Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recur? Understanding Risks and Diagnosis
Is it possible for nasopharyngeal carcinoma to recur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my family member. Two and a half years ago, they were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma T1N1 and underwent 33 sessions of proton therapy and 5 cycles of chemotherapy. Subsequent ex...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Li / 40 years old / Female Hello~~ 1. I would like to ask the doctor~~ Is the diagnosis primarily based on the biopsy report? A: Yes, the diagnosis is primarily based on the biopsy report. However, if there are suspicions and the biopsy is inconclusive, we may repeat the...[Read More] Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recur? Understanding Risks and Diagnosis
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes? Hello Doctor, the physician diagnosed me with lymphadenopathy. (I felt a hard lump under my ear, quite firm, immobile, painless, and it feels relatively large, about the size of a small tomato.) I had an HSV-2 infection years ago, and after re...
Dr. Yan Jingheng Reply:
1. HSV is not the virus that causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma; EBV is the virus responsible for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, while HPV is associated with oropharyngeal carcinoma. Currently, there is no confirmed link between HSV and cancer. 2. A biopsy of the lymph nodes is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma with distant metastasis? My boyfriend is from mainland China and has recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma at a hospital there. The cancer has metastasized to the bilateral cervical lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, multip...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, stage IV cancer is considered incurable. The treatment goals are primarily to control the disease and extend the patient's average survival time. It is recommended to follow the physician's advice and subsequent treatment plans.[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Understanding Early Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment-related Hello Doctor, my father had a blood test two weeks ago which showed abnormal EBV levels, and he underwent a CT scan at the hospital, followed by a biopsy (the doctor mentioned it was very small, so it was completely removed). The report confirmed a diagnosis of ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yang / 25 years old / Female Hello, 1. If the pathology results indicate nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, is radiation therapy necessary? A: 1.1 Yes, 1.2 Surgery is not an option for nasopharyngeal tumors; radiation therapy is the only treatment available. 1.3 Generally, fo...[Read More] Understanding Early Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Managing Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Key Considerations
Radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is reduced? My father was diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but there was no distant metastasis; however, there was involvement of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region and the left optic nerve. Initially, he un...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. What are the consequences of stopping radiation therapy? A: The tumor may grow and compress the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness in the left eye. It could invade the brain, nose, and lymph nodes in the neck, causing recurrence and growth that may lead to skin ulce...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Key Considerations
Post-Radiation Symptoms in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients: What to Expect
Post-nasopharyngeal radiotherapy Hello Dr. Chen, it has been 1.5 months since I completed radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer. I started experiencing 24-hour pulsatile tinnitus during the mid-treatment, which continues to this day. Recently, I have also felt a slight swel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Qing, 39 years old, female. For some individuals, the inflammatory reactions from radiation therapy may take 2-3 months to resolve. However, the radiation oncology department is only responsible for the treatment itself; side effects such as tinnitus and vision problems should be...[Read More] Post-Radiation Symptoms in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients: What to Expect
Understanding PET Scan Results: Navigating Tumor Concerns and Symptoms
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Issues Hello Doctor, I sincerely ask for your help in analyzing my situation and providing some advice, as I feel very helpless and do not know how to handle this. I am grateful for your assistance. I have been experiencing a persistent f...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Lin / 45 years old / Female 1. Doctor, if I truly have cancer, whether it is nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, or laryngeal cancer, would the symptoms I described indicate an early stage? Would the primary treatment be surgery, or are there other approaches? A: ...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: Navigating Tumor Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Treatment Options Explained
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence Doctor, this is the 10th year since my nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence. An MRI has revealed lymph nodes behind my right ear and neck. I underwent a traditional lymphadenectomy, and the Epstein-Barr virus test came back normal. Why is it nec...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Cai Cai / 40 years old / Female The recommendation from the hospital you visited is reasonable. For neck recurrence, surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy should be considered to reduce the chances of further recurrence. Of course, choosing between the two optio...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Treatment Options Explained
Impact of Radiation Therapy on GORE-TEX in Nasal Reconstruction
The effect of radiation therapy on GORE-TEX materials? Hello doctor, I previously underwent rhinoplasty using GORE-TEX material due to a car accident. I have recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and need to undergo radiation therapy. I would like to know if radiatio...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Samy, the area of your nose is not within the radiation zone for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, so it should not affect the use of GORE-TEX material for the procedure. Changhua Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, May 21, 2018.[Read More] Impact of Radiation Therapy on GORE-TEX in Nasal Reconstruction
Why Nasopharyngeal Cancer Markers Rise After 96-Hour Chemotherapy?
The index for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is higher than the pre-treatment levels 96 hours after chemotherapy? Nasopharyngeal carcinoma stage 3, after two months of concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by three consecutive months of chemotherapy for 96 hours each month, the nasopha...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The nasopharyngeal carcinoma index refers to the levels of EBV DNA titers. It is advisable to discuss this in detail with your attending physician.[Read More] Why Nasopharyngeal Cancer Markers Rise After 96-Hour Chemotherapy?
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Is it possible to have nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing symptoms of catching a cold about once a year. Almost every time I have a cold, I suffer from severe nasal congestion, which suddenly leads to intense pain and numbness in the left side of my...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhe, 33 years old, male. Hello! 1. In this situation, you can go to an otolaryngologist for a nasopharyngeal cancer examination. 2. Can this cancer present with these symptoms? A: Nerve compression may cause numbness; however, severe pain is rare. Wishing you a speedy recovery. T...[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Managing Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer: One and a Half Years Post-Treatment
One and a half years after treatment for stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma? My husband has stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma (T4N3M0), located in the supraclavicular fossa and the longus colli muscle area. After a year and a half of treatment, he is doing well. Recently, during a...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. Please perform a blood test to check the EBV DNA PCR levels, and then assess for any recurrence. 2. The cervical lymph nodes have decreased from 1.2 cm to 0.6 cm and then increased to 0.96 cm; I recommend surgical excision for pathological examination. 3. Is the nasopharyn...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer: One and a Half Years Post-Treatment
Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Why do doctors generally not recommend surgery? Is it because there may be potential complications? Hello Doctor, in early December 2016, I felt pain inside my right lower jaw. I thought about massaging it and found a lymph node. After taking medication at a nearby ENT clinic, it...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Since you have seen so many specialists, it's best to follow their advice and just observe. Clinically, lymph nodes that are recognized to have malignant changes typically have a diameter greater than 1 cm, and most cancers are around 2-3 cm in size. So, is your lymph...[Read More] Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Treatment
The relationship between cancer treatment and thyroid nodules? Hello, Doctor. This year, my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively. My mother has already started her radiation therapy, while my grandmother is still undergo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if it is hereditary and has not changed in size, the likelihood of malignancy is usually very low. It is recommended to just monitor it.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Treatment
Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Two months after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the MRI still shows bright spots? I am a stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 6 cycles of chemotherapy at National Taiwan Univer...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Li / 41 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is this normal? (Is it because the MRI was done too soon after treatment (2 months), causing the radiation effects to not completely eliminate the tumor?) A: The timing seems reasonable. You can confirm this through one of the following tw...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Could My Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
I would like to ask if I have nasopharyngeal cancer? I would like to ask if I have nasopharyngeal cancer. A year or two ago, I had sinusitis, and since then, I have been experiencing persistent phlegm (which hasn’t improved) that is always clear in color. I do not have nasal cong...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: A cancer diagnosis can only be confirmed through a pathological biopsy; it cannot be determined solely based on symptoms like hemoptysis or nosebleeds. Since you have already had your lungs examined, you should consult an otolaryngologist to check for any abnormalities in ...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Examination items In general, when assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans and EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) titers, other methods may include physical examinations, endoscopic evaluations, and PE...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Lai. 1. In assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans, the EBV index, along with the physician's visual examination and the patient's self-reported symptoms, are also imp...[Read More] Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Tumor issues Today in April, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to nasal congestion. The doctor said I had a deviated septum and there was a mass in the nasopharynx that needed a biopsy. After the examination, it was determined to be benign tissue, so I proceeded with surg...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, internet user: Smoking itself is a risk factor for cancer (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). As you mentioned, hyperplasia of the nasopharyngeal tissue is not necessarily malignant, and benign biopsy results do not completely rule out malignancy (as it is possible that ...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
The significance of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening index? Hello Dr. Chen, I have seen many people online saying that a positive reaction for both EA-IgA and VCA-IgA indicates a very high probability of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Does this mean that if both EA an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, in Taiwan, many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) indeed have very high EBV titers at the time of diagnosis. As cancer treatment progresses, these titers tend to decrease, and if the treatment is successful, the levels will normalize. Clinically, w...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Post-radiation changes in the skull base after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment? Hello Dr. Lai, I have completed my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment nearly two years ago. In April of this year, an MRI scan revealed a gray area at the skull base. The radiologist informed me that...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiahe, In response to your inquiry, please find our reply below: 1. The gray lesions observed at the skull base on your MRI scan, whether seen on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), or under contrast enhancement, have different implications. Given y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients