Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Future Family Planning
Thyroid cancer Hello, I would like to ask a few questions. Last month, I underwent thyroid surgery in Taipei, and the pathology report confirmed that I have papillary thyroid carcinoma. The doctor mentioned that cancer cells were only found in the right thyroid lobe, so they only...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! 1. Electrotherapy refers to radiation therapy. 2. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer and generally has a better prognosis. Typically, if surgical resection is performed, there is no need for additional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. I...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Future Family Planning
Latest Advances in Cancer Screening: Methods, Organs, and Facilities
Cancer screening Cancer Screening: 1. What are the latest methods for cancer testing? 2. Which organs can be examined? 3. Can computed tomography (CT) scans be used for screening, or are there updated instruments? 4. Which hospitals are currently offering screening?
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! Currently, most cancers do not have early screening tools. A few types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, can be screened using Pap smears. Other cancers, like liver cancer, have clearly defined high-risk groups that can be targeted for screening. However, the use of vari...[Read More] Latest Advances in Cancer Screening: Methods, Organs, and Facilities
Survival Chances for Late-Stage Malignant Tumors in the Head
Malignant tumors of the head? If there is a malignant tumor in the upper left part of the head (stage III) and surgery was performed three years ago at National Taiwan University Hospital, followed by two months of chemotherapy, what is her survival probability? She has been miss...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! The survival rate of head and neck cancers is closely related to clinical staging and whether local treatments can eradicate the primary tumor. Therefore, the information provided by netizens cannot accurately estimate patient prognosis, but it appears that there may still...[Read More] Survival Chances for Late-Stage Malignant Tumors in the Head
Understanding Colon Cancer: Severity, Treatment, and Survival Rates for Young Patients
Colorectal cancer Colon cancer (diagnosed in September after issues arose in January) requiring the placement of a vascular graft and chemotherapy indicates a serious condition. The patient is 29 years old with no family history of the disease, has a low water intake, and is a pi...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: (1) For metastatic colorectal cancer, the standard treatment is chemotherapy. Some stage II and stage III patients must also receive six months of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Long-term infusion chemotherapy usually requires the placement of a vascular access devic...[Read More] Understanding Colon Cancer: Severity, Treatment, and Survival Rates for Young Patients
Understanding Rapid Recurrence of Germ Cell Tumors: Treatment Options and Insights
Germ cell tumor I would like to ask Dr. Fan a question. 1. I have a family member who is a cancer patient (male) diagnosed with a "germ cell tumor" located on the diaphragm in the thoracic cavity. He has been receiving treatment at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and u...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
KK: Hello, may I ask if "continuously receiving treatment at Taipei Veterans General Hospital" and "readmission for treatment" refer to chemotherapy? The standard treatment for this condition typically involves several rounds of intensive chemotherapy followed...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Recurrence of Germ Cell Tumors: Treatment Options and Insights
Exploring the Clinical Use of AS2O3 in Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Regarding the treatment with AS2O3 (Arsenic Trioxide)? Because my current research is related to arsenic trioxide, I would like to ask Dr. Fan the following questions: 1. Is the clinical use of AS2O3 in Taiwan currently high? (Since literature reports indicate better treatment ou...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear graduate student: The use of arsenic trioxide in clinical practice is not very common. However, due to its reasonable safety profile, it has been tried in various tumors, but it is not recognized as a standard therapy for cancers other than acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)...[Read More] Exploring the Clinical Use of AS2O3 in Cancer Treatment in Taiwan
Managing Nutrition and Side Effects During Cancer Treatment
Hong Cheng Hello Dr. Tseng, I have an uncle who is currently undergoing radiation therapy at the Veterans General Hospital. He has been experiencing hair loss and has mentioned that his mouth and throat are sore. During meals, he can only eat porridge (which he mostly drinks) and...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! When patients with head and neck tumors undergo radiation therapy, they may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, mucosal damage, sore throat, and changes in taste due to radiation exposure to the oral mucosa and salivary glands. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid acidic...[Read More] Managing Nutrition and Side Effects During Cancer Treatment
Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
Electrotherapy Dear Dr. Tseng: My uncle has recently started radiation therapy for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. What side effects should we expect? Are there any dietary or lifestyle considerations we should be aware of? Additionally, are there any traditional Chinese medi...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! In the case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy, common acute side effects include dry mouth (typically occurring two weeks post-radiation), mucosal damage in the pharynx (around three weeks post-radiation), and throat pain. As treatment nears completion, the irradiat...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
How to Help Cancer Patients with Pain and Sleep Issues?
What should be done for cancer patients who often complain of pain and cannot sleep? Dr. Tseng Yu-Hua: Thank you for your inquiry. What should be done if a patient frequently complains of pain and cannot sleep? Given that the patient has a very low dietary intake, should the fami...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Approximately 80% of cancer patients experience pain. Pain can also affect sleep, mood, and appetite. Patients should first address their pain by adjusting the dosage of analgesics until pain is adequately controlled. For poor sleep, sedatives may be used, and for decrease...[Read More] How to Help Cancer Patients with Pain and Sleep Issues?
Do You Need Surgery for Breast Lipomas or Fibromas? Expert Insights
Do breast lipomas or fibromas always need to be surgically removed? Hello, doctor. Recently, I discovered a painless soft mass about 3 centimeters wide in my left chest. After examination, the doctor diagnosed it as a lipoma and recommended surgical removal. Is surgery absolutely...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Depending on your age, if you are over 30 years old and have a breast lump, it is safer to have it surgically removed for pathological examination. If you are under 30, most cases are benign tumors. If an ultrasound examination suggests that it does not appear malignant, m...[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for Breast Lipomas or Fibromas? Expert Insights
Supporting Terminally Ill Patients: Guidance for Families and Caregivers
How to accompany terminally ill patients and address related concerns? Thank you? Dear doctors: My mother, who is 75 years old, has been diagnosed with stage 3-4 kidney cancer and is currently hospitalized. I would like to ask: 1. How should family members accompany her, and when...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! For terminal cancer patients who have undergone aggressive treatment without success and continue to experience symptoms, after thorough communication and assessment, they may enter a palliative care unit for supportive treatment. Once symptoms are alleviated, patients can...[Read More] Supporting Terminally Ill Patients: Guidance for Families and Caregivers
Understanding the Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment
What are the side effects of chemotherapy? What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Chemotherapy is administered through oral and intravenous routes, with the drugs being absorbed and transported by the circulatory system to the tumors, exerting their anti-cancer effects. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Best Foods for Recovery After Chemotherapy: Tips for Cancer Patients
What should I eat after chemotherapy to help my body recover more easily? Hello, I would like to ask what patients undergoing chemotherapy should eat to support their health, and what precautions they should take regarding their diet to help combat cancer. Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Balanced nutrition is still the most important aspect for patients. Western medicine does not have as many dietary restrictions as traditional Chinese medicine. However, it is advisable to consume spicy and stimulating foods in moderation. Regarding beverages: limit alcoho...[Read More] Best Foods for Recovery After Chemotherapy: Tips for Cancer Patients
Can Cancer Patients Take B2 or B12 Supplements During Chemotherapy?
Can I take health supplements B2 or B12 while undergoing chemotherapy? My mother has a tumor about one centimeter in size in her lungs, located near a blood vessel, and surgery is not an option. She has undergone bronchoscopy and biopsy, and the results were negative. Does this i...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello Charlene, health supplements such as B2, B12, and folic acid are consumable.[Read More] Can Cancer Patients Take B2 or B12 Supplements During Chemotherapy?
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Dear Oncologist, I am a 30-year-old female. About a month ago, I noticed a lump approximately 1 cm in diameter located in the right lower part of my neck, near the clavicle. Two weeks ago, I visited the ENT department at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Hsinchu. After blood...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it seems to be lymphadenopathy following an infection. After controlling the infection, it should decrease in size, although it may not completely disappear, and you can continue to monitor it. Since you are seeing an otolaryngologist, they shoul...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Tips for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Hello: One of my uncles has been diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer, and I heard that the cancer cells have spread to the brain. What type of treatment would be better and have fewer side effects? What aspects of lifestyle and diet should be ta...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: The stage four you mentioned may involve a large local tumor invading the skull base, or it could indeed have metastasized to the brain. There are likely significant cervical lymph node metastases as well. Treatment must include radiation therapy, followed by consideration...[Read More] Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Tips for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce Cancer Risk in Genetic Cases?
Can improving lifestyle habits reduce the risk? Hello: I would like to ask, many people say that changing lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of cancer, but for hereditary cancers (such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer), can improving lifestyle or dietary habits effectivel...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Good dietary habits can somewhat reduce the risk of cancer. As you mentioned, both breast cancer and colorectal cancer are somewhat related to a high-fat diet, and of course, a family history should be taken into special consideration. The causes of cancer are often relate...[Read More] Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce Cancer Risk in Genetic Cases?
Do Sausages and Grilled Foods Really Increase Cancer Risk?
Does it really cause cancer? There have been claims that consuming sausages while drinking Yakult can lead to cancer. Is this true? Also, is it true that eating charred parts of grilled meat is more likely to cause cancer? Should we reduce our intake of barbecued foods due to the...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! There are no research reports indicating that eating sausages and drinking Yakult can cause cancer; this is likely just a myth. Cooking meat at high temperatures, such as grilling, can produce amine compounds that may be carcinogenic. Long-term consumption of these foods c...[Read More] Do Sausages and Grilled Foods Really Increase Cancer Risk?
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
What are the causes of adenocarcinoma and what symptoms may arise from it? What are the causes of adenocarcinoma and what symptoms can it produce?
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! The causes of cancer are numerous and are often related to environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and viral genetics. It is believed that good lifestyle habits can prevent about 80% of cancers. Good lifestyle habits include: 1. A balanced diet 2. Avoiding moldy foods 3. ...[Read More] Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Leukemia: Causes, Genetics, and Family Risk Factors
Leukemia Hello, I would like to ask about the causes of leukemia and whether it is related to genetics. My brother has leukemia, but no one else in my family does. I would like to know if I have a chance of having a child with leukemia.
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: Leukemia, like other cancers, is caused by genetic changes. While there are hereditary factors associated with leukemia, they are very rare, and typically such families have multiple members who develop cancer at a young age. It is believed that your family does not fall i...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia: Causes, Genetics, and Family Risk Factors