Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Leukemia Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has leukemia, and she has had it for many years. She told me it is divided into four stages, and she is in the third stage. Is this due to genetic factors, or what are the other causes? Besides bone marrow transplantation, which can definitely...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
There are many types of leukemia, and your question is too broad to answer here. It would be best to consult her original treating physician directly with your girlfriend to get clearer information.[Read More] Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Should CLL Patients Worry About New Neck Lumps During Treatment?
excuse me? In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the appearance of new lymph node-like masses in the neck during treatment may be a cause for concern. It is important to evaluate these findings, as they could indicate disease progression or complications. It is rec...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), if new lymph nodes develop during chemotherapy, it indicates that the current treatment is limited in effectiveness. However, if hemoglobin and platelet counts remain stable, it would be expected that some lymph nodes are ...[Read More] Should CLL Patients Worry About New Neck Lumps During Treatment?
Important Considerations for Cold Medications in Leukemia Patients
excuse me? 1. For patients with leukemia and low white blood cell counts, are there any precautions to take when using cold medications (such as antibiotics, antihistamines, etc.)?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: Antibiotics and antihistamines should not pose any significant issues and can be taken as prescribed. Thank you.[Read More] Important Considerations for Cold Medications in Leukemia Patients
Can CLL Patients Safely Use Cold Medications?
Can patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) catch a cold? Is it concerning for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to take cold medications (antibiotics, antihistamines) when they have a cold? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear STD: Hello, regarding this issue, Dr. Kao Chung-Shu from the Oncology Department responds as follows: Unless the patient has a history of drug allergies, there are no adverse effects related to this condition. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Kao Chung-Shu, Atten...[Read More] Can CLL Patients Safely Use Cold Medications?
Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Primary thrombocythemia Hello Doctor: Male, 33 years old, height: 178 cm, weight: 68 kg, bad habits: smoking, staying up late. I impulsively went to the clinic for a blood test and found the following results: WBC: 10,900, RBC: 5.55, HGB: 17.2, HCT: 52.1, MCV: 93.9, MCH: 31, MCHC...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
The attending physician in the hematology department of the medical center said: "Since becoming a doctor, I have seen fewer than 10 patients with this condition. Therefore, I think you should definitely try another hospital. At least, Anagrelide is not currently the most re...[Read More] Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
A patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by the doctor for bone pain? 1. If a patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by their doctor for bone pain, can this medication be taken long-term?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: Blood cancer refers to leukemia, and treatment should be focused on leukemia. For bone pain, Fosamax (alendronate) may not be necessary, and there could be issues with insurance coverage as well.[Read More] Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Patient's Guide
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can interfere with the production of normal blood cells. CLL typically progresses slow...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: It is a monoclonal antibody that can target chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It may be more appropriate to discuss the potential benefits and side effects of this therapy with your doctor.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Chronic Leukemia: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chronic leukemia Hello, doctor! I recently received my health check report. My blood pressure (systolic) is 96, blood pressure (diastolic) is 60, urine occult blood is (+-), red blood cell count is 387, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration is 33.1, platelet count is 416,000,...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
In cases of iron deficiency anemia, an increase in platelet count is often observed. Please visit the hematology department at the hospital for a definitive diagnosis and treatment; there is no need to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Leukemia: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Low White Blood Cell Count and Skin Bruising: What You Need to Know
Leukopenia and subcutaneous bleeding? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask. 1. During my health check-up last June, my white blood cell count was low at 4.3. Will this affect my health, and how can I improve my immune system? 2. I recently saw a television ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Hui-Ling: A white blood cell count of 4.3 is equivalent to 4300/microL, which is still within the normal range. However, since you have been experiencing persistent subcutaneous bleeding in your legs and arms, it is important to seek consultation with a hematologist as soon a...[Read More] Low White Blood Cell Count and Skin Bruising: What You Need to Know
Leukemia Patients and Fire Ant Bites: Risks and Precautions
Please ask questions related to leukemia? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor: if someone has leukemia and is bitten by a red fire ant, what possible complications could arise? Are there any specific precautions that should be taken to avoid further deterioration of their healt...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Regardless of the type of leukemia—whether active, undergoing treatment, or in remission—the immune system is inevitably weaker than that of a healthy individual. In the event of a bite, aside from the toxins and allergic reactions that may occur, the most concerning issue is the...[Read More] Leukemia Patients and Fire Ant Bites: Risks and Precautions
Is There a Link Between Childhood Leukemia and Adult Brain Tumors?
Brain tumor I have a cousin who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3 or 4 and has since been cured. Follow-up results show that he has not relapsed. Now, at 24 years old, he suddenly developed a brain tumor last year, which was surgically removed, but this year, another br...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Tina: Malignant brain tumors are indeed difficult to completely resect, so the chance of recurrence is significant. As for the relationship with blood cancer, if the patient was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia years ago and underwent radiation therapy to the brain to eli...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Childhood Leukemia and Adult Brain Tumors?
Can Leukemia Patients Get Married? Genetic Risks and Pregnancy Testing Explained
Can a person with leukemia get married? I have a boyfriend with whom I have a good relationship, and we have recently discussed the topic of marriage. I have been suffering from acute myeloid leukemia for 16 years and have stopped all treatments. I am a bit concerned about whethe...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Vivian: The genetic mutations associated with leukemia are limited to blood cells and should not pose any hereditary issues. However, the chemotherapy you underwent may have caused DNA damage to your germ cells. If your menstrual cycle returns to normal, it is possible for you to...[Read More] Can Leukemia Patients Get Married? Genetic Risks and Pregnancy Testing Explained
The Necessity of Cranial Radiation in Pediatric Leukemia Treatment
The Necessity of Cranial Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Leukemia Patients Dear Doctor, My daughter is five years old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) last year. At the time of diagnosis, her white blood cell count was approximately 170,000, and she exhib...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Apple: Indeed, cranial radiation therapy can lead to various side effects in children in terms of cognitive function, attention, height, endocrine function, and bone density. An alternative approach is to use what you referred to as Triple IT and High Dose Methotrexate therap...[Read More] The Necessity of Cranial Radiation in Pediatric Leukemia Treatment
Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Prognosis and Treatment Options
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Dear Dr. Fan, My cousin, who is about 10 years old, was hospitalized due to gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Unfortunately, due to a delay of nearly two months in Vietnam, her condition has worsened significantly...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Jing: Based on your assessment, the situation appears to be very pessimistic due to significant delays in treatment. It is challenging to administer chemotherapy to patients with renal failure, and without chemotherapy, acute lymphoblastic leukemia cannot achieve remission a...[Read More] Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Prognosis and Treatment Options
Understanding High White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Blood Cancer?
Elevated white blood cell count? Dear Doctor, My mother is 71 years old, and her health has not been very good this past week. She has been feeling lethargic and wanting to sleep all the time, which has caused us great concern. Yesterday, we finally persuaded her to go to the ho...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Concerned individual: Based on the data you provided, this is definitely blood cancer, specifically leukemia. Leukemia can be acute or chronic, and the treatment varies, but it is not necessarily a "terminal illness." In terms of diet, please refrain from eating fruits ...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Blood Cancer?
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Beyond Blood Cancer Risks
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor: My mother is 46 years old. A few days ago, she underwent an adult health check-up and her white blood cell count was over 20,000. The doctor mentioned the possibility of leukemia. Could you please tell me what other conditions could cause elevated white...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Bao: There are too many possibilities to guess and answer one by one. It's best to see a hematologist for advice as soon as possible. If, unfortunately, one is diagnosed with blood cancer, it doesn't necessarily mean it's terminal. Some types of blood cancer can ...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Beyond Blood Cancer Risks
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in Young Children: When to Seek Further Evaluation
The young girl has a peanut-sized lump located 2-3 centimeters behind each ear on the neck? A 2-year-old girl has a hard lump about the size of a peanut, located approximately 2-3 cm behind her ear on the back of her head. It is movable. A month ago, a physician mentioned that su...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mrs. Wang: The most likely cause of your child's enlarged lymph nodes behind the ear is a viral infection. We can arrange for a blood test, and if leukemia is ruled out, then I recommend just monitoring the situation. There's no need to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in Young Children: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Leukemia Treatment: Differences in Approaches and Medication Management
Treatment methods for leukemia? Dear Doctor, I have a question regarding the treatment of leukemia that I would like to ask you. My sister, who is studying abroad, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL, L2) in November of last year. Initially, she underwent the fi...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Jiaxiang: Antibiotics are used to prevent infections when white blood cell counts are low, while contraceptives are intended to prevent heavy bleeding associated with menstruation, especially when a low platelet count is anticipated. Now that your blood cell counts have retu...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia Treatment: Differences in Approaches and Medication Management
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
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