Understanding Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Cancer Patients: Concerns and Insights
Postoperative follow-up Hello, I have some questions regarding my experience with my elderly family member. Two years ago, they were diagnosed with stage 3B cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. They have been returning for follow-up appointments every three months, and ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
What type of cancer does your elder relative have? Please note that each type of cancer has different surgical and postoperative chemotherapy follow-up protocols. Generally, follow-up includes blood tests and consultations every 2-3 months, and imaging studies (such as CT scans o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Cancer Patients: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Surgical Biopsy Techniques for Breast Cancer Treatment
Surgical biopsy techniques for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother had a breast ultrasound at the clinic on January 17, which showed a tumor in her right breast. The doctor performed a surgical biopsy to remove a portion of the tissue for testing, and the report indicated that...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tin / 31 years old / Female Hello, 1. It is recommended to follow the decision made by your attending physician: A) to perform surgery to remove the tumor on February 10, and B) to proceed with chemotherapy afterward. You may not fully understand whether the physician means a ...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Biopsy Techniques for Breast Cancer Treatment
Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Infection? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: I have a history of hypertension and usually take medication to control it. My routine blood tests show a white blood cell count of about 12,000 to 13,000. On January 14, I received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and three days later, i...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult to determine whether it's an infection or a vaccine side effect, but based on your second blood test report, it does not appear to be leukemia, as there is no mention of blasts, which allows us to rule out the possibility of blood cancer. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Understanding Enlarged Neck Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Cancer Risks
Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes? Hello, Doctor! My mother is 67 years old. She lived in China for an extended period while caring for children and received the Sinopharm vaccine on June 24 of this year. At the end of August, she discovered swollen lymph nodes above her clavic...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may simply be localized lymphadenopathy caused by generalized urticaria, and since the fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes did not reveal any cancer cells and the size of the lymph nodes has decreased, it is recommended to just observe. As for whether it is relate...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Neck Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Cancer Risks
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello Doctor, I have a lump under my left nipple that varies in size; sometimes it is larger and sometimes smaller. It only causes mild pain when touched, so I haven't paid much attention to it, and I'm not sure how long it has been t...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiang / 19 years old / Male Hello, 1. I am unsure if the lump in my left chest is related? A: It is likely not related; the chances of them being two independent events are greater. 2. Could it be something serious? I hope the doctor can clarify. A: Certainly: The lymphaden...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Post-chemotherapy for lung cancer I would like to ask, after my father underwent chemotherapy for lung cancer, he experienced dizziness and then fell, with his eyes open and his body having slight convulsions. Despite my attempts to wake him, he remained unconscious. What could b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Yeh / 24 years old / Female Hello. 1. What is the cause of the illness? 1.A Did she suddenly have a stroke? 1.B Is it lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain? 2. Is the physical weakness due to chemotherapy, and did she sustain a head injury after falling?...[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Stage IV Colon Cancer Pain Management
Cancer treatment Hello Doctor: Last year, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. The doctor prescribed chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and for a while, her condition was well-controlled; she could eat, sleep, and move around like a normal person. However, I f...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: After reading the description, your mother was already diagnosed at stage IV, which is terminal, meaning it has essentially metastasized. All treatments for stage IV are merely to delay the inevitable; a cure is not possible. 1. Can monoclonal antibodies or bisphosphonate ...[Read More] Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Stage IV Colon Cancer Pain Management
Seeking Chemotherapy Port Removal Services Near My Home
Chemotherapy port removal Hello, doctor. I live in the Qingpu area of Zhongli. I have been diagnosed with colon cancer with metastasis to the liver and lungs, and I am currently receiving outpatient chemotherapy at Taipei Medical University Hospital. I need to carry a portable in...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
MK / 56 years old / Female, please schedule an appointment for Wednesday with Dr. Kao Chung-Shu at the Radiation Oncology Department. Wishing you peace at Taoyuan Hospital. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Seeking Chemotherapy Port Removal Services Near My Home
Understanding Leukemia Symptoms and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Symptoms and Tests for Leukemia Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. For the past 10 days, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever accompanied by severe, nearly all-day dizziness, extreme fatigue, and night sweats. I have also started to notice unexplained small bru...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Both the first and second test results are normal. 2. White blood cell counts fluctuate; each time you draw blood, the results can vary. The normal range is 4,000 to 9,000, but even if the count is slightly outside this range, it does not necessarily indicate disease. 3...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia Symptoms and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Stage IV Duodenal Cancer: Prognosis and Survival Rates
Duodenal cancer Doctor, what is the approximate survival rate for stage IV duodenal cancer?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
According to foreign literature statistics, the average median survival time for stage IV duodenal cancer is approximately 16 months. However, this figure is only a reference, indicating that about 50% of stage IV patients survive longer than 16 months. In reality, the survival d...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Duodenal Cancer: Prognosis and Survival Rates
Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. Global Perspectives
What are the differences in MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) between Taiwan and other countries? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your response yesterday, but it did not address my concerns. I have reviewed many original literature and studies from various countries, such as the UK...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I am a specialist in hematology, and I do not agree that myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are classified as cancer. I am not sure why other countries do this, and I do not wish to explain their actions. In any case, Taiwan is the only country with a national health insu...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. Global Perspectives
Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. International Perspectives
Regarding the differences in MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) between domestic and international contexts? Hello, doctor. I am a typical MPN patient with the JAK2 V617F mutation. Why is MPN classified as cancer abroad, while it is categorized as a non-cancer condition in my cou...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I agree that MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) is not cancer, as many people live their entire lives with it, whereas cancer can often lead to death more quickly. The disease progression of the two is fundamentally different. Although there is a small percentage of MPN ca...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. International Perspectives
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Consider a Biopsy
Neck mass Doctor, I have a lump over two centimeters in size on the right side of my neck. It is not painful and is movable. However, last week I went to the hospital's hematology and oncology department for blood tests and X-rays, all of which came back normal, and my cance...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chen / 22 years old / Male 1. Is a biopsy necessary to obtain an accurate result? A: Theoretically, yes. 2. The doctor also mentioned that continuous self-observation is important to see if it is growing larger. A: If it has not increased in size for 3 months, it should b...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Consider a Biopsy
Understanding SCC Index in Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
SCC index in the medical examination report? Hello Doctor, this year my menstrual cycle has been irregular for several months, with some delays. I underwent a basic visual pelvic examination, and the doctor indicated that there were no abnormalities. During the health check, addi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: SCC is the tumor marker for squamous cell carcinoma, primarily used for monitoring head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, certain types of lung cancer, and cervical cancer. However, its correlation with actual cancer diagnosis is not absolutely accurate. You can consult...[Read More] Understanding SCC Index in Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Insights from Treatment Reports
Duodenal ampullary cancer Hello, In May of this year, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV duodenal ampullary cancer and is not a candidate for surgery. After six cycles of chemotherapy, the tumor did not shrink, and she underwent three additional cycles. She just completed he...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Buee / 42 years old / Male 1. How is the progression of the disease? A: The assessment of the condition is best left to his attending physician. 2. Attached are the CEA and CA19-9 data, which seem to have suddenly surged twice recently. Does this indicate that the chemotherapy...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Insights from Treatment Reports
Understanding PET Scan Results and Cancer Risks: Key Questions Answered
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Issue 2 Dr. Chen, thank you for your response. Although I am still unsure about how to decide, I appreciate your analytical suggestions. I have a few questions that I would like to clarify: 1. The PET scan report indicates a suspected le...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Lin / 45 years old / Female 1. The doctor mentioned that the biopsy only examines the brightest areas and not the entire specimen. Does this approach help in identifying the overall nature of the epiglottis? A: The biopsy does not involve the complete excision of the speci...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results and Cancer Risks: Key Questions Answered
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Consume Rice Wine After Five Years?
After undergoing surgery for stage I breast cancer, is it permissible to consume three teaspoons of rice wine daily five years later? After undergoing surgery for stage I breast cancer, is it permissible to consume three teaspoons of rice wine on a daily basis five years later?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I cannot provide an answer regarding your breast cancer-related hormonal receptor status as it has not been disclosed. However, regardless of whether you have breast cancer or not, daily alcohol consumption is detrimental. It may increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, head ...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Consume Rice Wine After Five Years?
Understanding PET Scan Results: Navigating Tumor Concerns and Symptoms
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Issues Hello Doctor, I sincerely ask for your help in analyzing my situation and providing some advice, as I feel very helpless and do not know how to handle this. I am grateful for your assistance. I have been experiencing a persistent f...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Lin / 45 years old / Female 1. Doctor, if I truly have cancer, whether it is nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, or laryngeal cancer, would the symptoms I described indicate an early stage? Would the primary treatment be surgery, or are there other approaches? A: ...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: Navigating Tumor Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Duodenal ampullary cancer My mother was diagnosed with duodenal ampulla cancer and just completed her ninth round of chemotherapy yesterday. During this time, she has also been taking traditional Chinese medicine for conditioning. Her weight has dropped to 42 kg since the start o...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The tumor has not decreased in size but has also not increased (indicating that the tumor is in a stable control state). Additionally, the patient's overall condition has improved, and there has been weight gain, which suggests that the current treatment is still effective. ...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Managing Pain from Liver Cancer Metastasis: Options for Nerve Relief
Liver cancer metastasis My father was diagnosed with a liver tumor three years ago (which has been surgically removed), and it has metastasized to the ribs and pelvis (hip bone) and spine. Currently, the tumor in the hip bone is compressing a nerve, causing severe pain in both le...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mark, 43 years old, male, is it possible to destroy or remove the compressed nerve like in a root canal procedure to alleviate pain? A: Generally, radiation therapy is administered first, followed by morphine-based pain management. Nerve blocks are typically performed later, and ...[Read More] Managing Pain from Liver Cancer Metastasis: Options for Nerve Relief