Post-Treatment Concerns for HPV-Related Tongue Cancer
Post-treatment issues of HPV-related tongue cancer? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. After undergoing chemoradiation for stage 1 HPV-related tongue cancer, it has been 7 months and my sense of taste has not returned. What should I do? The limited mouth ope...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lily / 70 years old / Female 1. After 7 months of chemoradiation for stage 1 HPV-related tongue cancer, my sense of taste has not returned. What should I do? The limited mouth opening may be due to fibrosis; how can I rehabilitate it? A: To stimulate your sense of taste, try e...[Read More] Post-Treatment Concerns for HPV-Related Tongue Cancer
Understanding Oral Cancer Staging: Insights from Pathology Reports
Staging of Oral Cancer Hello, doctor. My family member had a malignant tumor (on the lip) surgically removed last year. The pathology report indicated that the tumor was approximately 0.5 cm in size, with an invasion depth of 0.8 mm. The margins of the specimen were free of invas...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Aguo / 51 years old / Male Hello, the pathology report for the lip malignant tumor indicates that the tumor is approximately 0.5 cm in size, with an invasion depth of 0.8 mm. 1. I would like to ask the doctor if this pathology report is considered relatively mild? Also, what s...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cancer Staging: Insights from Pathology Reports
Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
National Health Service - Free Five Cancers Screening Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the free cancer screenings provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Service. Under qualifying conditions, individuals can receive free screenings every ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Fang Fang / 31 years old / Male If a free check-up was used on June 15, 2022, the next eligible date would be January 1, 2024, at Taoyuan Hospital, Merry Christmas. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule
Improving Mouth Opening After Stage III Oral Cancer Treatment: Tips and Techniques
Stage III Oral Cancer Hello: In July of this year, I underwent a stage III oral cancer surgery that involved the removal of oral tissue and neck lymph nodes. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 8 sessions of chemotherapy by the end of September. Currently, I am in re...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wu / 35 years old / Male. I don't know what your doctor has taught you, but one suggestion is to stack tongue depressors to a thickness of 1.5 cm and then add another piece (to hold in your mouth). This means to practice more. Of course, it doesn't mean you should b...[Read More] Improving Mouth Opening After Stage III Oral Cancer Treatment: Tips and Techniques
Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
How long does it take for the wound to heal after the first surgery for oral cancer treatment? Hello Doctor: My father had a mouth sore that did not heal by the end of last year. At the beginning of this year, he went to an otolaryngologist for a biopsy, which revealed stage II o...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wu / 25 years old / Female. Doctor, after completing both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, how long is the typical recovery period for the wound? Is it normal to still experience pain at this point? A: 1. Some individuals may not experience pain after surgery and before radi...[Read More] Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Understanding Stage II Oral Cancer: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival Rates
Stage II oral cancer Hello Doctor, my sister was diagnosed with stage II left oral mucosal cancer in September last year. Bone scans and neck CT scans showed no metastasis. After the primary physician surgically removed the tumor and sutured with artificial skin (without performi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 46 years old / Female Hello, I have been diagnosed with stage II oral cancer, and after the tumor was removed, it has been less than a year, and now it has metastasized to the lymph nodes. Is this possible? A: Yes, it can occur. If metastasis happens, how is the ca...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Oral Cancer: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival Rates
Understanding Oral Cancer: Risks, Recurrence, and Survival Rates
Oral cancer issues? Hello Doctor, my sister has had a mucosal tear in her left cheek since the beginning of this year that hasn't healed. By July, it formed a protruding hard lump that continued to grow towards her lip. In August, she visited an oral surgeon for a biopsy, wh...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 45 years old / Female 1. Will there be a recurrence after the doctor performs surgery? A: Yes, there is a possibility of recurrence. The likelihood of recurrence is related to whether the surgeon was able to achieve clear margins and the safety distance. If the exci...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cancer: Risks, Recurrence, and Survival Rates
Understanding Immunotherapy for Stage III Oral Cancer After Chemotherapy
More than a week after chemotherapy. New tumor, receiving immunotherapy injections? Stage III oral cancer (surgery completed, chemotherapy and radiation therapy finished) has shown a recurrence of cancer cells over a week after the end of chemotherapy. The PET scan results indica...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A short-term recurrence indicates that the cancer itself has a strong resistance to treatment, and therefore, the subsequent treatment outcomes are expected to be poorer. The response rate to immunotherapy is approximately 15-20%, with a slower response that requires 3-4 months t...[Read More] Understanding Immunotherapy for Stage III Oral Cancer After Chemotherapy
Understanding Cancer Recurrence: Insights After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Two weeks after chemotherapy, cancer cells were found again? Oral cancer was diagnosed on December 7, 2021. Surgery was performed on the left mandible, and from January 1, 2022, I began chemotherapy and radiation therapy. By February 25, I completed a total of 7 chemotherapy sess...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the pathology report indicates malignancy, it suggests local lymphatic metastasis. Note: If lymphatic metastasis occurs shortly after the completion of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, it indicates that the primary cancer cells have a high degree of malignancy and are likel...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Recurrence: Insights After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Understanding Throat Pain and Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Help
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my throat and pharyngeal wall (the area from the uvula down to the deep throat) for the past three months. The symptoms seem to be getting more ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Some individuals may experience a persistent sensation of a foreign body or pain in the throat after tonsil surgery. If gastroesophageal reflux or oropharyngeal reflux issues are ruled out, and there are no abnormalities found during regular follow-ups with an otolaryngologist an...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Help
Managing Nutrition and Diabetes During Stage IV Oral Cancer Chemotherapy
Patient is undergoing chemotherapy for stage IV oral cancer but has diabetes? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old, does not smoke, drink, or chew betel nut, and does not have dentures, yet he was recently diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes....
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For my cancer patients, I do not expect them to maintain perfect blood sugar levels; keeping it below 200 is sufficient. There is no need for strict control, as the cancer itself and the treatment process often lead to decreased appetite. By the end of the treatment, most ...[Read More] Managing Nutrition and Diabetes During Stage IV Oral Cancer Chemotherapy
Understanding Cancer Genetics: Risks and Exercise for Prevention
Cancer Genetics Hello, doctor. My mother and father were diagnosed with cervical cancer and oral cancer, respectively, in their 70s (my father has a long-standing betel nut chewing habit). Does this significantly increase the likelihood of their children developing cancer? Is can...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Ashu / 52 years old / Male 1. Will having children significantly increase the risk of cancer? A: Oral cancer is primarily caused by betel nut consumption. The question is whether you smoke, chew betel nut, or drink alcohol. Cervical cancer should not be a concern for you...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Genetics: Risks and Exercise for Prevention
Managing Advanced Oral Cancer: Concerns About Treatment and Progression
Terminal stage of oral cancer? Recently, my father was diagnosed with terminal oral cancer, with cancer cells located in the left gum and eroding into the left mandible. Surgery is scheduled for the 15th, but prior to that, the doctor has not prescribed any medication for him asi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah, 19 years old, female. 1. The surgery date is already scheduled for the 15th. a: That's great! It's coming up quickly. 2. The doctor has not prescribed any medication for my father. Shouldn't we be concerned about the cancer cells spreading to other area...[Read More] Managing Advanced Oral Cancer: Concerns About Treatment and Progression
Understanding Tongue Symptoms: Should You Worry About Oral Cancer?
I have noticed a sore or ulcer on one side of my tongue in the past couple of days, and I'm concerned whether this could be a precursor to tongue cancer? Question 1: I noticed a small indentation on one side of my tongue over the past couple of days. The wound doesn't l...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late reply (I was abroad for 8 days). I have looked at the pictures you uploaded to Google Photos. This does not resemble the tongue cancer I commonly see; it appears to be just an ulcer. Please don't worry too much, and focus on eating more fruits...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Symptoms: Should You Worry About Oral Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights from a Cancer Patient
I was overwhelmed by lymph nodes? Dr. Chen, first of all, I want to thank you for saving me from panic and helplessness a few years ago on this platform. Recently, those feelings have returned, and I have many questions I would like to ask you: 1. A few weeks ago, I accidentall...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: Xiao Ke / 37 years old / Male 1. I brushed my teeth too hard and hit my lower gum, resulting in an ulcer the next day. A: This allowed bacteria to enter, causing inflammation and resulting in swollen lymph nodes in the neck, which is quite reasonable. 2. On February 20...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Insights from a Cancer Patient
Understanding Oral Symptoms: Red Spots on Tongue and Cancer Concerns
Oral issues There are red spots on the tip of the tongue, with some areas being deeper or lighter in color, and sometimes they even disappear. Is it normal to have some white areas at the base of the tongue? Could this be oral cancer? I usually go to sleep after 11 PM every day.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Didi: There shouldn't be any major issues. Just maintain normal sleep and lifestyle habits, and don't worry too much. :)) By Dr. Hu Ziren[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms: Red Spots on Tongue and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis: Key Insights for Patients
Why do relapses and metastases occur? My father has stage IV oral cancer. From August of last year to March of this year, he has been in and out of the hospital. A few days ago, the ENT specialist mentioned that the cancer has metastasized to the lungs and does not recommend furt...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Will cancer occur? Will it recur? In fact, it has nothing to do with how carefully you take care of yourself or whether you practice a healthy lifestyle. Even if you eat well and sleep well every day, it remains the same. The likelihood of recurrence is largely determined ...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Oral Cancer Metastasis: Treatment Options and Costs
Oral cancer metastasis Hello Doctor: My father is 60 years old and was diagnosed with stage IV gingival cancer that had invaded the mandible in June of last year. He underwent surgery to remove the mandible and had lymphadenectomy, and the postoperative report showed no cancer ce...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: 1. Your father is currently receiving the standard treatment regimen of "cisplatin + gemcitabine" for head and neck cancer. If this treatment fails, there are many other chemotherapy agents available, s...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cancer Metastasis: Treatment Options and Costs
Understanding Tendon Tumors: Could It Be Oral Cancer?
A tendon tumor has developed on the left side of the face? My mother has a tendon tumor on the left side of her face, which has already been surgically removed. However, according to the doctor, there were many small tumors, not just one. My mother also reports that the entire le...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 16 years old, male 1. According to the attending physician's description, it seems to be a pre-existing tendon tumor or an unspecified tumor that requires further examination or treatment. I did not fully understand the physician's explanation at that moment, ...[Read More] Understanding Tendon Tumors: Could It Be Oral Cancer?
Understanding Painless Oral Masses: When to Seek Medical Advice
A lump has developed in the oral cavity? Yesterday, I discovered a lump deep in my mouth, but it is not painful. Aside from this issue, there are no other abnormalities in my oral cavity.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I am 13 years old and I have a lump deep in my mouth, but it doesn't hurt. At 13, I shouldn't be in a high-risk group for oral cancer since I don't smoke or drink alcohol. However, some benign tumors or rare cancers still need to be evaluated by an ENT speci...[Read More] Understanding Painless Oral Masses: When to Seek Medical Advice