Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Side effects after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Dr. Lai: I just completed radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in May of this year, and it has been exactly two months. I returned to work on July 18 and started feeling some numbness in my chin o...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee9788, Thank you for your message. I would like to respond as follows: Many patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience symptoms similar to yours. This is a side effect caused by radiation damage to the nerves in the cervical spin...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Neck Tumors: Seeking a Second Opinion on Diagnosis
A tumor on the neck? Hello Dr. Chen: I have had a lump on the left side of my neck for almost three years. Recently, I had a CT scan, and the doctor said they are still unsure what it is, only suggesting it might be a hemangioma. To confirm, I would need to undergo surgery for a ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear [Recipient], I apologize for the delayed response as I was out of the country. 1. To achieve a definitive diagnosis for any tumor, the only reliable method is through surgical excision and histopathological examination. 2. Regarding your inquiry: Are you suggesting that I...[Read More] Understanding Neck Tumors: Seeking a Second Opinion on Diagnosis
Understanding the Early Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Signs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Could you please tell me about all the warning signs of nasopharyngeal cancer, including occasional migraines, tinnitus, and blood in nasal discharge? I have undergone biopsy and endoscopic examinations, but no cancer has been found. What could ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Do you have a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? 2. I recommend that you first undergo a blood test to check the EBV DNA viral load: a. If the levels are below the reference value, you can have regu...[Read More] Understanding the Early Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Neck Lumps: Are They Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Small hard lump in the neck? Hello, doctor. Before I caught a cold, I noticed a small hard lump about 2 cm in size on the left side of my neck near the jawline. It is not painful and is movable. Could this possibly be nasopharyngeal cancer or something concerning? (Since it is no...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaomei / 12 years old / Female 1. It is quite rare for a 12-year-old girl to be diagnosed with cancer. 2. There is a lump that feels malignant but is movable, suggesting it is likely benign. Given her age, it is mostly likely to be benign, but she should visit a hospital for...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Are They Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Managing Side Effects After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Radiation Therapy
Side effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? My father has completed his radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, but he has been experiencing throat pain for two weeks without improvement and still requires a nasogastric tube for feeding. How long might these s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, may I ask how long the side effects will last? 1. A small number of people experience persistent pain and require tube feeding. 2. Most people recover significantly within two weeks to two months. What methods can help speed up recovery? 1. Pay attention to nutrition. 2. O...[Read More] Managing Side Effects After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Radiation Therapy
Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Increased eosinophils? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: At the end of 2012, I had a health check at Taichung City Hospital, and the results that were flagged were: Eosinophil percentage 4.0% (reference range 0.2–1.4%) and Eosinophil count 0.3 (reference range 0.0–0.2 x 10^3/uL). All other...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Betty: If you are concerned about leukemia, please go to the hematology department to schedule a blood test. We cannot make a diagnosis without proper examination. For the nosebleeds, please see an otolaryngologist to determine whether it is a nasal mucosa issue or a potenti...[Read More] Elevated Basophils: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding Left-Sided Skull Base Tumors: Insights and Treatment Options
Left-sided skull base tumor Dear Dr. Chen, My mother has been diagnosed with a left-sided skull base tumor. Although it is not a recurrence or metastasis of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma she had 23 years ago, it is still caused by epithelial cancer cells and has expanded to invad...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Zhao / 32 / 1 Hello 1.1 When asked what stage the cancer is, the answer is: If it has reached the skull, it is at least stage 3, possibly stage 4. 1.2 Is the survival rate for this tumor the same as that for nasopharyngeal cancer? A: It is not nasopharyngeal cancer, so the su...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Skull Base Tumors: Insights and Treatment Options
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a left-sided posterior neck mass? Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 64 years old and was diagnosed with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma 23 years ago. She underwent cobalt-60 radiation therapy at that time, and her condition has been under control sinc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Zhao / 32 / 1 Hello! 1.1 The medical history has lasted for 23 years, with regular check-ups and blood tests at the hospital every year showing no issues. Is there a high chance that this tumor is due to a recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A: The likelihood is low, but ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Managing Eyelid Swelling After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Do?
Nasal cavity cancer with eyelid edema? Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma for over ten years. Recently, for more than two months, I have had swelling in the upper eyelid of my left eye. I have visited several clinics, but the ointments and eye dr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Personally, I do not believe that the ophthalmologist is correct; typically, electrotherapy would not be applied to the eyelid area. 2. I recommend returning to the ophthalmology department and treating it as a common case of eyelid swelling. 3. It would be more appropriate ...[Read More] Managing Eyelid Swelling After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Do?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Key Tests and Treatment Questions
Nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal cancer examination items and issues? Hello Dr. Chen, my husband recently discovered a lump on the left side of his neck. After going to the hospital for examination, the biopsy report on April 15 confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He was referred ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Can these tests comprehensively identify where cancer cells are located in the body? Are there any other more precise tests available? Is it necessary to undergo them? A: Generally, these tests are sufficient and comprehensive. There is no need for additional tests. Of course,...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Key Tests and Treatment Questions
Overcoming Cancer Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Tumor Fears
Cancer phobia Hello Doctor: I have been consumed by the fear of cancer for the past few months. It started with an ultrasound examination last September (initially for fatty liver, but the doctor suspected a tumor in my kidney). A subsequent CT scan confirmed that everything was ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Coco: 1. Your reaction is completely normal; it's good to remember any health information you hear and reflect on whether it applies to you. 2. You may have overreacted a bit; if the tests come back negative, just let it go and find peace! 3. You have already noted the sympt...[Read More] Overcoming Cancer Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Tumor Fears
Understanding Severe Edema in Pregnant Women: Causes and Concerns
Edema in pregnant women? Hello Dr. Chen: My sister-in-law is 37 years old and during her seventh month of pregnancy, she suddenly developed full-body edema after taking cold medication, which has persisted for over a month. Her neck is also swollen, to the point that it is affect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Yang: Hello. 1. Is the direction of the above suspicions correct? Are there any other possibilities that may not have been considered? The three most common organs affected by edema—heart, liver, and kidneys—are all functioning properly, so the physician has to look for oth...[Read More] Understanding Severe Edema in Pregnant Women: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Stage III Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma Dear Doctor, My mother was diagnosed with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma in August of this year. A week after the diagnosis, she promptly underwent several tests arranged by the hospital, including the creation of a model necessary for radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Hsu has just returned to work today after traveling abroad, so her response is a bit delayed; please forgive her. 1. I have heard that self-funded medical devices, such as the helical knife and the Arthur knife, have fewer side effects and better efficacy for patients. Is t...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Managing Ear Fluid Buildup in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients: Concerns and Solutions
Ear effusion I am a stage III nasopharyngeal cancer patient. I underwent treatment in December 2005, and it has been six years since then. However, I am often troubled by fluid accumulation in my ears, requiring me to go to the hospital for drainage every three months on average....
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Ader. 1. For ear effusion, you should consult an otolaryngologist on how to manage it. There are surgical options available, and the success rates and potential side effects should be explained by a trusted otolaryngologist. 2. At 45 years old, you are still young. It&...[Read More] Managing Ear Fluid Buildup in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Fever in Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know
Persistent fever Hello, my father was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer last November. Since then, he has undergone radiation therapy for the head and neck, liver, and pelvic region. In May, two tumors were found in his liver, and he received 25 sessions of radiation therapy f...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
An abdominal ultrasound can be performed to assess liver tumors and evaluate the condition.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever in Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know
Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence Occur Without Any Odor?
Is it true that a recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma will always have an odor? (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Is it possible for nasopharyngeal carcinoma to recur in situ without any noticeable symptoms?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Li / 29 / Usually, a tumor in situ recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is only detected by physicians when it is larger than approximately 1 centimeter, but there are no symptoms at all. Thank you for your letter. Dr. Chen Sih-Jung, Taoyuan General Hospital.[Read More] Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence Occur Without Any Odor?
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Neck mass Hello Doctor: I just felt a small hard lump on the left side of my neck, around the area of the Adam's apple. It hurts when I press on it, and I think it feels like bone. Coincidentally, I visited an ENT today for a sore throat due to a cold, and the doctor perform...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
You can observe patiently for 1-2 weeks, and if there is no improvement, promptly consult an oncologist.[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Treatment Options for Local Recurrence of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
What treatment options should be considered for local recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? My husband is currently 32 years old and was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (T4N2) at the end of 2006. He immediately underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, the ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Xiao Cheng, 1. The final determination of cancer recurrence still relies on confirmation through pathological biopsy. However, this case has supporting evidence from PET scans and MRIs, along with the presence of clinical symptoms, indicating a high likelihood of cancer rec...[Read More] Treatment Options for Local Recurrence of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
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
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence Dr. Chen: I discovered a lump on the right side of my neck in May 2005, and after examination at the hospital, I was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. I completed radiation therapy at the end of July that year (without chemotherapy). Rec...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. I recommend that the next examination be a positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT). I believe that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray examinations can only detect tumors larger than 0.5 cm, while PET is too sensitive and may also pick ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns