Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
How does the progression of lung cancer tumor metastasis occur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the progression of lung cancer tumors. Do they typically spread first through the lymphatic system in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, br...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hua Hua / 66 years old / Female Hello, 1. Can you explain how lung cancer tumors spread? Do they typically start by spreading to the lymph nodes in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, brain, and bones? A: 1.1 This question is somewhat like fo...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels: Next Steps for Lung Health
The CYFRA 21-1 level is elevated in the health checkup? Hello, doctor. After my full body check-up today, my CYFRA21-1 level was 2.57, while the normal range on the report is 2.37, exceeding it by 0.2 (I have a smoking history of about 12 years, I'm 31 years old, and there i...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
After the chest X-ray is completed, if there are any abnormalities, consider a self-paid low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. Note: Based on smoking history and medical history, this individual belongs to a low-risk group for lung cancer; however, it is still recommended to co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels: Next Steps for Lung Health
Understanding Stage IA1 Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Marker Abnormalities
Stage I lung adenocarcinoma with abnormal tumor markers? Hello Doctor, this is my mother's pathology report from that time. NOMED: 28000-B-M81403, 29000-B-M09450 DX: Lung, right middle lobe, wedge resection - Invasive acinar adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated (G2)...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang, 27 years old, male, has been diagnosed with stage I lung cancer. The Cyfra 21-1 level is 4.11, which is greater than the standard of 3.3 (first test). It is advisable to conduct follow-up testing for Cyfra 21-1 earlier, which is out-of-pocket, so you can have it checked ev...[Read More] Understanding Stage IA1 Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Marker Abnormalities
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Abnormalities in Cancer Care
Low white blood cell count with abnormal differentiation? I am concerned about not wanting to frequently visit the hospital and occupy medical resources, but I also worry that if there is a real issue, it may delay treatment. Therefore, I would like to ask Dr. Chen whether my sit...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The white blood cell count is unremarkable. You can decide whether to seek medical attention; if so, you should consult a hematologist. 2. Similarly, if you choose to seek medical attention, you can also see a hematologist. 3. These abnormalities do not have any particu...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Abnormalities in Cancer Care
Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
National Health Service - Free Five Cancers Screening Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the free cancer screenings provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Service. Under qualifying conditions, individuals can receive free screenings every ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Fang Fang / 31 years old / Male If a free check-up was used on June 15, 2022, the next eligible date would be January 1, 2024, at Taoyuan Hospital, Merry Christmas. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello, Director. Please help me review my mother's PET scan report; I don't understand it. Thank you. **PET Scan Report:** **Indication:** The 49-year-old woman is diagnosed with right middle lung cancer, stage IA1 (pT1aNx), status p...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Home / 48 years old / Female 0: It should be based on the explanation from her attending physician. 1. There were mildly increased FDG uptake in the right middle lung (SUVmax: 1.1) and right chest wall (SUVmax: ~1.7), probably post-operative changes. There is a post-operative rea...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Follow-Up Recommendations and Concerns
Questions about lung CT? This year's health check-up revealed a low-dose lung CT report indicating ground-glass nodules: "Subpleural nodular ground-glass opacities with two solid small nodules located in the right upper lobe (N1: 3.4mm; N2: 2.5mm)." How often shoul...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wang / 39 years old / Male. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled? 1.1. If a comprehensive interpretation by a physician is not arranged during the health check-up, you can schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at your hospital to review the imaging. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Follow-Up Recommendations and Concerns
Understanding Lung Cancer: Surgery, Recurrence, and Screening Guidelines
Lung cancer that is inoperable and the recurrence of lung cancer along with regular check-ups? 1. My mother was diagnosed with three lesions last year through LDCT. The doctor recommended a thoracoscopic resection of the largest one. Later, it was determined to be stage 0 lung ca...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The surgical resection cure rate for stage 0 lung cancer is very high (indicating a very low likelihood of recurrence). 2. Cryoablation is not an immunotherapy; it is somewhat similar to electrosurgery. A thin needle is first placed at the tumor site, and then a heat source i...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Surgery, Recurrence, and Screening Guidelines
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Post-chemotherapy for lung cancer I would like to ask, after my father underwent chemotherapy for lung cancer, he experienced dizziness and then fell, with his eyes open and his body having slight convulsions. Despite my attempts to wake him, he remained unconscious. What could b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Yeh / 24 years old / Female Hello. 1. What is the cause of the illness? 1.A Did she suddenly have a stroke? 1.B Is it lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain? 2. Is the physical weakness due to chemotherapy, and did she sustain a head injury after falling?...[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding SCC Index in Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
SCC index in the medical examination report? Hello Doctor, this year my menstrual cycle has been irregular for several months, with some delays. I underwent a basic visual pelvic examination, and the doctor indicated that there were no abnormalities. During the health check, addi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: SCC is the tumor marker for squamous cell carcinoma, primarily used for monitoring head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, certain types of lung cancer, and cervical cancer. However, its correlation with actual cancer diagnosis is not absolutely accurate. You can consult...[Read More] Understanding SCC Index in Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Can Lung Cancer Present with Blood-Streaked Phlegm Without Coughing?
Lung cancer may not present with a cough? Today at work, after finishing lunch, around 4 PM, I went to the restroom intending to wash my face. I had some phlegm in my throat, and without coughing, I made a sound to expel it into my mouth, which had bright red streaks of blood. Si...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Don't overthink it; if you're worried, go see a doctor for an X-ray. Thank you.[Read More] Can Lung Cancer Present with Blood-Streaked Phlegm Without Coughing?
Consultation on Lymph Node Concerns: Understanding Blood Test Results
I would like to consult about lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, I previously underwent a health check-up at the hospital. My red blood cell count was 5.02 (reference range 4.20-6.20 x 10^6/uL), white blood cell count was 5.67 (reference range 4.00-11.00 x 10^3/uL), lymphocyte perc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Agreed. 2. Once these tests are completed, can we not worry? This cannot address subjective feelings. 3. This is the responsibility of your attending physician, and I cannot answer on their behalf. 4. It can be considered normal, but the possibility of lymphoma cannot b...[Read More] Consultation on Lymph Node Concerns: Understanding Blood Test Results
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Regarding the complications of lung cancer? My father is a patient with hepatitis B and lung cancer (aged 60). He completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy about one to two years ago, and since then, he sneezes at least once a day (sometimes even more, including several sneeze...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It should not be a side effect of the treatment. You can consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan
Many questions? Hello, Dr. Chen, who is extremely patient. I have a 55-year-old female elder at home with no history of smoking. She used to work at a hospital's front desk. There is a family history of lung cancer within the third degree of kinship. She has undergone one LD...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. The elder in my family is a 55-year-old female with no smoking history. She had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan three years ago. Should she return to the same hospital for the follow-up examination, or is it acceptable to go to a d...[Read More] Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan
Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Many questions? Hello, doctor. My family members do not smoke or drink alcohol. During the day, they work in an office, and at night, they cook. One family member was diagnosed with bone metastasis from squamous lung cancer after suffering from a persistent cough that would not i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. How often should I get an LDCT scan? Is it too frequent to have one every two to three years? A: 1.1 Please confirm if you meet the criteria for the "Taiwan Low-Dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening Consensus Statement" reg...[Read More] Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?
Interpretation of Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Hello Doctor, traditional chest computed tomography (CT) can detect tumors in the lungs, but I recently experienced hemoptysis and went to a large hospital for a CT scan, which reported normal results. However, a month later, I sti...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is a question about "predicting the future" and even as a physician, I cannot know whether I will develop lung cancer next month. 1. The resolution of a CT scan is generally defined as being able to detect lesions larger than 0.5 cm, so smaller lesions canno...[Read More] Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?
Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients
Does breast cancer metastasize? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (surgically removed) and stage I lung adenocarcinoma (surgically removed) last year. She has been undergoing regular follow-ups, and her recent CEA levels were 3.8, 5.4, and 6.2 over ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jerry / 43 years old / Male Hello: CT findings: 1. Degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, scoliosis of the spine, and osteopenia with osteoporotic changes of the visible bony structures, indicating degeneration. 2. No definite osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions or bo...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients
Navigating Cancer Care: Seeking Second Opinions and Treatment Options
Interdisciplinary treatment issues? My father originally had a small tumor in his lungs and would regularly visit the Pulmonology department for check-ups. Recently, due to sudden significant weight loss, he was referred by a new physician for a PET scan. After reviewing the repo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. It is recommended to perform a biopsy first to determine the cause (benign or malignant, lung cancer or other), and then discuss whether further treatment is necessary. 2. You may consider referring to an oncology specialist for further evaluation.[Read More] Navigating Cancer Care: Seeking Second Opinions and Treatment Options
Understanding Targeted Therapy for Stage 3B Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The treatment options for stage IIIB squamous cell lung carcinoma typically include a combination of therapies. These may involve: 1. **Chemotherapy**: Often used as a primary treatment to shrink tumors and control symptoms. 2. **Radiation Therapy**: Can Hello Dr. Chen, my mothe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Paul / 38 years old / Male 1. It is advisable to consult his attending physician first in order to provide answers based on his condition and physical status. 2. For stage IIIb, the treatment is as follows: chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy, followed by targeted th...[Read More] Understanding Targeted Therapy for Stage 3B Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Drugs
I would like to inquire about the treatment medications for lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, doctor. My mother was recently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, and I would like to know which chemotherapy drugs are covered under the national health insurance or other medications availa...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Please first confirm whether your mother has lung adenocarcinoma or small cell lung cancer. 2. Currently, the treatment options for lung adenocarcinoma are quite diverse and may vary based on specific genetic mutations (for example, if there is an EGFR mutation, oral medicati...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Drugs