Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma
Hello Dr. Hu: Issues related to bile duct cancer? Hello Dr. Hu: The elder has been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, which has metastasized to the thoracic vertebrae, liver, and duodenum. The thoracic vertebrae have been partially resected, but there is almost no sensation in th...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Each patient's response to chemotherapy varies, but if the patient is newly diagnosed with adequate physical condition and normal cardiopulmonary and renal function, chemotherapy (or possibly adding self-funded immunotherapy) can be considered. Approximately 20-30% of patien...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma
Post-Surgery Weakness in Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Immediate Chemotherapy Advisable?
After surgery for bile duct cancer, if the patient is experiencing weakness, should adjuvant chemotherapy be initiated immediately? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma a month ago after being admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain. She ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rita, 47 years old, female 1. Visiting medical centers such as Shin Kong Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Shuang Ho Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, and Mackay Memorial Hospital. 2. Hematology-Oncology department speciali...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Immediate Chemotherapy Advisable?
Understanding Liver and Kidney Function in Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma
Diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma with a 14 cm liver tumor metastasized to the thoracic vertebrae? Hello doctor, my husband has been diagnosed with a 14 cm cholangiocarcinoma with metastasis to the thoracic spine. In such cases, what are the typical values and trends for liver fu...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma measuring 14 cm; if the patient's physical condition, eating function, and weight are normal, there may be only mild liver function abnormalities, with slight elevations in jaundice and renal function indices, among other abnormal laboratory v...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Kidney Function in Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Postoperative and chemotherapy monitoring of abnormal CEA levels? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a colectomy last November, and her CEA level was in the 70s at that time. After the surgery, the level did not decrease. Following the initiation of chemotherapy, the CEA level con...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level is indeed a tumor marker, but it is not specific and is not limited to colorectal cancer. Elevated levels can occur in various cancers throughout the body, such as head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, pa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Advanced Bile Duct Cancer
A 9 cm cholangiocarcinoma tumor? Hello Dr. Chen: My grandfather is in his seventies. When bile duct cancer was discovered, the tumor was already 9 centimeters and had metastasized to the abdominal cavity. The hospital mentioned that the family could consider chemotherapy, but my ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are not many chemotherapy drugs available for cholangiocarcinoma. Generally, physicians may choose injectable options such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Gemcitabine (Gemzar), or Cisplatin (selecting one or two of these). Additionally, there is an oral chemothe...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Advanced Bile Duct Cancer
Can Palliative Care Be the Only Option for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma?
Is a 13 cm tumor from bile duct cancer that has metastasized to the liver only eligible for palliative care? In June, the mother was found to have elevated liver enzymes during a diabetes check-up. She had previously experienced an allergic reaction to contrast agents. A subseque...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Grace: I personally believe that with a life expectancy of three months to a few weeks, the pain from surgery and chemotherapy is unbearable. Other methods to boost immunity may be costly and may not extend survival time. Palliative care is the option that should be accepted at t...[Read More] Can Palliative Care Be the Only Option for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma?
Understanding Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Bile Duct Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Malignant tumors of the liver and bile ducts with lymph node metastasis? My mother has had a shadow on her liver for over ten years. The doctor said it was fine as long as it didn't grow. Last year, she visited the doctor due to a gastrointestinal flu, and the doctor found t...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
I suspect that Xiaoyu has cholangiocarcinoma. For cases that can be completely resected, the 5-year survival rate is 30-40%, and the average lifespan is 32-38 months. This is actually considered a cancer with a relatively poor prognosis. I would like to ask if the physician can p...[Read More] Understanding Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Bile Duct Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Causes of bile duct cancer and treatment methods? Hello Doctor, my grandmother has been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. I would like to ask you about the "causes" of cholangiocarcinoma and the current "treatment" methods available. How can we better "c...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: Most patients with cholangiocarcinoma do not have a clear cause. However, intrahepatic stones and certain carcinogens such as dioxins have been reported as risk factors for the development of cholangiocarcinoma. Treatment options depend on the extent of tumor invasion, and...[Read More] Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips