Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Causes of bile duct cancer and treatment methods? Hello Doctor, my grandmother has been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. I would like to ask you about the "causes" of cholangiocarcinoma and the current "treatment" methods available. How can we better "c...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: Most patients with cholangiocarcinoma do not have a clear cause. However, intrahepatic stones and certain carcinogens such as dioxins have been reported as risk factors for the development of cholangiocarcinoma. Treatment options depend on the extent of tumor invasion, and...[Read More] Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Giant Benign Pituitary Adenomas: A Patient's Journey
Giant benign pituitary adenoma Hello Dr. Lin, About three years ago, I noticed some blurriness in my left eye. After an examination at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's ophthalmology department, my vision was found to be normal. Later, the doctor referred me to the neurosurger...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! It seems that you have received quite comprehensive treatment. If you do not have any new tumor-related neurological symptoms and the medication is not causing significant side effects, then continuing medication therapy appears to be the better option. Your condition may ...[Read More] Understanding Giant Benign Pituitary Adenomas: A Patient's Journey
Seeking Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer and Metastasis
Pancreatic cancer Dr. Lin: Hello, I have currently been diagnosed with a 10x5 cm tumor in my pancreas, which has also metastasized to my liver and femur. My mental state is good, but my bilirubin levels have been rising, currently at 5.4. The doctors have not provided any treatme...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! Pain management is also a very important treatment for pancreatic tumors with liver and bone metastases. Regarding the rise in jaundice levels, if it is obstructive, bile drainage may be considered. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also be beneficial at...[Read More] Seeking Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer and Metastasis
Key Considerations for Chemotherapy and Radiation in Stage 1 Tonsil Tumors
Tonsillar tumor In the first stage of tonsillar tumor treatment, what should be noted regarding chemotherapy and radiation therapy? How is the prognosis, and what dietary restrictions should be observed in daily life? Additionally, are there any specific nutritional supplements t...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! 1. For stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, surgery should be the primary treatment option. However, this area can also develop lymphoma, for which chemotherapy should be the main treatment approach. Both types of tumors at stage I have a good chance of cure. 2....[Read More] Key Considerations for Chemotherapy and Radiation in Stage 1 Tonsil Tumors
Understanding Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Early Treatment and Care Options
Gastric adenocarcinoma Hello, I have a 92-year-old female patient who recently experienced a sudden onset of massive hematemesis. After intubation and biopsy, she was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma. Currently, her weight and mental state are stable. I would like to underst...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! 1. Early-stage gastric cancer surgery still offers a chance for recovery, but the risks associated with surgery must be assessed by a qualified physician before making a decision. 2. If surgery is not performed, supportive therapy can be considered; chemotherapy and radiat...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Early Treatment and Care Options
Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Future Family Planning
Thyroid cancer Hello, I would like to ask a few questions. Last month, I underwent thyroid surgery in Taipei, and the pathology report confirmed that I have papillary thyroid carcinoma. The doctor mentioned that cancer cells were only found in the right thyroid lobe, so they only...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello! 1. Electrotherapy refers to radiation therapy. 2. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer and generally has a better prognosis. Typically, if surgical resection is performed, there is no need for additional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. I...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Future Family Planning
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Treatment Options and Top Hospitals
Pituitary tumor Dr. Lin: I would like to ask the following questions: 1. What are the current treatment options for pituitary tumors? 2. If surgery is required, which hospital has more advanced and ideal equipment, and a higher safety profile? 3. Which hospital specializes in the...
Dr. Lin Zongzhe Reply:
Hello: (1) Pituitary tumors can be treated with surgery, medication, or radiation therapy depending on their size and the endocrine and neurological symptoms they cause. (2) Patients can choose to visit hospitals that have a full range of specialists in the related fields.[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Treatment Options and Top Hospitals
Managing Nutrition and Side Effects During Cancer Treatment
Hong Cheng Hello Dr. Tseng, I have an uncle who is currently undergoing radiation therapy at the Veterans General Hospital. He has been experiencing hair loss and has mentioned that his mouth and throat are sore. During meals, he can only eat porridge (which he mostly drinks) and...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! When patients with head and neck tumors undergo radiation therapy, they may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, mucosal damage, sore throat, and changes in taste due to radiation exposure to the oral mucosa and salivary glands. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid acidic...[Read More] Managing Nutrition and Side Effects During Cancer Treatment
Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
Electrotherapy Dear Dr. Tseng: My uncle has recently started radiation therapy for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. What side effects should we expect? Are there any dietary or lifestyle considerations we should be aware of? Additionally, are there any traditional Chinese medi...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! In the case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy, common acute side effects include dry mouth (typically occurring two weeks post-radiation), mucosal damage in the pharynx (around three weeks post-radiation), and throat pain. As treatment nears completion, the irradiat...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
Why Tooth Extraction is Necessary Before Radiation Therapy?
Related issues? Dr. Tseng: Why is it necessary to extract teeth before undergoing radiation therapy? How will diet be affected, and what dietary adjustments should be made to optimize nutrition? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello! For patients with malignant tumors in the head and neck requiring radiation therapy, it is essential to consult a dentist to extract any severely decayed teeth beforehand. This is because extracting teeth after radiation therapy may lead to poor wound healing. Post-radiati...[Read More] Why Tooth Extraction is Necessary Before Radiation Therapy?
Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Tips for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Hello: One of my uncles has been diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer, and I heard that the cancer cells have spread to the brain. What type of treatment would be better and have fewer side effects? What aspects of lifestyle and diet should be ta...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: The stage four you mentioned may involve a large local tumor invading the skull base, or it could indeed have metastasized to the brain. There are likely significant cervical lymph node metastases as well. Treatment must include radiation therapy, followed by consideration...[Read More] Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Tips for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumors in Children
Treatment of Pituitary Tumors Hello Doctor: My niece, who is in the third and fourth grade of elementary school, recently started developing breast tissue. After a hospital examination, it was discovered that she has a tumor in her pituitary gland that is nearly one centimeter in...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu! The Gamma Knife, known in Chinese as 伽傌刀, utilizes 201 cobalt-60 radiation sources to concentrate gamma rays on the lesion for radiation therapy. Currently, this equipment is available at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. ...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumors in Children
Understanding Carcinoma In Situ: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Carcinoma in situ What is in situ cancer? It sounds like a type of cancer. Is it treatable? Will it progress to more severe cancer?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Chan: Carcinoma in situ is the earliest stage of cancer; it is indeed cancer but is still confined to the mucosal layer and has not invaded the submucosal or muscular layers. If left untreated, it can progress to invade surrounding tissues, at which point it would be consider...[Read More] Understanding Carcinoma In Situ: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Does Chemotherapy Cause Body Aches? Understanding Symptoms and Treatments
Does chemotherapy cause body aches? My friend's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and underwent a left mastectomy. Over the past year, she has been continuously undergoing chemotherapy, transitioning from radiation therapy to a medication known as "littl...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. BalBal: Chemotherapy can indeed cause generalized body aches, particularly with paclitaxel being the most notable. Consider using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the symptoms. Black spots in the lungs? Generally, metastases appear as white spots on X-rays. ...[Read More] Does Chemotherapy Cause Body Aches? Understanding Symptoms and Treatments
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment: Insights and Questions
Cervical cancer treatment Dear Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you about my mother. In February 1999, she was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer and subsequently underwent surgery, during which her uterus, ovaries, and pelvic lymph nodes were removed. After her discharge, she ...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
In terms of radiation therapy, the aforementioned management is sufficient. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor for any recurrence or late effects. Generally, early-stage cancer has a higher cure rate, but no physician can guarantee that there will be no recurrence or met...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment: Insights and Questions
Effective Treatment and Dietary Tips for Stage II Lung Cancer
For stage II lung adenocarcinoma, treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and possibly radiation therapy, depending on the specific case and the patient's overall health. In terms of dietary considerations, it is important to maintain a balance...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Chen: You likely have squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, correct? As for what you refer to as the intermediate stage, I wouldn't want to speculate. However, if your surgeon determines that surgery cannot completely remove it, then I believe that a combination of radiat...[Read More] Effective Treatment and Dietary Tips for Stage II Lung Cancer
Understanding Choriocarcinoma: Causes, Treatment, and Surgery Options
What is a teratoma? I have a classmate who has small red bumps on her chest, and she mentioned that they are called "xie zu xing zhong liu" (not sure if that's the correct spelling). What is this condition? Are people with this type of tumor always hereditary? Can ...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
"Keloid" is what you might have meant to write. A keloid is a benign overgrowth of fibrous tissue that occurs during wound healing. If concerns about aesthetics arise or if the keloid becomes larger and causes itching or pain, surgical excision followed by electron beam...[Read More] Understanding Choriocarcinoma: Causes, Treatment, and Surgery Options
New Treatments and Care Strategies for Melanoma: What You Need to Know
Efficacy Dear Dr. Yang, 1. Are there any new medications available to improve the treatment outcomes for melanoma, given that chemotherapy and radiation therapy have proven ineffective? I have read in the news about RH2; has it been clinically validated yet? 2. If a pathology r...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Radiation therapy has a certain effectiveness for localized melanoma; however, if there is metastasis, it becomes a systemic issue that is difficult to treat, and chemotherapy is also not very effective. In the United States, IL-2 (interleukin-2) is used for treatment, which has ...[Read More] New Treatments and Care Strategies for Melanoma: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Stage IV Lung Cancer Patients
About chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Yang, my father was hospitalized on April 26 at Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu due to a suspected stroke (he was conscious at the time). After emergency treatment, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which has progressed to stage IV. The doctor...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Patients with brain metastases have an average life expectancy of only one to two months if left untreated. However, with the addition of radiation therapy, the average survival can be extended by four to five months. Most patients pass away within a year, and surviving beyond a ...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Options for Stage IV Lung Cancer Patients
Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options
Is liver cancer treatable? Last year, my father discovered that he was suffering from severe abdominal pain. Initially, he thought it was discomfort caused by high blood pressure. After undergoing an examination at a veterans hospital, he was diagnosed with cancer and was advised...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
In principle, surgery should be performed whenever possible. The decision to add radiation therapy and chemotherapy will depend on the surgical findings and the pathology results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cancer, but it cannot guarantee th...[Read More] Can Liver Cancer Be Treated Effectively? Understanding Treatment Options