Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Abnormal Blood Test Results Explained
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, I have a problem with enlarged lymph nodes that won't go away, so the hematologist drew my blood and found two abnormal values: platelet distribution width at 9.0 fL (reference range 10.0-16.0) and eosinophils at 8.2% (reference range 0.0-7.0). ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The values from the instruments in each hospital can indeed vary, so please trust this fact. Since the testing instruments purchased cannot be standardized across Taiwan, a test result that shows abnormal levels at one facility may appear normal at another. It is essential...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Abnormal Blood Test Results Explained
Understanding CT Scans in Tumor Evaluation: Key Questions Answered
Computed Tomography (CT) scan Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions previously. Recently, besides the lymph nodes, I have noticed swelling in my neck near the shoulder area. I'm not sure how long it has been swollen because I went to the clinic for a cold. The doctor...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: If the tumor is large enough, it should typically be visible on imaging. Additionally, the radiologist will provide a report after reviewing the images. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with the pulmonary medicine department in about two weeks ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans in Tumor Evaluation: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Key Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
Lymphadenopathy Hello, Doctor. Over the past two months, I have noticed several lymph nodes in my body, including in the head and neck, armpits, and groin. Recently, I visited a surgeon and decided to remove the lymph nodes in my groin, one on each side. The doctor chose the left...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. If it is indeed lymphoma, the pathological characteristics throughout the body should be consistent, so any lymph node that is biopsied should yield similar results; 2. The transverse orientation in the groin area is likely related to blood vessels or tendons/l...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Key Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from lymph nodes recently. I am quite thin, and I can feel lymph nodes in various areas such as my neck, armpits, and groin (including the inner thighs). I have been able to feel them for a while. Recently, I visited a nearby ho...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Dr. Xiao Chen / 29 years old / Male 1. Does the position affect the size captured during an ultrasound scan? A. The angle of the ultrasound is essentially the perspective from which the object is viewed. This means that the size of the object can appear different dependi...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Understanding the Necessity of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my sister, who has stage I breast cancer. She has already undergone a mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, and tests show that the cancer cells have not spread. However, there is a risk of recurrence, and t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. In response, it was mentioned that your sister is in stage I of breast cancer and has undergone a total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. For a detailed assessment, we will need to review your pathology report. If necessary, p...[Read More] Understanding the Necessity of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Total or partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma? Hello, Director Lai. I am a 38-year-old female. In July of this year, a health check revealed a suspected tumor larger than 3 cm on the left side of my thyroid. I was referred to a larger hospital for blood tests and...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Niu. 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 unilateral lobectomy may be considered; however, most patients should ...[Read More] Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Regarding breast cancer radiotherapy? Is it necessary to perform another surgery to remove lymph nodes from the axilla for examination before radiation therapy for breast cancer, in order to determine the radiation dose, number of sessions, and whether the radiation field should ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, I am unable to give you more accurate advice. It is essential to review the pathology report and PET scan to determine the subsequent treatment and therapy option...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Tumor issues Today in April, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to nasal congestion. The doctor said I had a deviated septum and there was a mass in the nasopharynx that needed a biopsy. After the examination, it was determined to be benign tissue, so I proceeded with surg...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, internet user: Smoking itself is a risk factor for cancer (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). As you mentioned, hyperplasia of the nasopharyngeal tissue is not necessarily malignant, and benign biopsy results do not completely rule out malignancy (as it is possible that ...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can triple-negative breast cancer be changed to tumor resection after infection following the first chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my friend's mother-in-law is nearly 70 years old. Last year, she discovered a hard lump in her right breast, and during a hospital examination, th...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruby Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have better outcomes when followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, this depends on the surgical method and the extent of resection. If the tu...[Read More] Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lymph node issues? Hello, doctor! Recently, I noticed a few small round lumps in my neck (they feel somewhat hard and are not painful). The lumps feel about 2-3 mm in size. Could these be lymph nodes? However, I have also heard that if they feel hard and are not painful, they cou...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. 1.2 to 3 mm is too small; it usually has no clinical significance. 2. Could it just be some lipomas? I suggest monitoring it. :) By Dr. Hu Ziren[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Abnormal blood cells Hello, doctor. My wife is 40 years old. In 2006, a blood test revealed that her white blood cell count was low at 3100, while other blood cell counts were normal. This abnormality in white blood cells persisted until 2011, with other blood cell counts remaini...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. While there is a temporal relationship between leukopenia and low hemoglobin levels, both should be considered together; 2. The incidence of two types of cytopenia, specifically megaloblastic anemia, is significantly higher than that of myelodysplastic syndrome...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Breast cancer treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am 32 years old and have stage II breast cancer. I have undergone a lumpectomy on my left breast. The tumor analysis shows: hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 at 30%. I would like to know if I definitely need to un...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Vicky, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, we can only determine that targeted therapy is not required (HER2 negative / Ki67 50%). This is insufficient to ascertain the need for chemotherapy. - Chemother...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Understanding Clavicular Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms and Next Steps
Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy I recently found a lymph node on the right side of my clavicle, and I have been experiencing palpitations. Today, I discovered that there is also a lymph node on the left side, which feels relatively large but is usually difficult to palpate due to...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. It feels like there is a heartbeat and a horizontal orientation, which suggests it might be a blood vessel (are you too thin?). 2. If it is indeed a lymph node, 2-3 cm feels quite large; I recommend seeing an ENT specialist or a general surgeon for evaluation. ...[Read More] Understanding Clavicular Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been suffering from swollen lymph nodes. I am quite thin, with body fat below 10%, and I can feel many lymph nodes, especially in the groin area. However, the doctor said that being thin and being able to feel lymph nodes are not rel...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. Lymphadenopathy refers to lymph nodes with a diameter greater than 1 or 1.5 cm; 2. Do you experience pain when you palpate it? Is there any elasticity when you touch it? Does it move when you palpate it? 3. Are there any accompanying symptoms such as fever,...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lump at Thigh and Groin Junction: What You Need to Know
There is a hard lump at the junction of the thigh and groin? Recently, I discovered a hard lump at the junction of my thigh and groin, approximately the width of my pinky finger. After a day, a similar-sized lump appeared on the other side. It does not hurt when pressed, and my f...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: Do you have any accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, weight loss, fatigue, painful urination, or abnormal discharge in your urine? If so, you should consider visiting a urology or infectious disease specialist for an examination. If not, you may observe fo...[Read More] Lump at Thigh and Groin Junction: What You Need to Know
Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal mass with pain? Hello doctor, I recently noticed two hard lumps on the right side of my groin, approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters in size. They are painful when pressed and also hurt when I am sitting. What could be the issue? Should I go to the hospital for an examinati...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 18-year-old male Hello, I have developed two hard lumps on the right side of my groin, approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters in size. They are painful when pressed and also hurt when sitting. What could be the issue? Response: It is usually indicative of enlarged lymph no...[Read More] Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
A lump felt on the left side of the groin? Yesterday morning, I felt a sharp pain when pressing on the left groin area. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later in the evening while showering, I noticed a lump on the left side of my groin (near the thigh root, next to ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
19-year-old female presents with a left groin mass (near the thigh root, adjacent to the pubic hair), approximately less than 1.5 cm in size (upon palpation). The skin surface appears slightly red, and it is painful to the touch, but there is no discomfort while walking. The mass...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lumps Near the Clavicle: Tumors or Lymph Nodes?
A round lump on the clavicle? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you: Recently, I discovered a round, movable lump about one centimeter in the hollow of my left clavicle, which is slightly painful. Sometimes my hand feels numb. Could this possibly be a tumor, or is it lymphadenop...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Minmin, 24 years old! 1. I would like to ask if it could possibly be a tumor? Or could it be lymphadenopathy due to fatigue? Or a fibroma? A: Broadly speaking, they can all be classified as tumors, but it is not possible to distinguish which type of tumor it is. 2. Which sp...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Near the Clavicle: Tumors or Lymph Nodes?
Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Second surgery for breast cancer? Hello, Dr. Lai! I found calcifications in my mammogram, and after an ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined to be stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) measuring 2.5 cm. I underwent surgery to remove a 7 cm x 7 cm tissue sample for pathologic...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Belinda Ho, Hello. In response to your inquiry regarding stage I breast cancer, I would like to ask whether you are considering breast-conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy. If you choose the former, it is recommended to follow up with adjuvant radiation the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer