Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Confirmed diagnosis of throat cancer? Laryngeal cancer is classified into stages based on the TNM system, which assesses Tumor size (T), lymph Node involvement (N), and Metastasis (M). 1. **Stage I**: The cancer is small and localized to the larynx. Symptoms may include hoarsen...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Laryngeal cancer staging is quite complex and cannot be detailed here. Generally, it is classified based on the size of the primary tumor, the extent of local tissue involvement, the degree of lymph node metastasis in the larynx, and the presence of distant metastasis. The five-y...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding a Small Tumor on the Right Knee: What You Need to Know
A small tumor has developed on the right knee? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, female. Two months ago, I noticed a small lump in the area of my right popliteal fossa (I am not sure what to call it, so I will refer to it as a lump for now). It is about 1 centimeter in size, not h...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Nana: There are many possible scenarios for this situation. Infections in the lower extremities or near the genital-urinary region can lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes in that area, so it is important to pay close attention. A tumor is a possibility, but it seems less like...[Read More] Understanding a Small Tumor on the Right Knee: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Potential Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? I recently discovered a small hard lump under my right armpit, measuring less than 0.5 centimeters. Since I previously had a benign phyllodes tumor removed from my left breast, I would like to know if this could possibly be lymphatic metastasis...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: It is possible that this is lymphatic metastasis, with the most common primary site being right-sided breast cancer. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible; it could be benign, but regardless, it is essential to visit a hospital for evaluation. This message ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Potential Causes and Concerns
The Necessity of Cranial Radiation in Pediatric Leukemia Treatment
The Necessity of Cranial Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Leukemia Patients Dear Doctor, My daughter is five years old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) last year. At the time of diagnosis, her white blood cell count was approximately 170,000, and she exhib...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Apple: Indeed, cranial radiation therapy can lead to various side effects in children in terms of cognitive function, attention, height, endocrine function, and bone density. An alternative approach is to use what you referred to as Triple IT and High Dose Methotrexate therap...[Read More] The Necessity of Cranial Radiation in Pediatric Leukemia Treatment
Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis: How Did Health Checkups Miss It?
Could you please clarify what you mean by "so sudden"? My classmate's mother had a health check-up six months ago, and the results were normal. The uterine examination was done at Shin Kong Hospital, while the gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and X-rays were performed at ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Could it be ovarian cancer or lymphoma? Please let the doctor give you the answer quickly. If so, chemotherapy can be quite effective. Hang in there![Read More] Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis: How Did Health Checkups Miss It?
Managing Stage II Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Hodgkin's Lymphoma I am a patient with stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma. Initially, when it was discovered, the lymphoma measured 9.1 x 4.9 cm. After receiving 8 cycles of chemotherapy, my doctor assessed the situation and felt that the response was not satisfactory, so we s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. You may try chemotherapy with different agents. 2. Alternatively, radiation therapy at a higher dose should achieve complete remission. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Oncology.[Read More] Managing Stage II Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Neck: What Could They Mean?
There is a hard lump in the neck? Doctor, my mother is 62 years old. One day she felt a hard lump on each side of her jaw where it connects to her neck. The lumps are movable and do not cause any pain when pressed. She has had them for several months and has not experienced any o...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The most likely diagnosis is lymphadenopathy. 2. It is mobile, which makes it more likely to be benign. 3. It is recommended to promptly visit an otolaryngology clinic for examination of the nasopharynx and oral cavity to check for other tumors. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Neck: What Could They Mean?
Understanding Lymph Node Metastasis: Concerns and Surgical Options
Lymphatic metastasis Dr. Chen, I apologize for asking so many questions, but I am very concerned about my mother's condition, and I hope you can understand. During her radiation therapy, she experienced a recurrence and underwent a fine needle aspiration (FNA) and a PET CT s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. If it has not metastasized, there is still hope. 2. I agree with your mother's attending physician's recommendations. 3. The wound may be difficult to manage, but we can only cooperate with the doctor. 4. Life is not in immediate danger, but the concern is tha...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Metastasis: Concerns and Surgical Options
Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Prognosis and Treatment Options
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Dear Dr. Fan, My cousin, who is about 10 years old, was hospitalized due to gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Unfortunately, due to a delay of nearly two months in Vietnam, her condition has worsened significantly...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Jing: Based on your assessment, the situation appears to be very pessimistic due to significant delays in treatment. It is challenging to administer chemotherapy to patients with renal failure, and without chemotherapy, acute lymphoblastic leukemia cannot achieve remission a...[Read More] Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Prognosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Tumors: When to Seek Medical Attention
A tumor has developed on the neck? I previously had a tumor on my neck, which I thought was just swollen lymph nodes, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, I noticed that the tumor has grown larger. I visited a dermatologist, and since I had a cold before, she advi...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Emily: You need to see a doctor right away! Consult with a hematologist and an otolaryngologist to check for the possibility of lymphoma or nasopharyngeal cancer. I hope everything turns out fine.[Read More] Understanding Neck Tumors: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lumps Under the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
extremely fearful I have a large lump in my armpit that feels hard and is painful to touch. Recently, it seems to have developed some pus around it, but I'm afraid to squeeze it. What could it be? Is it a lymph node tumor? Should I avoid touching it? Can I drain the pus? How...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It may be folliculitis or suppurative lymphatic metastasis from breast cancer. 2. Do not attempt to touch or squeeze it yourself. 3. Please seek assistance from a general surgery outpatient clinic promptly. After a definitive diagnosis and treatment, the physician will ...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Risks and Prognosis
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma My father-in-law is 75 years old. He originally had nine tumors in his brain, the largest being 6 centimeters. He was diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma last July and underwent 25 sessions of radiation therapy (without c...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. There is a possibility of recurrence. 2. There is also a possibility of metastasis to other organs. 3. Highly malignant. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Risks and Prognosis
Understanding High-Grade Mucoepidermal Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Key Insights
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland Hello Dr. Chen, my mother's pathology report from her parotid gland surgery has finally come out, confirming it is a high-grade mucoepidermal carcinoma of the parotid gland. The superficial tumor is cancerous and somewhat connect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1.a. Lymphatic vessels should indicate that there are cancer cells in the nearby lymphatic vessels, which can spread to nearby lymph nodes, then to the thoracic duct, and eventually throughout the body. b. There is no need to consider whether there are methods to know; in ...[Read More] Understanding High-Grade Mucoepidermal Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Key Insights
Understanding Tumors: What to Do When You Find a Lump
About tumors? Dear Dr. Chen, my mother discovered two hard lumps near her collarbone on April 5th, this past Tuesday. They do not hurt when pressed, and one of them is about the size of half of my thumb. Question 1: Is it possible that these lumps are tumors? Question 2: Whic...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is possible, and it could be a malignant cancer such as lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, or nasopharyngeal cancer that has metastasized to the supraclavicular lymph nodes. 2. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, ENT, Pulmonology, and Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Tumors: What to Do When You Find a Lump
Are Palpable Lymph Nodes Normal? Understanding Lymph Node Health
Lymph node Excuse me, I would like to ask, are lymph nodes generally palpable? I felt some small, soft, round structures near my groin that seem like lymph nodes. Is this normal? Recently, I came across some reports about lymphatic diseases, and I know that lymph nodes are distri...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
It sounds like what you're describing is a lymph node. If it remains unchanged and does not increase in size, then there is no cause for concern. However, if there are any changes or if you are still worried, it would be best to consult a doctor. Wishing you well![Read More] Are Palpable Lymph Nodes Normal? Understanding Lymph Node Health
Hard Lump Under Chin: What You Need to Know About Possible Causes
A hard, ball-shaped mass has developed near the jaw, close to the throat? It has been about three months since I noticed a lump that doesn't hurt and hasn't changed in size. It feels like a large, hard nodule located about two finger widths below my chin. I visited an E...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
It is recommended to consult a hematologist-oncologist for a fine needle aspiration cytology examination. Thank you.[Read More] Hard Lump Under Chin: What You Need to Know About Possible Causes
Understanding Lumps on the Neck: Causes and Concerns
There are two lumps on the neck? Hello, doctor. This week, I noticed a painless, movable lump on my neck. There are also some near my collarbone. I saw an ENT specialist yesterday, and they said it was lymphadenopathy. They mentioned that since it is movable, it should not be a c...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Is it better now? If it has worsened, please urgently go to the hematology department for a blood test. It's important, very important.[Read More] Understanding Lumps on the Neck: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Soft Tumors in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tumor Dear Dr. Fan, I need your help. My son is 5 years old and has developed a soft lump on his right wrist. It doesn't hurt when pressed and can be slightly moved in all directions. I initially thought it might be a tendon tumor due to his hyperactivity, so I took him to ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Based on your description, it doesn't seem like lymphoma; it is more likely related to a tendon issue. Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital are all good options.[Read More] Understanding Soft Tumors in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Post-Transplant Challenges in Lymphoma Patients
Regarding lymphatic cancer after bone marrow transplantation? Hello, my father was diagnosed with lymphoma last year and has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, but each time it was halted due to low white blood cell counts. Recently, he underwent an autologous stem cell tr...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
It's really difficult to answer. Based on what you've described, the situation is very critical, and we can only ask your father's physician to do everything possible to save him.[Read More] Understanding Post-Transplant Challenges in Lymphoma Patients
Understanding Primary Salivary Gland Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Primary salivary gland tumor Hello Doctor, my mother's lymph nodes are swollen and painful. She underwent ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy at two different hospitals, and the two test reports are different. The first report indicates a Warthin tumor, which is ben...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Please proceed with the surgery as soon as possible to remove the entire tumor for pathological examination in order to confirm the diagnosis. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung, Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Primary Salivary Gland Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment Options