Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Lymphoma: Key Questions Answered
Lymph Node Issues - Follow-up Questions Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have a question to ask. You mentioned that removing a lymph node can only confirm whether that specific node is problematic. However, another doctor told me that lymphoma is systemic, so it do...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. "Seeing is believing" is 100% certain, while "based on experience" is not necessarily so. 2. The same issue is a matter of probability; the best diagnostic method would be to excise all lymph nodes throughout the body, regardless of size, and send...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Lymphoma: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed a lump in my groin area that is slightly painful when pressed and can move. Additionally, I have small, bump-like lesions on my abdominal skin. I have researched a lot and found that these could be related to lymphatic tumors or a w...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Xiaohau, Thank you for your letter. I recommend seeking a surgical biopsy to determine whether the condition is benign or malignant. Wishing you all the best and a smooth process. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yicheng Department of Radiation Oncology[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
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
Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Why do doctors generally not recommend surgery? Is it because there may be potential complications? Hello Doctor, in early December 2016, I felt pain inside my right lower jaw. I thought about massaging it and found a lymph node. After taking medication at a nearby ENT clinic, it...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Since you have seen so many specialists, it's best to follow their advice and just observe. Clinically, lymph nodes that are recognized to have malignant changes typically have a diameter greater than 1 cm, and most cancers are around 2-3 cm in size. So, is your lymph...[Read More] Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment Challenges and Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia cannot restore hemoglobin levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing issues since over five years ago, with my blood test reports showing normal hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts around 13,000. Two years ago, I underwent partial gastrecto...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone gastric resection, it may partially affect the absorption of oral iron supplements, so it is common to switch to injectable iron. How long it takes to improve anemia depends on the dosage of iron you receive each time and the frequency of injections, ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment Challenges and Concerns
Managing Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Surgery or I-131?
For lateral lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, is surgery recommended or is iodine-131 treatment preferred? 1. What is the ideal level of thyroglobulin (TG)? 2. Given the bilateral lateral neck lymph node metastasis, should surgery be performed or should anothe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Marian / 21 years old / Male Q1: What is the ideal TG value? A: For patients on thyroid hormone replacement, a TG < 1 indicates successful treatment, while a TG > 5 raises suspicion for recurrence. For those not on thyroid hormone replacement, a TG < 5 indicates succe...[Read More] Managing Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Surgery or I-131?
Understanding Adjuvant Therapy Options for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Adjuvant medication Hello, Dr. Lai! I recently underwent a colonoscopy, and it was found that there are two flat polyps extending horizontally at the cecum: one measuring approximately 1.5 cm x 0.7 cm and the other in a V-shape measuring about 2 cm x 0.5 cm. Visually, they are di...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. K.K., Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. All diagnoses should be based on the pathological report from laboratory tests. If it is not a malignant tumor, polypectomy may suffice. However, if it is unfortunately malignant, the pathological report from...[Read More] Understanding Adjuvant Therapy Options for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma
White blood cells after chemotherapy I have had lymphoma (mediastinal) and completed chemotherapy a year ago. During this period, my follow-up blood tests showed a maximum white blood cell count of 4500. Is there a problem with this?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin Hsiao-Fen / 38 years old / Female 1. Lymphoma (mediastinum) has completed chemotherapy for one year, but during this period, the highest white blood cell count during follow-up blood tests was 4500. Is there a problem with this? A: The key point is not the highest count; ...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma
Persistent Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Inguinal lymphadenopathy persisting for six months? Hello, Doctor: About six months ago, I had lymphadenopathy in my neck and groin. A biopsy of the neck lymph nodes confirmed Kikuchi disease. By around January, all the neck lymph nodes had disappeared, and the symptoms of Kikuch...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
KK, 22 years old, female. Should I still monitor the lymph nodes in my groin, or could it be fibrosis and I can temporarily ignore it? A: If there are no changes, it is reasonable to follow up every six months. If there are changes such as enlargement, discoloration, or hardness,...[Read More] Persistent Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Breast lump Hello Doctor, I have noticed that since my university days, I could feel spindle-shaped hard lumps in both of my breasts that seemed like lymph nodes. At that time, I consulted a doctor who said there was no problem. Recently, while showering, I found that the one on ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: The incidence of male breast cancer is approximately less than 1%, so it may just be gynecomastia (relative development of breast tissue in males). Therefore, it is suggested to simply observe. :) By Dr. Hu Zi-ren[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Sudden Painful Lump Under Left Armpit: Causes and Concerns
A painful lump suddenly appeared under my left armpit? Last night, I suddenly felt pain under my left armpit and found a lump inside. It doesn't feel hard like a lymph node (I had lymph nodes when I was younger, but they have since disappeared); it feels more like a mosquito...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: Usually, pain that worsens with pressure is often caused by inflammation or a localized tissue infection. It is recommended to monitor the situation for a period of time.[Read More] Sudden Painful Lump Under Left Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Underarm Lump: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
There is a mass under the fluid? Doctor, I would like to ask about a lump in my armpit that has been present for almost six months. Last year, I went for a breast surgery consultation, and the doctor said that the lump was simply an enlarged lymph node. The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Tsao / 19 years old / Female, should I continue to see a breast surgeon or should I be referred to a general surgeon for examination? 1. I recommend seeing a breast surgeon. 2. Breast surgeons are also general surgeons. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Che...[Read More] Persistent Underarm Lump: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Enlarging Groin Lump: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Inguinal mass enlargement!! I have had a hard lump on the left side of my groin for the past few months. It was originally about 1 cm in size and not painful, but it often changes in size, sometimes getting larger and then smaller again. Recently, the lump has grown larger (about...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response to this question. The menstrual cycle does not affect the lymphatic system. However, it is uncertain whether what you are referring to is indeed a lymph node. Please consult a gynecologist for a physical examination. Thank you.[Read More] Enlarging Groin Lump: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
A lump near the armpit suddenly enlarged? Hello, Dr. Lai: I have had a hard lump about the size of a mung bean near my right armpit for a long time. Since it has not been painful and has not increased in size, I have ignored it. However, in the past three days, the lump suddenly ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Since I cannot see your actual symptoms, I am unable to provide a comprehensive assessment. I recommend that you first consult a surgeon for evaluation before making a diagnosis. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Che...[Read More] Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
Hard Lump Under Surgical Scar After Axillary Lymph Node Surgery: Is It Normal?
There is a hard lump inside the scar from axillary lymph node surgery? Doctor, my wife was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer five years ago, and six months ago it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes on the other side. She underwent chemotherapy...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, it is possible that there is a peripheral local recurrence after surgery. It is recommended to discuss this in detail with your attending physician.[Read More] Hard Lump Under Surgical Scar After Axillary Lymph Node Surgery: Is It Normal?
Painful Groin Lumps: Understanding Causes After Illness and Antibiotics
Hard lumps on both sides of the groin that are usually asymptomatic but painful upon palpation? Two weeks ago, I started having a cold. Because I was going to travel to the United States, the clinic doctor prescribed a three-day course of antibiotics. However, the cold did not im...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, it sounds like a urinary tract infection. I recommend seeing a gynecologist.[Read More] Painful Groin Lumps: Understanding Causes After Illness and Antibiotics
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to See a Specialist for Concerns
Swelling under the left ear in the neck? I have a hard lump under my left ear on the left side of my neck. Initially, I felt some swelling and pain in my neck. Later, I visited a clinic, and the doctor said it was tonsillitis and prescribed cold medication for three days. After f...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Which department should I see? A: Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department. 2. Does this count as cancer? A: It should be determined by a physician after an in-person examination. 3. I don't have any symptoms of fever or cold. A: Enlarged lymph nodes caused by infection...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to See a Specialist for Concerns
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: Causes and Concerns
Swelling and pain of the right cervical lymph nodes, along with stiffness in the muscles of the right posterior neck? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask a few questions. A week ago, I started experiencing slight swelling and pain in my right neck, but there were no issues upon ex...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You can observe the changes in the cervical lymph nodes for about two weeks. If the lymphadenopathy is caused by a cold, it usually decreases and resolves within two weeks. However, if it is due to a malignant lymphoma, it will not decrease in size and will continue to gro...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello Doctor: On February 21, I was diagnosed with a 6 cm tumor on the left side of my thyroid and two tumors measuring about 1-2 cm on the right side. I underwent a surgical removal, and the pathology results showed that the right side was benign whil...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response: 1. Surgery is typically the first step in treating thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. In rare cases of localized and well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a lobectomy of the affe...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up
Understanding Right Neck Lymph Node Changes: What You Need to Know
Lymph nodes on the right side of the neck? Hello, doctor! I had a cold once, and the lymph node on the right side of my neck became red, swollen, and tender. However, I didn't see a doctor immediately for the cold, and the lymph node fluctuated in size. After about three day...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: Lymph nodes can fluctuate in size with colds, which is usually related to the physiological response caused by viral infections, so there is no need to worry too much. Chronic inflammation of lymph nodes typically only leads to calcification without any long-t...[Read More] Understanding Right Neck Lymph Node Changes: What You Need to Know