Understanding Elevated NSE Levels: Anxiety, Inflammation, or Cancer Risk?
The NSE index is too high? Hello, doctor. I recently went to a medical laboratory for cancer screening, and one of the tests showed an elevated NSE level of 22.39. My family has no history of lung cancer, and I asked the laboratory technician about this. He mentioned that it coul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Currently, NSE cannot be used for cancer screening or monitoring. However, if you are a smoker, it is recommended to have a follow-up test in three months. If the levels continue to rise, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist or a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Elevated NSE Levels: Anxiety, Inflammation, or Cancer Risk?
Do Patients with Stage 1A Breast Cancer Need Chemotherapy After Surgery?
For breast cancer staged as 1A N0(i) M0 after complete surgical resection, the need for chemotherapy or targeted therapy depends on several factors, including the tumor's hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone receptors), HER2 status, and the patient's overa...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss LISA, I have received your letter and appreciate the detailed information you provided. Here is a summary of the findings: 1. Your friend has Stage IA breast cancer, not in situ carcinoma. 2. Tumor characteristics: the tumor measures ≤ 1 mm, with three foci. 3. Lymph ...[Read More] Do Patients with Stage 1A Breast Cancer Need Chemotherapy After Surgery?
Swollen Lymph Node: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
The lymph nodes are slightly swollen? Hello Doctor: I have a slightly swollen lymph node in my left axilla, and it has been like this for a while. Recently, it has been a bit painful when I press on it. I’ve been checking it periodically to see if it would go down. After a week, ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Meng Meng / 21 years old / Female Hello: 1. Is there anything to be concerned about? A: It is advisable to check for infections or breast issues that may be causing lymphadenopathy. 2. Which department should I consult? A: General Surgery. Happy New Year, Taoyuan Hospital ...[Read More] Swollen Lymph Node: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rising Tumor Markers in Stage III Breast Cancer: Key Questions Answered
Breast cancer issues? Hello Doctor: My mother has stage III breast cancer that has metastasized to the lymph nodes. She underwent surgery for breast and lymph node removal but has not received chemotherapy. Currently, her blood tests show normal CEA levels, but one item, the cyto...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding these questions, I am unable to provide answers because 1. The person who ordered the blood tests for those specific markers is responsible for interpreting their significance. Moreover, whether a tumor has recurred cannot be determined solely by elevated tumor m...[Read More] Understanding Rising Tumor Markers in Stage III Breast Cancer: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Body Temperature Fluctuations: When to Worry About Tumors
Physical condition Hello, doctor. Recently, for about a week, around noon, my body temperature rises to 36.8-37.2°C. Sometimes I feel a bit warm, but by 8 or 9 PM, my temperature returns to 36.6-36.8°C. I have had blood tests done, and the results are normal (cholesterol and trig...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Body temperature can change in response to external environmental temperatures; for instance, higher temperatures at noon can lead to relatively higher body temperatures, and vice versa. A body temperature exceeding 38°C or below 36°C is clinically significant (indicating fever o...[Read More] Understanding Body Temperature Fluctuations: When to Worry About Tumors
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling Below the Earlobe: Causes and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy below the earlobe? Doctor, I have a lymph node swelling in the right side of my neck, just below the earlobe, that feels about 1 cm in size, roughly the size of a mung bean, and has a hardness similar to the tip of my nose. Recently, I have been experiencing persi...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
I recommend that you also have your left ear examined by an otolaryngologist. Based on your description, it is possible that frequent ear cleaning has led to an inner ear infection, resulting in enlarged lymph nodes behind the ear. It is advisable to first address the issues of t...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling Below the Earlobe: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Inguinal hard lump? There is a hard lump about 3-4 cm long in the groin area that hurts when pressed and also causes pain when walking due to friction. This occurs almost every month around the time of menstruation, with similar lumps appearing near the labia and under the armpit...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to see a gynecologist. Note: The groin lump that changes with the menstrual cycle may be due to endometriosis. The lump in the armpit that also changes with the menstrual cycle could simply be caused by heat or may be related to inflammatory conditions such as a...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Lymphadenopathy of the posterior cervical region? Hello Doctor: I am a thyroid cancer patient (currently in stage I) and underwent a total thyroidectomy at the end of October this year. I am currently awaiting radioactive iodine treatment. At the same time, I have been dealing wi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Simon / 24 years old / Male Hello: You underwent a total thyroidectomy at the end of October this year and are currently awaiting radioactive iodine treatment. Therefore, you should have already undergone the I-131 scan post-surgery, which has confirmed that the lymph nodes you ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Understanding Swelling in the Right Neck: Possible Causes and Concerns
Swelling in the right neck? Hello Doctor: Last Friday morning, I woke up to find two lumps in the middle of my right neck. Initially, they felt similar to a calf muscle cramp, swollen and painful. When I visited the clinic that evening, one of the lumps had merged into a larger m...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. If nasopharyngeal carcinoma has metastasized, the lump will not disappear with medication. 2. All tumor diagnoses are primarily based on pathology reports. A few are diagnosed through visual examination, unless the tumor has progressed to the point of ulceratio...[Read More] Understanding Swelling in the Right Neck: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Ca-125 Levels in Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer
Elevated Ca-125 levels? Hello, doctor. My mother (57, postmenopausal) experienced bleeding a few months ago and underwent a dilation and curettage (D&C). Afterward, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent surgery to remove her uterus, ovaries, and lymph nodes....
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Miss Joan: Could you please discuss your concerns (including medications and examinations) with your mother's attending physician, and inquire whether a PET scan is necessary? If you are still unable to clarify your doubts, you are welcome to prepare the necessary docu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Ca-125 Levels in Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer
Red, Painful Lump in Armpit: When to See a Doctor?
A painful, red lump in the armpit? I suddenly felt pain in my lower abdomen, and upon inspection, I noticed a swollen, red, and painful area that does not move, but there is no pus. Which specialty should I consult for this issue? Does my low water intake have any relation to thi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, the physician cannot provide treatment without a personal examination. Please refer to similar questions in this field, and you may inquire further about lymph node surgery with your attending physician. Edema is related to the number of lymph nodes removed, and it is advi...[Read More] Red, Painful Lump in Armpit: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Enlarged Left Axillary Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment Options
Left axillary lymphadenopathy? Hello Dr. Lai! My boyfriend discovered a large lump under his left armpit in August 2017. Prior to this, he had experienced an influenza infection, and we are unsure if that was a triggering factor. In August, he visited the oncology department at M...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Gu. The physician cannot provide treatment without a personal examination. Please refer to similar questions in this field and consult your attending physician regarding lymph node surgery. Since edema is related to the number of lymph nodes removed, it is advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Left Axillary Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Clavicular Lumps: What You Need to Know About Possible Causes
Suspected intraclaviular mass? Dear Director Chen, I apologize for the interruption. Here's the situation: while driving home from work today, I accidentally touched something on my right clavicle that has been bothering me all night. Pressing on it causes pain in the clavic...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 36 years old, male. 1. It feels like a firmer muscle or tendon, not extremely hard, and the size is about one centimeter. A: It sounds like inflammation of the muscle or tendon. 2. I looked online and it says that a lump on the clavicle must be cancer metastasis, an...[Read More] Understanding Clavicular Lumps: What You Need to Know About Possible Causes
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Neck issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed a straight, swollen area on the right side of my neck, near the carotid artery, in front of the neck muscles. According to what I found online, the neck muscles seem to be located behind the digastric muscle. It doesn't hurt, an...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Shower room / 18 years old / Male, is this normal? 1. Not everyone is symmetrical. 2. Based on your description, there are no lumps or lymph nodes felt. 3. Issues with muscles or ligaments can also cause this. 4. If there are any changes, please seek medical attention immediately...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass? About three days ago, I noticed pain when I touched the left groin area (the middle of the front and inner thigh). It hurts more with pressure, and there is a lump that cannot be moved. The size is approximately 1x2 to 1x3 cm. Could this be a common lymphadenitis?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mosquito / 27 years old / Female. A lump that cannot be moved, measuring approximately 1x2 to 1x3 cm upon palpation. A: Benign, malignant, or indeterminate; further evaluation by a physician is necessary due to: 1. immobility, 2. size approximately 1x2 to 1x3 cm. Taoyuan Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy has persisted for a long time? Hello doctor, I am 22 years old. Around August of last year, I noticed a slightly protruding lump in the middle of the right side of my neck (it feels soft to the touch), approximately 1 cm or a little more. The day before I felt it,...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 22 years old, male Q1: I would like to ask the doctor, does this count as benign lymphadenopathy? A: Based on the current situation, it is. Q2: Is there a possibility that lymphadenitis won't resolve? A: Yes, it can happen! Q3: Do I need more detailed examination...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Indicators for Lymphoma Concerns
Blood test Hello Doctor: I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for some time, so I went for a blood test. I would like to ask about the significance or implications of the following values: 1. Lymphocytes: 15.6 (normal range: 19.0-48.0) 2. Hemoglobin: 11 (normal range: 11.3-1...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Initially, there appears to be anemia and thrombocytosis.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Indicators for Lymphoma Concerns
Understanding Why Tumors Develop: Exploring Genetic and Health Factors
Why is it easy to develop tumors? Since being diagnosed with a benign chondroma at the age of 23, I have subsequently been found to have fibromas, a breast adenoma, ovarian cysts, and two enlarged inflamed lymph nodes in the neck. Could this be due to my constitution? There are t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: According to statistics, the leading cause of death in Taiwan is cancer, which means that most people are likely to die from cancer in the end, although we do not know at what age this will happen. No one can guarantee that we will be alive and well tomorrow. Do you curren...[Read More] Understanding Why Tumors Develop: Exploring Genetic and Health Factors
Understanding Easy Bruising: When to Seek Medical Attention
Easy bruising? Your question: Hello doctor, I recently noticed that my legs bruise easily, with multiple bruises and many petechiae on my skin. I had a cold a while ago, and since then my body temperature has been slightly elevated, around 37.3°C. There was one occasion when my t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It initially appears to have iron deficiency anemia; it is recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen, I have noticed a lump on the left side of my neck, approximately 1.2 to 1.3 cm in size, located in the middle area. There is also a similar-sized lump on the right side, but it is positioned slightly lower. The characteristics of both lumps are alm...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It sounds like you've completed all the necessary examinations. Let's wait for a month to see if it resolves. If it doesn't improve or even increases in size, I would recommend that you return to see a hematologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice