroma. A year later, another lump developed in the same location (just below the scar). This time, the surgical results indicated a &...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Yao: Based on what you described, this is indeed a malignant soft tissue sarcoma, not a carcinoma in situ. There is a possibility of recurrence and even distant metastasis. After surgical intervention, it may be prudent to consider adjuvant radiation therapy for added safety.[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Sarcoma: Recovery and Future Steps After Diagnosis
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Concerns on Cancer Markers and Treatment Options
Multiple Myeloma and Venclexta Treatment Hello Doctor: My mother previously underwent a bone marrow biopsy, which revealed multiple myeloma with cancer markers exceeding 10,000. I have a few questions: 1. Are cancer markers standardized, and is this level considered very serious?...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsieh: 1. Different types of cancer have their specific tumor markers. Immunoglobulins can be used to assess the condition of multiple myeloma, and values in the tens of thousands indicate a severe situation. 2. Combining Venclexta with other medications in the first...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Concerns on Cancer Markers and Treatment Options
Is Post-Surgery Death from Liver Cancer a Medical Error or Unforeseen Outcome?
Is it considered negligence if a patient dies three months after undergoing surgery for liver cancer? The rapid spread of the situation raises the question: was the patient's passing an unforeseen error or a human oversight? Prior to the surgery, blood tests for liver functi...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
The detection of minimal residual disease is currently a challenging aspect of medical technology.[Read More] Is Post-Surgery Death from Liver Cancer a Medical Error or Unforeseen Outcome?
Assessing Surgical Outcomes: Did Liver Cancer Surgery Lead to Rapid Decline?
Is it considered malpractice if a patient dies three months after liver cancer surgery? Before the surgery, a 10 cm tumor and several smaller tumors were detected in the liver. The internal medicine physician diagnosed that without treatment, the patient would have less than a ye...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Typically, prior to liver cancer surgery, it is necessary to assess whether there are any extrahepatic metastases. This evaluation is crucial because if there are already micro or macroscopic metastases present, resecting the primary liver tumor may accelerate the spread of the m...[Read More] Assessing Surgical Outcomes: Did Liver Cancer Surgery Lead to Rapid Decline?
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Neck mass Hello Doctor: I just felt a small hard lump on the left side of my neck, around the area of the Adam's apple. It hurts when I press on it, and I think it feels like bone. Coincidentally, I visited an ENT today for a sore throat due to a cold, and the doctor perform...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
You can observe patiently for 1-2 weeks, and if there is no improvement, promptly consult an oncologist.[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Understanding Androcur: Efficacy and Long-Term Use in Prostate Cancer
Androcur medication issues? Dear Dr. Fan, I am unsure whether to direct my question to the Hematology-Oncology department or Urology. My inquiry is as follows: My uncle is a terminal prostate cancer patient with metastases to the pelvis, femur, and lymph nodes. The initial hormo...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that your uncle is a terminal prostate cancer patient, and he should have undergone either orchiectomy or received subcutaneous injections of androgen deprivation therapy. Generally, this approach can be effective for about one and a half to two years. After ...[Read More] Understanding Androcur: Efficacy and Long-Term Use in Prostate Cancer
Managing Post-Chemotherapy Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy for rectal cancer has caused sclerosis on the left side of the buttock? My father is 81 years old and underwent chemotherapy for rectal cancer and had a colostomy 10 years ago, with tumor gene testing confirming recovery. However, in the past three years, he has expe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhizhong: 1. Is the bleeding coming from the anus? If so, it may be radiation-induced colitis. You can consult the physician who previously administered your radiation therapy for steroid enemas to alleviate the symptoms. 2. I'm not sure if it's muscle stiffness or if y...[Read More] Managing Post-Chemotherapy Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients
Understanding Tumors: When to Worry About New Growths on the Body
A tumor has developed on the back? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend has had a tumor on his thigh (near the hip) since childhood. It hasn't caused any pain, so he hasn't paid much attention to it. However, recently he developed another lump on his back, which is painful when p...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. A man keeps telling you that it might be cancer but doesn't go see a doctor himself; it's clear he's seeking sympathy from you. Please consider what he really wants. 2. The chances of cancer are very low. 3. Please consult a general surgeon. Wishing you all th...[Read More] Understanding Tumors: When to Worry About New Growths on the Body
Understanding Positive HBC in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive in blood? In the context of breast cancer recurrence during chemotherapy, a positive Hepatitis B Core (HBC) test indicates that the patient has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. This does not necessarily mean that there is a metas...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
CKYC: I’m sorry, but I’m hesitant to guess what the abbreviation HBC stands for, so I cannot provide an answer at this time.[Read More] Understanding Positive HBC in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options
Understanding Osteoclastoma: Is It a Malignant Tumor?
What is an osteoclastoma? Hello Dr. Chen: I apologize for bothering you. I have a female friend who is only 28 years old. Last year, she had a tumor in the area of her left ulna and underwent resection surgery at Kaohsiung Medical University and I-Shou University Hospital. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a lytic tumor primarily composed of mononuclear cells and multinucleated giant cells, classified as a primary bone tumor that lies between malignant and benign. It is also known as osteoclastoma. It is not to be confused with multiple myeloma or ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoclastoma: Is It a Malignant Tumor?
End-Stage Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Autonomy
excuse me? What are the treatment and prevention strategies for end-stage cancer (liver cancer)? If a patient is unwilling to undergo treatment, can they be forced to receive treatment? Or should one consider seeking traditional Chinese medicine?
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
In the advanced stages of liver cancer, the focus should be on palliative care and symptom management, and assistance from specialist physicians can be sought.[Read More] End-Stage Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Autonomy
Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Rectal Cancer
Sigmoid colon cancer For a patient with sigmoid colon cancer whose cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes and is undergoing their eighth round of chemotherapy, experiencing increasing pain, vomiting after treatment, body aches, weakness, and loss of appetite, it is important...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Qianqian: Chemotherapy can cause severe vomiting that is difficult to control with food. Please discuss with your doctor about possibly increasing the use of antiemetics. The new generation of antiemetic medications should be quite effective. As for what foods to eat after chemot...[Read More] Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Rectal Cancer