Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Stage II Cervical Cancer
Chemotherapy for cervical cancer My grandmother is around 72 years old. Last summer, she was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer and subsequently underwent chemotherapy. However, during her last chemotherapy session, the doctor mentioned that there are still cancer cells in h...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there are still residual cancer cells, it may be considered to change the current chemotherapy regimen and switch to second-line drug treatment. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Stage II Cervical Cancer
Understanding Neurofibromatosis: Risks and Screening for Future Generations
Questions related to neurofibromatosis? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother is a neurofibromatosis patient, and her symptoms recurred after giving birth to us three children. Currently, my sister and younger sister both have children, and they do not exhibit any symptoms. I would like to a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Nina / 26 years old / Female Hello, 1. If my mother developed symptoms after giving birth to us, do we have a chance of inheriting these symptoms? A: Anyone can have a family history, so the likelihood is slightly higher. Your mother's genes are inherited from your grand...[Read More] Understanding Neurofibromatosis: Risks and Screening for Future Generations
Can Nutritional Supplements Replace Iron Supplements for Anemia?
Regarding anemia? Dear Doctor: My mother is 55 years old and has iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of 9. The doctor has prescribed iron supplements. A friend recommended Aibu Yite Supplement Essence for my mother. She is now considering switching to Aibu Yite Supplem...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: It is recommended that both be taken, as it would be more appropriate for your mother.[Read More] Can Nutritional Supplements Replace Iron Supplements for Anemia?
Understanding Persistent Neck Lymph Node Pain After Chemotherapy
Is the persistent pain in the neck lymph nodes after chemotherapy an indication that it hasn't been controlled? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old and has stage IV gastric cancer that has metastasized to the lymph nodes in his shoulder and abdomen, as well as to a small...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: It is recommended to continue chemotherapy and complete the entire treatment course.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Neck Lymph Node Pain After Chemotherapy
Managing Side Effects of Third Chemotherapy for Thymic Tumors
Side effects of the third chemotherapy session? The patient is in the advanced stage of malignant thymoma (approximately 7.5 cm at diagnosis, encasing major blood vessels and close to the heart). After two rounds of chemotherapy, the doctor mentioned some shrinkage, but did not s...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. The treatment for malignant thymoma primarily involves surgical resection, followed by postoperative pathological evaluation to determine the necessity for further radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In the case you described, which falls under ...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Third Chemotherapy for Thymic Tumors
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy side effects? My sister is 39 years old and has stage III colon cancer. The doctor recommended a five-week course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, after which the tumor shrank by 80% or disappeared. She is currently resting at home for abo...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I cannot answer this because there are too many possible causes for the pain, such as pain from the tumor itself, pain from intestinal perforation, or pain from a wound infection or abscess (which, if not treated, could lead to sepsis and be fatal)... She needs to see a ph...[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer
Understanding PET Scans in Pediatric Cancer: What Parents Should Know
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello Doctor: After my child's chemotherapy, a PET scan showed a dark area, and the doctor said it was fluid in the bladder. Does this mean that the PET scan can still visualize the pelvis and coccyx? Could it obstruct the view? Since my ch...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging uses "radioactive glucose" as a contrast agent. Therefore, cells with high metabolic activity that consume glucose (such as cancer cells, brain, myocardium, etc.) will show significant uptake and appear as bright spots. ...[Read More] Understanding PET Scans in Pediatric Cancer: What Parents Should Know
Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Postoperative examination after adrenal benign tumor resection? Hello Doctor, my family member underwent adrenal tumor removal at the beginning of the year. The tumor was 4 centimeters in size and has been confirmed as benign after testing. What follow-up items should be arranged...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. CJ, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: Generally, hormone levels can be assessed through tests such as serum cortisol to detect any abnormalities in the adrenal glands early on. CT and MRI scans provide clear images of the renal contours, perirenal spaces,...[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Preoperative and postoperative treatment for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm,...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Breast cancer treatment Hello, Dr. Lai! I would like to inquire about the follow-up treatment for breast cancer. The report states the following: Size: 22mm, Lymph nodes: no metastasis, Margins: clear, Distant metastasis: none, Stage: IIA, Classification: Luminal B type, ER: >...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Debbie, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: HER2 is positive [+++], which indicates that targeted therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis by one-third. If HER2 is positive [++], further FISH testing is required to confirm whether targeted ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Cervical cancer treatment The patient is a 72-year-old mother who has been diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. The gynecologist believes that surgery is not advisable. After undergoing 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, the tumor has slightly sh...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. HDJDJKFKD, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. After 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, a PET scan is required. It is important to rest for 6 to 8 weeks to avoid false positives. 2. The effectiveness of the treatment will ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Nipple: What You Need to Know
A hard lump on the nipple? Today, while massaging my breasts, I noticed a lump right above my left nipple that feels round. I don't recall feeling it during previous massages. Additionally, I've been experiencing increased vaginal discharge, which might indicate that my...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If there is a lump in the breast, you can schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon (or a general surgeon). The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine if there is indeed an abnormality. Not all lumps are tumors; some may be normal physiological changes...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Nipple: What You Need to Know
Understanding Stage Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Patient's Journey
A family member was diagnosed with stage 2A lung adenocarcinoma and underwent thoracotomy, only to be informed afterward that it is actually stage 4. Does this mean the surgery was in vain? Hello Dr. Lai, the patient started coughing in October last year and continued seeking med...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Mei, 1. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans have certain limitations, such as the inability to accurately predict very small lymph nodes or small lesions in the brain or liver. 2. Currently, the patient's condition is "inoperable," so I recomme...[Read More] Understanding Stage Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lymph Node Biopsy Results: Kikuchi Disease Explained
Lymph node core needle biopsy diagnosis Hello Dr. Hu: Previously, I consulted you several times regarding the issue of enlarged lymph nodes in my neck, as I was concerned about the possibility of lymphoma. Therefore, you performed a core needle biopsy (using an 18-gauge needle, t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if it is Kikuchi disease, then it is best to rest and allow it to heal on its own.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Biopsy Results: Kikuchi Disease Explained
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Supraclavicular lymph nodes Hello: About 3 to 4 weeks ago, I developed two lymph nodes in my neck (one on the right side of my neck and the other above my clavicle). After seeing a doctor, he said the lymph nodes were inflamed and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. The lymp...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. Generally, gastroesophageal reflux does not cause supraclavicular lymphadenopathy; however, it can occur if there are complications such as upper gastrointestinal inflammation and infection (e.g., pharyngitis). 2. If there is only one lymph node and it is not c...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Understanding High Platelet Count: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Thrombocytosis Hello Doctor, I recently received the results of my university health check, which indicated that I have thrombocytosis (586) and leukocytosis (13). I had another test done later, and although the numbers decreased, they are still high: platelets (546) and white bl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please try not to worry too much; having high platelet counts is not cancer. Normally, a healthy individual's platelet count ranges from about 100,000 to 300,000. If the platelet count remains persistently elevated, such as exceeding 450,000, it could indicate two con...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Supraclavicular Hello doctor, a few days ago I felt a large (1 cm) and a small (0.5 cm) movable and soft mass above my left clavicle (below my neck). I went to see a doctor, and he mentioned that it might be a lymph node, but he is concerned that it could be a metastasis from ano...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The likelihood of a virus is higher, and it should disappear after full recovery and physical rehabilitation.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymphoma: Early Detection and Treatment Concerns
I don't want to give up on my lymphoma issues; I want to focus on early detection and early treatment? Hello Doctor: Before I received your response, I underwent a core needle biopsy yesterday. The doctor I consulted is a hematologist-oncologist, and the report will not be a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: It sounds more like a viral infection. Typically, viral infections resolve on their own. During this time, make sure to replenish your strength (such as getting enough sleep) and maintain a normal diet, while you wait for the pathology report. By Dr. Hu Zi-r...[Read More] Understanding Lymphoma: Early Detection and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Testing
The number of lymph nodes is increasing? Hello doctor, about a month ago I noticed a small lymph node on the right side of my neck. After taking antibiotics, it did not go away and gradually became a chain of swollen nodes, varying in size. I have not felt anything on the other s...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. I recommend that you see a hematologist-oncologist; 2. If a biopsy is needed, I suggest an excisional biopsy of the lymph node rather than a core needle biopsy, as the diagnostic value of a core needle biopsy for lymphoma is not high. By Dr. Hu Zi-ren.[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Liver cancer & liver tumor embolization chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: My mother was found to have an 8 cm malignant tumor during her annual health check-up. Despite undergoing various tests and imaging studies, and after a challenging process, she is scheduled for an embolizati...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: 1. So your mother underwent embolization after the surgery? 2. The staging of liver cancer is quite complex. In addition to assessing the size of the tumor and whether there is lymphatic spread, it is also important to evaluate the patient's liver function and p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization