Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, a re-test at the clinic showed a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the test results i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Are there other potential underlying conditions in this situation? 1. CEA is a convenient but not an "ideal" marker. The diversity of influencing factors makes it impossible to specify which type of cancer it indicates. It is primarily used for monitoring. Is there a li...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Director Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, the clinic tested it again with a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the results ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss La Bao: Question 1. Is there a limit to the CEA index? Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most commonly used tumor marker for colorectal cancer. However, CEA is not exclusive to colorectal cancer; it can also be elevated in breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancre...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Understanding Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Prolonged lymphadenopathy? Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing persistent tinnitus in one ear for the past year (24 hours a day). I am currently undergoing various tests. Due to frequent ear cleaning, I have had recurrent fungal infections in my ear for several months, and I ha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Male, 34 years old. 1. Could the various health issues I've been experiencing recently be the reason for this persistent lymphadenopathy? A: It can be said that, but many people experience benign lymph node hyperplasia that does not resolve. 2. Should this condition be t...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Clarifications for Patients
Annoying lymph nodes Hello Dr. Chen, I am the person who consulted you regarding #138469. In April, I underwent a neck CT scan, but I still felt uneasy, so on November 14, I had a neck ultrasound, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. All reports came back normal. The ultrasound report...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. The doctor mentioned that the lymph node I discovered is located closer to the neck in the fourth zone (above the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper belly of the omohyoid muscle), not in the supraclavicular area. Can you confirm if that lymph node...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Concerns and Clarifications for Patients
Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Sternum issues Doctor, I have a question. I suddenly noticed a bruise on the front of my right calf, and I don't recall hitting it. It doesn't hurt much (today it has faded significantly and is almost healed). Additionally, a few days ago, I had some redness and swellin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah-Jeh / 38 years old / Male 1. Is there still a possibility of blood cancer? A: No, blood cancer refers to leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells rather than a decrease. 2. Is it abnormal that the white blood cell count is sligh...[Read More] Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Attention
A lump was found behind the left ear? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old male, 178 cm tall and weighing 80 kg. I am currently studying abroad and unable to return to Taiwan for a medical consultation, so I am reaching out for your assistance. Seven days ago, I suddenly experience...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Tony: Hello, the physician cannot provide treatment without a personal examination. Please refer to similar questions in this field. You may consult a general surgeon or seek evaluation from an otolaryngology specialist. A doctor will perform a physical examination and provid...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass or lump? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to respond to my question despite your busy schedule. Last night, while preparing to take a shower, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the groin area. During the shower, I noticed that pressing on the area was painfu...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be localized lymphadenopathy. If you're concerned about the possibility of other issues (such as a local infection), you can consult an obstetrician-gynecologist or an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Further Evaluation
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello Doctor: Last month, I discovered a lump under my left armpit, approximately the size of a half baseball, and I consulted a surgeon at the hospital. I underwent fine needle aspiration, breast ultrasound, and mammography. The doctor informe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
8*4 cm seems too large, and since there are already accompanying symptoms, it is recommended to consult a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon to determine if surgical removal is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Inguinal mass A month ago, I discovered a movable lump in the left groin area, measuring less than 2 centimeters. It sometimes disappears and sometimes reappears, and I have no other discomfort in my body. If I need to seek medical attention, which specialty should I consult? Tha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Coco / 44 years old / Female Dear Coco, It's great to hear from you! It seems I may have answered your question before (Coco), but I'm not sure if it's the same person! 1. About a month ago, I discovered a movable lump in my left groin area, about 2 centimeter...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Should You Remove a Benign Kidney Tumor? Key Considerations and Risks
If a kidney tumor is determined to be benign through biopsy, is surgical removal necessary? Hello Doctor: Recently, an ultrasound and a CT scan revealed a tumor approximately 2.5 cm in size on my right kidney. A biopsy confirmed it is benign. My questions are: 1. Is there a possi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Santos replied: 1. Regular follow-up is sufficient, with an ultrasound every three months and a CT scan annually. 2. The accuracy of the biopsy is reliable. 3. Essentially, please consult with your physician regarding the necessity of removal, as benign removal is not mandato...[Read More] Should You Remove a Benign Kidney Tumor? Key Considerations and Risks
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns and Expert Answers
Questions related to lymph nodes? Hello Dr. Hu: I have lymph nodes on both sides of my neck (at the lower part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, near the clavicle) that I noticed around March. They are both movable, with the left side being larger than the right. A CT scan in Ap...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there has been no enlargement, and a CT scan was performed in April to rule out malignancy, and it decreases after taking anti-inflammatory medication, then observation is recommended. Regarding question 5: it is certainly possible that it could be caused by chronic pharyngiti...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns and Expert Answers
Understanding Movable Groin Lumps: Are They Lymph Nodes?
Lump in the groin? In the past few days, I have noticed a soft, movable lump near my groin on both sides, close to the genital area. It doesn't hurt, and when I press on it, it slides about 1 centimeter but I can't determine its actual shape. Could this be a lymph node?...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous Lady: Thank you for your letter. 1. Is this a lymph node? A: It could be a lymph node, a lipoma, or other benign tumors. A physician should personally examine it to make a proper assessment, as we cannot completely rule out the possibility of malignancy. However, if ...[Read More] Understanding Movable Groin Lumps: Are They Lymph Nodes?
Understanding Left Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Tumor or Not?
Left submandibular lymph nodes Hello doctor, I have felt a round, soft lump on my lower left jaw for the past few weeks. It is not painful. Could this be a tumor or what other symptoms could it indicate?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is likely just lymphadenopathy, which may be caused by local infection, a cold, or localized inflammation. It is recommended to simply observe the condition.[Read More] Understanding Left Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Tumor or Not?
Should My 67-Year-Old Mother with 1cm Breast Cancer Undergo Chemotherapy?
Breast cancer measuring 1 cm without metastasis, uncertain whether to undergo chemotherapy? Dear Dr. Lai, My mother is currently 67 years old and has hypertension. She is continuously taking medications including Clonidine, Bisoprolol, and Amlodipine. She also has bone spur issu...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Lai: Whether adjuvant chemotherapy is needed after breast cancer surgery primarily depends on the tumor size. For example, if the tumor is larger than 1 cm or there is axillary lymph node metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended. Here, it is important to explain...[Read More] Should My 67-Year-Old Mother with 1cm Breast Cancer Undergo Chemotherapy?
Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Help
There is a hard lump on the mons pubis? About one or two months ago, I discovered a lump on the right side of my vulva that hurts when pressed lightly. At first, I thought it was a pimple, and after squeezing it, I noticed some white particles and pus, which made me more certain ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You can go to see an obstetrician-gynecologist.[Read More] Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Benign Tumors: When to Monitor and When to Worry
What are the issues related to benign tumors? Doctor, I have had a lump about 1.5 cm in size next to my Adam's apple for several years. A physician examined it and described it as soft and mobile. I also had a CT scan, and the doctor believed it to be a benign tumor, advisin...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the benign tumor that has been troubling you for many years, after reading your description, my opinion aligns with that of the other physicians. Since there have been no significant changes and it is benign, it is best to leave it as is! You can follow up with o...[Read More] Understanding Benign Tumors: When to Monitor and When to Worry
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment
A large and a small mass on the left side of the neck? Hello Doctor, at the end of July, I felt pain near my jaw, but there were no other symptoms. Then, in early August, I had acute gastroenteritis. The doctor found a small hard lump on the left side of my neck, which he suspect...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Xiao Gao. Regarding your condition: 1. The lymph nodes have become larger (approximately 2 cm). 2. They feel firm. 3. There is also a small one that may indeed have a possibility of cancer. It is reasonable for the physician to prescribe antibiotics initially, considering ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment
Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: Insights on Swelling and Inflammation
I have another question regarding lymphatic issues? Hello Dr. Chen, in February I had a mouth ulcer and swelling and pain in my left parotid lymph nodes. I also accidentally found a lymph node near the left side of my neck, close to the clavicle. Later, my mouth healed, and the l...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. If you keep pressing it, it will only make you more anxious and panicked. A: It's advisable not to keep pressing it, as it may irritate the area. If you check it once a day to monitor its size, that would be fine! 2. Do you think the lymph nodes near the clavicle are nor...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: Insights on Swelling and Inflammation
Understanding Lumps in the Arm and Armpit: What to Expect from MRI Results
There is a lump on the wrist, and I also feel a lump under the armpit? Doctor, my mother has a lump on her wrist and a hard mass in the middle of her armpit that feels firm when pressed. She does not have a fever or cough. The doctor has ordered an MRI. If the lump is not attache...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is usually not necessary to redo the MRI. It is recommended to bring both the MRI images (CD) and the printed report with you.[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Arm and Armpit: What to Expect from MRI Results
How Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Radiation Therapy Begin?
Typically, how long after breast cancer surgery does radiation therapy begin? Hello Doctor: After my family member's breast cancer surgery, it was assessed that chemotherapy is not needed, but radiation therapy is required. However, after visiting the radiation oncology clin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Generally, it is hoped that radiation therapy will begin within 6 weeks after breast cancer surgery. Thank you for your message! Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] How Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Radiation Therapy Begin?