Should You Undergo Laryngoscopy for Thyroid Cancer Symptoms?
Should a laryngoscopy be performed, or can it be avoided? Symptoms: Hello, Doctor! The patient is a woman in her 60s. She recently underwent surgery for thyroid cancer about two months ago, but has suddenly developed a small swelling on the surface of her chest. A chest CT scan s...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! The patient has two types of cancer, and if an abnormal new tumor is found, it is advisable to perform a biopsy for examination if there are any suspicions. Whether to use regional or general anesthesia should be discussed with an anesthesiologist. Additionally, the patien...[Read More] Should You Undergo Laryngoscopy for Thyroid Cancer Symptoms?
Survival Rates for Thyroid Cancer Stages and Post-Op Considerations
patient What are the survival rates for different stages of thyroid cancer? If a patient has two types of cancer after surgery, what additional precautions should be taken?
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Thyroid cancer survival rates are not typically documented in general literature by stage; the most important factor is the degree of differentiation. Generally, patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer and lower risk factors have a very high overall survival rate,...[Read More] Survival Rates for Thyroid Cancer Stages and Post-Op Considerations
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Risks, and Concerns
What causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Today, I heard my mom say that my dad has nasopharyngeal cancer, and I don't understand the severity of this disease... Is it very serious? The other day, I also saw my dad have a nosebleed... and I often have them too... I'm a bit ...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! Nosebleeds can be one of the many symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer, but it does not mean that a nosebleed necessarily indicates nasopharyngeal cancer. There are many causes for nosebleeds, and if you have concerns, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to determi...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Risks, and Concerns
Understanding Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: Care and Recovery Tips
Small intestine adenocarcinoma Hello! My mother is 60 years old. A month ago, she was diagnosed with small intestine adenocarcinoma and a 3-4 cm ulcer in the small intestine, with some metastasis to the colon. During surgery, it was found that resection was not possible (the canc...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! After general abdominal surgery, due to the effects of anesthesia, bowel motility is often reduced, and it is necessary to wait for the passage of gas and a minimal output from the nasogastric tube before resuming oral intake. If a patient is unable to eat for an extended ...[Read More] Understanding Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: Care and Recovery Tips
Understanding Melanoma: Risks, Symptoms, and Skin Changes
Melanoma I previously received an email regarding melanoma. I'm not sure if this type of cancer really exists. Additionally, my husband's mole has been growing larger. I'm concerned about whether this poses any health risks and if it is related to melanoma. I would...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Huang: Melanoma does exist and it is indeed a very frightening type of cancer. When moles on the body change shape or ulcerate and bleed, special caution is warranted. I recommend that your husband quickly visit a major hospital to see a plastic surgeon, have the enlarging mo...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: Risks, Symptoms, and Skin Changes
Understanding CEA Levels in Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment: Key Questions
C EA issue Dear Dr. Fan, I would like to ask you some questions again. My father was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and started chemotherapy on June 15 (CEA: 75). On June 27, his CEA level increased to 85. He was hospitalized for about five days for chemotherapy and was disc...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Tiffany: An increase in CEA levels indicates that the cancer is not under control. Please discuss with the attending physician whether to change the prescription. If the treatment for bone metastasis is effective, pain can be alleviated. In such cases, chemotherapy will need ...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment: Key Questions
Finding a Hematology-Oncology Specialist for Blood Cancer Treatment
Hematology-Oncology specialist Hi, I have a friend who has leukemia. Can you recommend a specialist in hematologic oncology? I have no idea which hospital to go to or who to consult. Thanks a lot.
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Vivien: It depends on where your friend lives. However, since leukemia often leads to emergent conditions, I believe that the patient has been admitted to a hospital for treatment. In general, I would recommend that a leukemia patient be treated at a medical center. On the o...[Read More] Finding a Hematology-Oncology Specialist for Blood Cancer Treatment
Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Expert Insights
Is coughing up blood related to neck tumors? Hello, Doctor: I am a 53-year-old female. Last year, I had a soft mass in my nasopharynx, and when I coughed it up, it turned out to be a blood clot. This lasted for three days. I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a nasal ultras...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Cherry: Your hemoptysis and purulent sputum may be indicative of bronchiectasis or tuberculosis. Please consider visiting a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Tuberculosis can present with cervical lymphadenopathy. Lung cancer can also cause hemoptysis and may metastasize ...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Expert Insights
Does Chewing Gum Increase Cancer Risk? What You Need to Know
Does chewing gum cause cancer? Hello, doctor: I chew gum every day, after every meal. I have been doing this for 5 years. Is it possible that it could cause cancer? If so, what ingredients in gum might be carcinogenic? Are there specific brands that contain carcinogens? I'm ...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello, Shaolong! Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that chewing gum causes cancer. Wishing you and your family peace and happiness from Dr. Tseng Yuhua at Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Does Chewing Gum Increase Cancer Risk? What You Need to Know
Understanding Carcinoma In Situ: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Carcinoma in situ What is in situ cancer? It sounds like a type of cancer. Is it treatable? Will it progress to more severe cancer?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Chan: Carcinoma in situ is the earliest stage of cancer; it is indeed cancer but is still confined to the mucosal layer and has not invaded the submucosal or muscular layers. If left untreated, it can progress to invade surrounding tissues, at which point it would be consider...[Read More] Understanding Carcinoma In Situ: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Does Chemotherapy Cause Body Aches? Understanding Symptoms and Treatments
Does chemotherapy cause body aches? My friend's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and underwent a left mastectomy. Over the past year, she has been continuously undergoing chemotherapy, transitioning from radiation therapy to a medication known as "littl...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. BalBal: Chemotherapy can indeed cause generalized body aches, particularly with paclitaxel being the most notable. Consider using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the symptoms. Black spots in the lungs? Generally, metastases appear as white spots on X-rays. ...[Read More] Does Chemotherapy Cause Body Aches? Understanding Symptoms and Treatments
Pregnant with Chronic Leukemia: Risks and Considerations for Mother and Baby
I have blood cancer, but I am pregnant..? Hello Doctor, I found out two years ago that I have chronic leukemia, but I recently discovered that I am pregnant, and I am now three months along. I am still considering whether to carry the baby to term. If I decide to proceed with t...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
If you are still undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, it may adversely affect your baby. Please discuss this with your hematologist-oncologist and obstetrician as soon as possible.[Read More] Pregnant with Chronic Leukemia: Risks and Considerations for Mother and Baby
Understanding Artificial Vessels and Cancer Treatment Concerns
Artificial blood vessel Dear Dr. Fan, Thank you very much for answering my previous question (was my judgment correct?). Initially, my CEA level at the first hospital was 51.5, but after transferring to another hospital, it increased to 85.5. The two tests were conducted approxi...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Tiffany: Currently, the implantation of artificial blood vessels is very common, and the technology is quite mature. Wound healing occurs rapidly, and the risk of infection is minimal, so please feel confident in following your doctor's advice. During chemotherapy, since can...[Read More] Understanding Artificial Vessels and Cancer Treatment Concerns
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment: Insights and Questions
Cervical cancer treatment Dear Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you about my mother. In February 1999, she was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer and subsequently underwent surgery, during which her uterus, ovaries, and pelvic lymph nodes were removed. After her discharge, she ...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
In terms of radiation therapy, the aforementioned management is sufficient. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor for any recurrence or late effects. Generally, early-stage cancer has a higher cure rate, but no physician can guarantee that there will be no recurrence or met...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment: Insights and Questions
Understanding Lymphadenopathy and Cancer Treatment Options
Is it correct? Hello Doctor: My father underwent right nephrectomy and right ureterectomy about four years ago, diagnosed with malignant tumor of the right ureter. However, after the surgery, he was monitored, and the doctor advised that he only needed to have annual check-ups st...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Tiffany: The organizational report you provided is not a true pathological diagnosis; it only describes the clinical signs listed on the application form. If you have a pathological report, you could consult a physician nearby regarding the pathological diagnosis mentioned th...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy and Cancer Treatment Options
Effective Treatment and Dietary Tips for Stage II Lung Cancer
For stage II lung adenocarcinoma, treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and possibly radiation therapy, depending on the specific case and the patient's overall health. In terms of dietary considerations, it is important to maintain a balance...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Chen: You likely have squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, correct? As for what you refer to as the intermediate stage, I wouldn't want to speculate. However, if your surgeon determines that surgery cannot completely remove it, then I believe that a combination of radiat...[Read More] Effective Treatment and Dietary Tips for Stage II Lung Cancer
Managing Side Effects of Cancer Treatment: Tips for Better Focus and Sleep
Side effects I have a friend who needs to undergo long-term treatment with medication due to cancer. However, the side effects of the medication make it difficult for him to maintain a regular routine, as he often experiences excessive drowsiness from the medication, which is qui...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Lin: Currently, I cannot think of any oral chemotherapy or hormone medications for cancer that could cause drowsiness, so I am unable to provide a definitive answer to your question. I apologize for that. Alternatively, you could tell me the names of the medications your frie...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Cancer Treatment: Tips for Better Focus and Sleep
Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Stage IV Lung Cancer Patients
About chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Yang, my father was hospitalized on April 26 at Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu due to a suspected stroke (he was conscious at the time). After emergency treatment, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which has progressed to stage IV. The doctor...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Patients with brain metastases have an average life expectancy of only one to two months if left untreated. However, with the addition of radiation therapy, the average survival can be extended by four to five months. Most patients pass away within a year, and surviving beyond a ...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Stage IV Lung Cancer Patients
Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Is liver cancer treatable? Last year, my father discovered that he was suffering from severe abdominal pain. Initially, he thought it was discomfort caused by high blood pressure. After undergoing an examination at a veterans hospital, he was diagnosed with cancer and was advised...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
In principle, surgery should be performed whenever possible. The decision to add radiation therapy and chemotherapy will depend on the surgical findings and the pathology results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cancer, but it cannot guarantee th...[Read More] Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Does Long-Term Antiperspirant Use Increase Breast Cancer Risk?
Does long-term use of antiperspirants lead to breast cancer? I am a heavy user of antiperspirants, and I came across an article titled "The Cause of Toxin Accumulation Leading to Malignant Tumors is... Antiperspirants." The content states that women who use antiperspira...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Chen: The mechanism of antiperspirants is to temporarily block the sweat gland openings using aluminum salts. There are no reports in the medical literature linking them to any form of cancer, so please do not easily believe such rumors; otherwise, it would be difficult to se...[Read More] Does Long-Term Antiperspirant Use Increase Breast Cancer Risk?