Understanding Groin Masses: Symptoms, Causes, and Specialist Recommendations
Inguinal mass Hello Dr. Fan, my girlfriend discovered a lump in her groin area about three weeks ago. The lump is elongated and resembles a leech, approximately five centimeters long, and appears slightly darker than the surrounding skin. It is painful to the touch and seems to w...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Kevin: It sounds like lymphadenopathy and inguinal hernia should both be considered. I recommend consulting with a hematologist-oncologist and a general surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Groin Masses: Symptoms, Causes, and Specialist Recommendations
Managing Urinary and Bowel Issues After Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Abnormal bowel and bladder function after electrotherapy? Hello, Dr. Chen. My mother (56 years old) underwent a total hysterectomy along with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy three years ago due to cervical cancer. She subsequently received chemotherapy ...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
The cause is likely related to complications from abdominal cancer treatment. Intestinal probiotics may be considered, and it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional physician in person.[Read More] Managing Urinary and Bowel Issues After Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Sigmoid colon cancer Hello, I would like to ask about colorectal cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. I am currently on my 8th round of chemotherapy, and each session has been increasingly painful. After treatment, I experience vomiting, body aches, weakness, and loss of ap...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Pomelo: 1. I recommend getting an out-of-pocket antiemetic injection such as Zofran or Kytril; sometimes one injection can last for several days, while others may need to receive it daily. 2. Regarding dietary supplements, there is less research from Western medicine, so it would...[Read More] Managing Symptoms and Nutrition for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Leukemia Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has leukemia, and she mentioned that she has had it for many years. She told me that there are a total of four stages, and she is currently in stage three. Is this due to genetic factors, or what other reasons might contribute to it? Besides b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Causes: The majority of leukemia cases have unclear origins, while a small number can be attributed to specific factors: a. Radiation exposure, such as previous radiation therapy or exposure to radiation. b. Chemical agents, including certain chemotherapy drugs and sub...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Bladder Cancer Stage 2A: Choosing Between MVAC, GP, or TP Chemotherapy?
For stage 2A bladder cancer with lymph node involvement, the recommended chemotherapy regimen is typically MVAC (Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin). However, the choice between MVAC and Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (GC) may depend on the patient's overall h...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mawan: For the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy of bladder cancer, current data still supports MVAC as the standard regimen. If there are concerns about toxicity, GP can be chosen as an alternative. TP has higher toxicity as well, so it is recommended to consider its use only ...[Read More] Bladder Cancer Stage 2A: Choosing Between MVAC, GP, or TP Chemotherapy?
Should CLL Patients Worry About New Neck Lumps During Treatment?
excuse me? In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the appearance of new lymph node-like masses in the neck during treatment may be a cause for concern. It is important to evaluate these findings, as they could indicate disease progression or complications. It is rec...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), if new lymph nodes develop during chemotherapy, it indicates that the current treatment is limited in effectiveness. However, if hemoglobin and platelet counts remain stable, it would be expected that some lymph nodes are ...[Read More] Should CLL Patients Worry About New Neck Lumps During Treatment?
Persistent Lymph Nodes: Should You Be Concerned?
The lymph nodes have not resolved? Hello, doctor: If the lymph nodes remain swollen after taking medication, and a round lump has also appeared on the other side of the face, is there any risk? Thank you.
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Miss: "Is there any danger?" Answer: "Yes!" You should quickly see an oncologist; it may be necessary to remove a tumor for testing. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Persistent Lymph Nodes: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Lymph Nodes Near the Pancreas: Should You Be Concerned?
Questions about abdominal ultrasound examination? Hello Doctor: 1. I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that there are some lymph nodes near my pancreas, with the largest being three centimeters. When I had an examination at the end of last year, it was also ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Yoyo: There has been no change for six months, which is somewhat reassuring. However, we still cannot be completely at ease. It would be best to recheck the tumor markers CEA and CA19-9, and even consider a PET scan to assess for any potential malignancy. Wishing you all the best...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes Near the Pancreas: Should You Be Concerned?
Can CLL Patients Safely Use Cold Medications?
Can patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) catch a cold? Is it concerning for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to take cold medications (antibiotics, antihistamines) when they have a cold? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear STD: Hello, regarding this issue, Dr. Kao Chung-Shu from the Oncology Department responds as follows: Unless the patient has a history of drug allergies, there are no adverse effects related to this condition. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Kao Chung-Shu, Atten...[Read More] Can CLL Patients Safely Use Cold Medications?
Understanding Symptoms: Possible Conditions Behind Limb Weakness and Lymph Node Swelling
Question Hello Doctor, since February 20th, I have suddenly experienced frequent weakness or soreness and numbness in my limbs. I have undergone MRI scans of my neck and lower back, a CT scan of my brain, and even an electromyography, all of which showed no issues. Additionally, ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Frances: If there is persistent lymphadenopathy, considerations include 1. tumors, such as lymphoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma; 2. infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV; 3. autoimmune diseases. Based on what you described, a diagnosis cannot be made immediately. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Possible Conditions Behind Limb Weakness and Lymph Node Swelling
Post-Surgery Breast Cancer Treatment: Understanding Options and Concerns
Postoperative treatment for breast cancer? A month ago, my mother felt a small hard lump under her breast. She went to a nearby hospital for an examination, and the results indicated it was benign. However, feeling uneasy, she returned to Chung Shan Medical University for a more ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui, 1. It is the patient's reasonable right to request a copy of the pathology report from the original treating hospital. Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist with this information is also a reasonable course of action, and the hospital and physician ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Breast Cancer Treatment: Understanding Options and Concerns
Are Your Kidneys at Risk After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma?
Is there a problem with the kidneys? You are currently in the third stage of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) and have completed the seventh cycle of chemotherapy (CHOP). Your recent blood test shows a creatinine level of 0.5 mg/dL and an estimated glomerular filtration rate...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: The information you provided indicates that kidney function is still normal. If there are significant bubbles in the urine, it may be worth checking for proteinuria. Thank you![Read More] Are Your Kidneys at Risk After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Recurrence, and Aftermath
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Dear Dr. Chen, 1. Previously, in July 2008, I inquired about experiencing body-wide tingling after undergoing radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in July 2005. A PET scan, which I paid for out of pocket, suggested recurrence in the left neck a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Shang-Jun. 1. The probability of recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after treatment is less than 3% after three years, so try to relax a bit. 2. Have you considered consulting a neurosurgeon or an internist? The cause of neck nerve compression could be due to fibros...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Recurrence, and Aftermath
Should ALCL Stage III Patients Consider Autologous Transplant?
Is autologous stem cell transplantation necessary for stage III anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)? A patient with stage III Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) has undergone their fifth cycle of CHOP chemotherapy. The treatment plan mentioned by the physician includes autol...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Currently, there is a lack of large-scale clinical studies providing us with strong evidence for a universally satisfactory answer to this question. To be frank, in the case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), if the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is positive, the prognos...[Read More] Should ALCL Stage III Patients Consider Autologous Transplant?
Understanding Breast Cancer Staging: What Do y and Mx Mean?
The issue of breast cancer metastasis? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother had surgery a month ago and her AJCC stage is yT2N1aMx. I would like to ask what the "y" in front signifies. Also, I have checked that "Mx" means that it is not possible to determine if there are...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. "y" refers to pathological staging. 2. Pathological staging is determined by pathologists based on the specimens sent by the surgeon after surgery. Since the surgeon does not send the entire body for examination, but only the surgical specimen, the pathologist can on...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Staging: What Do y and Mx Mean?
Understanding Lymphoma: Symptoms, Treatments, and Cure Options
Lymphoma (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Hello, I would like to inquire about the symptoms of lymphoma. As far as I know, lymphoma can be divided into two types: A) Hodgkin lymphoma and B) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I would like to ask if both types of lymphoma have curab...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, both types of cancer have a chance of being cured, but the probability decreases as the stage advances. To know the exact probability, a more detailed pathology report is necessary. In the case of stage 3 lymphoma, there is no alternative to chemotherapy; encoura...[Read More] Understanding Lymphoma: Symptoms, Treatments, and Cure Options
Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Primary thrombocythemia Hello Doctor: Male, 33 years old, height: 178 cm, weight: 68 kg, bad habits: smoking, staying up late. I impulsively went to the clinic for a blood test and found the following results: WBC: 10,900, RBC: 5.55, HGB: 17.2, HCT: 52.1, MCV: 93.9, MCH: 31, MCHC...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
The attending physician in the hematology department of the medical center said: "Since becoming a doctor, I have seen fewer than 10 patients with this condition. Therefore, I think you should definitely try another hospital. At least, Anagrelide is not currently the most re...[Read More] Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Understanding Neck Discomfort: Could It Be a Tumor?
Something feels off with my neck? I would like to ask the doctor, recently for the past week, I have been feeling tightness in my left shoulder and left side of my neck. When I turn my head to the left, it feels very tight, and my shoulder tends to shrug unconsciously. I also fee...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Nick: Head and neck tumors refer to 1. cancers originating in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, or throat, which may not always be palpable, and 2. lymph nodes in the neck that may be involved due to metastasis. If the lymph nodes are too small or located deep, they may also be non-p...[Read More] Understanding Neck Discomfort: Could It Be a Tumor?
Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Patient's Guide
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can interfere with the production of normal blood cells. CLL typically progresses slow...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: It is a monoclonal antibody that can target chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It may be more appropriate to discuss the potential benefits and side effects of this therapy with your doctor.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Patient's Guide
Hard Lumps Between Groin and Thigh: What Could They Be?
There are two hard lumps between the groin and the pubic area? Hello, I have noticed two hard, round lumps between my groin and my thighs, where my legs connect to my body. They don't usually hurt, but they are a bit painful when pressed. What could these be? Which specialis...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, A-Bai. Most lumps in the groin area are due to lymphadenopathy, which is usually benign. Benign lymphadenopathy is often caused by infections such as athlete's foot leading to wound infections, cellulitis, or infections from other areas. Malignant lymphadenopathy, on ...[Read More] Hard Lumps Between Groin and Thigh: What Could They Be?