Understanding Retroperitoneal Tumors: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Retroperitoneal tumor Hello! In early October, during a physical examination, an abdominal ultrasound revealed left hydronephrosis. I was hospitalized in the urology department for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), abdominal CT, and MRI (all with contrast injection), as well as ure...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. Can MRI determine whether a lesion is benign, malignant, or inflammatory? Answer: No, MRI cannot determine this. The indications for MRI include: head, cerebrovascular conditions, various spinal nerve disorders, tumors, abdominal, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney lesions, pelvi...[Read More] Understanding Retroperitoneal Tumors: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, a re-test at the clinic showed a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the test results i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Are there other potential underlying conditions in this situation? 1. CEA is a convenient but not an "ideal" marker. The diversity of influencing factors makes it impossible to specify which type of cancer it indicates. It is primarily used for monitoring. Is there a li...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Director Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, the clinic tested it again with a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the results ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss La Bao: Question 1. Is there a limit to the CEA index? Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most commonly used tumor marker for colorectal cancer. However, CEA is not exclusive to colorectal cancer; it can also be elevated in breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancre...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Understanding Groin Lumps: Folliculitis vs. Lymph Node Swelling
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor: Recently, both sides of my groin have suddenly swollen up to about 0.5 cm, are red, and painful. When I squeeze them, they bleed. The dermatologist diagnosed it as folliculitis. Could you please clarify: 1. What is the difference in tactile sensation b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhuo / 19 years old / Male is advised to consult a dermatologist at Taoyuan Hospital, Cancer Center, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Folliculitis vs. Lymph Node Swelling
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? A few days ago, I developed a bump under my armpit that resembles a pimple or a small nail. Initially, it was a bit painful when I rubbed against it, but after two days, the pain subsided. However, I can still feel a hard lump inside, approxima...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Q: There is a lump inside! The lump is about the size of a one-dollar coin. A: It is likely a lymph node, but it is not possible to determine whether it is malignant or benign. I recommend seeing a breast surgeon to examine the breast and axillary lymph nodes. Wishing you good ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Is Unilateral Posterior Auricular Lymphadenopathy a Cause for Concern?
Unilateral posterior auricular lymphadenopathy? Unilateral posterior auricular lymphadenopathy, approximately 1.5 cm in size, not easily movable, with noticeable swelling and mild tenderness. Should I seek medical attention?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, please consult an otolaryngologist for a physical examination and evaluation to determine the diagnosis. You may see Dr. Hsu Chia-Fang at our hospital's ENT department for assessment. Thank you for reaching out. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng (Dir...[Read More] Is Unilateral Posterior Auricular Lymphadenopathy a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Prolonged lymphadenopathy? Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing persistent tinnitus in one ear for the past year (24 hours a day). I am currently undergoing various tests. Due to frequent ear cleaning, I have had recurrent fungal infections in my ear for several months, and I ha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Male, 34 years old. 1. Could the various health issues I've been experiencing recently be the reason for this persistent lymphadenopathy? A: It can be said that, but many people experience benign lymph node hyperplasia that does not resolve. 2. Should this condition be t...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Clarifications for Patients
Annoying lymph nodes Hello Dr. Chen, I am the person who consulted you regarding #138469. In April, I underwent a neck CT scan, but I still felt uneasy, so on November 14, I had a neck ultrasound, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. All reports came back normal. The ultrasound report...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The doctor mentioned that the lymph node I discovered is located closer to the neck in the fourth zone (above the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper belly of the omohyoid muscle), not in the supraclavicular area. Can you confirm if that lymph node...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Clarifications for Patients
Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Various physical conditions Doctor: Because I am someone who easily worries and gets anxious about my health, I often ask various questions. I still have some conditions I would like to confirm. 1. Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A-Zhe / 38 years old / Male 1. Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C. By noon to 9 PM, it rises to 37-37.2°C, and I feel a bit warm and have dry mouth. After 10 PM, it drops to around 36.5°C. I have undergone numerous blood tests (general...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Understanding the Spread of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know
Thyroid papillary carcinoma metastasis I'm sorry to hear about your family's situation. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
I’m not sure if the lymphatic metastasis you mentioned refers to lymph nodes throughout the body (excluding distant organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain) or if it includes both regional lymph nodes and distant organ metastasis. The definitions of these two scenarios and the...[Read More] Understanding the Spread of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know
Unnoticed Hard Lump in Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice?
There is a small hard lump in the armpit that is not visible externally and does not cause pain when pressed? Hello doctor, I recently discovered a small hard lump in my armpit. However, it is not visible from the outside and can only be felt by touch. It is not painful when pres...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, 1. I would like to inquire if this requires a medical consultation. A: If it is a new finding, it may be more reassuring to see a doctor. If you choose not to see a physician right away and decide to self-monitor, you should seek medical attention promptly if it increas...[Read More] Unnoticed Hard Lump in Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass or lump? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to respond to my question despite your busy schedule. Last night, while preparing to take a shower, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the groin area. During the shower, I noticed that pressing on the area was painfu...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be localized lymphadenopathy. If you're concerned about the possibility of other issues (such as a local infection), you can consult an obstetrician-gynecologist or an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Inguinal mass A month ago, I discovered a movable lump in the left groin area, measuring less than 2 centimeters. It sometimes disappears and sometimes reappears, and I have no other discomfort in my body. If I need to seek medical attention, which specialty should I consult? Tha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Coco / 44 years old / Female Dear Coco, It's great to hear from you! It seems I may have answered your question before (Coco), but I'm not sure if it's the same person! 1. About a month ago, I discovered a movable lump in my left groin area, about 2 centimeter...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Groin Swelling: Potential Causes and When to Seek Help
A lump has appeared near the groin area? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been working and traveling in Australia for almost three months. Recently, I have been working at a beef slaughterhouse for the past two weeks. Before starting work, I was tested and vaccinated against Q Fever, whic...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I suggest you prioritize consulting with an infectious disease specialist! Taoyuan Hospital. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Groin Swelling: Potential Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lymph Nodes in the Groin: When to Seek Medical Advice
Multiple lymph nodes in the left groin and left thigh region? I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior from February to April and underwent an HIV test four months later, which came back negative. However, I later discovered multiple 1 cm hard lumps in my left groin and the inner t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes in the Groin: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns and Expert Answers
Questions related to lymph nodes? Hello Dr. Hu: I have lymph nodes on both sides of my neck (at the lower part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, near the clavicle) that I noticed around March. They are both movable, with the left side being larger than the right. A CT scan in Ap...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there has been no enlargement, and a CT scan was performed in April to rule out malignancy, and it decreases after taking anti-inflammatory medication, then observation is recommended. Regarding question 5: it is certainly possible that it could be caused by chronic pharyngiti...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns and Expert Answers
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Connections
Inguinal mass Hello doctor, today while showering, I felt a hard lump in my left groin area, which is about 0.5 cm in size, firm, not easily movable, and painful (it hurts when pressed). Additionally, when I squeezed it, it bled a little (leaving a slight stinging sensation). A y...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The pain and bleeding upon pressure should be attributed to localized subcutaneous inflammation (possibly acne or folliculitis).[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Connections
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement and Fibrosis: Key Concerns
Lymphadenopathy? Fibrosis? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I noticed about four to five swollen lymph nodes on the side of my lower jaw and neck approximately five or six years ago (each about less than two centimeters). They are not painful and can be moved (they were painf...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Not very likely; if inflammation is present, once the inflamed area reduces in swelling, the remaining fibrosis will not occur. 2. Unlikely.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement and Fibrosis: Key Concerns
Understanding Movable Groin Lumps: Are They Lymph Nodes?
Lump in the groin? In the past few days, I have noticed a soft, movable lump near my groin on both sides, close to the genital area. It doesn't hurt, and when I press on it, it slides about 1 centimeter but I can't determine its actual shape. Could this be a lymph node?...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous Lady: Thank you for your letter. 1. Is this a lymph node? A: It could be a lymph node, a lipoma, or other benign tumors. A physician should personally examine it to make a proper assessment, as we cannot completely rule out the possibility of malignancy. However, if ...[Read More] Understanding Movable Groin Lumps: Are They Lymph Nodes?
Understanding Left Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Tumor or Not?
Left submandibular lymph nodes Hello doctor, I have felt a round, soft lump on my lower left jaw for the past few weeks. It is not painful. Could this be a tumor or what other symptoms could it indicate?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is likely just lymphadenopathy, which may be caused by local infection, a cold, or localized inflammation. It is recommended to simply observe the condition.[Read More] Understanding Left Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Tumor or Not?