Understanding Complications After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma 1: Hello Doctor, my family member is a 50-year-old male who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year. He completed an autologous stem cell transplant this Lunar New Year. Last month, during a follow-up visit, his blood test showed a hemoglobin level of 100 a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You may try oral corticosteroids; if there is no improvement or if the condition worsens after 10 to 14 days, a referral to a dermatologist for a skin biopsy may be recommended.[Read More] Understanding Complications After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma
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 Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor, since October of last year, I have had inflammation from acne that caused swelling of the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. Initially, the swelling was painful and accompanied by fever, but after taking antibiotics, it has not subsided and has...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with a general surgeon for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Right Neck Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling in the right side of the neck? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a situation that started last week. Due to nasal congestion, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing, so I visited a clinic. The doctor mentioned that I have mild rhinitis causing my breathing ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Bai / 40 years old / Male Hello, I would like to ask about a concern. Since last week, I have been experiencing nasal congestion, which has led to difficulty breathing. I visited a clinic, and the doctor mentioned that I have mild rhinitis causing my breathing issues and pre...[Read More] Understanding Right Neck Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Adenovirus and Lymph Node Swelling in Children
Adenoviral lymphadenopathy I would like to ask the doctor about my 5-year-old son. He started having a persistent fever last Monday that didn't go down. After four days, we took him to a large hospital for blood tests, urine tests, and a throat rapid test. The results indica...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Infectious diseases can also cause lymphadenopathy, so it is recommended to simply monitor the condition.[Read More] Understanding Adenovirus and Lymph Node Swelling in Children
Understanding a Growing Neck Lump: When to See a Specialist
A mass in the neck above the clavicle? About five years ago, I noticed a lump that was approximately 1 centimeter in size. Recently, I have observed that it seems to be getting larger and has become hard. It is movable and does not cause any pain. What could this condition be, an...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if you're concerned, you can visit a general surgeon.[Read More] Understanding a Growing Neck Lump: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lymph node issues? Hello Doctor: I have a question. Last year, I had a neck issue and consulted an ENT specialist who said it was lymph nodes. I took antibiotics, but after six months, they have not decreased in size; there are about 1.5 cm lymph nodes on both sides. Recently, I ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I'm 24 years old female. 1. Can you please explain why the lymph nodes haven't decreased in size and have instead increased in other areas? A: 1.1 Benign lymph nodes can enlarge due to repeated infections and irritation. Many people experience this phenomenon,...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: 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 Persistent Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice
Recent abnormal headaches? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent headaches recently. One day, I felt dizzy, broke out in a cold sweat, felt nauseous, and was excessively sleepy. After vomiting, I felt somewhat better the next day, but the headache has continued until ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: I suggest you see a neurologist for your headaches or a psychiatrist to address sleep and psychological stress issues. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Painful Lumps in the Right Neck: When to Seek Help
Right cervical lymphadenopathy? Last week, I developed two lumps on the right side of my neck that are painful, sore, and numb to the touch. I visited an otolaryngologist, who prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. At that time, I also had a cold and cough, so the doctor mentio...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
An / 24 years old / Male 1. If I go to a large hospital for an appointment, which department should I register for an examination? A: Otolaryngology (ENT) 2. I am a delivery driver, I chew betel nut and smoke. Is this lump caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits? A: Chewing ...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps in the Right Neck: When to Seek Help
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 Lymph Node Issues: When to See a Specialist
Lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, I had a biopsy of the groin lymph nodes last October, which turned out to be benign. In February, I had a PET scan for a chest nodule, and there were no significant issues. However, recently I have been feeling more and more lymph nodes, so I went...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, the excision of subcutaneous lymph nodes is a procedure that any general surgeon can perform; you can choose anyone. Those who claim to have special expertise are simply indicating that they are particularly specialized in this area. Lymph node excision is so...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to See a Specialist
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
Managing Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Surgery or I-131?
For lateral lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, is surgery recommended or is iodine-131 treatment preferred? 1. What is the ideal level of thyroglobulin (TG)? 2. Given the bilateral lateral neck lymph node metastasis, should surgery be performed or should anothe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Marian / 21 years old / Male Q1: What is the ideal TG value? A: For patients on thyroid hormone replacement, a TG < 1 indicates successful treatment, while a TG > 5 raises suspicion for recurrence. For those not on thyroid hormone replacement, a TG < 5 indicates succe...[Read More] Managing Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Surgery or I-131?
Persistent Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Inguinal lymphadenopathy persisting for six months? Hello, Doctor: About six months ago, I had lymphadenopathy in my neck and groin. A biopsy of the neck lymph nodes confirmed Kikuchi disease. By around January, all the neck lymph nodes had disappeared, and the symptoms of Kikuch...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
KK, 22 years old, female. Should I still monitor the lymph nodes in my groin, or could it be fibrosis and I can temporarily ignore it? A: If there are no changes, it is reasonable to follow up every six months. If there are changes such as enlargement, discoloration, or hardness,...[Read More] Persistent Groin Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Postoperative and chemotherapy monitoring of abnormal CEA levels? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a colectomy last November, and her CEA level was in the 70s at that time. After the surgery, the level did not decrease. Following the initiation of chemotherapy, the CEA level con...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level is indeed a tumor marker, but it is not specific and is not limited to colorectal cancer. Elevated levels can occur in various cancers throughout the body, such as head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, pa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to See a Specialist for Concerns
Swelling under the left ear in the neck? I have a hard lump under my left ear on the left side of my neck. Initially, I felt some swelling and pain in my neck. Later, I visited a clinic, and the doctor said it was tonsillitis and prescribed cold medication for three days. After f...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Which department should I see? A: Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department. 2. Does this count as cancer? A: It should be determined by a physician after an in-person examination. 3. I don't have any symptoms of fever or cold. A: Enlarged lymph nodes caused by infection...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to See a Specialist for Concerns
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 Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello Doctor: On February 21, I was diagnosed with a 6 cm tumor on the left side of my thyroid and two tumors measuring about 1-2 cm on the right side. I underwent a surgical removal, and the pathology results showed that the right side was benign whil...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response: 1. Surgery is typically the first step in treating thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. In rare cases of localized and well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a lobectomy of the affe...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up
Understanding Right Neck Lymph Node Changes: What You Need to Know
Lymph nodes on the right side of the neck? Hello, doctor! I had a cold once, and the lymph node on the right side of my neck became red, swollen, and tender. However, I didn't see a doctor immediately for the cold, and the lymph node fluctuated in size. After about three day...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: Lymph nodes can fluctuate in size with colds, which is usually related to the physiological response caused by viral infections, so there is no need to worry too much. Chronic inflammation of lymph nodes typically only leads to calcification without any long-t...[Read More] Understanding Right Neck Lymph Node Changes: What You Need to Know