Understanding Groin Swelling: Insights on Tumor Concerns and Diagnosis
Inguinal swelling Hello! I have been experiencing pain in my left groin and underwent an abdominal CT scan, which did not reveal any tumors. However, it showed a 1.3 cm protrusion on the left side that is not painful when pressed, can be moved, and feels somewhat firm. The right ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Eve / 33 years old / Female Hello! May I ask if the doctor means that cancer metastasis can also be detected by this hospital? A: I cannot guess what your physician meant, but you can wait for the report from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Usually, it will be sent to another ci...[Read More] Understanding Groin Swelling: Insights on Tumor Concerns and Diagnosis
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Key Questions and Concerns
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Dr. Chen, About a month ago, I discovered a painful swollen lymph node in the left submandibular triangular area. After a week, I noticed another painful swollen lymph node in the right submandibular triangular area. I have seen an ENT specialist, and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Concerned individual / 38 years old / Male. The lymph nodes feel reduced, with no pain. 1. After a month, the lymph nodes have not completely disappeared but feel slightly smaller than initially; they do not seem to have increased in size. Is this a bad sign (such as lymphoma or ...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Recurring Underarm Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Axillary mass Ten years ago, I had a cyst under my armpit that was surgically removed. The doctor mentioned it was not malignant, but the diagnosis report only stated "tumor excision." A few years later, it recurred, and I started seeing a dermatologist regularly. At ti...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
May, 33 years old, female, can visit the general surgery breast clinic. Thank you for your message. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Recurring Underarm Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Low Red Blood Cells and High MCH
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I have two abnormal values in my blood test report that I would like to inquire about: Red blood cells (RBC) 4.25 (normal range 4.5-5.9 x10^6/µL) and MCH 35.1 (normal range 26-34 pg). All other blood test parameters are normal. The report indicate...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Blood cell counts can fluctuate at any time; they are not fixed numbers and change daily. As long as they remain within a safe range, that's acceptable. Based on your values, I don't see anything particularly concerning, and I don't feel the need to investig...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Low Red Blood Cells and High MCH
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in the Occipital Region: When to Worry?
Cervical lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen: A couple of days ago, I asked you about the enlargement of the occipital lymph node, and I would like to confirm some details. Thank you! I have actually noticed that the single enlarged lymph node in the occipital region has been present ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Bao / 40 years old / Male 1. Do you think it is necessary to go to a large hospital for further examination due to the uncertainty of the tactile sensation? A: Generally, people visit a doctor for a cold 1-2 times a year. During that time, you can visit an otolaryngologis...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement in the Occipital Region: When to Worry?
Understanding Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes: Key Questions Answered
Some questions regarding cervical lymphadenopathy? Hello Dr. Chen: I have some questions regarding cervical lymphadenopathy that I would like to consult with you. I am not referring to my specific situation or any individual's unique circumstances; I would appreciate your ge...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bao / 40 years old / Male: 1. If there is a single posterior cervical lymph node measuring about 1 cm that has not changed after three months (and there are no other unusual symptoms like fever), does this mean it is relatively less likely to be caused by lymphoma? O...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Melanoma Changes: What to Watch For and Care Tips
Changes in Melanoma and Important Considerations Hello, earlier this year I discovered a black spot growing under my toenail. After consulting a dermatologist, I was informed that it is a melanoma and was advised to monitor any changes. Recently, I noticed that the spot, which wa...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If melanoma exhibits any of the following conditions, it is recommended to see a plastic surgeon: irregular borders; asymmetrical edges; increasingly darker color; growing diameter; or any raised areas.[Read More] Understanding Melanoma Changes: What to Watch For and Care Tips
Concerns Over a Painful 1.5cm Groin Lump: Should I See a Doctor?
There is a 1.5 cm hard lump in the groin with some tenderness? About three to four weeks ago, I discovered a lump on the right side of my groin, approximately 1.5 centimeters in size, which is movable when touched. It was very painful when I accidentally bumped into it once, but ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended that if there are no systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss (10% weight loss within half a month), persistent cough, or the appearance of large red rashes or plaques on the skin, then observation is sufficient. However, if the mass increases ...[Read More] Concerns Over a Painful 1.5cm Groin Lump: Should I See a Doctor?
Concerns About Neck Lymph Node FNA: What You Need to Know
Lymph node aspiration issues, very urgent? Hello, Doctor. Last time I asked you about multiple lymph nodes in my neck. One of the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck is quite large, measuring 2.3 cm (according to ultrasound). Next to this lymph node, there is also a smaller o...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xue / 28 years old / Female Hello, 1. Is it true that a general neck puncture usually requires ultrasound guidance? A: The decision to use ultrasound is at the discretion of the treating physician. 2. I can clearly see the small hole where the needle was inserted. Is this da...[Read More] Concerns About Neck Lymph Node FNA: What You Need to Know
Persistent Hard Lump Behind Ear: Should I Get an Ultrasound?
There is a hard lump measuring 1.5 to 2 centimeters located behind the ear (on the mastoid bone) that is tender to the touch. It has not decreased in size to date? Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered a hard lump about 1.5 to 2 centimeters in size behind my left ear (on the ma...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
JACKY / 25 years old / Male Hello, this lymphadenopathy may not necessarily resolve. A: It might have been present for many years, and you just recently discovered it by chance. Should I get another ultrasound for safety? A: Since it's your first discovery, you may feel mor...[Read More] Persistent Hard Lump Behind Ear: Should I Get an Ultrasound?
Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Prostate cancer Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 81 years old and had a PSA level of 14.9, which led to a prostate biopsy that confirmed the presence of cancer cells. The doctor then arranged for a CT scan of the pelvic area, a chest X-ray, and a nuclear medicine scan of the entire s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
J / 52 years old / Male Hello! 1. The doctor recommended laser treatment to remove the prostate. A: This procedure is likely not aimed at prostate cancer but rather at benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What I mean is: for BPH, laser treatment is applicable; for prostate canc...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Small Cysts and Blood Test Implications in Oncology
Issues related to small cysts and blood tests? Hello Dr. Chen, In the summer of 2018, I noticed a soft lump near my throat and visited an ENT specialist several times. The doctor diagnosed it as something resembling a large pimple and prescribed antibiotics to see if it would g...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ch, 24 years old, female. First, would a general tumor affect white blood cell abnormalities? A: Not significantly related. Second, is this size considered large? A: 0.95 cm requires monitoring. If it increases in size, closer follow-up is necessary. However, if you do not notice...[Read More] Understanding Small Cysts and Blood Test Implications in Oncology
Steroid Treatment Shrinks Lymphoma: What You Need to Know
Steroids can reduce the size of lymphoma? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about a case where a suspected brain lymphoma was investigated, and a lumbar puncture revealed a significant number of lymphocytes. Due to brain swelling and dizziness, corticosteroids were administ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Yuan / 36 years old / Female 1. If the symptoms persist, should I seek medical attention first? A: Yes. 2. I'm very worried... If it's lymphoma, will the unclear report delay treatment? A: If a 3D stereotactic biopsy is performed to remove a brain tumor, can yo...[Read More] Steroid Treatment Shrinks Lymphoma: What You Need to Know
Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
The necessity of continuing to participate in clinical trials? Hello Dr. Chen: The patient's second sister (59 years old) has stage IV breast cancer. The doctor did not perform surgery due to metastasis, so she is undergoing chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy to t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you join a clinical trial, you must adhere to the trial regulations. I cannot advise you on whether to withdraw from the trial, as this is an agreement between you and the principal investigator, and outsiders cannot know the specific details involved. 2. Psychol...[Read More] Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Eosinophils Hello Doctor: I had a blood test at the hospital the other night, and the report shows that my eosinophil count is 8.9, while the normal range is 0-6. Should I undergo further testing? I kindly ask for your guidance. Thank you for your help!
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In the classification of white blood cells, there are neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, etc. Therefore, the 8.9% you see is just a percentage, indicating that there are 8.9 eosinophils among 100 white blood cells. This ratio should be interpreted in conjunction wi...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Understanding Lynparza for Fallopian Tube Cancer: Costs and Treatment Options
Ovarian cancer and Lynparza (olaparib) issues? 1) Can patients with fallopian tube cancer use Lynparza (olaparib) out-of-pocket? What is the approximate cost range? What are the criteria for insurance coverage? 2) For a patient with stage III fallopian tube cancer who has relaps...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, to answer the most important question, these new targeted therapies (Olaparib, Rucaparib, Niraparib), as well as the older targeted drug Avastin, are currently not covered by health insurance in Taiwan. The chances of them being covered in the future are also l...[Read More] Understanding Lynparza for Fallopian Tube Cancer: Costs and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Groin Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Right inguinal swelling? Hello Doctor: The swelling in my groin has been present for over a year, but it is only on one side (the right side) and has not moved. It started to become noticeable about six months after my acute appendicitis surgery in November 2017. Recently, in the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ivy / 31 years old / Female 1. The swelling in the ankle has persisted for over a year. Recently, in the past month, the swelling has become more pronounced, with a width of approximately 5 centimeters in diameter. 2. Two months ago, a basic health check was performed, which sho...[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Gynecological cancer metastasized to the lungs? Hello, Doctor! My mother was diagnosed with vulvar cancer 7-8 years ago and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. It recurred two years later, requiring another surgery and radiation therapy. Last year, several tumors were found in...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There are no textbook-standard answers to these three questions; the responses can vary for each patient even under similar circumstances. 1. The risk assessment and outcomes of surgery are not something I can explain; that should be addressed by the surgeon. 2. The dec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Should You Worry About New Breast Lumps After Surgery?
Breast lump Hello, doctor! Previously, I had a hard lump under my left breast that was growing rapidly, so I had it surgically removed (it was benign). The attending physician said that a follow-up appointment in a year would be sufficient. However, besides the surgically removed...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Miss Chien / 18 years old / Female Hello! 1. There is a hard mass above the left breast that has not been treated or subjected to a biopsy (although it was noted during an ultrasound examination, the doctor did not provide specific explanations or address this mass). The mass ...[Read More] Should You Worry About New Breast Lumps After Surgery?
Understanding Lumps in the Groin: A Guide for Thyroid Cancer Patients
Hard lumps on both sides of the groin? Hello, doctor. I was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Due to extreme discomfort in my body, the tumor is small but located in a dangerous position that cannot be biopsied. Therefore, the interventional radiologist suggested that my pr...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Liang, 35 years old, female 1. Diagnosed with early-stage thyroid cancer (no chemotherapy required at this time). 2. Two hard lumps felt on both sides of the groin. 3. Weight loss, fatigue, prolonged rest periods with no improvement. Severe new-onset hair loss, weight decline, i...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Groin: A Guide for Thyroid Cancer Patients