Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Regarding breast cancer radiotherapy? Is it necessary to perform another surgery to remove lymph nodes from the axilla for examination before radiation therapy for breast cancer, in order to determine the radiation dose, number of sessions, and whether the radiation field should ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, I am unable to give you more accurate advice. It is essential to review the pathology report and PET scan to determine the subsequent treatment and therapy option...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
The efficacy of TS-1? Hello, Doctor. My father has been diagnosed with stage IIA pancreatic cancer and has undergone a Whipple resection to remove the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and gallbladder. The attending physician plans to use oral TS-1 for adjuvant therapy. I would lik...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. TS-1 as adjuvant therapy after pancreatic cancer surgery has shown a clinical treatment effect compared to the commonly used first-line chemotherapy drug (Gemcitabine), with a 5-year survival rate increase of approximately 20%. 2. Overall, TS-1 may be benefi...[Read More] Evaluating the Benefits of TS-1 for Stage II A Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Tumor issues Today in April, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to nasal congestion. The doctor said I had a deviated septum and there was a mass in the nasopharynx that needed a biopsy. After the examination, it was determined to be benign tissue, so I proceeded with surg...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, internet user: Smoking itself is a risk factor for cancer (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). As you mentioned, hyperplasia of the nasopharyngeal tissue is not necessarily malignant, and benign biopsy results do not completely rule out malignancy (as it is possible that ...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Understanding Thyroid Surgery Reports and Nodule Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Thyroid Surgery Report and Nodule Issues Hello, Doctor. I have multiple nodules (0.4 cm to 0.8 cm in size) on both sides of my thyroid, and the doctor mentioned that one of them has an irregular shape. I was given the option of surgery or close monitoring, but after two fine need...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. The pathology report should indicate a benign hyperplastic nodule; 2. Benign nodules are certainly different from follicular thyroid tumors; one is benign (surgical excision is sufficient), while the other is malignant (surgical excision may require adjuvant th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Surgery Reports and Nodule Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can triple-negative breast cancer be changed to tumor resection after infection following the first chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my friend's mother-in-law is nearly 70 years old. Last year, she discovered a hard lump in her right breast, and during a hospital examination, th...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruby Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have better outcomes when followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, this depends on the surgical method and the extent of resection. If the tu...[Read More] Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding Acromegaly: When to Consider MRI for Diagnosis
Acromegaly Doctor, I have been experiencing changes in my appearance resembling acromegaly for over a year. I have undergone growth hormone and other related tests at different hospitals, all of which returned normal values. Therefore, I have decided to pay out of pocket for an M...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
168 cm / 37 years old / male is advised to receive the injection... to avoid situations where the doctor later states that certain areas were unclear due to the absence of contrast agent. Chen Sih-Jung, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Acromegaly: When to Consider MRI for Diagnosis
Understanding the Impact of Atezolizumab on High Platelet Count and Thrombosis
Thrombocytosis Due to thrombocytosis causing thrombosis and myocardial infarction, I am currently taking Clopidogrel and Aspirin for management. However, my platelet count remains between 850,000 and 930,000. The hematologist has indicated that I have myeloproliferative neoplasm,...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. In primary thrombocythemia, if the platelet count exceeds 1 million or there is a history of stroke (thrombosis, etc.), it is recommended to use medication to control the platelet count to below 400,000; 2. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) works by inhibiting DNA synthesis...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Atezolizumab on High Platelet Count and Thrombosis
Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Abnormal blood cells Hello, doctor. My wife is 40 years old. In 2006, a blood test revealed that her white blood cell count was low at 3100, while other blood cell counts were normal. This abnormality in white blood cells persisted until 2011, with other blood cell counts remaini...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. While there is a temporal relationship between leukopenia and low hemoglobin levels, both should be considered together; 2. The incidence of two types of cytopenia, specifically megaloblastic anemia, is significantly higher than that of myelodysplastic syndrome...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Breast cancer treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am 32 years old and have stage II breast cancer. I have undergone a lumpectomy on my left breast. The tumor analysis shows: hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 at 30%. I would like to know if I definitely need to un...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Vicky, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, we can only determine that targeted therapy is not required (HER2 negative / Ki67 50%). This is insufficient to ascertain the need for chemotherapy. - Chemother...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
The significance of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening index? Hello Dr. Chen, I have seen many people online saying that a positive reaction for both EA-IgA and VCA-IgA indicates a very high probability of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Does this mean that if both EA an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, in Taiwan, many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) indeed have very high EBV titers at the time of diagnosis. As cancer treatment progresses, these titers tend to decrease, and if the treatment is successful, the levels will normalize. Clinically, w...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
Managing Abdominal Swelling After Chemotherapy: Causes and Solutions
The abdomen is becoming increasingly distended after chemotherapy? After my father's fourth chemotherapy session, he has developed swelling in his legs and his abdomen is getting larger. However, during each outpatient visit, the doctor says everything is fine. I'm unsu...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Ascites can be identified through ultrasound scanning. If it is indeed ascites, clinicians often use diuretics to alleviate symptoms. Some physicians may occasionally perform paracentesis to relieve symptoms, which can provide comfort to the patient. Dr. Chen Junfang.[Read More] Managing Abdominal Swelling After Chemotherapy: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been suffering from swollen lymph nodes. I am quite thin, with body fat below 10%, and I can feel many lymph nodes, especially in the groin area. However, the doctor said that being thin and being able to feel lymph nodes are not rel...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. Lymphadenopathy refers to lymph nodes with a diameter greater than 1 or 1.5 cm; 2. Do you experience pain when you palpate it? Is there any elasticity when you touch it? Does it move when you palpate it? 3. Are there any accompanying symptoms such as fever,...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Lump at Thigh and Groin Junction: What You Need to Know
There is a hard lump at the junction of the thigh and groin? Recently, I discovered a hard lump at the junction of my thigh and groin, approximately the width of my pinky finger. After a day, a similar-sized lump appeared on the other side. It does not hurt when pressed, and my f...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: Do you have any accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, weight loss, fatigue, painful urination, or abnormal discharge in your urine? If so, you should consider visiting a urology or infectious disease specialist for an examination. If not, you may observe fo...[Read More] Lump at Thigh and Groin Junction: What You Need to Know
Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Inguinal mass with pain? Hello doctor, I recently noticed two hard lumps on the right side of my groin, approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters in size. They are painful when pressed and also hurt when I am sitting. What could be the issue? Should I go to the hospital for an examinati...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 18-year-old male Hello, I have developed two hard lumps on the right side of my groin, approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters in size. They are painful when pressed and also hurt when sitting. What could be the issue? Response: It is usually indicative of enlarged lymph no...[Read More] Understanding Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Hello, I would like to understand the effects of radiation therapy after breast cancer treatment. A stage I breast cancer patient has undergone surgery abroad and had a tissue expander implanted. The doctor has suggested that radiation therapy may ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Linlin, a 29-year-old female patient who underwent breast reconstruction, can still receive hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy postoperatively, which does not conflict with further treatment for breast cancer. Future follow-ups, including outpatient physical exam...[Read More] Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Post-radiation changes in the skull base after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment? Hello Dr. Lai, I have completed my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment nearly two years ago. In April of this year, an MRI scan revealed a gray area at the skull base. The radiologist informed me that...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiahe, In response to your inquiry, please find our reply below: 1. The gray lesions observed at the skull base on your MRI scan, whether seen on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), or under contrast enhancement, have different implications. Given y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Understanding Neck Lumps and Night Sweats: What You Need to Know
Neck issues. Night sweats? Hello doctor, a few months ago I noticed two lumps on my neck, one is about 0.5 cm round and the other is about 0.8 cm long. I saw a doctor who prescribed antibiotics, and it has improved somewhat. I would like to ask, since I usually sleep in just my u...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Afa / 16 years old / Male Hello, 1. A few months ago, I noticed two lumps on my neck. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for me, and it has improved somewhat. A: That's great! Just continue to monitor it. 2. I sweat while sleeping. A: Is it very hot due to the weather? ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps and Night Sweats: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy
White blood cells after chemotherapy? It has been 7 months since I completed chemotherapy, and during my monthly follow-up visits to the hospital, my white blood cell count has consistently been around 2,000 to 3,000. All other lab results are normal. I have also undergone PET sc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Did you have low white blood cell counts seven months ago before starting chemotherapy? If so, that indicates there was already an issue. 2. If not, could it be related to the chemotherapy drugs? I believe it is unlikely, as the effects of chemotherapy typically reso...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy
Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Side effects after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Dr. Lai: I just completed radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in May of this year, and it has been exactly two months. I returned to work on July 18 and started feeling some numbness in my chin o...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee9788, Thank you for your message. I would like to respond as follows: Many patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience symptoms similar to yours. This is a side effect caused by radiation damage to the nerves in the cervical spin...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer