Managing Lymph Node Malignancy During Pregnancy: Key Considerations
Pregnant women diagnosed with malignant lymphoma? Hello, doctor. My wife was diagnosed with a malignant lymphadenoma in mid-April, and the biopsy and pathology report confirmed this. After completing a CT scan, no tumors were found in other areas. We originally planned to proceed...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Concerned Father / 36 years old / Male Hello, due to the lack of biopsy report specifying the type of lymphoma, it is difficult to determine whether to: A) proceed with radiation therapy on the right arm and undergo chemotherapy after pregnancy, or B) immediately terminate the p...[Read More] Managing Lymph Node Malignancy During Pregnancy: Key Considerations
Understanding Treatment Options and Prognosis for Multiple Myeloma
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Hello Dr. Chen: My husband is 73 years old and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year. He has completed eight cycles of Velcade treatment and, after a two-month rest, his doctor performed another blood test, finding that his IgG level increase...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the first question, I cannot answer it because I do not know which stage your husband was in initially. 2. For the second question, besides Venclexta and Revlimid, commonly used medications for treating multiple myeloma include Thalidomide, Melphalan (Alke...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options and Prognosis for Multiple Myeloma
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Treatment Options and Concerns
Multiple Myeloma My father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in mid-last year, with an initial IgG level of over 3000. After completing treatment with Velcade, his IgG level dropped to over 1500 by early March. During a follow-up appointment at the end of April, the doctor info...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chen / 47 years old / Female Hello, because I am a radiation oncology specialist, I must consult with a hematology oncology specialist before I can confidently respond to your questions. 1. If Rituximab is used so early, will there be a situation where there are no availabl...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Treatment Options and Concerns
Should You Get a Checkup for a Hard Lump on the Back of Your Head?
There is a hard lump on the back of the head? I have a hard lump about 3 centimeters in size on the back of my head that has been present for several years. Is it necessary to get it checked?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Susan / 17 years old / Male 1. If there are no significant changes, it is not necessary to seek medical evaluation. 2. If there is an increase in size, change in color, hardness, or any other symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Ro...[Read More] Should You Get a Checkup for a Hard Lump on the Back of Your Head?
Understanding a Soft Neck Lump: Is It Lymphoma or Something Else?
A lump on the right side of the neck? Hello Doctor: In mid-February of this year, I noticed a lump on the right side of my neck. It is elongated, measuring about 1 cm in length and only 2-3 mm in width. Over the past two months, it has not significantly increased in size, and it ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah Hong / 15 years old / Male 1. It shouldn't be like that. If it were cancer, it would continue to grow. 2. If it grows, becomes hard, changes color, or presents other symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding a Soft Neck Lump: Is It Lymphoma or Something Else?
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy Hello, I have a lymph node on the left side of my neck that is about 1.5 centimeters in size. I've been aware of it since high school, and it hasn't disappeared. It tends to enlarge when I have a cold, and the smallest it gets is around 1.5 centimeters. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah Wei / 22 years old / Male 1. I have already seen an ENT specialist and had an ultrasound; the doctor said there are no issues. You should trust the doctor who is treating you rather than someone you have never met. 2. If there is any enlargement, discoloration, hardness, or...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Do I Need Chemotherapy After Stage 1 Breast Cancer Surgery?
Does cancer require chemotherapy? I have stage I breast cancer, have already undergone surgery, and my cancer markers are normal. Do I still need to undergo chemotherapy?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Cola, Thank you for your letter. The treatment for breast cancer depends on the degree of cellular differentiation indicated in your pathology report, which may lead to different approaches and treatment plans. Since I have not reviewed your pathology report, I cannot p...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy After Stage 1 Breast Cancer Surgery?
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Treatment Response and Maintenance Therapy
Multiple Myeloma Thank you for the response on May 4th. The IgG level decreased from 3480 mg/L before treatment to 1590 mg/L. If the units are as stated, does this indicate a complete remission of the treatment? If so, does the physician's subsequent use of Revlimid represen...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here is the response: The normal range for IgG is 690-1400 mg/dL. Your levels have decreased from 3480 mg/L to 1590 mg/L, indicating some improvement, but they are still above the standard value. The first-line treatment for multiple m...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Treatment Response and Maintenance Therapy
Understanding Neck Lumps: Could They Indicate Lymphoma?
A lump in the neck? Hello doctor, around January I noticed a lump in my throat, approximately 0.5 cm in size. It is not painful and not very hard. Then in mid-February, I found another lump on the right side of my neck, less than 1 cm in size, which is also not very hard and hasn...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Student, I acknowledge your message. Without actually seeing your condition, it is difficult to make an accurate assessment. Please visit the hospital for a diagnosis from a dermatologist or a surgeon. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng De...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Could They Indicate Lymphoma?
Understanding Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Questions About Therapy Options
Multiple Myeloma Dear Director, My father is seventy years old and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last June. An X-ray report indicated that his bones were not affected. He began treatment with Velcade in late June last year, completing eight cycles by early March. His IgG l...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding your IgG level of 3480, the unit is either g/L or mg/L. If the unit is g/L, the current level of 1590 g/L is still too high, indicating that the treatment effect is not ideal, which is why the physici...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Questions About Therapy Options
Is Delayed Radiation Therapy Increasing Cancer Recurrence Risk?
Is it too late for radiation therapy? Hello Dr. Lai! Two years ago, I underwent a partial mastectomy on my left breast, and the tumor measured 2.6 cm with no lymph node involvement. My Oncotype recurrence score was 18%, and my doctor mentioned that taking an aromatase inhibitor f...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. I would like to respond as follows: The delay of nearly five months before starting radiation therapy has not been formally documented in the medical community regarding its impact on the likelihood of recurrence. Please rest assured and co...[Read More] Is Delayed Radiation Therapy Increasing Cancer Recurrence Risk?
Understanding Stage 4 Lymphoma: Options and Hope for Patients
Lymphoma metastasis Hello, I would like to ask if there is really no hope for stage IV lymphoma that has metastasized to the lungs (with half of the lungs affected). It has been a year since the onset of the disease... All treatments for lymphoma have been administered, and radia...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your letter. I would like to clarify that the description of the treatment regimen for lymphoma is unclear, such as which specific medications were administered. It is difficult to provide you with comprehensive advice. However, I can offer general ...[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Lymphoma: Options and Hope for Patients
Understanding Survival Rates After Leukemia Stem Cell Transplant
Leukemia stem cell transplantation Hello: Thank you for your detailed explanation! The patient is approximately 28 years old and was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). They experienced a relapse about one to two months after transplantation, followed by chem...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: As of now, although there has been a rapid recurrence, being young and having a graft-versus-host reaction can help (while the cellular rejection may harm other organs, it can also combat leukemia cells, so it's not entirely negative!). I would estimate the five-year ...[Read More] Understanding Survival Rates After Leukemia Stem Cell Transplant
Understanding Neck Lumps: Could They Be Lymphoma?
A lump in the neck? Hello Doctor: Around January of this year, I noticed a lump in my throat area. It was initially somewhat large, but after I had a cold and recovered, the lump decreased in size, though it didn't completely disappear; it's about 0.5 cm now. In Februar...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Afa / 16 years old / Male 1. Around January of this year, I noticed a lump in my throat area. It was initially somewhat large, but after recovering from a cold, it shrank a bit, though it hasn't completely disappeared. It's about 0.5 cm in size. 2. In February, anoth...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Could They Be Lymphoma?
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Possible Tumor-Related Causes
Shoulder pain? I have lumps in my neck, armpit, and groin. There are two lumps in my left armpit, each less than one centimeter. Sometimes, my left armpit feels a bit sore, but it is not painful, and the lumps are movable.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaomi / 17 years old / Male 1. The most likely cause is still lymphadenopathy or other benign conditions. 2. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a physician's evaluation, and possibly a biopsy. 3. If you prefer not to go to the hospita...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain: Possible Tumor-Related Causes
Understanding Groin Pain: Is It a Swollen Lymph Node?
Inguinal mass? Hello Doctor, I suddenly noticed that at night, I experience pain in the groin area near the genital region when walking or changing positions. There are no visible abnormalities on the surface, but it hurts when I press on it, and I can feel a small lump when I ap...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Lin / 21 years old / Female Hello, I have a small lump in my groin and I'm unsure if it is an enlarged lymph node. 1. The most likely cause is indeed an enlarged lymph node or another benign condition. 2. To confirm the diagnosis, it is essential to visit a hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Groin Pain: Is It a Swollen Lymph Node?
Sudden Neck Lump: What Could It Be and Should You Worry?
Sudden protrusion? I'm sorry to bother you, but I would like to ask about a sudden lump that has appeared on the side of my neck. I noticed it recently, and it hurts when I press on it; it feels like a solid mass. I have a family history of cardiovascular disease and I am ov...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Miss Chiu / 18 years old / Female has a protrusion on the side of her neck. It hurts when pressed and feels like a lump. A: The first suspicion would be lymphadenopathy. However, it is essential to go to the hospital for a diagnosis by a physician, especially since a small number...[Read More] Sudden Neck Lump: What Could It Be and Should You Worry?
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit After Pregnancy: What to Know
There are small lumps in the armpit? Hello doctor, I just gave birth and noticed some lumps in my armpit over the past couple of days. They are not painful; one side has two lumps and the other side has one. Could this be swelling? I have had breast augmentation surgery; could th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Huang / 34 years old / Female Hello, it sounds more like accessory breast tissue. Did you notice this during your pregnancy? It would be advisable to consult your physician for a personal examination during your follow-up visit. Reference information online: Expectant moth...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit After Pregnancy: What to Know
Understanding Lymphatic Swelling in the Neck: Causes and Next Steps
There is lymphatic edema in the left side of the neck? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, I discovered lymphatic swelling on the left side of my neck (about five centimeters from the thyroid position, approximately 1.5 times larger than the corresponding lymph node on the right side...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Huan, In response to your inquiry, please find the answers below: 1. Your concern about "tumors in the neck metastasizing to the oral cavity" is not a phenomenon that occurs clinically. Additionally, the description of "left cervical lymphatic swelling, ...[Read More] Understanding Lymphatic Swelling in the Neck: Causes and Next Steps
Should I Consider Preventive Mastectomy After Previous Breast Cancer?
If one breast has been removed and the opposite breast frequently shows calcifications that require monitoring, is it possible to perform a prophylactic mastectomy? Hello Dr. Lai, I am 45 years old. In 2012, I was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in my left breast and underw...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Hu, In response to your inquiry, I find it challenging to answer your question. Similar to American actress Angelina Jolie, who underwent prophylactic mastectomy, there are differing opinions within the medical community, and perspectives vary. I recommend discussing th...[Read More] Should I Consider Preventive Mastectomy After Previous Breast Cancer?