Is It Skin Cancer? Understanding Facial Spots and Tumor Concerns
Is it cancer? My friend suddenly developed dark patches on both cheeks one day. He visited a dermatologist who diagnosed it as sunspots, but we feel it doesn't look quite like that. What should we do? Could it be skin cancer? Which specialist should we consult? What tests ca...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Sky: You should be able to see a dermatologist. They can consult with different skin specialists for opinions.[Read More] Is It Skin Cancer? Understanding Facial Spots and Tumor Concerns
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Links to Hypertension and Treatment Options
Pituitary tumor Hello, doctor! Last year, I was diagnosed with hypertension at the hospital. During an MRI in May, the cardiology department found adrenal hyperplasia, and in December, another MRI revealed a pituitary tumor. 1. Is there a relationship between the pituitary tumo...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Vicky: 1. There is indeed a significant relationship between pituitary tumors, adrenal hyperplasia, and hypertension. 2. The cause of pituitary tumors is unknown. 3. The vast majority of pituitary tumors are not cancerous. 4. Your condition may be due to a pituitary tumor secreti...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Links to Hypertension and Treatment Options
Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Implications for Cancer Screening
The CEA levels in the health checkup have been increasing year by year? Doctor: Hello. I am 52 years old and underwent surgery for a benign meningioma 25 years ago. My father passed away from colorectal cancer a few years ago, and my mother had endometrial cancer but is doing wel...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Wang An: 1. The normal reference ranges may vary each year due to differences in testing equipment or reagents. 2. A CEA level below 4 is generally considered normal. However, in the presence of cancer, CEA levels may not necessarily rise. Given your family history of colorec...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Implications for Cancer Screening
What is Lymph Node Tumor? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Lymph node tumors, also known as lymphomas, are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. These tumors can be classified into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, Lymph node ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: Lymphoid tissue can undergo benign hyperplasia and enlargement, as well as develop malignant lymphoma. It can also enlarge due to metastasis from cancers in other locations to the lymph nodes, all of which can be referred to as lymphadenopathy. To confirm the diagnosis, a ...[Read More] What is Lymph Node Tumor? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Is a Sudden 2mm Black Spot on Skin a Sign of Cancer?
A small black mole (similar to a nevus) with a diameter of 2mm suddenly appeared on the skin? I suddenly noticed a small black mole (similar to a mole) on the right side of my right little toe, measuring about 2mm in diameter, but it is larger than a typical mole. I am certain th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. New lesions. 2. Color changes. 3. Any enlargement should raise suspicion for cancer; please seek prompt evaluation from a dermatologist. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung, Dermatology.[Read More] Is a Sudden 2mm Black Spot on Skin a Sign of Cancer?
Nutrition Strategies for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Diet for Pancreatic Cancer The patient has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with cancer cells disseminated in the abdominal cavity (resulting in ascites) and is currently only able to eat small bites, leading to rapid weight loss. How can we enhance their dietary intake to h...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Xiao Shu: I'm afraid it might be difficult. May I ask if the attending physician could consider using Megestrol Acetate to increase appetite?[Read More] Nutrition Strategies for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Key Questions on Cancer Risks and Health Impact
Issues related to liver cirrhosis? Hello Dr. Chen: I have a few questions to ask you. Thank you for your response. 1. In patients with liver cirrhosis, if the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level rises to around 70-85, is this considered within the normal range? If ultrasound examinati...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Abnormal. Generally, fetal protein levels above 10 ng/ml are considered abnormal. In patients with liver cirrhosis, one should suspect the presence of liver cancer, possibly diffuse liver cancer, which may not always be clearly visible on abdominal ultrasound. ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Key Questions on Cancer Risks and Health Impact
Seeking Help for My Mother's Ongoing Pain After Cancer Treatment
Can you please provide the content you would like me to translate? Your question: Hello, my mother is a breast cancer patient. In 2000, she had her right lymph nodes removed, and in 2002, there was a recurrence, leading to the removal of her right breast. Recently, she has been e...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Your mother's current PET scan shows no issues, indicating that there is no spread of cancer. Although she is in pain, there is no immediate risk to her life, so she may not be in danger; however, her quality of life is diminished. 2. It is recommended to consult a...[Read More] Seeking Help for My Mother's Ongoing Pain After Cancer Treatment
Unexplained Pain in Cancer Patients: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Unexplained pain? Hello: My mother is a breast cancer patient. In 2000, she underwent a right lymphadenectomy, and in 2002, she had a recurrence that led to a right mastectomy. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent pain near her stomach. Various tests have been conducted, ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Have you had a bone scan done? 2. A PET scan may also be considered. 3. If the PET scan does not reveal any issues, it is possible to experience pain in various areas without a clear cause. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung, Oncology.[Read More] Unexplained Pain in Cancer Patients: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Understanding PET Scans: A Guide for Cancer Patients and Families
What is PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging? Your question: Hello, my mother is a breast cancer patient. In 2000, she had her right lymph nodes removed, and in 2002, she had a recurrence and underwent a right mastectomy. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent pain ne...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the advanced medical technologies. Its functions include the detection of cancer, assessment of cardiac blood flow and myocardial viability, and diagnosis of brain lesions. You should consult your mother's attending physici...[Read More] Understanding PET Scans: A Guide for Cancer Patients and Families
Understanding Fetal Protein Levels: Implications for Liver Cancer and More
Questions regarding fetal protein index? Thank you, doctor? Hello Dr. Fan, I have a few questions to ask you. Thank you for your response. 1. Does the fetal protein index indicate liver cancer, or is it a marker for other diseases or conditions? 2. With a fetal protein index...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Maburow: The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level can indicate liver cancer, but it can also indicate germ cell tumors. AFP levels may be elevated in cases of liver inflammation or when other cancers metastasize to the liver. A high AFP level does "not" cause liver cancer;...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Protein Levels: Implications for Liver Cancer and More
Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Liver Tumors: Key Insights
Treatment and Prevention of Liver Tumors Hello Dr. Chen: A friend’s father recently underwent an embolization procedure due to a liver tumor. This is not the first time; according to him, it is already the third time! I am not clear about the previous situations. I would like to ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, the known risk factors for the occurrence of liver cancer include chronic viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B and C), liver cirrhosis (whether caused by viruses or alcohol), a family history of liver cancer, and aflatoxins (a type of toxin produced by mold, commonly found...[Read More] Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Liver Tumors: Key Insights
Unexplained Left Hand Swelling and Pleural Effusion: A Tumor Case Study
Unexplained swelling of the left hand leading to pleural effusion in the left lung? 1. Five years ago, my sister underwent an endoscopic surgery to remove a tumor approximately 5 centimeters in size from her stomach. However, after the biopsy, cancer cells were detected, leading ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Su: If the doctor at National Taiwan University confirms that it is not lymphedema, it is possible that cancer has caused a deep vein thrombosis in the left arm that has progressed to the left subclavian vein. You may want to ask the doctor if a venography is necessary for di...[Read More] Unexplained Left Hand Swelling and Pleural Effusion: A Tumor Case Study
Why Isn't My Hemoglobin Rising Despite Taking Iron Supplements?
Why is hemoglobin (Hb) still not increasing after taking iron supplements? Hello, my hemoglobin (Hb) has been consistently around 9.5. After going to the hospital for a check-up, I found out that I have iron deficiency, but even after taking iron supplements for a while, my Hb is...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
1. It is possible that the dosage of iron supplements is insufficient or that there is ongoing blood loss. Gastrointestinal bleeding, urinary tract bleeding, and excessive menstrual bleeding in females all require examination and treatment. 2. The diagnosis can be further confi...[Read More] Why Isn't My Hemoglobin Rising Despite Taking Iron Supplements?
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms, Treatments, and Support Options
Issues related to multiple myeloma? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for taking up your time! My mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (stage II) four years ago. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, along with diligent care, her condition has remained relatively st...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Zhang: The recurrence and progression of multiple myeloma should be determined by abnormal immunoglobulin levels from blood tests, X-ray imaging of the bones, and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. As far as I know, the new drug Velcade must be purchased out-of-pocket, but a ...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms, Treatments, and Support Options
Understanding Neurofibromas: Causes, Genetic Factors, and Treatment Options
Neurofibroma Hello Dr. Chen: I apologize for bothering you again! I believe my brother's condition is not inherited from our parents, but rather due to a genetic mutation, as neither my parents nor previous generations have had this issue. However, what could cause such a ge...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Genetic mutations are a matter of probability. As body cells continuously divide to produce new cells, some may undergo genetic mutations, leading to cancer cells, or a small number of genetic mutations in germ cells may result in diseases in offspring. 2. Even if the m...[Read More] Understanding Neurofibromas: Causes, Genetic Factors, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer: Process, Survival, and Hepatitis B Concerns
Liver transplantation I have a friend who has liver cancer and may need a liver transplant (I've heard that if the liver blood vessels are obstructed, they might only live for three months). I would like to know what the process is like if they are fortunate enough to wait f...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Li: Liver transplantation involves the complete removal of a diseased liver affected by liver cancer and replacing it with a donated liver from another person. The surgical procedure carries certain risks, and post-surgery, long-term use of immunosuppressants is necessary to ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer: Process, Survival, and Hepatitis B Concerns
Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Lungs: What to Expect
Urgent question... Stage II breast cancer with newly discovered lung metastasis..? Hello, I would like to ask: My classmate was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer two years ago. She underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but recently it was discovered that the cancer ha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Different physicians may have varying approaches to disease management. 2. The administration of radiation therapy is generally similar and can reduce the risk of chest recurrence. 3. Different chemotherapy agents may have varying efficacy, but even with the strongest m...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Lungs: What to Expect
Understanding Diffuse Liver Cancer: Risks and Differences from Common Liver Cancer
What is diffuse liver cancer? I heard that a doctor in Qianzhen died from diffuse liver cancer. Is the number of people affected by diffuse liver cancer in Taiwan high? How does it differ from general liver cancer? I am a carrier of hepatitis B; am I considered a high-risk group?...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, diffuse liver cancer is a type of liver cancer where cancer cells do not form a "tumor-like" structure but instead spread diffusely. It can sometimes be difficult to detect via ultrasound, leading to a possibility of misdiagnosis. Generally, patients with this ty...[Read More] Understanding Diffuse Liver Cancer: Risks and Differences from Common Liver Cancer
Managing Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients: Treatment and Nutrition Tips
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. There are two main My grandmother is 71 years old and has diabetes. She regularly sees a doctor and has just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Treatment options: 1. Radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy and then surgery 2. Direct surgery 3. Only radiation therapy and chemotherapy 4. Only oral chemotherapy medications. A thorough assessment of the patient's physical condition is necessary to determine th...[Read More] Managing Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients: Treatment and Nutrition Tips