Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Melanoma I just saw a news article online about a woman with melanoma in the perineal area, and it reminded me that I have a black raised spot on the inner thigh, right in the crease between my thigh and private area, which has been there for several years. Is this normal, or sho...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
There has been no change for many years, so it should just be a common mole. Subsequent monitoring can be done to check for the following abnormalities: whether there is any elevation in the center, whether the edges have enlarged or become irregular... If there are no changes, i...[Read More] Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Melanoma I just saw a news article online about a woman with a melanoma in her perineum, and it reminded me that I have a black raised spot on the inner thigh, right in the crease between my thigh and intimate area, which has been there for several years. Is this normal, or shoul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It has not changed for many years, so it should just be a common mole. You can monitor for the following abnormalities: whether there is any elevation in the center, whether the edges have enlarged or become irregular... If there are no changes, it is advisable to simply observe.[Read More] Is That Mole on Your Inner Thigh Normal? When to Seek Melanoma Screening
Should You Worry About a Changing Mole? Melanoma Concerns Explained
Questions about melanoma? I have a mole on my hand that was originally very small, but I recently noticed it seems to have grown to about 1mm. However, I have memory issues due to a brain injury from a car accident, so I'm starting to doubt my recollection. After comparing i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
e / 34 years old / Male is advised to see a dermatologist. After a personal examination, the doctor will provide recommendations. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Should You Worry About a Changing Mole? Melanoma Concerns Explained
Understanding Melanoma Changes: What to Watch For and Care Tips
Changes in Melanoma and Important Considerations Hello, earlier this year I discovered a black spot growing under my toenail. After consulting a dermatologist, I was informed that it is a melanoma and was advised to monitor any changes. Recently, I noticed that the spot, which wa...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If melanoma exhibits any of the following conditions, it is recommended to see a plastic surgeon: irregular borders; asymmetrical edges; increasingly darker color; growing diameter; or any raised areas.[Read More] Understanding Melanoma Changes: What to Watch For and Care Tips
Understanding Melanoma: When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Moles
Questions about melanoma? Hello, doctor. I visited a dermatology clinic today and inquired about a mole on my body. It is about the size of a BB pellet, appearing relatively round to the naked eye, but upon closer inspection, the edges are not perfectly smooth. Its diameter is ap...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 35-year-old male is considering whether to go to the nearby Cathay General Hospital for treatment and is unsure about the urgency of the situation. A: It is not urgent; he can wait unless there is a noticeable increase in size or change in color, at which point he shou...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Moles
Understanding Stage III Melanoma: Risks of Skipping Chemotherapy
Diagnosed with stage III melanoma? Hello, my mother is 58 years old and was diagnosed with stage III melanoma six months ago. It originated from a black mole on the sole of her foot and has metastasized to the lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa. The doctor mentioned that the exci...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, melanoma has lymph node metastasis. It is recommended to perform a PET scan (covered by health insurance) to determine if there is distant metastasis for staging purposes, which will help decide on subsequent treatment (pathologically confirmed as stage III, there is actua...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Melanoma: Risks of Skipping Chemotherapy
Is It a Blood Blister or Melanoma? Understanding Skin Lesions
I don't know if this is a blister or melanoma? Based on the image, it initially appeared to be a petechial hemorrhage (as I often bite it), but I didn't pay much attention until I noticed it had changed after brushing my teeth. I researched online and found that it coul...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Chen / 30 years old / Male 1. Observing the image of a blood blister. 2. However, if it is a blood blister and I do not puncture it, will it continue to exist? Because I have quite a few blood blisters in my throat, and I previously consulted an ENT specialist who said that ...[Read More] Is It a Blood Blister or Melanoma? Understanding Skin Lesions
Understanding Melanoma: Signs, Prevention, and Treatment for Teens
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. My brother is 14 years old. He has a black mole on his left foot that seems to have been there since birth. He mentioned that the mole has changed shape over the past one to two years, but it is not painful, does not b...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Since childhood, it usually indicates a benign condition; it is recommended to monitor for any changes in color, ulceration, or increasing prominence, and to enhance sun protection.[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: Signs, Prevention, and Treatment for Teens
Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Breast cancer metastasis to the lungs? Is it possible for breast cancer that has metastasized to the lungs to also metastasize to the liver?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, sir: The most common sites of cancer metastasis are the lungs, bones, and liver. The primary metastatic sites for different types of cancer are as follows: - Breast cancer: lungs, liver, bones. - Colorectal cancer: liver, peritoneum, lungs. - Kidney cancer: lungs, liver,...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Hope for Malignant Melanoma: Seeking New Treatments in Taiwan
Malignant melanoma My father has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. This is a rare disease that insurance companies are hesitant to cover, and doctors are at a loss for how to treat it! In Taiwan, cases are extremely rare, especially since my father's melanoma is locate...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Chen: According to inquiries made with doctors at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a drug provided by GlaxoSmithKline underwent human trials for the treatment of melanoma in Taiwan last year, but the trials were discontinued due to excessive toxicity. It is possible that the...[Read More] Hope for Malignant Melanoma: Seeking New Treatments in Taiwan
Coping with Terminal Cancer: A Guide for Families Facing Melanoma
Melanoma My father had half of his stomach removed four months ago. A month later, he underwent surgery for a small intestine and had a colostomy performed. Now, he has undergone surgery for a brain tumor, and it has been discovered that there is a tumor in his chest as well. The...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Fat Boy: Based on what you described, the overall condition is not clear. However, if it is metastatic melanoma affecting the brain and lungs, the situation is indeed quite complicated. Currently, the patient is unrecognizable, so it would be best to have a palliative care physic...[Read More] Coping with Terminal Cancer: A Guide for Families Facing Melanoma
Understanding Immunotherapy: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dietary Tips
Immunotherapy Hello! What is "immunotherapy"? What are the potential side effects of immunotherapy? Is it suitable for patients with malignant tumors (melanoma)? After undergoing immunotherapy, are there any health supplements that can be taken? Or are there any dietary...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Immunotherapy 2. Melanoma may only have slightly better effects with immunotherapy. 3. Side effects depend on the physician, dosage, and type of medication. 4. I believe all foods are acceptable as long as they are not too expensive; the most important thing is to ...[Read More] Understanding Immunotherapy: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Melanoma: Types, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Melanoma Hello! My sister discovered a hard lump on the inner side of her thigh several months ago. It started small but gradually grew larger and became hard, causing pain when walking. Two months ago, she went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor said it was a &qu...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. To determine the type of tumor, you should consult the surgeon for the pathology report or obtain a copy of the pathology report to review it yourself. 2. Ankle pain is related to issues with the ankle; initially, metastasis should be suspected, and you must return to t...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: Types, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Effective Treatments for Vaginal Melanoma: A Patient's Journey
Melanoma Hello Dr. Chen: My mother was diagnosed with a melanoma growing in her vagina after experiencing vaginal bleeding in October 2004. She underwent surgery to remove her uterus and ovaries, followed by approximately five months of interferon therapy with regular follow-ups....
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. When you refer to the treatment for this condition, are you talking about melanoma or sepsis? 2. Sepsis is diagnosed by the infectious disease and gynecology departments, which identify the pathogen and administer antibiotics for treatment. If the condition is currently...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Vaginal Melanoma: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Metastatic Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Metastatic liver cancer Last spring, a melanoma was discovered in the eye, and the eye was subsequently removed. Post-surgery, the physician's examination indicated no signs of metastasis, and follow-up abdominal ultrasounds were conducted every three months. However, it was...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Chen: The most effective treatment moving forward generally involves a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the chances of a cure remain pessimistic. There is also a type of therapy known as mini-transplant or non-myeloablative stem cell transplant, which u...[Read More] Understanding Metastatic Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Tumors: Assessing Malignancy and Treatment Options
Tumor Hello: A family member has had a tumor behind the right ear for nearly 25 years, which has gradually increased in size and is currently about 10 cm. However, it has not affected their health (only the appearance). I would like to understand if this type of tumor could be ma...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: 1. Clinically, the determination of whether a tumor is malignant can be based on several clues: (1) Tumor doubling time: the time required for the tumor volume to double; generally, malignant tumors double in volume in a matter of days to months. (2) Margins and surroundin...[Read More] Understanding Tumors: Assessing Malignancy and Treatment Options
Understanding Immunotherapy for Melanoma: Treatment Phases and Side Effects
Treatment regimen Hello Dr. Tseng: For the treatment of melanoma using immunotherapy, IL-2 (interleukin-2) and interferon are utilized. How many phases does the treatment regimen consist of? What are the potential side effects? Will there be nausea, vomiting, and hair loss? Wha...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! IL-2 (Interleukin-2) is used for the treatment of melanoma and has strong acute side effects (such as edema and hypotension), requiring hospitalization for careful monitoring. If administered in high doses, it necessitates admission to the intensive care unit. In contrast,...[Read More] Understanding Immunotherapy for Melanoma: Treatment Phases and Side Effects
Understanding Melanoma Metastasis: Patient Concerns and Survival Insights
Metastasis Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with melanoma. Last year, I was diagnosed with melanoma under my fingernail by a plastic surgeon, and a small portion was excised. I have been returning for regular follow-ups. Last month, I discovered lymphadenopathy, and a biopsy indic...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! The puncture examination shows only inflammation, so you can continue to observe. If you are still concerned, you may consider having the entire mass removed for a biopsy. Currently, there is no evidence of metastasis, so there is no need to worry about survival issues. If...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma Metastasis: Patient Concerns and Survival Insights
Understanding Melanoma: Risks, Symptoms, and Skin Changes
Melanoma I previously received an email regarding melanoma. I'm not sure if this type of cancer really exists. Additionally, my husband's mole has been growing larger. I'm concerned about whether this poses any health risks and if it is related to melanoma. I would...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Huang: Melanoma does exist and it is indeed a very frightening type of cancer. When moles on the body change shape or ulcerate and bleed, special caution is warranted. I recommend that your husband quickly visit a major hospital to see a plastic surgeon, have the enlarging mo...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma: Risks, Symptoms, and Skin Changes
New Treatments and Care Strategies for Melanoma: What You Need to Know
Efficacy Dear Dr. Yang, 1. Are there any new medications available to improve the treatment outcomes for melanoma, given that chemotherapy and radiation therapy have proven ineffective? I have read in the news about RH2; has it been clinically validated yet? 2. If a pathology r...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Radiation therapy has a certain effectiveness for localized melanoma; however, if there is metastasis, it becomes a systemic issue that is difficult to treat, and chemotherapy is also not very effective. In the United States, IL-2 (interleukin-2) is used for treatment, which has ...[Read More] New Treatments and Care Strategies for Melanoma: What You Need to Know