Liver tumor, Oncology FAQ

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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?


Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Pancreatic cancer metastasized to the liver, with bilateral lower extremity edema up to the knees? Last November, a family member (female) was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer and underwent a Whipple resection. Post-surgery, she did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Fou...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuyu / 28 years old / Female 1. What does the doctor think should be done in this situation? A: 1.1 The cancer itself may cause cachexia, leading to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in a severe weight loss down to 33 kg. Even with supplementation, it may not be sufficient. T...

[Read More] Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients


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 Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support

Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer and has undergone resection of the malignant tumor at Shuanghe Hospital. He had his third chemotherapy session on July 21, with a total of five sessions planned. A CT scan is scheduled for mid-August to assess the treat...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with the attending physician; if necessary, you can request a consultation with an oncology psychologist, social worker, or other holistic support services!

[Read More] Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support


Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Cancer treatment Dear Dr. Chen, My husband, Cheng-Chung, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer) in May 2021. A CT scan on May 11 at National Taiwan University Hospital revealed liver metastases, with multiple small tumors, approximately 7-8 ...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For stage IV colorectal cancer, according to current standard treatment, the first-line therapy consists of chemotherapy combined with the targeted drug Avastin. Based on previous research findings, the expected probability of tumor shrinkage is over 50%. The average durat...

[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy


Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment: Key Insights

Postoperative treatment issues for colorectal cancer? My father is in his seventies and has stage IV colon cancer with liver metastasis (both lobes have tumors of varying sizes). After undergoing bowel resection, he received 8 cycles of chemotherapy and 5 cycles of targeted thera...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The thickening of the peritoneum indicates localized inflammation of the intestines, which may be a localized inflammatory response caused by chemotherapy. 2. The gallbladder issue was discovered incidentally and is not indicative of metastasis; the report suggests it may be...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment: Key Insights


Understanding Yttrium-90 Treatment Challenges in Liver Metastasis

Yttrium-90 therapy issues The patient has colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. After evaluation by the physician, it was determined that Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization therapy could be used to target the liver tumors. The first phase of the treatment went smoothly; howev...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: The problem statement is unclear, making it difficult to provide suggestions. A personal consultation is recommended. If you are unable to visit our hospital, please discuss and communicate with your attending physician to clarify any confusion. Dr. Lai from the Dep...

[Read More] Understanding Yttrium-90 Treatment Challenges in Liver Metastasis


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


Radiofrequency Ablation for Liver Tumors: Treatment Options in Taichung

Electrocautery treatment for liver tumors? Hello Dr. Lai: My elder brother is 68 years old and has hepatitis C and mild cirrhosis. A few months ago, an ultrasound examination revealed three tumors (3.1, 2.2, and 1.8 cm). The doctor mentioned that radiofrequency ablation could be ...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Mr. Liu: Regarding your inquiry about which hospital in the Greater Taichung area has Bi-polar radiofrequency ablation equipment, generally, all medical centers are equipped with this technology. Our Changhua Hospital also has specialists who perform this procedure. If you ...

[Read More] Radiofrequency Ablation for Liver Tumors: Treatment Options in Taichung


Should We Wait for Follow-Up Ultrasound for a 2.3 cm Liver Tumor?

Liver tumor measuring 2.3 centimeters, with all blood test indices showing positive results? Hello Doctor: My mother is 45 years old, and her recent health check-up report showed a liver tumor measuring 2.3 cm. When we visited the hospital, the doctor only mentioned to wait for a...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry regarding your mother, the health check report indicates a liver tumor measuring 2.3 cm. To confirm the diagnosis, you may discuss with your attending physician to arrange for a triphasic CT scan of the liver. ...

[Read More] Should We Wait for Follow-Up Ultrasound for a 2.3 cm Liver Tumor?


Understanding Inflammatory Pseudotumors: Next Steps After Surgery

Inflammatory-type tumor Two years ago, I had a 19 cm liver tumor removed, and the final pathology report indicated an inflammatory pseudotumor. Now, there are several recurrences in my abdomen, and the surgeon believes that further surgery will lead to more growth. Therefore, I a...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
#24422; Meilian / 60 / 11. It is inflammation, not a tumor. 2. First, manage it with internal medicine; surgery should only be considered if absolutely necessary. 3. Let's consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist for further evaluation. Thank you for your mess...

[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Pseudotumors: Next Steps After Surgery


Understanding Persistent Fever in Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know

Persistent fever Hello, my father was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer last November. Since then, he has undergone radiation therapy for the head and neck, liver, and pelvic region. In May, two tumors were found in his liver, and he received 25 sessions of radiation therapy f...


Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
An abdominal ultrasound can be performed to assess liver tumors and evaluate the condition.

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever in Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know


Assessing Surgical Outcomes: Did Liver Cancer Surgery Lead to Rapid Decline?

Is it considered malpractice if a patient dies three months after liver cancer surgery? Before the surgery, a 10 cm tumor and several smaller tumors were detected in the liver. The internal medicine physician diagnosed that without treatment, the patient would have less than a ye...


Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Typically, prior to liver cancer surgery, it is necessary to assess whether there are any extrahepatic metastases. This evaluation is crucial because if there are already micro or macroscopic metastases present, resecting the primary liver tumor may accelerate the spread of the m...

[Read More] Assessing Surgical Outcomes: Did Liver Cancer Surgery Lead to Rapid Decline?


Understanding Risks of Alcohol Injection for Elderly Liver Cancer Patients

Liver cancer consultation Dr. Chen: Hello! Thank you for your response. My grandmother has tested positive for hepatitis B antigen. In April, her AFP was 200, in May it was 400, in September it was 500, and in November it was 1000. The doctor informed us that surgery and emboliza...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rita: Based on the report, it should be liver cancer, so there is no need for a biopsy since the doctor has already informed you that surgery or embolization is not possible. Of course, he may have already discussed what treatment options he recommends. Below, I provide a piece o...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Alcohol Injection for Elderly Liver Cancer Patients


Treatment Options for Liver Tumors in Elderly Diabetic Patients

Liver cancer Your grandmother, who is 82 years old and has diabetes, recently had a pacemaker implanted a week ago and is taking aspirin. She has now been found to have a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size near the liver close to major blood vessels. What type of treatment...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rita: 1. Are you sure it's liver cancer? 2. You should have a physician make a diagnosis. Have you done a CT scan, angiography, PET scan, or even a biopsy? Only after a diagnosis can further treatment be considered. 3. Of course, liver cancer is a concern, but first, a blood...

[Read More] Treatment Options for Liver Tumors in Elderly Diabetic Patients


Understanding Persistent Cough After Chemotherapy: What to Do Next?

Why do patients experience persistent coughing after chemotherapy? Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask you two questions. My father received chemotherapy on October 20, and for some unknown reason, he has been experiencing persistent vomiting since then, almost without stopping, a...


Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Yu: Some chemotherapeutic agents, like Irinotecan used for treating colorectal cancer, have been reported to cause coughing. However, the commonly used antiemetic Dexamethasone during chemotherapy has a higher suspicion of causing coughing. It is recommended to consult your ...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough After Chemotherapy: What to Do Next?


Is Vascular Embolization Safe for an 80-Year-Old with an 8cm Liver Tumor?

Is an 80-year-old patient with an 8 cm liver tumor really not suitable for transarterial embolization? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to say thank you. My grandfather experienced a sudden weight loss of over 10 kilograms last month and was diagnosed with an 8-centimeter malig...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Chemotherapy may not be suitable for an 80-year-old. 2. Embolization can be performed alone. 3. Since you are already at Veterans General Hospital, you can follow the recommendations of the doctors there regarding embolization. 4. The physician will reassess the patient&...

[Read More] Is Vascular Embolization Safe for an 80-Year-Old with an 8cm Liver Tumor?


Understanding Liver Cancer Location and Treatment Options for Patients

The location of liver cancer and treatment methods? My father has cirrhosis, progressing from stage A to stage B. Recently, a CT scan revealed a single 1.5 cm liver tumor located in the posterior segment of the right lobe of the liver, which is likely in the early stage. However,...


Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Jun: It is recommended to perform angiography. If a benign vascular tumor is found, it should not be treated. If it is liver cancer, it should be embolized. The Bible says that apart from orthodox medicine, there is no other name given among men by which we can be saved.

[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Location and Treatment Options for Patients


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