Understanding Early Stage Colon Cancer: Key Terms Explained
Microscopic description of the sigmoid colon? 1. IMA stands for Inferior Mesenteric Artery, which is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower part of the colon. 2. Stromal invasion refers to the infiltration of cancer cells into the supportive tissue (stroma) surrou...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Wu: IMA stands for Inferior Mesenteric Artery, which supplies blood flow to the distal colon. Stromal invasion means that cancer cells have penetrated the intestinal wall. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Understanding Early Stage Colon Cancer: Key Terms Explained
Nutrition Tips for Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
About chemotherapy? A few months ago, my mother underwent a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer. After surgery, it was found to be stage II. She now has a Port-A catheter and has started chemotherapy with 5-FU injections. I would like to ask the doctor: Previo...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: A normal diet is fine, and you can eat beef as well, just avoid overly fatty foods and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. It’s best to have a colonoscopy once a year. Your mother should still be quite young, so it's important to be aware of hereditary fact...[Read More] Nutrition Tips for Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Managing Pain and Symptoms After Stage IV Colon Cancer Surgery and Chemotherapy
Pain My aunt underwent a tumor resection surgery for stage IV colon cancer (which has metastasized to the liver) about a month ago (July 4). Last Thursday (July 27), she received her second round of chemotherapy. On the first day after the treatment, she felt very good, but start...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is likely a side effect of chemotherapy. 2. The patient's condition is best understood by the primary physician, so I recommend asking the patient's attending physician if they can be contacted for consultation outside of outpatient hours. 3. Finally, I sug...[Read More] Managing Pain and Symptoms After Stage IV Colon Cancer Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Retinal Pigment Deposits: Potential Links to Cancer and Diagnosis
Retinal pigment deposition I have been diagnosed with retinal pigment deposits in my right eye by an ophthalmologist, who informed me that this could be a precursor to colon cancer. However, my blood tests conducted by a gastroenterologist came back normal. Is there a possibility...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
ELMER: There is a hereditary form of colorectal cancer known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Within FAP families, there is a subtype called Gardner's syndrome. Patients with Gardner's syndrome develop multiple thickened lesions in the retinal pigment epithelium...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Pigment Deposits: Potential Links to Cancer and Diagnosis
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: A Grandfather's Journey and Treatment Options
My grandfather has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer? Hello, doctor. My grandfather (80 years old this year) was diagnosed with colon cancer last year. He underwent surgery in mainland China to remove a section of his intestine and received chemotherapy for 2-3 months. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It should be either metastasis or recurrence; confirmation is necessary, and a biopsy may be required for verification. However, most people accept the diagnosis and proceed with further treatment without confirmation. The prognosis is quite serious, and the current c...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer: A Grandfather's Journey 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
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
Understanding Cancer Risk and Treatment Progress in Family History
About cancer? My grandmother died of lung cancer, my maternal grandmother died of colon cancer, and my father died of liver cancer. Currently, my mother is undergoing chemotherapy for stage IV breast cancer. Doctor, does this increase my likelihood of developing cancer? Another q...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The current probability of developing cancer is about 1 in 3.5 to 4 people, but others may also succumb to heart disease, diabetes, etc., so try to stay positive! 2. For changes in cancer markers, it is advisable to consult the physician currently treating her. Sincerel...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Risk and Treatment Progress in Family History
Understanding CEA Levels: Do You Need Colon Cancer Screening?
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Recently, I underwent a physical examination due to constipation and hemorrhoids. The results showed a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 3.1 µg/L. My stool is hard but there is no occult blood. I do not smoke. Should I be screened for colorect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: The normal value for CEA is <4, which can be monitored every three to six months or during a general health check-up. (A) Alternatively, a colonoscopy or barium enema can be performed. (B) CEA levels can be elevated due to (1) malignant tumors such as those in the gastr...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels: Do You Need Colon Cancer Screening?
Managing Advanced Colon Cancer with Liver Metastasis in Elderly Patients
Malignant colorectal tumor with liver metastasis? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 83 years old and underwent surgery at the end of July for a malignant colon tumor with multiple liver metastases, during which the right side of the colon was resected. Postoperatively, everything was ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Oral chemotherapy agents. 2. Experimental oral chemotherapy medication! 3. None. 4. Urinary issues suspected to be related to prostate problems; bilateral leg edema due to poor liver function resulting in fluid retention. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Oncology.[Read More] Managing Advanced Colon Cancer with Liver Metastasis in Elderly Patients
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
Post-Colon Cancer Surgery Concerns: Life Expectancy and Treatment Options
Questions regarding post-operative care for colorectal cancer? My father underwent a radical resection of the ascending colon on October 16, 2000, and was diagnosed with stage III cancer prior to the surgery. After being discharged, he had four bowel movements a day, with the las...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
After surgery for colon cancer with local lymph node metastasis, adjuvant therapy should be intensified. Both local radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy are necessary. Chemotherapy may cause some harm to the body, but its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, so please rest...[Read More] Post-Colon Cancer Surgery Concerns: Life Expectancy and Treatment Options
Can Detox Water Remove Radiation and Toxins from the Body?
Is there detox water? 1. Will radiation from a CT scan for colon cancer remain in the body, and if so, what methods can be used to eliminate it? 2. There are claims that certain devices can measure toxins and radiation in the body. If radiation levels are too high, the owners o...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Unless radioactive substances are ingested, radiation does not remain in the body. Generally, the effects of radiation refer to its biological effects; the greater the exposure to radiation, the stronger the biological effects, and the greater the harm to the body. To the best of...[Read More] Can Detox Water Remove Radiation and Toxins from the Body?