Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Terminal lung cancer Hello, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 due to pleural effusion, but she was classified as stage III and could not undergo surgery, so she was treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and has also received oral target...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Since I have not seen your mother's pathology report, CT imaging, etc., I currently do not know the extent of her lung cancer. If the cancer cells have spread, chemotherapy will be the primary treatment. Even in the advanced stages of cancer, chemotherapy can still be...[Read More] Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Understanding Pleural Effusion in Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Options
About breast cancer causing pleural effusion? I would like to ask: Seven years ago, a relative was diagnosed with a tumor in the chest, which was surgically removed and followed by chemotherapy. Recently, they suddenly started experiencing shortness of breath while walking and pe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is this considered lung cancer? A: This is breast cancer with lung metastasis. 2. Additionally, recently it has become more severe; after taking the medication (XELODA) prescribed by the doctor, I experience intermittent sharp pain and numbness on the left side of my abdomen...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion in Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Impact of Iodine-131 Isolation on Lung Cancer Patients in Shared Rooms
Lung cancer Is there any adverse effect on a lung cancer patient if they share a room for about three days with a patient who has received a dose of iodine-131 (120 mCi) and has completed a three-day isolation in the hospital, even if there is a distance of about one meter betwee...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about nuclear medicine, it is recommended that you consult with a nuclear medicine physician at your hospital for more clarity. ~Changhua Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Impact of Iodine-131 Isolation on Lung Cancer Patients in Shared Rooms
Understanding CA-153 Levels: What to Do When It's 50.1 in an 86-Year-Old
CA-153 level is 50.1? My mother recently had a health check-up and her CA 15-3 level was found to be 50.1. Given her advanced age of 86, how should we proceed with this situation? She currently has a history of hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chuo / 55 / CA 15-3 is commonly used clinically for breast cancer, third trimester of pregnancy, some patients with cirrhosis, more active lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer, among others. It may sometimes also cause a slight increase in CA 1...[Read More] Understanding CA-153 Levels: What to Do When It's 50.1 in an 86-Year-Old
Understanding Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Monitoring and Treatment Insights
Stage III colorectal cancer with metastasis to the lungs is classified as Stage IV? Hello Doctor: 1. I was diagnosed with stage III cancer in 1998. After surgery, my CEA level was 0.19, consistently ranging from 0.16 to 0.19. After undergoing 12 sessions of chemotherapy over si...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. (Why) It may not be possible to explain why some tumors have elevated CA19-9 levels, some have elevated CEA levels, some have both elevated, and some have neither. Monitoring can involve testing just one marker or both. 2. There is certainly a chance of metastasis within thr...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Monitoring and Treatment Insights
Navigating Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatment: Key Questions and Concerns
Issues regarding treatment for stage 3 lung cancer...! A decision on whether to proceed with targeted therapy needs to be made in the next two days? The father is 60 years old and has been experiencing swelling in the jaw and neck (so severe that the neck is almost not visible) a...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
In theory, treatment should proceed only after obtaining a definitive pathological report. However, due to the more tolerable side effects of targeted therapy, the attending physician may decide to initiate treatment in critical situations.[Read More] Navigating Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatment: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Lumps in the Throat: Should I Be Concerned?
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an appropriate response. Please provide more details about your situation? Hello, Doctor. My last name is Lin, and I am 28 years old. I have a problem that has been bothering me. I discovered a lump in my ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The lump that has been present since you were 20 years old, I suspect is not cancer. If it were cancer, it would have manifested and posed a serious threat to your life by now, given that you are currently 28. 2. Now that you have just noticed a hard mass in your neck, it cou...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Throat: Should I Be Concerned?
Targeted Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Efficacy and Prognosis
Can nasopharyngeal carcinoma be treated with targeted therapy? Hello Dr. Chen: Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the pathology report indicates it is stage II. Aside from a hard mass in the neck measuring about 3 cm, there are no other cl...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Due to the high sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to radiation, radiation therapy has been the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. While radiation therapy can effectively control local tumor cells, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prone to metastasis; theref...[Read More] Targeted Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Efficacy and Prognosis
Coping with Terminal Lung Cancer: A Daughter's Journey and Care Tips
My father passed away last Tuesday? Dr. Chen Si-Rong: Hello! Thank you for your suggestions. My father underwent emergency surgery for a perforated intestine on the 27th of last month. Although the surgery was successful, he later contracted a CMV virus, leading to a lung infecti...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Please accept my condolences. I suggest you focus on the name of a deity, visualizing the sun descending upon your home, completely enveloping it, and offering blessings for him.[Read More] Coping with Terminal Lung Cancer: A Daughter's Journey and Care Tips
Caring for an Elderly Father with Brain Metastasis: Tips and Guidance
How to care for an elderly father with brain metastases? Hello, Doctor! My 68-year-old father has been diagnosed with lung cancer for three years. He was already at the late stage of stage II when first discovered. He has undergone surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, an...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Generally speaking, if there are brain metastases, the average life expectancy is 4 to 6 months. Please be mentally prepared for a more accurate time estimate, and you can consult his attending physician for clarification. 2. The process of disease deterioration will natural...[Read More] Caring for an Elderly Father with Brain Metastasis: Tips and Guidance
Effective Treatment Options for Advanced Lung Cancer in Elderly Patients
Treatment for advanced lung cancer? Hello, my grandfather is in his 70s and recently went to the hospital for an examination, where he was suspected to have advanced lung cancer. Given that he has a history of heart issues, what treatment options would be most appropriate? I hope...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. It is expected that this condition may only allow for one to two years of life. 2. Treatment options are limited to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 3. Choosing not to treat is also an option. 4. Delaying treatment until symptoms arise is another choice. 5. Please d...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Advanced Lung Cancer in Elderly Patients
Can Brain Tumors Undergo Second Radiation Therapy?
Can a brain tumor undergo radiation therapy twice? My father is 71 years old and was diagnosed with lung cancer a few years ago, which has metastasized to the brain. After undergoing chemotherapy for the lungs and radiation therapy for the brain, his condition has been well contr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Please have the original treating hospital evaluate the possibility of photon knife radiation therapy. 2. Alternatively, consider seeking evaluation at Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, or Taipei Medical University Hospital. 3. Out-of-pocke...[Read More] Can Brain Tumors Undergo Second Radiation Therapy?
Managing Swelling in Patients Taking Iressa for Lung Cancer Treatment
How to improve the condition of leg edema after taking Iressa? Hello Dr. Chen! My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2003, and by the time it was discovered, he was already in stage II. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, his condition improved, a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: How can I improve the condition of leg edema that occurred after taking Iressa? Please consult an oncologist or a pulmonologist. As for purchasing a wheelchair, a standard outdoor wheelchair will suffice. If you need further information, please call the Taoyuan City Assist...[Read More] Managing Swelling in Patients Taking Iressa for Lung Cancer Treatment
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
About lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling a scratchy throat, especially when I sleep, and then I started coughing, but it's not very severe. It feels like there's something stuck in my throat that makes me want to cough a little. The cou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is not hereditary. 2. The BCG vaccine is not related to lung cancer. 3. It is recommended to have an X-ray examination once a year, and to be cautious of persistent coughing. Don't overthink other matters; staying relaxed will improve your body's resistance...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
Understanding Neck Lumps: Concerns for Cancer Patients and Symptoms to Watch
Neck mass? Hello, about 8-9 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer. After surgery, her condition was good, and there were no visible issues. However, four years ago, it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, and after another surgery, she bec...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Doris: Based on your description, lymphatic metastasis from rectal cancer remains the primary concern. It is advisable to perform blood tests for tumor markers related to rectal cancer, conduct a chest X-ray, and perform a liver ultrasound to check for any metastatic lesions else...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Concerns for Cancer Patients and Symptoms to Watch
Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Implications for Cancer Screening
The CEA levels in the health checkup have been increasing year by year? Doctor: Hello. I am 52 years old and underwent surgery for a benign meningioma 25 years ago. My father passed away from colorectal cancer a few years ago, and my mother had endometrial cancer but is doing wel...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Wang An: 1. The normal reference ranges may vary each year due to differences in testing equipment or reagents. 2. A CEA level below 4 is generally considered normal. However, in the presence of cancer, CEA levels may not necessarily rise. Given your family history of colorec...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Implications for Cancer Screening
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
Understanding Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer: Options and Insights
Chemotherapy Hello Dr. Chen, I believe this will be the last time I consult you. My mother has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and the surgeon has stated that surgery is no longer an option. She has been referred to the oncology department. The oncologist has prescr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on one's perspective. Chemotherapy can slow the rate of tumor spread, thereby reducing the suffering caused by metastasis, so it is beneficial. However, since patients will ultimately pass away, some may argue it...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer: Options and Insights
Essential Care Tips for Stage III Lung Cancer Patients and Families
I'm sorry, but I need the content you want translated in What should patients with stage III lung cancer pay attention to? When patients cannot accept the reality and become overwhelmed, what should family members do? What foods are beneficial? What foods should be avoided? ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Please cooperate with the physician's treatment. 2. Family support is important. Encourage the patient to undergo treatment, introduce them to other patients for mutual encouragement, and seek support from relatives, friends, or local religious organizations. 3. Do...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Stage III Lung Cancer Patients and Families
Understanding Tumors: What to Do When You Find a Lump
About tumors? Dear Dr. Chen, my mother discovered two hard lumps near her collarbone on April 5th, this past Tuesday. They do not hurt when pressed, and one of them is about the size of half of my thumb. Question 1: Is it possible that these lumps are tumors? Question 2: Whic...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is possible, and it could be a malignant cancer such as lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, or nasopharyngeal cancer that has metastasized to the supraclavicular lymph nodes. 2. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, ENT, Pulmonology, and Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Tumors: What to Do When You Find a Lump