Understanding Lumps and Pain: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Unaware of what illness I have? Doctor, since August, I have noticed a hard, round lump on the right side of my neck behind my ear. It is not visible, only palpable, and it has not gone away for a long time. Is there a significant chance that this could be cancer? Is there also a...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
If the mass behind the ear has not changed much since August, the likelihood of it being cancer is low. However, it is still advisable to see an otolaryngologist to check for any nasopharyngeal tumors. The most straightforward way to conduct other examinations would be to remove ...[Read More] Understanding Lumps and Pain: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Can Keloid Prone Individuals Develop Internal Tumors or Cancer?
Does keloid predisposition affect internal organs and lead to cancer? Dear Dr. Fan, My sister was diagnosed with malignant uterine leiomyosarcoma around this time last year. She underwent surgery to remove her uterus and one ovary, followed by six months of chemotherapy. After c...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Frank: Is it possible for keloids to develop in internal tissues? There hasn't been much research on that. However, wasn't the sarcoma in the pelvic cavity removed? Any specimen that is surgically excised is sent for pathological examination. If you request a pathology ...[Read More] Can Keloid Prone Individuals Develop Internal Tumors or Cancer?
Understanding Cancer Screening: Essential Tests and Their Effectiveness
How to know if you have cancer? I have the following questions for the doctor: 1. My mother is 75 years old and has been taking medication for hypertension and degenerative arthritis for a long time. I personally paid for cancer screening tests including liver AFP, colon CEA, o...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Cancer screening blood tests are primarily designed for monitoring patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer, with the hope of early detection of recurrence. However, their significance for individuals who have never had cancer may not be as impactful, alth...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Screening: Essential Tests and Their Effectiveness
Managing Swelling in Patients Taking Iressa for Lung Cancer Treatment
How to improve the condition of leg edema after taking Iressa? Hello Dr. Chen! My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2003, and by the time it was discovered, he was already in stage II. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, his condition improved, a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: How can I improve the condition of leg edema that occurred after taking Iressa? Please consult an oncologist or a pulmonologist. As for purchasing a wheelchair, a standard outdoor wheelchair will suffice. If you need further information, please call the Taoyuan City Assist...[Read More] Managing Swelling in Patients Taking Iressa for Lung Cancer Treatment
Understanding Hard Mass Near the Belly Button in Advanced Liver Cancer
There is a hard lump in the lower right quadrant near the navel? Hello, my father is a terminal liver cancer patient. In February, he underwent surgery to remove a liver tumor, and now a hard mass has been found in the lower right area of his abdomen near the navel, which the att...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: The condition has spread to other parts of the body, and there is a possibility of further growth. 1. Whether surgical resection is possible must be determined by a specialist based on examinations such as computed tomography (CT) angiography. 2. However, radiation therapy...[Read More] Understanding Hard Mass Near the Belly Button in Advanced Liver Cancer
Nutrition Tips for Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
About chemotherapy? A few months ago, my mother underwent a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer. After surgery, it was found to be stage II. She now has a Port-A catheter and has started chemotherapy with 5-FU injections. I would like to ask the doctor: Previo...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: A normal diet is fine, and you can eat beef as well, just avoid overly fatty foods and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. It’s best to have a colonoscopy once a year. Your mother should still be quite young, so it's important to be aware of hereditary fact...[Read More] Nutrition Tips for Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Essential Cancer Screening Tests for Early Detection in Seniors
What tests are available to predict the likelihood of developing cancer? My mother is 72 years old and has been taking medication for hypertension and degenerative arthritis for a long time. I have paid out of pocket for cancer screening tests for her, including liver AFP, colon ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. A small number of individuals undergo health screenings, including physical examinations and blood tests, which can lead to early cancer detection. While these screenings may not be beneficial for the majority, they can be immensely helpful for a few, depending on your ...[Read More] Essential Cancer Screening Tests for Early Detection in Seniors
Understanding Axillary Tumors: Ultrasound Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Axillary tumor Hello Doctor: Last week, I discovered a small tumor about the size of a potato under my right armpit, which moves when touched or pressed. I live in Canada and today I saw my family doctor. I am currently 27 weeks pregnant, and the doctor only arranged for a breast...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Chen: The small lump in your armpit may be a lymph node. The first step of breast cancer metastasis is often to the axillary lymph nodes. This might be why the doctor arranged for a breast ultrasound. An experienced physician can assess the likelihood of malignancy of an intr...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Tumors: Ultrasound Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Understanding the Risks of Biopsy in Suspected Breast Cancer Cases
The dangers of biopsy..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if a biopsy is necessary to further investigate a suspected breast cancer diagnosis. If a biopsy is performed, is there any risk involved? I have heard that performing a biopsy could cause cancer cells to spread, and I w...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Miss Elle, A biopsy is the most important basis for confirming a diagnosis of breast cancer. Generally speaking, the risks are not high. As for the concern that performing a biopsy may cause cancer cells to spread, there is a possibility, but this does not affect those who ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Biopsy in Suspected Breast Cancer Cases
Understanding Tumor Treatment: Concerns About Surgery and Infection Risks
Oncology 1. My father has a hard lump below his right thigh, and after examination, the doctor recommended surgery for removal, which revealed it to be a cancerous tumor. He has been undergoing radiation therapy for over a year, and recently he has been experiencing heaviness in ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Difficulty walking may be due to (1) aging, or (2) localized fibrosis at the surgical site. Although the chance of recurrence is low, it is still advisable to follow up with the original surgeon. 2. An infection with Escherichia coli in the blood should be treated by an...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Treatment: Concerns About Surgery and Infection Risks
Understanding Lymphoma: Symptoms, Treatment, and Survival Rates Explained
Lymphoma??? Hello Doctor, my father is 58 years old and is currently hospitalized at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei. The doctor said he has lymphoma. What exactly is lymphoma? What are the implications? What is the treatment success rate in the early stages? I have researched...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Milo: Lymphoma, as you mentioned, is when lymphocytes transform into cancer cells. However, based on the pathological tissue morphology and clinical staging, the treatment methods and prognosis can vary. Radiation therapy is not necessarily the most common initial approach; chemo...[Read More] Understanding Lymphoma: Symptoms, Treatment, and Survival Rates Explained
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Treatment Options and Insights
Colorectal cancer Dear Doctor: My sister is 38 years old. Two years ago, she experienced mild rectal bleeding and was diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer. However, she has not undergone surgery and has only been relying on medication for treatment. It has been almost two...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. If it is early-stage colorectal cancer, surgery should be performed as soon as possible, as the prognosis is very good; relying solely on medication is not advisable, as I believe medication can only provide temporary control. 2. It is recommended to a) confirm the diag...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Treatment Options and Insights
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
About lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling a scratchy throat, especially when I sleep, and then I started coughing, but it's not very severe. It feels like there's something stuck in my throat that makes me want to cough a little. The cou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is not hereditary. 2. The BCG vaccine is not related to lung cancer. 3. It is recommended to have an X-ray examination once a year, and to be cautious of persistent coughing. Don't overthink other matters; staying relaxed will improve your body's resistance...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be IBS or Colorectal Cancer?
Please help me? I have recently been experiencing bloating and a lack of appetite, and I feel nauseous after eating. Previously, I had blood in my stool, and now my stools have become thinner, with occasional diarrhea. I feel anemic and sometimes have difficulty passing stool. In...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 13 is very low. 2. Irritable bowel syndrome may be more likely. 3. You should consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist. 4. After treatment for colorectal cancer, some patients may experience recurr...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be IBS or Colorectal Cancer?
Understanding Neck Lumps: Concerns for Cancer Patients and Symptoms to Watch
Neck mass? Hello, about 8-9 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer. After surgery, her condition was good, and there were no visible issues. However, four years ago, it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, and after another surgery, she bec...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Doris: Based on your description, lymphatic metastasis from rectal cancer remains the primary concern. It is advisable to perform blood tests for tumor markers related to rectal cancer, conduct a chest X-ray, and perform a liver ultrasound to check for any metastatic lesions else...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Concerns for Cancer Patients and Symptoms to Watch
Managing Pain and Symptoms After Stage IV Colon Cancer Surgery and Chemotherapy
Pain My aunt underwent a tumor resection surgery for stage IV colon cancer (which has metastasized to the liver) about a month ago (July 4). Last Thursday (July 27), she received her second round of chemotherapy. On the first day after the treatment, she felt very good, but start...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is likely a side effect of chemotherapy. 2. The patient's condition is best understood by the primary physician, so I recommend asking the patient's attending physician if they can be contacted for consultation outside of outpatient hours. 3. Finally, I sug...[Read More] Managing Pain and Symptoms After Stage IV Colon Cancer Surgery and Chemotherapy
Effective Treatment Options for Esophageal and Lymphoma Cancer
How should esophageal cancer and lymphoma be treated? Hello! My father underwent oral cancer cell resection surgery in April this year. In July, it was discovered that the cancer cells had spread to the lymph nodes and esophagus. What type of treatment would be most suitable for ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot provide a definitive answer without knowing your father's age and overall health status. 2. The preferred treatment should be surgery combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. 3. The survival rate must be inferred based on the actual extent of spre...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Esophageal and Lymphoma Cancer
Understanding Insomnia: Is Sudden Sleep Disruption a Cancer Warning?
Insomnia and sudden changes in sleep patterns? Hello Doctor: I have recently started experiencing severe insomnia. I go to bed around midnight but toss and turn until dawn before I can finally fall asleep. Even when I feel very sleepy and tired, as soon as I lie down, my sleepine...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ah Hong: Your insomnia is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer. However, some cancers do have a familial component. If both of your parents were diagnosed with cancer before middle age, you should be particularly cautious. The cost of a general health check-up typically ranges from...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Is Sudden Sleep Disruption a Cancer Warning?
Understanding Retinal Pigment Deposits: Potential Links to Cancer and Diagnosis
Retinal pigment deposition I have been diagnosed with retinal pigment deposits in my right eye by an ophthalmologist, who informed me that this could be a precursor to colon cancer. However, my blood tests conducted by a gastroenterologist came back normal. Is there a possibility...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
ELMER: There is a hereditary form of colorectal cancer known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Within FAP families, there is a subtype called Gardner's syndrome. Patients with Gardner's syndrome develop multiple thickened lesions in the retinal pigment epithelium...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Pigment Deposits: Potential Links to Cancer and Diagnosis
Improving Symptoms After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Improvement of symptoms after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Doctor: My mother is a patient with stage II to III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. She has recently completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While we understand that oral discomfort is common after treatm...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello Joyce: Radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy can cause damage to the local mucosa of the nasopharynx, and discomfort may persist for some time. The ringing in the ears may be related to the neurotoxicity of the chemotherapy agents, or it could be due to residual tumo...[Read More] Improving Symptoms After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Expect