Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid malignant tumor progression time? Hello, doctor. Last month during a health check at the clinic, I discovered a tumor on my thyroid, so I was referred to National Taiwan University Hospital for an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed it to be a mal...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: The prognosis and progression rate of thyroid cancer are quite complex and related to the histological type. If it is well-differentiated, the deterioration and progression tend to be slower; however, if it is poorly differentiated or of a degenerative type,...[Read More] Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Symptoms of mediastinal tumors may include: 1. Chest pain or discomfort 2. Coughing, which may be persistent or worsening 3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 4. Wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound) 5. Hoarseness or changes in voice My mother is 64 year...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: A mediastinal tumor may be a thymoma, which can be associated with myasthenia gravis. This condition can affect the ocular muscles, leading to ptosis and diplopia; if it impacts the respiratory muscles, it may result in respiratory muscle weakness or respiratory f...[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
A lump felt on the left side of the groin? Yesterday morning, I felt a sharp pain when pressing on the left groin area. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later in the evening while showering, I noticed a lump on the left side of my groin (near the thigh root, next to ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
19-year-old female presents with a left groin mass (near the thigh root, adjacent to the pubic hair), approximately less than 1.5 cm in size (upon palpation). The skin surface appears slightly red, and it is painful to the touch, but there is no discomfort while walking. The mass...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery
Brain tumor Hello, doctor. I have neurofibromatosis and have undergone several surgeries for tumors in the past. I have had a brain tumor for three years now; initially, there was only one, but during a follow-up last year, it increased to three—one in each hemisphere and one in ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: 1. May I ask which type you are diagnosed with (Neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, or type 3 [Schwannomatosis])? 2. Regardless of the type, it can potentially affect the intracranial and spinal cord or peripheral nerves. It sounds like your symptoms, in addition to in...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a lump in the armpit? I have recently noticed a lump in my armpit that hurts when I raise my arm and squeeze it. It also hurts when I touch it. What could this symptom be? I've been under a lot of academic stress and have been staying up late for about a month. Coul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Dear netizens, hello! Usually, a painful lump that appears in a short period of time is mostly caused by inflammation and infection. The primary site of infection and inflammation should be assessed in conjunction with other symptoms, such as: Is there a wound on the arm? Is ther...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms: Pituitary Microadenoma and Pineal Gland Edema
Severe dizziness? My daughter recently underwent an MRI at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with contrast enhancement, which revealed a 0.5 cm pituitary microadenoma. However, my endocrine function is normal, with only a slight decrease in potassium levels (3.2). Currently, her physi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Subject: Health Inquiry Dear Doctor, I am a 34-year-old female named Xiaotaozi. Currently, my health condition is quite poor. I am experiencing severe dizziness, weakness in my legs, and an unsteady gait. My head feels heavy and congested, and at times, I have urinary incontine...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Pituitary Microadenoma and Pineal Gland Edema
Managing High Platelet Count: Should You Consider Oral Chemotherapy?
Thrombosis caused by thrombocytosis? Hello Doctor, I underwent a stent placement due to a myocardial infarction on January 29 this year. The cardiologist discovered that my platelet count was as high as 780,000 and referred me to a hematologist. The hematologist does not recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Since your platelet count has risen to 930,000, you may consider taking the antiplatelet medication Angrylin. My patients who have taken this medication rarely report any adverse side effects. If it were me, I would start you on Angrylin. Thank you![Read More] Managing High Platelet Count: Should You Consider Oral Chemotherapy?
Understanding a Small Hard Lump Below the Clavicle: What to Know
A small hard lump beneath the clavicle? Hello Doctor, my mother recently found a small hard lump under her right clavicle, close to the collarbone. It doesn't hurt much when pressed. We consulted a doctor who said it is likely not a lymph node because it is located below the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Lin / 52 years old / Female Hello, of course, you need to continue waiting for the CT scan. There's no rush. It's rare for a physician to agree to perform an examination for your mother under the National Health Insurance at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung.[Read More] Understanding a Small Hard Lump Below the Clavicle: What to Know
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Ureteral cancer Dear Dr. Lai, My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignancy in April of this year. On April 21, 2016, she underwent surgery at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to remove her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder cuff. The doctor menti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Errorwu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Regarding the ureteral tumor that is close to the lymph nodes but has not metastasized distantly, whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the pathology report indicating lymph node invasion. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Breast cancer metastasis to the lungs? Is it possible for breast cancer that has metastasized to the lungs to also metastasize to the liver?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, sir: The most common sites of cancer metastasis are the lungs, bones, and liver. The primary metastatic sites for different types of cancer are as follows: - Breast cancer: lungs, liver, bones. - Colorectal cancer: liver, peritoneum, lungs. - Kidney cancer: lungs, liver,...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Metastasize to the Liver After Lung Spread?
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a lump in the armpit? Before bedtime, I massage the acupoints around my breasts, but a few days ago, while I was massaging, I applied too much pressure and suddenly felt a sharp pain, like something had been pinched or broken. It really felt that way, and the pain persis...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Tsai: Regarding your symptoms, I am unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually seeing them. Please return to the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Has the lung cancer metastasized? Hello Dr. Lai: My father has had lung cancer for two years. Recently, he has been experiencing pain in his left leg, but he does not have any discomfort in other parts of his body. He has undergone chemotherapy twice in the past. I often wonder i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Hsiao-Ching: Please return to the hospital for a physician to arrange a bone scan to assess for possible metastasis. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you. Radiation Oncology Department, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng.[Read More] Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ureteral cancer Hello Dr. Lai: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignant tumor in April of this year. She has undergone the removal of her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder. She is now preparing to undergo chemotherapy. I would like to ask: 1. Are ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, 1. You have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, and the standard treatment involves a chemotherapy regimen of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, which is the first-line therapy and the most effective option available. 2. The medical center also utilizes this standard ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Stage I breast cancer Hello, my mother has completed all the tests, and today when reviewing the report, the doctor indicated that it is a malignant tumor, approximately 1.1 cm in size, and currently there is no evidence of metastasis. The relevant report data is as follows: 1. E...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu, Thank you for your message. Here are my responses: 1. Is it generally better for ER/PR to be positive? What about one positive and one negative? If ER/PR is positive (+), that is considered better. If ER/PR is positive (+) and negative (-), the positive/negative ...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Radiation Therapy Concerns: Options After Stage II Breast Cancer Surgery
Radiation therapy issues Dr. Chen: Hello! I have two questions I would like to ask you, thank you! 1/ After a lumpectomy for stage II breast cancer, is it possible to choose not to undergo chemotherapy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that I could opt for ra...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Li / 54 years old / Female 1/ Can a patient with stage II breast cancer choose not to undergo chemotherapy after a lumpectomy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that radiation therapy and continuous medication for ten years are options. A: It's diff...[Read More] Radiation Therapy Concerns: Options After Stage II Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Inguinal mass? Hello Dr. Chen: Since last year, I have occasionally noticed a small hard lump near my right groin area, which only hurts when I press on it. It doesn't cause any pain while walking or doing other activities, and it usually disappears after about a week. I wou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ling, 29 years old, female. 1. Occasionally, before and after menstruation, I notice a small hard lump near the right groin area, which disappears after about a week. What could this be? A: This could be related to menstruation. Some individuals experience this due to endometr...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Lymph Node Hyperplasia and Subcutaneous Nodules in the Abdomen
Lymphadenopathy and subcutaneous nodules in the abdomen? Hello Doctor: About four months ago, I discovered a lymph node approximately 1.5 cm in size on the left side of my neck (at position 2A), and there is also a lymph node around 1 cm on the right side. A fine needle aspiratio...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, those small nodules can only be definitively diagnosed through a pathological biopsy; speculation is merely speculation! However, if it is indeed a malignant cancer, it would typically grow rapidly, making it unlikely to be observed for an exte...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Hyperplasia and Subcutaneous Nodules in the Abdomen
Understanding Pituitary Tumor Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Pituitary tumor recurrence About three months ago, I underwent endoscopic surgery through the nasal cavity to remove a pituitary tumor. It has now been discovered that part of it has regrown. Is this normal? Do I need to undergo another surgery? All my other health indicators are...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that the recurrence of your pituitary tumor has affected your vision. It is recommended to consider radiation therapy, such as Gamma Knife or photon therapy. Since we cannot fully understand your condition, please discuss this with your attending physic...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumor Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Surgery
There is a lump in the groin area? I have had a hard lump in my groin for three months. It started suddenly with a hard lump on the left side of my groin, which swelled up and caused pain while walking. A surgeon diagnosed it and to find the cause, I underwent an ultrasound, bloo...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 27 years old / Male 1. There has been a hard lump in the groin for three months. 2. The surgical diagnosis included ultrasound, blood tests (elevated white blood cell count), and a CT scan (approximately 4x3 cm), but no aspiration or biopsy was performed. 3. Aft...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Surgery
Should We Wait for Follow-Up Ultrasound for a 2.3 cm Liver Tumor?
Liver tumor measuring 2.3 centimeters, with all blood test indices showing positive results? Hello Doctor: My mother is 45 years old, and her recent health check-up report showed a liver tumor measuring 2.3 cm. When we visited the hospital, the doctor only mentioned to wait for a...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry regarding your mother, the health check report indicates a liver tumor measuring 2.3 cm. To confirm the diagnosis, you may discuss with your attending physician to arrange for a triphasic CT scan of the liver. ...[Read More] Should We Wait for Follow-Up Ultrasound for a 2.3 cm Liver Tumor?