Understanding Lymph Node Biopsy in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Treatment
Questions about lymph node biopsy? Hello Dr. Chen, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in mid-December this year. The tumor is located in the lower inner quadrant of the right breast, approximately at the 3:30 position, 4 cm from the nipple. The ultrasound estimated th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, I'm 27 years old female. 1. Currently, I have undergone ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy and mammography. I will also have a bone scan and CT scan later. I would like to ask about the accuracy of these tests in determining whether there is an infection in the ly...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Biopsy in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Treatment
Does Blood Transfusion Cause PSA Levels to Rise in Prostate Cancer?
The issue of elevated PSA levels after blood transfusion? Hello, due to abnormal hematopoietic function caused by stage IV prostate cancer, the patient has been experiencing anemia and received blood transfusions for three consecutive days. After three days, a blood test revealed...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang, 70 years old, male. 1. Will this condition continue indefinitely? A: The likelihood of this condition worsening is higher, as the PSA has nearly doubled. The reason is that the long-term hormone therapy has just become ineffective; it is less likely to be caused by a bl...[Read More] Does Blood Transfusion Cause PSA Levels to Rise in Prostate Cancer?
Understanding Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Breast cancer stage I relapsed one year after treatment without chemotherapy? Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021 and underwent a right mastectomy with reconstruction. Post-surgery, it was found that there was a 0.1 cm invasive cancer in the lymph n...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Evans, 43 years old, female. Due to the lack of personal insurance, the medical burden is really heavy. A: It is possible to choose treatment options covered by the National Health Insurance, but the general public tends to want to follow the doctor's advice if they can affo...[Read More] Understanding Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello, Director. Please help me review my mother's PET scan report; I don't understand it. Thank you. **PET Scan Report:** **Indication:** The 49-year-old woman is diagnosed with right middle lung cancer, stage IA1 (pT1aNx), status p...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Home / 48 years old / Female 0: It should be based on the explanation from her attending physician. 1. There were mildly increased FDG uptake in the right middle lung (SUVmax: 1.1) and right chest wall (SUVmax: ~1.7), probably post-operative changes. There is a post-operative rea...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Consultation Hello, Dr. Hu. This year, I discovered a lump behind my ear. Six months ago, I visited an ENT specialist, and the doctor noted that it felt soft and movable. A laryngoscopy showed no abnormalities, so I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there are concerns or suspicions of a malignant tumor, one may consider undergoing a surgical lymph node biopsy at a general surgery or otolaryngology department. Non-surgical options include computed tomography (CT) scans or self-paid whole-body positron emission tomography (...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Can an artificial blood vessel be removed without chemotherapy? Hello, my mother is 53 years old and has stage IV endometrial cancer. She underwent chemotherapy after having an artificial blood vessel placed, but her white blood cell count has been consistently low, causing delay...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Si-Rong / 53 years old / Female 1. He asked if it is possible to remove the artificial blood vessel. A: 1.1 Recommendations may vary by hospital; Taoyuan Hospital typically suggests waiting for 2 years without recurrence before removal. 1.2 Of course, if he is certai...[Read More] Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
Axillary lump In July, I discovered a lump in my armpit. It is painless, not visible externally, and I feel no discomfort, but it can be slightly moved. An ultrasound examination by a breast surgeon revealed a breast cyst, with no lymph node enlargement. The doctor advised monito...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Which department should I consult? A: General Surgery or Breast Surgery. 2. Why did the breast surgeon not detect the lump, only stating that the lymph nodes are not enlarged? A: Just because the breast surgeon did not see it in July does not mean it won't be visible fr...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I am a 35-year-old male and would like to ask two questions regarding my blood tests from health check-ups. 1. I have concerns related to anemia. Here are my blood test results: - May 2019: RBC 7.22, Hb 16.1, Hct 48.9, MCV 67.7, MCH 22.3, MCHC...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your hemoglobin level is quite high (Hb 15-16), which is higher than many normal individuals (normal male Hb 13). You do not have any issues with anemia, so it is meaningless to focus on small details such as RBC count, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), etc. Even if you ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Prognosis
Breast cancer inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question regarding my mother, who is currently 61 years old. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (Luminal B type, grade 2) and has just undergone a partial mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (4 nodes)...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, 1. I would like to ask the doctor if the risk of recurrence for my mother is high. Using this algorithm, IHC4 = 32 > 30 indicates high risk, with ER = 90, PR = 90, Her2 = 1, and Ki67 = 30 for calculating the IHC4 score. 2. Since the doctor recommends both chemotherap...[Read More] Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Prognosis
Post-Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Menopause-Inducing Injections
Post-breast cancer treatment - menopausal injection? Hello Doctor: ER: 95% PR: 95% HER2: 0 Ki-67: 5% Tumor size: 1.4 cm, sentinel lymph nodes negative. Surgery was completed in mid-September, and radiation therapy started in mid-October, with no chemotherapy. When the breast surg...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, taking only Tamoxifen is not enough! Secondly, it is quite unusual not to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery; theoretically, it should be done. However, this may be your personal choice, which I respect. That's all. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Menopause-Inducing Injections
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Mass: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Right upper quadrant mass? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed a lump in my right upper abdomen and have undergone X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and some blood tests at the hospital. The report results indicated only a small amount of ascites and enlarged ovaries due to polyc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Nana, 22 years old, female. 1. The CT images you provided are not abdominal; only the first image is an abdominal X-ray, while the second two are data, and the rest are primarily chest and breast images. Is it possible that the contrast agent was insufficiently injected or dilut...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Mass: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
How to Differentiate Between Tumors and Other Facial Bumps
How to distinguish protrusions? I usually don't press on the area of my cheeks near my ears, but today I took a good look at my body to check for any issues. I noticed a significant difference between the left and right sides of my face near the ears. Pressing on the left si...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hsinchu resident / 24 years old / female. Is this oncology? A: I suggest you first see a dentist and an otolaryngologist. If it's not urgent, you can wait until you have a cold to see the otolaryngologist, and you can also ask the doctor during your dental check-up every six...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Tumors and Other Facial Bumps
Understanding Early Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment-related Hello Doctor, my father had a blood test two weeks ago which showed abnormal EBV levels, and he underwent a CT scan at the hospital, followed by a biopsy (the doctor mentioned it was very small, so it was completely removed). The report confirmed a diagnosis of ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yang / 25 years old / Female Hello, 1. If the pathology results indicate nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, is radiation therapy necessary? A: 1.1 Yes, 1.2 Surgery is not an option for nasopharyngeal tumors; radiation therapy is the only treatment available. 1.3 Generally, fo...[Read More] Understanding Early Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion
HER2-positive ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion? Hello, Doctor! The pathology report for breast cancer is as follows: Ductal carcinoma in situ, high-grade, suspicious for microinvasive carcinoma, Pathological TNM Staging (in conjunction with ST22-05037): pT1mi pN0(sn) p...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, it is stage one. 2. This cannot be answered as your description lacks sufficient information, and I am not your attending physician, so I cannot provide a substitute answer. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion
Understanding Neck Masses: Possible Causes and Concerns
Neck mass Two months ago, I discovered a neck lump on the right side of my thyroid cartilage that is hard and painless. I can also feel a similar lump on the left side in a symmetrical location, but the protrusion on the right side is much more pronounced and immovable. I consult...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This question cannot be answered online; please visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Painful Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Subcutaneous swelling and pain? Hello, I recently discovered a lump about 1 centimeter in size under my left armpit. It is painful when I press on it, and I also experience pain when I raise my arm. When my arm is lowered, I can vaguely feel something pressing under my armpit, an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please make an appointment to see a general surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Tumors Near the Anus: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options
There is a tumor near the anus? Recently, I visited a cosmetic medical clinic to address a hemorrhoid issue. On the day of the surgery, the physician performed a digital examination and discovered a hard mass near the anus, which he believed was not hemorrhoids. Additionally, the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chen / 47 years old / Male (?) 1. Is the likelihood of colon cancer high? A: It is advisable to consult a physician for a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancer. 2. If it is indeed stage III colon cancer, is the survival rate high? A: The cure rate for stage 0 colon ca...[Read More] Understanding Tumors Near the Anus: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Castleman Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Resources in Taiwan
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, I previously inquired about my blood test results indicating a high probability of lymphoma. The specimen report has now come back stating that it is Castleman disease. I understand that this is a rare condition, and although it is not cancer, it may...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ajie / 52 years old / Male 1. Is a biopsy result definitive? A: Of course, for a few diseases, most major hospital pathologists have a review system in place. The primary diagnosing physician will have other physicians in the department review the case before finalizing the re...[Read More] Understanding Castleman Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Resources in Taiwan
Is Genetic Testing Necessary for Stage 1 Breast Cancer Patients?
Is genetic testing necessary for stage I breast cancer? Hello Doctor: I have questions regarding the follow-up treatment for breast cancer. The pathology report shows Ki-67: 5%, ER: positive 95%, PR: positive 95%, HER-2: negative. I have undergone a partial mastectomy and sentine...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The standard treatment for breast cancer is fully covered by health insurance. For T1CN0M0 stage I, after surgery, six cycles of FEC (a second-generation chemotherapy regimen) are administered, which is free of charge. Following that, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy...[Read More] Is Genetic Testing Necessary for Stage 1 Breast Cancer Patients?
Understanding Painful Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Subcutaneous swelling and pain? Hello, I recently discovered a lump about 1 centimeter in size under my left arm. It is painful when I press on it, and I also experience pain when I raise my arm. When my arm is down, I can vaguely feel something pressing under my arm, and if I sq...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please see a general surgeon, thank you.[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps: When to See a Specialist