Other, Oncology FAQ - Page 15

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Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention

Cervical lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, I have a lump located at the junction of my chin and neck, and the situation is as follows: 1. Duration: It has been over 1.5 years. 2. Size and texture: 1 to 1.5 cm, smooth, elastic, and movable. 3. Medical history: (1) In the past, wheneve...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, because I am an oncologist, I can only answer questions related to tumors. 1. There is a lump in the middle of the junction between the chin and neck, and the situation is as follows: A: It has been over 1.5 years. The lump is smooth, elastic, and movable. It does not ap...

[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention


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 Risks and Concerns for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Hormone receptor negative, HER2 positive, lymph node metastasis (T2N2M0 / Stage IIB) Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer (HER2+, with lymph node metastasis) last month. She has undergone one round of chemotherapy, and 12-13 days after chemotherapy,...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Kathy / 45 years old / Female 1. Is there a risk associated with tooth extraction after chemotherapy? Are there any precautions? A: There is a risk of infection. It may be considered to suture the extraction site (usually, tooth extractions do not require sutures, allowing the w...

[Read More] Understanding Risks and Concerns for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy


Understanding Painful Lumps Behind the Ear and Shoulder: What You Need to Know

Small lump behind the ear and on the shoulder? Hello, doctor! Last Monday, I discovered a lump near my earlobe and another one near my neck on the left shoulder. Both lumps are about 1 cm in diameter (as measured by my family) and are painful when pressed. The one on my left shou...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! My family says it's acne. If you don't believe it, you can only consult a general surgeon or dermatologist for an answer! I apologize for not being able to provide a remote consultation. Wishing you health and happiness. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung.

[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps Behind the Ear and Shoulder: What You Need to Know


Managing Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: Chemotherapy and Nutritional Support

Pancreatic cancer issues? Dear Doctor, My family member has stage IV pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Is chemotherapy recommended? If chemotherapy is undertaken, what is the approximate life expectancy? Currently, they have no appetite and are unable to eat...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In stage IV pancreatic cancer, if the patient's physical condition is still acceptable (able to move freely, without cachexia, etc.), chemotherapy is still recommended. As for the survival period, it primarily depends on the patient's response to treatment and changes i...

[Read More] Managing Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: Chemotherapy and Nutritional Support


Understanding Hard Masses in the Back of the Head: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Occipital bone lump? Hello Doctor: I have an unknown hard lump on the back of my head that sometimes appears and sometimes disappears, and it appears in different locations. Sometimes I also experience symptoms of migraines. I would like to know if this is a benign or malignant t...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A lump on the back of the head that appears and disappears may likely be folliculitis or other benign inflammatory tissue, and it is unlikely to be malignant. For migraines, it is recommended to consult a neurologist.

[Read More] Understanding Hard Masses in the Back of the Head: Symptoms and Treatment Options


Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe for Ovarian Cancer Survivors?

Radiation Issues Hello Dr. Chen, I was diagnosed with stage II ovarian cancer two years ago and have been undergoing regular follow-ups after completing chemotherapy. Since my diagnosis, I have had five CT scans, and my doctor is scheduling a sixth scan for September. Is such fre...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Grace / 51 years old / Female 1. Is it necessary to have such frequent examinations? A: Examinations every 3 to 6 months are considered normal. Typically, if several consecutive tests are normal, the frequency can be changed to once every six months or once a year. 2. Will thi...

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Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?

Interpretation of Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Hello Doctor, traditional chest computed tomography (CT) can detect tumors in the lungs, but I recently experienced hemoptysis and went to a large hospital for a CT scan, which reported normal results. However, a month later, I sti...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is a question about "predicting the future" and even as a physician, I cannot know whether I will develop lung cancer next month. 1. The resolution of a CT scan is generally defined as being able to detect lesions larger than 0.5 cm, so smaller lesions canno...

[Read More] Understanding Chest CT Scans: Can They Detect Lung Tumors?


Understanding Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Treatment Options During Pregnancy

Lymphoma Hello Doctor: I have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, specifically nodal marginal zone lymphoma (low-grade, stage I). 1. In April, I discovered a 2 cm enlargement of the right parotid gland, with no symptoms such as fever, swelling, or itching. 2. On July 1, I underwent surgery to ...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The need for radiation therapy depends on the area being irradiated. If the radiation field does not include the breast or chest cavity, it is generally still possible to hold a child and breastfeed. 2. The rate of progression from low-grade lymph node marginal zone lymphoma ...

[Read More] Understanding Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Treatment Options During Pregnancy


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...

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Understanding Bone Metastasis Risk in Breast and Lung Cancer Patients

Does breast cancer metastasize? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (surgically removed) and stage I lung adenocarcinoma (surgically removed) last year. She has been undergoing regular follow-ups, and her recent CEA levels were 3.8, 5.4, and 6.2 over ...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jerry / 43 years old / Male Hello: CT findings: 1. Degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, scoliosis of the spine, and osteopenia with osteoporotic changes of the visible bony structures, indicating degeneration. 2. No definite osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions or bo...

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Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms and EEG Results: What You Need to Know

Regarding brain tumors? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask two questions. First, I have been experiencing occasional sneezing, coughing, weakness in my limbs, intermittent decline in vision and hearing, difficulty with speech and walking, frequent forgetfulness, vague headaches a...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. It is recommended to consult a neurologist. 2. Normal EEG results cannot be used to rule out a brain tumor; in other words, to diagnose a brain tumor, a brain CT scan or MRI is necessary.

[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms and EEG Results: What You Need to Know


Understanding Persistent Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns

Recurrent lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my lymph nodes, which are swollen all over my body (on both sides of my collarbone, armpits, groin, and behind my knees). They do not feel hard; rather, they are soft and noticeably protruding. They have been swoll...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consult a hematology-oncology specialist for a detailed examination.

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns


Navigating Cancer Care: Seeking Second Opinions and Treatment Options

Interdisciplinary treatment issues? My father originally had a small tumor in his lungs and would regularly visit the Pulmonology department for check-ups. Recently, due to sudden significant weight loss, he was referred by a new physician for a PET scan. After reviewing the repo...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. It is recommended to perform a biopsy first to determine the cause (benign or malignant, lung cancer or other), and then discuss whether further treatment is necessary. 2. You may consider referring to an oncology specialist for further evaluation.

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Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?

After breast cancer surgery, the CEA level increased from 3.8 at the end of chemotherapy to 5.4, with the most recent level being 6.2. Can this be confirmed as metastasis? The mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (which has been surgically removed) ...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The blood cancer markers cannot definitively determine whether cancer has metastasized, especially since the CEA level is only 6, which makes it quite tenuous to draw any conclusions. Thank you for your response.

[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?


Understanding Right Groin Mass and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps

Right groin mass + bilateral shoulder/knee/hip joint pain? Hello, doctor. I am a 59-year-old female housewife. From 2018 to 2019, I occasionally experienced dull pain in my right lower abdomen at night (at most once a month), which resolved after urination. Around October 2019, I...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lan / 59 years old / Female Regarding the issue of a mass in the right lower groin: 1. You have already undergone abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, so you have seen a doctor. 2. You should have had the doctor you consulted examine it! What did the doctor say? If there are any is...

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Dietary Tips for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Diet During Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: A friend's family member is undergoing chemotherapy for stage II breast cancer and is experiencing a loss of appetite. They searched online for dietary recommendations related to cancer chemotherapy, and many suggested ma...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Currently, there is no clinical evidence regarding the effects of food-based beverages on cancer chemotherapy. It is unclear whether they are harmful or beneficial. Therefore, I am unable to provide you with advice. Thank you!

[Read More] Dietary Tips for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy


Understanding Pineal Tumors: Size, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

I would like to inquire about pineal gland tumors? My sister recently experienced severe headaches and went to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with a pineal gland tumor measuring 6 centimeters. Although my sister mentioned that it might be benign rather than malignant and that sh...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Bai / 21 years old / Female 1. I would like to inquire if a 6 cm pineal gland tumor will cause any effects. A: Symptoms such as headaches and nausea may already be present. You do not need to worry about any additional symptoms; she will likely have regular follow-up appoin...

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Understanding Neck Masses and Low Platelet Counts: Key Insights

Neck mass and thrombocytopenia? 1. About last September, I noticed a hard lump in the back of my shoulder that has been swollen and painful. It has not gone away and is about 1 cm in size; it does not hurt or move and feels very hard. It hasn't grown larger, but my family in...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. If there is no continuous enlargement, it is recommended to simply observe. 2. In young women with thrombocytopenia, it may be autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. 3. However, if there are other hematological abnormalities present, it is advisable to consult a pediatric he...

[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses and Low Platelet Counts: Key Insights


Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for Stage IVA Colon Cancer

Postoperative treatment issues for colorectal cancer? Hello Doctor: A senior in their seventies has undergone surgery for a malignant tumor in the rectum, confirmed to be stage IVA, with a CEA level in the fifties, and multiple tumors of varying sizes present in both lobes of the...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The most suitable respondent to these questions is the attending physician responsible for the treatment (to clarify the responsibility). Medical care is not a mechanical job; each person's experience and skills vary. I will answer based on my approach. 1. Generally...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for Stage IVA Colon Cancer


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