Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Risks, Treatment, and Care Tips
Laryngeal cancer? I would like to ask a question!! My father has been diagnosed with throat cancer, and his condition has been ongoing for 5 to 6 months. The doctor at Shin Kong said it is already very serious and that we need to start treatment quickly. I would like to know if t...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Pei: In the early stages of throat cancer, surgical treatment can be considered. However, this comes at the cost of losing the vocal cords, and the patient will need to use an assistive device for speech. If the cancer is "already quite advanced," it may not be pos...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Risks, Treatment, and Care Tips
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Confirmed diagnosis of throat cancer? Laryngeal cancer is classified into stages based on the TNM system, which assesses Tumor size (T), lymph Node involvement (N), and Metastasis (M). 1. **Stage I**: The cancer is small and localized to the larynx. Symptoms may include hoarsen...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Laryngeal cancer staging is quite complex and cannot be detailed here. Generally, it is classified based on the size of the primary tumor, the extent of local tissue involvement, the degree of lymph node metastasis in the larynx, and the presence of distant metastasis. The five-y...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Colorectal cancer metastasizing to lung cancer and liver cancer? Hello doctor, my grandfather had surgery for colon cancer four years ago, and in the past one to two years, he has had surgeries for metastatic lung cancer and liver cancer. He started using the drug Erbitux two mon...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Are platinum compounds the same as erblifux? You should know! 2. Platinum compounds refer to substances like cisplatin and oxaliplatin. 3. The side effects are as follows: (1) Bone marrow suppression: It has an inhibitory effect on the main components in the blo...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis Explained
Laryngeal cancer Hello Dr. Chen, recently my grandfather was diagnosed with throat cancer. We currently do not know the stage of the cancer, but it seems that any contact with the tumor causes bleeding. The doctor mentioned that he has about six months left to live. Isn't th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. An MRI can determine the stage of the disease. 2. Radiation therapy can be used for hemostasis. 3. Early-stage laryngeal cancer can be cured, but late-stage may still be fatal. 4. Please proceed with surgery or radiation therapy as soon as possible. Sincerely, Dr. Chen ...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis Explained
Understanding Advanced Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Laryngeal cancer Recently, my grandfather was diagnosed with throat cancer, and the tumor is quite large. The doctor is leaning towards radiation therapy, but he also mentioned that there is only about six months left. Hearing this has made our family very sad. Is there any way t...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. An MRI can determine the stage of the disease. 2. Radiation therapy can be used for hemostasis. 3. Early-stage laryngeal cancer can be cured, but late-stage may still be fatal. 4. Please proceed with surgery or radiation therapy as soon as possible. Sincerely, Dr. Chen ...[Read More] Understanding Advanced Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Urgent Care for Advanced Throat Cancer: What to Do Next?
Laryngeal cancer Hello Doctor: My father is in the advanced stage of throat cancer. However, the doctor has scheduled the surgery for 15 days later. What should I do? I know that the longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes. I can't find anyone to help me. Please give m...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Yiting: There must be a lot of preparations needed for throat cancer surgery, so it is unlikely to have the surgery within three to five days after diagnosis. Also, what do you mean by "end stage"? Generally, "end stage" refers to a condition where surgery is ...[Read More] Urgent Care for Advanced Throat Cancer: What to Do Next?
Understanding Liver Tumor Testing: Genetic Risks and Advanced Screening Options
Regarding liver tumor testing? Hello, many of my mother's relatives have passed away due to liver cancer, including my grandmother and three uncles. Recently, my aunt was also diagnosed with a liver tumor. My mother has been undergoing regular check-ups, but she was recently...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Shayna: Based on your description, it is possible that your family may have developed familial liver cancer due to vertical transmission of hepatitis B (from mother to child). Current diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and angiography, combined with li...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Testing: Genetic Risks and Advanced Screening Options
Understanding Breast Tissue Changes: What to Know About Lumps and Growths
Areola There is a circular area around the left nipple that is not very hard but is quite large, approximately 4 centimeters in diameter, and it can be moved under the armpit. I haven't felt any hard lumps when I palpate the area. If I press on it continuously, it becomes pa...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Miss, Based on your description, it does not seem to be breast cancer. However, since there is a hard lump, it is important to pay close attention to it. I would recommend that you take the time to have it checked by a general surgeon or a breast surgeon for a more thoroug...[Read More] Understanding Breast Tissue Changes: What to Know About Lumps and Growths
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Potential Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? I recently discovered a small hard lump under my right armpit, measuring less than 0.5 centimeters. Since I previously had a benign phyllodes tumor removed from my left breast, I would like to know if this could possibly be lymphatic metastasis...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: It is possible that this is lymphatic metastasis, with the most common primary site being right-sided breast cancer. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible; it could be benign, but regardless, it is essential to visit a hospital for evaluation. This message ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Potential Causes and Concerns
Essential Care Tips for Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients at Home
Daily Care for Nasopharyngeal Patients Hello Doctor: My father is a stage II nasopharyngeal cancer patient. He completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy in May of this year and is currently resting at home. Recently, he has been experiencing some cold symptoms and consulted an...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: Radiation therapy may cause damage to the skin and bones, which could be the reason for the current symptoms. The worst-case scenario is a recurrence of cancer invading the skull, leading to pain. If there are blisters on the skin, consider the possibility of a virus causi...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients at Home
Understanding Breast Lumps: What Teens Should Know About Pain and Care
I have a hard lump on my chest? I would like to ask! Why do I have a hard lump in my chest that hurts? I'm very anxious; I'm only 16 years old! Could it be breast cancer? I don't know which specialist to see. Can you tell me which department I should visit?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Please schedule an appointment with the breast surgery clinic as soon as possible for evaluation by a specialist. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What Teens Should Know About Pain and Care
The Necessity of Cranial Radiation in Pediatric Leukemia Treatment
The Necessity of Cranial Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Leukemia Patients Dear Doctor, My daughter is five years old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) last year. At the time of diagnosis, her white blood cell count was approximately 170,000, and she exhib...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Apple: Indeed, cranial radiation therapy can lead to various side effects in children in terms of cognitive function, attention, height, endocrine function, and bone density. An alternative approach is to use what you referred to as Triple IT and High Dose Methotrexate therap...[Read More] The Necessity of Cranial Radiation in Pediatric Leukemia Treatment
Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis: How Did Health Checkups Miss It?
Could you please clarify what you mean by "so sudden"? My classmate's mother had a health check-up six months ago, and the results were normal. The uterine examination was done at Shin Kong Hospital, while the gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and X-rays were performed at ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Could it be ovarian cancer or lymphoma? Please let the doctor give you the answer quickly. If so, chemotherapy can be quite effective. Hang in there![Read More] Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis: How Did Health Checkups Miss It?
Understanding Why CEA Levels Rise After Colon Cancer Surgery and Chemotherapy
Why does CEA remain elevated after colon cancer resection and chemotherapy? Dear Doctor, My mother was diagnosed with a colon tumor at the end of January this year, with an initial CEA level of 114. After the Lunar New Year, she underwent a resection surgery one week later, and ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. An increase in CEA levels does not necessarily indicate a clear recurrence of cancer. 2. I also recommend continuing with 5-FU chemotherapy, as it is the most effective drug for colorectal cancer and is the standard treatment; furthermore, examinations have not shown an...[Read More] Understanding Why CEA Levels Rise After Colon Cancer Surgery and Chemotherapy
Prostate Cancer Treatment: Radiation vs. Surgery - Which is Better?
Prostate cancer Hello, my father is 61 years old and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. The doctor recommended radiation therapy, but I have read reports suggesting that surgical treatment is preferable. Which method is better, and which has fewer side effects or compli...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. I personally recommend radiation therapy as it has fewer side effects; after treatment, monitoring PSA levels and taking oral hormone therapy would suffice. 2. However, surgery is definitive; the advantage is that the tumor is immediately removed, but my friend's f...[Read More] Prostate Cancer Treatment: Radiation vs. Surgery - Which is Better?
Understanding Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer: Options and Insights
Chemotherapy Hello Dr. Chen, I believe this will be the last time I consult you. My mother has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and the surgeon has stated that surgery is no longer an option. She has been referred to the oncology department. The oncologist has prescr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on one's perspective. Chemotherapy can slow the rate of tumor spread, thereby reducing the suffering caused by metastasis, so it is beneficial. However, since patients will ultimately pass away, some may argue it...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer: Options and Insights
How Long Does It Take to Get Cancer Test Results?
excuse me? Doctor, how long does it typically take to receive results from cancer screening tests? What is the fastest and slowest time frame for getting the results?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: A commitment does not equal an immediate answer, nor does it guarantee a definitive answer. I can only say it will take at least a day and up to a week.[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Get Cancer Test Results?
Understanding Surgical Options and Prognosis for Advanced Parotid Gland Cancer
Reoperation Hello Dr. Chen, I sincerely appreciate your guidance. My mother underwent a PET CT scan, and there is something in her right breast. She will have a fine needle aspiration (FNA) tomorrow. The doctor mentioned that if it is metastatic, there would be no need for surger...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is metastasis in the right breast, the situation is not optimistic. If there is no metastasis in the right breast and the surgery is successful, the outlook is better. 2. The postoperative survival rate is uncertain, as the success rate after recurrence is gene...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Options and Prognosis for Advanced Parotid Gland Cancer
Can Heart Conditions Mimic Cancer Symptoms? Understanding the Connection
Are there any heart conditions that are similar to cancer? Hello, doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask your professional opinion on! Let me first introduce the individuals involved: 1. My friend (the main subject) 2. Her friend (whom I do not know but have chatted w...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: If what your friend said is serious, they should seek treatment at a hospital. Based on your description, it is not possible to determine what illness your friend has, so I cannot provide an answer. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Can Heart Conditions Mimic Cancer Symptoms? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence I have been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer for over four years and have follow-up appointments every three months, along with CT scans. Recently, I experienced a tingling sensation in my ear, so my doctor ordered an MRI. The report indica...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It did not exist originally. 2. Please first confirm whether there is a recurrence. The methods for confirmation are: (1) MRI to determine if there is a consultation with the ENT department and the radiation oncology department for radiological diagnosis. (2) Perform a ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: What You Need to Know