Understanding Desmoid Tumors: Concerns and Care for Patients
Small intestinal fibroma My father (72 years old) has been in and out of Chi Mei Hospital since the end of March this year, and as of May 7, he has not been discharged. His first surgery was a minimally invasive abdominal procedure, where the doctor mentioned that three incisions...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Inability to eat may be caused by adhesions resulting from surgery. 2. If the adhesions are removed and gastrointestinal function is normal, with no persistent vomiting or normal bowel movements, then the patient can gradually resume eating. 3. If the physician advises again...[Read More] Understanding Desmoid Tumors: Concerns and Care for Patients
Understanding Lymphadenopathy in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Lymphadenopathy Last November, I was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer (2.5 cm) and underwent a total lobectomy. However, I discovered a round mass in the upper left neck that is not painful and feels immobile. I have no other discomfort in my body. In mid-November, I also re...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there is a metastasis to the lymph nodes, it is recommended to first perform a lymphadenectomy, and then consider treatment with iodine-131 or radiation therapy. As for other concerns (such as bleeding risks, surgical risks, etc.), it is advisable to discuss them with the prim...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Key Questions and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen, about two weeks ago, I discovered a lump measuring 1.7 x 1.5 cm under my right clavicle. The characteristics of the lump are that it is hard, immovable, and painless. A week later, I went to a major hospital for an ultrasound and biopsy. The ultras...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot respond as I am unsure about the content of the report. 2. I have not seen the report, so I cannot answer that either. 3. No, this is not a characteristic related to lymphoma. 4. Without a report, I cannot answer that either. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Causes of low white blood cell count..? The new employee's health check report shows a white blood cell count of 2.90 (with the report indicating a normal range of 3.80-10.4), which is low, while other values are normal: red blood cells at 4.18 and platelets at 168. Since th...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This time it doesn't represent anything significant. When you have time, please visit the hematology clinic again for a re-evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Choosing Between Injectable and Oral Chemotherapy for Post-Gastric Cancer Surgery
Selection of Chemotherapy Agents and Oral Medications After Gastric Cancer Surgery Hello Dr. Chen! My mother underwent surgery to remove most of her stomach due to gastric cancer on March 3rd. She is now facing the decision of whether to receive chemotherapy through injections or...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, only TS-1 has been used for one year in "postoperative stage III gastric cancer," which shows clearer benefits (the pharmaceutical company is willing to invest in research costs because it is a patented drug). The older drug Ufur, which has a simila...[Read More] Choosing Between Injectable and Oral Chemotherapy for Post-Gastric Cancer Surgery
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I discovered a lump in my right armpit while taking a shower, and I also felt pain in my chest. I went to a breast surgeon for an ultrasound, and the results were normal. Earlier this year, I noticed that the pain i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaohua / 46 years old / Female Hello: 1. I am still troubled by intermittent pain. Could you please tell me what symptoms this might indicate? A: 1.1 As a human being, it is important to undergo regular cancer screenings according to age guidelines to detect any issues early...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Duodenal Perforation After 5FU Chemotherapy: What to Expect Next
The chemotherapy process using 5-FU resulted in a duodenal perforation? Hello Doctor, my father recently started treatment for esophageal cancer with 5-FU chemotherapy. However, on the fourth day of treatment, he experienced a duodenal perforation and underwent emergency surgery....
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the question of whether to continue using 5-FU, you should consult the physician who prescribed this chemotherapy medication. Thank you.[Read More] Duodenal Perforation After 5FU Chemotherapy: What to Expect Next
Understanding Long-Lasting Lumps: When to Worry About Lymph Nodes and Breast Cysts
Lymphadenopathy behind the ear, submandibular and submental lymphadenopathy, breast mass? Hello, doctor. I have several palpable lumps on my body that have been present for 5 to 10 years and are not painful. I am 174 cm tall and weigh 85 kg, which indicates that I am overweight w...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no definitive answer to this. If you are concerned, please visit a hospital and consult with an oncologist or an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Long-Lasting Lumps: When to Worry About Lymph Nodes and Breast Cysts
Post-Surgery Concerns: Using Denosumab for Giant Cell Tumors
What are the issues related to the use of Denosumab after surgery for giant cell tumor of bone? I have a giant cell tumor on the third lumbar vertebra, and later I consulted a neurosurgeon who performed surgery. The doctor mentioned that for tumors located on the spine, a Total E...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ming, 23 years old, male. 1. The doctor said the surgery was very successful and the tumor was completely removed, but I still need to take Denosumab to reduce the recurrence rate. A: Essentially, Denosumab is used to treat tumors by shrinking them before surgery or for patients...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Using Denosumab for Giant Cell Tumors
Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Elevated CEA levels in recurrent colorectal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, I am from Taoyuan and currently in Canada. In May 2019, I was diagnosed with cancer located between the ascending colon and the transverse colon, which was classified as stage III. After an emergency surgery for ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tony Chen / 57 years old / Male Hello, medical condition: 1. Diagnosed with recurrent metastatic colorectal cancer in the lymph nodes near the aorta, measuring 17mm in diameter. 2. CEA levels have been consistently rising. The Canadian physician recommends continuing chemotherap...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Consultation on Lymph Node Concerns: Understanding Blood Test Results
I would like to consult about lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, I previously underwent a health check-up at the hospital. My red blood cell count was 5.02 (reference range 4.20-6.20 x 10^6/uL), white blood cell count was 5.67 (reference range 4.00-11.00 x 10^3/uL), lymphocyte perc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Agreed. 2. Once these tests are completed, can we not worry? This cannot address subjective feelings. 3. This is the responsibility of your attending physician, and I cannot answer on their behalf. 4. It can be considered normal, but the possibility of lymphoma cannot b...[Read More] Consultation on Lymph Node Concerns: Understanding Blood Test Results
Understanding Increasing Red Blood Cell Counts: Implications and Management
The number of red blood cells is increasing? Hello Doctor: I am a 40-year-old female. My blood tests show an increasing trend in red blood cell count. In July 2015, my RBC was 6.36, MCV was 62.5, and MCH was 20. In August 2016, my RBC was 6.37, MCV was 61.7, and MCH was 19.2. In ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Although you did not provide complete blood test data, I would guess that you have thalassemia (a hereditary condition!). Please bring all your paper documents to the hematology outpatient clinic for consultation. Thank you. P.S. The iron supplements you are taking are not...[Read More] Understanding Increasing Red Blood Cell Counts: Implications and Management
Understanding Monoclonal Gammopathy: Risks and Management Strategies
Unexplained monoclonal protein abnormalities My mother was informed during a blood test at Taipei Veterans General Hospital that her IgG levels were elevated (first test 1685, second test 1698) and her Kappa/Lambda ratio (approximately 20 in the first test, about 22 in the second...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
This condition cannot be prevented; subsequent follow-up is more important. If concerned, it is advisable to return for a check-up every six months. If any of the following situations occur, it is recommended to schedule an earlier appointment: worsening kidney function (decrease...[Read More] Understanding Monoclonal Gammopathy: Risks and Management Strategies
Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The side effects of Ufur Rejuvenation Capsules? Hello, doctor. My mother is approximately 68 years old and was diagnosed with colon cancer during a health check last year. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor in August, and the pathology report classified it as stage 2A. She...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot comment on traditional Chinese medicine as I am not familiar with it. 2. This is something you should discuss with the primary physician; I cannot answer on their behalf. 3. The answer is the same as above. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Regarding the complications of lung cancer? My father is a patient with hepatitis B and lung cancer (aged 60). He completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy about one to two years ago, and since then, he sneezes at least once a day (sometimes even more, including several sneeze...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It should not be a side effect of the treatment. You can consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Managing Suspected Multiple Myeloma: Key Insights and Recommendations
Management of suspected multiple myeloma? Hello, my father is 64 years old. Recently, a blood test revealed a hemoglobin level of 9.4 gm/dL. Despite multiple blood transfusions, his hemoglobin remains below 10 gm/dL, prompting further examination. The results showed the following...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Have you confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma? So you received a major illness certificate? Based on your statement, it is impossible because a bone marrow aspiration has not been performed! Without a bone marrow aspiration, a diagnosis of myeloma cannot be made. A...[Read More] Managing Suspected Multiple Myeloma: Key Insights and Recommendations
Understanding Blood Test Results After Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment
Blood values I would like to consult a physician. I was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma a year ago and have completed treatment. Recently, I had a blood test and found that my CD8 levels are elevated, CD4 levels are low, and CD19 is at 0. Other routine tests showed e...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please discuss the significance of this value with your primary physician. I personally do not use this for monitoring the condition regularly. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results After Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment
Can Radiation Therapy Improve Speech in Elderly Patients with Brain Cancer?
Radiation Therapy for Brain Cancer The elderly patient (80 years old) at home has secondary brain cancer that is compressing the nerves, leading to unclear speech (but with clear consciousness and understanding). It is also affecting other cranial nerves (such as the inability to...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuil / 27 years old / Female 1. Due to her age, she just wants to try radiation therapy to see if it can help her regain normal speech. Doctor, is there a chance that radiation therapy can restore normal speech? A: The chances are related to the duration of compression; the long...[Read More] Can Radiation Therapy Improve Speech in Elderly Patients with Brain Cancer?
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Cancer Risk Assessment
Lymphadenopathy There is lymphadenopathy in the left inguinal region that has been present for 3 weeks, measuring approximately 2x2 cm. There are no other abnormalities in the body, the lymph node is mobile, and it feels somewhat firm. Is there a high probability of cancer?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
16-year-old male high school student: 1. The location is somewhat awkward. 2. The size of 2x2 cm is a bit too large. 3. It is recommended to visit a general surgery outpatient clinic for a personal evaluation by a physician. 4. Please inform family members or the school doctor. W...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Cancer Risk Assessment
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