Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek ENT or Hematology Care
Neck issues About 30 days ago, I noticed a lymph node approximately 0.5 cm in size at the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left side of my neck. At the same time, I experienced night sweats, fever, and weakness/fatigue. I initially thought it was a respirat...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If I visit an ENT specialist, will they generally use a fiber optic endoscope for examination? Or is it sufficient to just continue observing and taking antibiotics? A: They will likely use it. 2. If lymphatic cancer is suspected, is surgery for a biopsy the only option? Or c...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek ENT or Hematology Care
Differentiating Between Primary Lymphoma and Normal Lymph Nodes: A Guide
How to distinguish primary lymphoma from normal lymph nodes? I have had palpable, non-painful lymph nodes in my neck, armpits, and groin for the past three years. I wasn't aware of them before, but I suspect that my habit of picking at scabs may have led to frequent inflamma...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Zhang / 21 years old / Male 1. Is it possible to differentiate lymphoma from normal lymph nodes through palpation? A: It may not be possible to definitively determine if it is benign through palpation alone. If it continues to enlarge, it is advisable to consult a doctor....[Read More] Differentiating Between Primary Lymphoma and Normal Lymph Nodes: A Guide
Understanding Neck Masses: Could It Be Lymphoma?
Neck mass Hello: Recently, I noticed a lump in the front of my neck, just above the right clavicular notch. It is not painful and not very noticeable. The lump moves when I swallow saliva, and I can't feel it much with my fingers, but I can clearly feel a 2-3 cm spherical pr...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
2 to 3 cm is a bit too large; it is recommended to see an otolaryngologist first.[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: Could It Be Lymphoma?
Understanding Lumps in the Arm: When to Seek Further Evaluation
There is a small hard lump on the left arm? Hello Doctor, last month I visited a hematologist because I had a lump under my left armpit. The doctor prescribed antibiotics (suspected folliculitis) and ordered blood tests and a chest CT scan (the doctor was concerned about possible...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A-Liang / 42 years old / Male Hello, 1. Regarding the tests I underwent last month, can we rule out the possibility of malignancy originating from elsewhere (only a chest CT was performed)? A: (The axillary mass has gradually decreased in size) It has already been confirmed th...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Arm: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Various physical conditions Doctor: Because I am someone who easily worries and gets anxious about my health, I often ask various questions. I still have some conditions I would like to confirm. 1. Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A-Zhe / 38 years old / Male 1. Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C. By noon to 9 PM, it rises to 37-37.2°C, and I feel a bit warm and have dry mouth. After 10 PM, it drops to around 36.5°C. I have undergone numerous blood tests (general...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement and Fibrosis: Key Concerns
Lymphadenopathy? Fibrosis? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I noticed about four to five swollen lymph nodes on the side of my lower jaw and neck approximately five or six years ago (each about less than two centimeters). They are not painful and can be moved (they were painf...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Not very likely; if inflammation is present, once the inflamed area reduces in swelling, the remaining fibrosis will not occur. 2. Unlikely.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement and Fibrosis: Key Concerns
Concerns About a Newly Discovered Lymph Node in the Neck
Today, I suddenly felt a lymph node in the back of my neck? Today, I suddenly felt a lymph node on the left side of my neck. It's about the size of a fingertip, slightly smaller than half of it. It feels soft and is likely movable; it's not very noticeable and I can onl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Many people often mistake subcutaneous lipomas (benign tumors) for malignant lymphoma. Generally, the posterior neck area is not a pathway for blood vessels, and there are very few lymph nodes distributed there, making the likelihood of palpating lymphoma in that area extr...[Read More] Concerns About a Newly Discovered Lymph Node in the Neck
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Hyperthermia Hello, doctor... I started experiencing fever, body weakness, muscle aches, sore throat, and a bit of nasal congestion on the morning of March 21. I visited a clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with a cold. During the cold, my highest fever reached 38.7°C, and my te...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It's advisable to wait until the cold has completely resolved (2-3 weeks). If your body temperature is still elevated (>37.8°C), then consider visiting an infectious disease specialist for an initial evaluation.[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature: Possible Causes and Concerns
Elevated body temperature? Hello, doctor. Recently, over the past three weeks, my body temperature has varied, being around 36.7-36.9°C before noon, increasing to 37-37.3°C in the afternoon, and dropping to about 36.3-36.5°C from 10 PM to early morning. I mainly feel warm in the ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on the data you provided, you do not have a fever, and your white blood cell count is normal. There is no evidence of lymphoma or leukemia, so please try not to worry too much. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Afternoon Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns in Oncology
Afternoon low-grade fever with normal temperature at night? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three weeks, my body temperature has varied from 36.5 to 36.8 degrees Celsius before noon, rising to 37 to 37.3 degrees Celsius starting at noon, and then dropping to around 36.5 degree...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The white blood cell count you mentioned is within the normal range (4,000-9,000), which is not unusual! Generally speaking, fever caused by blood cancers typically exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, while your temperature is still within the normal range. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns in Oncology
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Indicators for Lymphoma Concerns
Blood test Hello Doctor: I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for some time, so I went for a blood test. I would like to ask about the significance or implications of the following values: 1. Lymphocytes: 15.6 (normal range: 19.0-48.0) 2. Hemoglobin: 11 (normal range: 11.3-1...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Initially, there appears to be anemia and thrombocytosis.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Indicators for Lymphoma Concerns
Understanding Sudden Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden onset of a lump? Hello Doctor, I am currently seeking a brief consultation as it is quite inconvenient to receive medical care abroad. I would like to assess whether I need to return to Taiwan for immediate treatment. My current condition is as follows: I have developed ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Steven Chiu / 25 years old / Male Hello, 1. The lymphadenopathy is located on both sides of the groin, the jawline, and the right ear. This is quite widespread. There is still a possibility of lymphoma. From a physician's perspective, if I advise you to observe for a perio...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. Last week, I felt a lymph node about 2 cm in size at the intersection of my neck and left shoulder. It is movable and not painful. The next day, I went to see an ENT specialist and had blood tests done. The doctor reviewed the results and said that ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: If you have noticed lymph nodes that have been palpable for a short period, it is advisable to monitor them for a few months. If they continue to enlarge or if more nodes appear, further evaluation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Lymphoma: Key Questions Answered
Lymph Node Issues - Follow-up Questions Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have a question to ask. You mentioned that removing a lymph node can only confirm whether that specific node is problematic. However, another doctor told me that lymphoma is systemic, so it do...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. "Seeing is believing" is 100% certain, while "based on experience" is not necessarily so. 2. The same issue is a matter of probability; the best diagnostic method would be to excise all lymph nodes throughout the body, regardless of size, and send...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Lymphoma: Key Questions Answered
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma
White blood cells after chemotherapy I have had lymphoma (mediastinal) and completed chemotherapy a year ago. During this period, my follow-up blood tests showed a maximum white blood cell count of 4500. Is there a problem with this?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin Hsiao-Fen / 38 years old / Female 1. Lymphoma (mediastinum) has completed chemotherapy for one year, but during this period, the highest white blood cell count during follow-up blood tests was 4500. Is there a problem with this? A: The key point is not the highest count; ...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy for Lymphoma
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: Causes and Concerns
Swelling and pain of the right cervical lymph nodes, along with stiffness in the muscles of the right posterior neck? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask a few questions. A week ago, I started experiencing slight swelling and pain in my right neck, but there were no issues upon ex...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You can observe the changes in the cervical lymph nodes for about two weeks. If the lymphadenopathy is caused by a cold, it usually decreases and resolves within two weeks. However, if it is due to a malignant lymphoma, it will not decrease in size and will continue to gro...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding a Hard Lump on the Left Side of the Neck: What You Need to Know
A lump felt on the left side of the neck? About 3 to 5 months ago, I noticed a hard lump (approximately 1.8 cm) in the upper left side of my neck. I'm concerned that this could be lymphoma or some other serious condition. Additionally, I remember having a lump in my left arm...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Didi: If there are no discomforts, just wait for it to go away. :)) By Dr. Hu Ziren[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump on the Left Side of the Neck: What You Need to Know
Understanding Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels in Lymphoma Diagnosis
Please provide your questions related to the B2-M index? Hello Dr. Hu, A month ago, I developed a cluster of five lymph nodes of varying sizes on the right side of my neck within a week. The doctor tested my cancer marker, and my Beta-2 microglobulin level was 2415 (the referen...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Beta-2 microglobulin is a protein found on the surface of nucleated cells. Its elevation can sometimes indicate activation of immune cells in the body. Therefore, blood tests during allergic reactions may be affected to some extent.[Read More] Understanding Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels in Lymphoma Diagnosis
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 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