Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Colorectal cancer in family members? My grandmother had colon cancer surgery on December 30th. Will chemotherapy shorten her life? She is currently in stage III, and the surgeon mentioned that out of 39 lymph nodes removed, 8 were infected. What is her current survival rate? Can ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: 1. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is aimed at preventing cancer metastasis and recurrence, and it is intended to extend the patient's life, not shorten it. 2. Survival rates must be assessed based on the patient's stage of diagnosis, treatment status, and ch...[Read More] Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Understanding a Lump on the Outer Thigh: Lipoma or Lymphatic Issue?
Lateral thigh mass? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently discovered a lump on the outer side of my right thigh while showering. It is about the size of a ten-dollar coin, located under the skin, and the appearance of the skin is normal. Pressing on it does not cause it to move or feel pai...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ader: 1. Could it be a lipoma? Or a disease of the lymphatic system? A: Most are benign tumors, but you cannot determine whether it is benign or malignant based solely on online information. It is recommended that you see a doctor. 2. Is follow-up treatment necessary? A: 2.1 If i...[Read More] Understanding a Lump on the Outer Thigh: Lipoma or Lymphatic Issue?
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Neck: Lymph Nodes or Tumors?
Lateral neck mass Today, I accidentally discovered a hard lump on the left side of my neck, located between the cervical vertebrae and my ear, approximately halfway down my neck towards the cervical area. It is on the lateral aspect of my neck, and the surface appears slightly ra...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
V/26/11. I believe it's better to see an otolaryngologist directly rather than trying to guess what the condition might be based on what I say here, as it may not accurately reflect the actual disease. 2. Of course, it feels hard and adherent to the underlying tissues, so it...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Neck: Lymph Nodes or Tumors?
Should You See an Oncologist for a Growing Lump Behind Your Ear?
There is a lump behind the ear? About six months to a year ago, I noticed a lump behind my ear. Since it wasn't painful, I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, I found that it has grown larger. I visited an ENT clinic, and they said it was granulation tissue. Howe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, a neck mass is often indicative of lymph nodes and may be due to infection, head and neck tumors, or lymphoma. It is recommended to first visit a major hospital's otolaryngology department for an endoscopic examination to confirm and differentiate the diagnosis. Wishi...[Read More] Should You See an Oncologist for a Growing Lump Behind Your Ear?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Should You Be Concerned?
Lymphoma? Hello doctor, I discovered a lump near the lymph nodes behind my ear, close to the suboccipital lymph nodes. The lump is not visible on the surface and is about 1 to 1.5 cm in size. It hurts when pressed, and yesterday it was more painful with a feeling of immobility. R...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Based on the description you provided, it is not possible to determine whether the condition is benign or malignant. It is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist for a proper examination. Generally speaking, malignant lymph nodes tend to be 1. immobile 2. hard 3. persistently enl...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Should You Be Concerned?
Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Is chemotherapy necessary? Stage I breast cancer, partial mastectomy, PR negative, ER positive (90%), Her-2/neu protein: without overexpression (score 1+), Ki-67: ~15% labeling index, 50 years old, perimenopausal, tumor size less than 1 cm (0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6), nuclear grade: 3, no ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Breast cancer treatment primarily involves surgical intervention, with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy as adjuncts. For Stage I: when the tumor is less than two centimeters and has not metastasized beyond the breast, surgical removal of the br...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice
A swollen lump behind the ear (cervical lymph node)? Hello Dr. Chen, it's me, Xiao Ke again. I remember the last time I consulted you was also about lymph nodes (there's a lump in my left neck that I've been worried about for a long time; I scared myself to death, ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is this a lymph node? Is it related to my previous cold or scalp acne? It should be a lymph node, related to the cold; it may be due to your constitution, as colds can easily cause lymphadenopathy, and it is unrelated to acne. 2. At first, it was not painful or itchy, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Can I go to the gym for weight training after breast surgery? Hello, Doctor. I am a stage 0 breast cancer patient. I underwent a partial mastectomy on my left side in December last year and completed radiation therapy in March this year. Some people have advised me to avoid exert...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
My patient, Xiaoya, has undergone axillary lymph node dissection and received radiation therapy. 1. Holding her grandchild 2. Sewing under pressure 3. Lifting heavy objects, such as a basket of vegetables, has caused her to experience persistent edema, which may eventually resolv...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Understanding Neck Pain and Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a lump on the right side of the back of the neck? Hello Dr. Chen, I have previously experienced neck stiffness and pain that caused dizziness. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent neck pain and noticed a lump on the right side of the back of my neck. Pressing on i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Due to soreness, a lump was discovered in the neck. 2. The lump should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) in person to determine whether it is likely benign or malignant. 3.1 If there is a possibility of malignancy, the doctor will likely arrange for a bi...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain and Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Non-Painful Lymph Nodes: Why Antibiotics Are Prescribed
Cervical Lymph Nodes Part 2 Hello Dr. Chen: Thank you for your response! I later returned to the ENT clinic for a follow-up. After medication, the lymph nodes still did not shrink, and the doctor confirmed that there were no tumors nearby, which is a relief. Since there is no pai...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Regarding antibiotics, different physicians may have varying opinions. 1. Some doctors may not prescribe them on the first visit. 2. If you do take them, it's generally better to complete a full course of 5-7 days; you might want to consult an infectious disease specialist a...[Read More] Understanding Non-Painful Lymph Nodes: Why Antibiotics Are Prescribed
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Tumors or Infections
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Dr. Chen: Recently, I noticed three lymph nodes in the area of my Adam's apple, each less than 0.5 cm in size. They are movable, and I am unsure about their hardness—whether they are soft or hard. They are not painful. I visited an ENT clinic, and ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kevin / 28 / 0 Hello, I took a week off last week and apologize for the delayed response. 1. I'm not sure if I should continue the medication or just observe. A: Since I haven't seen you, I don't know if the inflammation has resolved. If the inflammation has impr...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Tumors or Infections
Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery
Lymph Node Medical Issues Hello, doctor. In March of this year, I underwent surgery for early-stage oral cancer on my right cheek. Post-surgery, there were no significant issues. However, in August, I started experiencing unexplained night sweats and fever. In September, my right...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Bao: Is a CT scan out-of-pocket? I suggest consulting the National Health Insurance Administration. For lymphatic issues, I recommend directly excising one for testing. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a left-sided posterior neck mass? Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 64 years old and was diagnosed with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma 23 years ago. She underwent cobalt-60 radiation therapy at that time, and her condition has been under control sinc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Zhao / 32 / 1 Hello! 1.1 The medical history has lasted for 23 years, with regular check-ups and blood tests at the hospital every year showing no issues. Is there a high chance that this tumor is due to a recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A: The likelihood is low, but ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Potential Health Risks
Inguinal mass In May of this year, I discovered a hard lump in my right groin area, about the size of a fingertip. It was painless, and since I had no other obvious discomfort at the time, I did not see a doctor and did not pay much attention to it. By the end of August, I touche...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Tsai: The frequent leg cramps are likely not related to the groin lump. The lump has not shown any significant change in size since May and appears to be benign. However, there is no guarantee that there won't be any unexpected findings. If you are still concerned,...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Potential Health Risks
Understanding Axillary Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Axillary lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I have a history of asthma. Recently, I had a persistent cough, so I visited a pulmonologist. After blood tests and an X-ray, the doctor diagnosed me with a Mycoplasma infection causing bronchitis, and prescribed antibiotics and cough medica...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! Inflammation and cancer can both cause lymphadenopathy. Lymph nodes affected by cancer tend to continue enlarging and becoming harder, while inflamed lymph nodes are generally softer and often resolve on their own, although a small percentage may persist. However, it can b...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Muscle or Lymph Nodes?
Bumps under the armpit? Hello doctor, I have a question: when I raise my arms straight up, there appears to be a noticeable bulge under my armpit, roughly in the area where there is underarm hair (both arms are the same). I'm not sure if this is muscle or lymph nodes. When I...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Sheng: This makes it really hard for me to guess. If you're really worried, you should go see a doctor for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Muscle or Lymph Nodes?
Managing Eyelid Swelling After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Do?
Nasal cavity cancer with eyelid edema? Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma for over ten years. Recently, for more than two months, I have had swelling in the upper eyelid of my left eye. I have visited several clinics, but the ointments and eye dr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Personally, I do not believe that the ophthalmologist is correct; typically, electrotherapy would not be applied to the eyelid area. 2. I recommend returning to the ophthalmology department and treating it as a common case of eyelid swelling. 3. It would be more appropriate ...[Read More] Managing Eyelid Swelling After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Do?
Understanding Neck Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Changes
Cervical lymph nodes Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for reaching out again. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I have noticed a lump in my neck that seems to be a lymph node for the past three months. Its size has remained relatively the same, and it hasn't notice...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. You can rest assured. 2. When you mention "enlargement," how long are you referring to? Some enlargement can be due to infection; if it resolves within 1-2 weeks or returns to its original size, that's acceptable. However, I wouldn't suggest waiting 2-3 mo...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Changes
Concerns About New Lymph Node: What You Need to Know
I found another lymph node? Dr. Chen, before you answer my previous question, I found another lymph node! The two are somewhat distant from each other; this new one is located just below the ear lobe at the junction with the jawbone, also on the left side, and it’s probably less ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Ke: Don't worry, let's observe for 1-2 weeks. You also noticed that it shouldn't be a full centimeter yet... It feels movable, seems to get warmer when touched, and is painful. By the way, I had my upper left wisdom tooth extracted two weeks ago due to a cavit...[Read More] Concerns About New Lymph Node: What You Need to Know
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Lymph Nodes
Small lump in the neck? Hello Dr. Chen, it's me again... I still need to consult you about the issue of the lymph nodes in my neck. The lump that I suspect to be a lymph node has been present for nearly three months now. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Coco / 34 / 01. Sometimes it feels small, like a BB pellet, and other times it seems to get a bit larger (it shouldn't be more than 1 cm). Sometimes it feels soft, and other times it feels hard... should I be concerned about this? A: Based on your description, it sounds more...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Lymph Nodes