Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Elevated AFP levels persist, and abdominal ultrasound shows no abnormalities? On May 25, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up. On June 21, I received the report indicating that my Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is a marker for liver cancer, was elevated at 19.3. On J...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician/nutritionist. Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello. I apologize for the delayed response as I was abroad. 1. I would like to ask if there are any other benign conditio...[Read More] Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal elevation of AFP levels? Hello, I underwent a physical examination on May 25th, where it was found that my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated at 19.3. Other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, were all normal. A...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. Please refer to the first response. 2. If the CT scan still shows no abnormalities, what additional tests (which can be self-paid) are recommended to identify the cause? A: A whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be cons...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal elevation of AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) levels? Hello, I underwent a health check on May 25th, where it was found that my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated at 19.3. All related liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If a CT scan does not reveal any abnormalities in the liver, an MRI scan is usually arranged for further evaluation. We will wait for the results of the examination. If any abnormalities are found, it will be up to the physician to determine the next steps. I cannot answer...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Switching Liver Cancer Treatment: From Lenvatinib to A+B Therapy
First-line medications for advanced liver cancer? Hello Dr. Hu, My father has been diagnosed with liver cancer that has metastasized to the bones. He has been taking Lenvatinib (Lenvima) for over two years. Recently, the National Health Insurance Administration has approved cov...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is not possible to switch from the National Health Insurance (NHI) Reza Wa to NHI A+B according to the regulations of NHI coverage. However: 1. If Reza Wa is still effective, it is recommended to continue using it; 2. If Reza Wa is deemed ineffective, you may consider switchin...[Read More] Switching Liver Cancer Treatment: From Lenvatinib to A+B Therapy
Understanding MRI and CT Scans in Liver Cancer Follow-Up Care
Instrument examination Several years ago, a family member underwent surgery for liver cancer and had a good recovery, with follow-ups every three months. Recently, a CT scan indicated a gray shadow on the liver, prompting the doctor to schedule blood tests and a nuclear magnetic ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jj / 31 years old / Male 1. Is the recurrence confirmed as a local recurrence (viable)? A: 2. Local recurrence (viable): - A growing nodule with early enhancement and early washout at the S2/S3 junction, approximately 2 cm in size, suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma (HC...[Read More] Understanding MRI and CT Scans in Liver Cancer Follow-Up Care
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
Understanding Liver Calcifications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer. He has undergone surgery to remove the colorectal tumor, and there are two tumors in the liver measuring 1 to 2 centimeters each. There are also about 7 to 8 white calcifications in the liver. He has just completed his...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yihsin / 38 years old / Female Patient: Doctor, are liver calcifications precursors to tumors (shadows)? Doctor: No, the causes of liver cancer are usually related to infections from hepatitis B or C, excessive alcohol consumption, or long-term damage. Otherwise, what causes ca...[Read More] Understanding Liver Calcifications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Exploring Treatment Options for Advanced Diffuse Liver Cancer
Diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma in advanced stage? Hello, my husband, who is 51 years old, was diagnosed with advanced diffuse liver cancer in early September. The doctors have said that it is untreatable. His bilirubin level has reached 12. I would like to know if there are any...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Afen / 51 years old / Female I can only repeat: doctors say it is untreatable. A glimmer of hope: it depends on your definition: everyone will reach the end point, and those with diffuse liver cancer are very close to it. You can try: targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy...[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Advanced Diffuse Liver Cancer
Monitoring Liver Cancer Recurrence: TACE and RFA Success with MRI
Hepatocellular carcinoma TACE and RFA treatment? Hello Dr. Hu, my family member has been diagnosed with liver cancer. After surgical resection, it recurred more than a year later with two small tumors (S1 & S7). They underwent TACE (for S1) and TAE + RFA (for S7). Following t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is advisable to consult a specialist in liver cancer who performs TACE or RFA for more appropriate guidance! 1. MRI with Primovist can be considered for follow-up every 6 to 12 months. 2. Follow-up after cancer treatment should last at least 5 years, as the risk of recurren...[Read More] Monitoring Liver Cancer Recurrence: TACE and RFA Success with MRI
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Liver Cancer in Elderly Patients
Is liver cancer metastasizing and spreading throughout the body? Dear Doctor, My mother is 89 years old. Last year, she was diagnosed with liver cancer, and after undergoing transarterial embolization and radiofrequency ablation, it was discovered that there were metastases, whi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Sir, Regarding your inquiry, according to the National Health Insurance regulations, there are conditions that qualify for coverage. However, whether your mother’s physical condition can tolerate the side effects of targeted therapy or chemotherapy needs to be assessed thro...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Liver Cancer in Elderly Patients
Discrepancies in CT Scan Interpretations: A Tumor Case Study
The interpretations of the CT scan differ between the two hospitals? During an ultrasound at the clinic, a shadow on the liver was detected. Later, a CT scan at a regional hospital revealed a 2.6 cm liver tumor, with the radiology report suggesting it might be a hemangioma and re...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A 2.6 cm liver tumor, unless typical features of liver cancer are observed on imaging, will generally lead physicians to conservatively conclude that malignancy cannot be ruled out; therefore, it is recommended to follow up with an ultrasound in three months.[Read More] Discrepancies in CT Scan Interpretations: A Tumor Case Study
Can a 10cm Liver Tumor Be Treated? Understanding the Risks and Options
Is it possible to treat a 10 cm liver tumor? My father, aged 46, is a carrier of hepatitis B and does not have a habit of drinking alcohol. Our family maintains a normal lifestyle, diet, and routine, and he regularly takes reishi mushroom supplements for liver health. He also goe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Chronic hepatitis B carriers are inherently at risk for liver cancer. 2. It is recommended to discuss treatment options with the attending physician. 3. In some cases, alpha-fetoprotein levels may not necessarily be elevated in liver cancer (approximately 25% of cases).[Read More] Can a 10cm Liver Tumor Be Treated? Understanding the Risks and Options
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to See a Specialist
Lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, I had a biopsy of the groin lymph nodes last October, which turned out to be benign. In February, I had a PET scan for a chest nodule, and there were no significant issues. However, recently I have been feeling more and more lymph nodes, so I went...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, the excision of subcutaneous lymph nodes is a procedure that any general surgeon can perform; you can choose anyone. Those who claim to have special expertise are simply indicating that they are particularly specialized in this area. Lymph node excision is so...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to See a Specialist
Can Liver Cancer Be Surgically Removed If No Metastasis Is Found?
Does liver cancer metastasize? Dear Dr. Hu, This year, my friend was diagnosed with liver cancer. Both the CT scan and MRI evaluations indicate no lymphatic or distant metastasis, making surgical resection possible. Can you confirm if these examinations can reliably rule out me...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: Yes, if there is metastasis, surgery is not possible; however, for liver cancer surgery, in addition to assessing whether there is distant metastasis, it is also necessary to consider the tumor's location and the patient's overall function (such as a...[Read More] Can Liver Cancer Be Surgically Removed If No Metastasis Is Found?
Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Evaluating Adrenal Nodules for Metastasis
Adrenal nodules discovered after liver cancer surgery? Hello Dr. Chen, In April of this year, a family member underwent surgery for liver cancer. The preoperative CT assessment indicated T2N0M0 (Hospital A), while the preoperative MRI assessment indicated T1N0M0 (Hospital B). T...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The adrenal glands are located deep within the body and are surrounded by many highly vascularized organs and tissues, which is why fine needle aspiration is generally avoided due to potential risks. If a tumor develops in the adrenal gland, the only definitive method for ...[Read More] Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Evaluating Adrenal Nodules for Metastasis
Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Liver cancer & liver tumor embolization chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: My mother was found to have an 8 cm malignant tumor during her annual health check-up. Despite undergoing various tests and imaging studies, and after a challenging process, she is scheduled for an embolizati...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: 1. So your mother underwent embolization after the surgery? 2. The staging of liver cancer is quite complex. In addition to assessing the size of the tumor and whether there is lymphatic spread, it is also important to evaluate the patient's liver function and p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Understanding Brain Tumors: Concerns and Survival Rates for Patients
Please help me? Hello, Doctor. My brother is 32 years old and went to the emergency room due to dizziness and discomfort, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor tomorrow. There are three small tumors and one large tumor measurin...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ling, I acknowledge your letter and would like to respond as follows: 1. Your brother has three small and one large tumor in the left hemisphere of the brain, with the largest measuring 4.5 cm. This is associated with a high likelihood of metastasis, as primary brain t...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Concerns and Survival Rates for Patients
Understanding High-Risk Groups for Multiple Myeloma: Prevention and Management
Regarding high-risk groups for multiple myeloma? Hello Director Lai, Last year, my father was informed that he is in a high-risk group for multiple myeloma, which was discovered through blood test results. The doctor advised that he should have blood tests every three months to ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Shen: In response to your inquiry regarding your father's high-risk status for multiple myeloma, I would like to provide the following information: 1. It is generally recognized that risk factors for multiple myeloma include: age, gender (male > female), race (Black...[Read More] Understanding High-Risk Groups for Multiple Myeloma: Prevention and Management
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon and Liver Cancer
I'm here to help! Please provide the content you would like me to translate? My brother is 51 years old and has stage III colon cancer, along with three malignant tumors in his liver. Initially, the doctors planned to perform surgery on both, but due to concerns about his ab...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. You, Regarding your brother's Stage III colorectal cancer, it has metastasized from the primary site in the colon to the liver. As for surgery, the attending physician will assess the patient's overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for t...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon and Liver Cancer
Can Cancer Be Contagious? Understanding Hepatocellular, Cervical, and Stomach Cancer
Can cancer be transmitted? Hello, I saw a message online stating that liver cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer are contagious. Is this true?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Cancer itself is not contagious. 2. Most patients with liver cancer have either hepatitis B or hepatitis C, which can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact. If you have received the hepatitis B vaccine, you do not need to worry; however, there is no vaccine for hep...[Read More] Can Cancer Be Contagious? Understanding Hepatocellular, Cervical, and Stomach Cancer