Understanding Rising Cancer Markers in Stage III Breast Cancer
Questions about cancer markers? Hello, my mother has stage III breast cancer and is scheduled for surgery. She has already undergone four rounds of chemotherapy, but during her recent check-up, we found that her cancer markers are higher than before she started chemotherapy. Howe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Da-Ming, I apologize for the delay in my response as I am on leave this week. I hope you can come to my clinic on October 24 to discuss your concerns. Regarding the elevated cancer markers, it is important to note that not every increase indicates the presence of cancer, an...[Read More] Understanding Rising Cancer Markers in Stage III Breast Cancer
Is Targeted Therapy with Erbitux Appropriate for Stage III Colon Cancer?
Targeted therapy for colorectal cancer? Is it appropriate to use the targeted therapy drug Erbitux for stage III colorectal cancer as an out-of-pocket expense? If I want to purchase it for injection, how many doses would be advisable?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Ke: (1) Is it appropriate to use the targeted therapy drug Erbitux for stage III colorectal cancer as an out-of-pocket expense? Answer: Theoretically appropriate, but clinical trial results have not yet been published. (2) How many times should it be administered? Answer: In...[Read More] Is Targeted Therapy with Erbitux Appropriate for Stage III Colon Cancer?
Understanding Suspected Tumors in a Child's Neck: What to Do Next
There is a suspected tumor in the upper posterior neck? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my niece, who is 6 years old. When I was giving her a bath the day before yesterday, I noticed a suspicious lump on both sides of her neck near the base of the skull while washing her...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Annie: Based on your description, it is difficult to determine whether it is cancer. I recommend consulting a pediatric surgeon or a pediatric hematologist-oncologist. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tumors in a Child's Neck: What to Do Next
Coping with Terminal Cancer: A Guide for Families Facing Melanoma
Melanoma My father had half of his stomach removed four months ago. A month later, he underwent surgery for a small intestine and had a colostomy performed. Now, he has undergone surgery for a brain tumor, and it has been discovered that there is a tumor in his chest as well. The...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Fat Boy: Based on what you described, the overall condition is not clear. However, if it is metastatic melanoma affecting the brain and lungs, the situation is indeed quite complicated. Currently, the patient is unrecognizable, so it would be best to have a palliative care physic...[Read More] Coping with Terminal Cancer: A Guide for Families Facing Melanoma
Understanding Breast Cancer Recurrence After Surgery: What You Need to Know
Breast cancer may recur after surgery? Description of the issue: My mother was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer three years ago and underwent surgery. After the surgery, her health gradually stabilized, and her mood improved. Seeing her happier made me feel more at ease as we...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jane heard rumors that it's definitely false; taking anti-hormonal medication for 5 years has the same recurrence risk as taking it for 10 years, so there's no need to continue taking it. Continuing the medication won't reduce the chance of recurrence. She's o...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Recurrence After Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Breast Cancer Test Results: What You Need to Know
Regarding the breast cancer examination report content? Dear Doctor, My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. The doctor mentioned that due to the large size of the tumor, she needs to undergo four cycles of chemotherapy before surge...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
The good news is that her cancer cells are positive for estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), and there is no overexpression of Her-2/neu. The bad news is that the nuclear grade is 3. In summary, there is no need to overinterpret the doctor's expression. T...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cancer Treatments: The Impact on Stomach Health
Cancer medications Hello, doctor: Some people say, "Cancer is not a death sentence," but I disagree. My mother was originally diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, and during her treatment, she nearly died. Afterward, she recovered and her life was saved. However, she ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but I cannot make any assumptions without knowing the exact name of the medication.[Read More] Understanding Cancer Treatments: The Impact on Stomach Health
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence Dr. Chen: I discovered a lump on the right side of my neck in May 2005, and after examination at the hospital, I was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. I completed radiation therapy at the end of July that year (without chemotherapy). Rec...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. I recommend that the next examination be a positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT). I believe that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray examinations can only detect tumors larger than 0.5 cm, while PET is too sensitive and may also pick ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Neck Discomfort: Could It Be a Tumor?
Something feels off with my neck? I would like to ask the doctor, recently for the past week, I have been feeling tightness in my left shoulder and left side of my neck. When I turn my head to the left, it feels very tight, and my shoulder tends to shrug unconsciously. I also fee...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Nick: Head and neck tumors refer to 1. cancers originating in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, or throat, which may not always be palpable, and 2. lymph nodes in the neck that may be involved due to metastasis. If the lymph nodes are too small or located deep, they may also be non-p...[Read More] Understanding Neck Discomfort: Could It Be a Tumor?
Managing Post-Surgery Care for Brain Tumor Patients: What You Need to Know
Follow-up treatment for brain tumors? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor (located in the posterior right parietal lobe) on December 26, 2007. She underwent resection on December 29, and the pathology report in early January indicated a malignant tumor (par...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, the medications can be divided into three categories: 1. Anticancer drugs: Post-surgery chemotherapy (nitrosourea-based) such as PCV can also increase survival, especially in anaplastic astrocytoma, where 50% of patients can survive up to 157 weeks. Additionally, temozol...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Care for Brain Tumor Patients: What You Need to Know
Does Liver Cancer Spread to Bones? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Does liver cancer invade the bones? In March of this year, my father's AFP test result was 903, and the doctor confirmed liver cancer. Previously, it was only suspected. My father mentioned that his arm hurts and he is unable to reach back to grab a tissue. Could this be rel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jovi: Hello, I suspect two things: 1. The bone in my arm may have metastasized liver cancer. 2. The cervical spine may have metastasized liver cancer causing compression of the spinal nerves, which connect to the arm right after exiting the cervical spine. Regardless, I recommend...[Read More] Does Liver Cancer Spread to Bones? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Eyelid: Treatment Options and Concerns
Regarding skin cancer of the eyelid (basal cell carcinoma)? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to consult you regarding a skin cancer issue. My mother had a small growth on her eyelid a week before the Lunar New Year, so she went to the ophthalmology department at Hsinchu Cathay Hospit...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Yi-Hsin, congratulations to you and also to your mother. Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, and when excised cleanly, it seldom recurs. I suspect the ophthalmologist has successfully removed the tumor. Of course, the ophthalmologist may not have excised a large area,...[Read More] Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Eyelid: Treatment Options and Concerns
Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
A patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by the doctor for bone pain? 1. If a patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by their doctor for bone pain, can this medication be taken long-term?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: Blood cancer refers to leukemia, and treatment should be focused on leukemia. For bone pain, Fosamax (alendronate) may not be necessary, and there could be issues with insurance coverage as well.[Read More] Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
Hard Lumps Between Groin and Thigh: What Could They Be?
There are two hard lumps between the groin and the pubic area? Hello, I have noticed two hard, round lumps between my groin and my thighs, where my legs connect to my body. They don't usually hurt, but they are a bit painful when pressed. What could these be? Which specialis...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, A-Bai. Most lumps in the groin area are due to lymphadenopathy, which is usually benign. Benign lymphadenopathy is often caused by infections such as athlete's foot leading to wound infections, cellulitis, or infections from other areas. Malignant lymphadenopathy, on ...[Read More] Hard Lumps Between Groin and Thigh: What Could They Be?
Understanding Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Bile Duct Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Malignant tumors of the liver and bile ducts with lymph node metastasis? My mother has had a shadow on her liver for over ten years. The doctor said it was fine as long as it didn't grow. Last year, she visited the doctor due to a gastrointestinal flu, and the doctor found t...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
I suspect that Xiaoyu has cholangiocarcinoma. For cases that can be completely resected, the 5-year survival rate is 30-40%, and the average lifespan is 32-38 months. This is actually considered a cancer with a relatively poor prognosis. I would like to ask if the physician can p...[Read More] Understanding Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Bile Duct Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lumps in the Throat: Should I Be Concerned?
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an appropriate response. Please provide more details about your situation? Hello, Doctor. My last name is Lin, and I am 28 years old. I have a problem that has been bothering me. I discovered a lump in my ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The lump that has been present since you were 20 years old, I suspect is not cancer. If it were cancer, it would have manifested and posed a serious threat to your life by now, given that you are currently 28. 2. Now that you have just noticed a hard mass in your neck, it cou...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Throat: Should I Be Concerned?
Understanding Chemotherapy for Stage IIA Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Chemotherapy for Stage II Breast Cancer I am about to undergo chemotherapy and I'm feeling very anxious, so I would like to ask for help! My mother is 68 years old and has a long history of hypertension (she is on medication to control it). On March 28, she underwent a modif...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Grade indicates the differentiation of breast cancer cells, with Grade III showing poor differentiation, meaning the cancer cells are more aggressive and have a higher likelihood of metastasis and recurrence. This is an indicator for the need for chemotherapy. The other two indic...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Stage IIA Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Can Cancer Patients Donate Blood? Understanding Cervical Cancer Guidelines
Can a person with cervical cancer donate blood? Can a person with cancer donate blood?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Oolong: Individuals with cancer are not allowed to donate blood. Note: You raised this question on February 26, and I just received the message now, so you may feel the response is slow. I have also expressed this concern, but it seems there is not much that can be done.[Read More] Can Cancer Patients Donate Blood? Understanding Cervical Cancer Guidelines
Feeling a Chicken Bone Stuck in Throat After Laryngeal Cancer Radiation?
After radiation therapy for throat cancer, it feels like a chicken bone is stuck in the throat. What should I do? After radiation therapy for throat cancer, it feels like there is a chicken bone stuck in the throat?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Fan-Jiang: Hello, you probably haven't undergone surgery and have only received radiation therapy, right? The treatment dose might be around 6660-7000 cGy. How long has it been since the treatment ended? Is it 1-2 months? After treatment, local fibrosis or edema may occu...[Read More] Feeling a Chicken Bone Stuck in Throat After Laryngeal Cancer Radiation?
Does Eating Yakult with Sausages Increase Cancer Risk?
Is consuming Yakult and sausage together carcinogenic? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother mentioned that consuming Yakult and sausages together can cause cancer. Is this true?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Little Chen, Hello! Your mom is reminding you because she read in some newspapers and magazines that eating Yakult and sausages together may cause cancer. Next time, you can tell your mom that if you see any reports about dietary health, you can show them to her. Since you...[Read More] Does Eating Yakult with Sausages Increase Cancer Risk?