Understanding Lymph Node Changes: When to Consult Your Oncologist
Left clavicle I went to see the doctor last time and took the medication on time, but the two lymph nodes have not increased in size or noticeably decreased. Instead, they seem to have changed from a spherical shape to being somewhat attached to the nearby elongated "muscle....
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
User: Well, unless there's a reason to be concerned, just leave it alone; if there are no discomforts, I suggest just monitoring it. If it increases in size or number during that time, then go see a doctor.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Changes: When to Consult Your Oncologist
Understanding Stage Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Patient's Journey
A family member was diagnosed with stage 2A lung adenocarcinoma and underwent thoracotomy, only to be informed afterward that it is actually stage 4. Does this mean the surgery was in vain? Hello Dr. Lai, the patient started coughing in October last year and continued seeking med...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Mei, 1. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans have certain limitations, such as the inability to accurately predict very small lymph nodes or small lesions in the brain or liver. 2. Currently, the patient's condition is "inoperable," so I recomme...[Read More] Understanding Stage Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lymph Node Biopsy Results: Kikuchi Disease Explained
Lymph node core needle biopsy diagnosis Hello Dr. Hu: Previously, I consulted you several times regarding the issue of enlarged lymph nodes in my neck, as I was concerned about the possibility of lymphoma. Therefore, you performed a core needle biopsy (using an 18-gauge needle, t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if it is Kikuchi disease, then it is best to rest and allow it to heal on its own.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Biopsy Results: Kikuchi Disease Explained
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Supraclavicular lymph nodes Hello: About 3 to 4 weeks ago, I developed two lymph nodes in my neck (one on the right side of my neck and the other above my clavicle). After seeing a doctor, he said the lymph nodes were inflamed and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. The lymp...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. Generally, gastroesophageal reflux does not cause supraclavicular lymphadenopathy; however, it can occur if there are complications such as upper gastrointestinal inflammation and infection (e.g., pharyngitis). 2. If there is only one lymph node and it is not c...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Changes After Antibiotic Treatment
Lymph nodes after antibiotic treatment? Hello. Recently, I developed two lymph nodes below my right ear. I don't have any lymph nodes in my armpit, but I do feel tenderness when pressing in that area. The doctor prescribed a five-day course of antibiotics and mentioned that ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mii / 32 years old / Female Hello. 1. I am currently on the third day of treatment, but I have noticed that my lymph nodes have not decreased in size; they are becoming harder and still painful. Should I return for a follow-up appointment now? A: You should return for a follow-u...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Changes After Antibiotic Treatment
Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Supraclavicular Hello doctor, a few days ago I felt a large (1 cm) and a small (0.5 cm) movable and soft mass above my left clavicle (below my neck). I went to see a doctor, and he mentioned that it might be a lymph node, but he is concerned that it could be a metastasis from ano...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The likelihood of a virus is higher, and it should disappear after full recovery and physical rehabilitation.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymphoma: Early Detection and Treatment Concerns
I don't want to give up on my lymphoma issues; I want to focus on early detection and early treatment? Hello Doctor: Before I received your response, I underwent a core needle biopsy yesterday. The doctor I consulted is a hematologist-oncologist, and the report will not be a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: It sounds more like a viral infection. Typically, viral infections resolve on their own. During this time, make sure to replenish your strength (such as getting enough sleep) and maintain a normal diet, while you wait for the pathology report. By Dr. Hu Zi-r...[Read More] Understanding Lymphoma: Early Detection and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues Related to Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I have some questions regarding my lymph nodes that I would like to ask you. My medical history includes atopic dermatitis, which I have had since kindergarten, and I have been receiving treatment, including topical medications and ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: If you have new lymphadenopathy, it is recommended that you have a follow-up examination. :) By Dr. Hu Zi Ren[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Testing
The number of lymph nodes is increasing? Hello doctor, about a month ago I noticed a small lymph node on the right side of my neck. After taking antibiotics, it did not go away and gradually became a chain of swollen nodes, varying in size. I have not felt anything on the other s...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. I recommend that you see a hematologist-oncologist; 2. If a biopsy is needed, I suggest an excisional biopsy of the lymph node rather than a core needle biopsy, as the diagnostic value of a core needle biopsy for lymphoma is not high. By Dr. Hu Zi-ren.[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Liver cancer & liver tumor embolization chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: My mother was found to have an 8 cm malignant tumor during her annual health check-up. Despite undergoing various tests and imaging studies, and after a challenging process, she is scheduled for an embolizati...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: 1. So your mother underwent embolization after the surgery? 2. The staging of liver cancer is quite complex. In addition to assessing the size of the tumor and whether there is lymphatic spread, it is also important to evaluate the patient's liver function and p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Is Radiation Therapy Necessary After Chemotherapy for Stage II Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
In stage II triple-negative breast cancer, the necessity of radiation therapy after chemotherapy followed by surgery depends on several factors, including the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and the margins of the surgical resection. Radiation therapy is often recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You underwent chemotherapy before surgery, right? It is remarkable that no cancer cells were found in the pathology report, as the probability of this happening is usually only 30%. You are quite fortunate, as patients with such results tend to live long and well. Regardin...[Read More] Is Radiation Therapy Necessary After Chemotherapy for Stage II Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Could Aplastic Anemia Progress to Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Is it possible for aplastic anemia to transform? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia since middle school, and it has been many years now. Although my lab results have never been very good, I have never required a blood transfusion. However, my hemoglobin has decrea...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult to determine whether the 1% blast cells are truly malignant leukemia cells or if they are normal cells that accidentally ended up in the peripheral blood. You will need to undergo a bone marrow biopsy to get a definitive answer. It's important to p...[Read More] Could Aplastic Anemia Progress to Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Lymph node issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I previously had a neck ultrasound at the hospital, and the report indicated that there is a lymph node enlargement measuring 1.5 cm. The physician stated that this lymph node is elongated and that a size of 1....
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The size of a lymph node is measured by its maximum diameter (which is the same as the diameter!). 2. That is your right, and you can certainly respond as such. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Managing Side Effects of Cancer Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Medication consultation The patient has been taking hormonal therapy for nearly a year but can no longer tolerate the side effects, including joint pain, which is making it difficult to get out of bed. They feel as though they are on the verge of a stroke and have no energy, so t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
According to your letter, the use of Femara has resulted in joint pain, with a reported incidence of approximately 1-10% in the literature. You are ER+3 and PR+3, indicating that hormonal therapy is highly effective for you. Therefore, I recommend discussing with your attending p...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Cancer Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor! I have a small lump on my neck. I visited a large hospital in June, and the doctor said it was a lymph node, which might disappear on its own in a few months or half a year. After that, I had a few colds, and other lymph nodes appeared on my neck, b...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, it is indeed common to occasionally see swollen lymph nodes in the neck during a cold, and most of them will resolve as the illness improves. A small number may have one or two lymph nodes that do not completely disappear, but they are usually not very ...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Your Lymph Node Pathology Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Pathology Report Hello Doctor, I recently had a lymph node removed, and the pathology report is as follows: Received in formalin consists of a piece of lymph node, measuring 1.4 x 0.6 x 0.3 cm. It is tan and elastic firm. The entire specimen is embedded in one block. Micro: The s...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: According to this pathology report, the lymph node that was removed is not malignant. However, since it is located in the groin area, further monitoring is recommended. To be specific, this report can only confirm that this particular lymph node is not problematic; it cann...[Read More] Understanding Your Lymph Node Pathology Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. About a week ago, I noticed a small, painless hard lump on the right side of my neck. I went to an ENT clinic for examination, and the doctor said it might be a swollen lymph node due to an infection. After taking antibiotics for three days, it has ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
C/21 years old/Female 1. After taking antibiotics for three days, the lymph node has decreased in size (but has not disappeared). A: This suggests it is likely benign, as malignant lymph nodes typically do not shrink with antibiotic treatment. 2. However, I have experienced m...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Two months after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the MRI still shows bright spots? I am a stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 6 cycles of chemotherapy at National Taiwan Univer...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Li / 41 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is this normal? (Is it because the MRI was done too soon after treatment (2 months), causing the radiation effects to not completely eliminate the tumor?) A: The timing seems reasonable. You can confirm this through one of the following tw...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. Previously, I could feel several lymph nodes in my groin area, and following your advice, I had one lymph node removed for testing. The results showed it was a benign lymphadenopathy. However, I still have several lymph nodes in my groin that are ov...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. If generalized lymphadenopathy has been evaluated and cancer, autoimmune diseases, or viral infections (including HIV) have been ruled out, and there are no systemic symptoms (such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss), it is recommended to follow...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy
Questions regarding the FDG-PET/CT report and the issue of elevated lymphocyte levels after chemotherapy? Hello Doctor: Since I could not get answers from my treating physician, I kindly ask for your insights. 1. FINDINGS: Mild FDG hypermetabolism in the left chest wall (SUV: 2...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. The left chest wall shows an SUV of 2.5/2.4, which is associated with postoperative tissue response on the same side as the breast cancer. The right hilum shows an SUV of 2.5/3.2, which is due to reactive lymphadenopathy. 2. The levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, he...[Read More] Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy