Dealing with Oral Cancer Recurrence: Expert Advice and Support
What to do if oral cancer recurs? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with oral cancer in June of last year. At that time, I noticed a pus-filled bump on the outside of my left cheek, which later ruptured and discharged pus with a foul odor. Additionally, there were white spots appeari...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Lin, how are you doing? I believe your current situation may be quite challenging, but aging, illness, and death are processes that everyone must go through. If you can relax and take it one day at a time, it could be a gain, and perhaps you will feel more comfortable! Regard...[Read More] Dealing with Oral Cancer Recurrence: Expert Advice and Support
Understanding Low-Grade Sarcoma: Recovery and Future Steps After Diagnosis
In situ cancer = Stage 0 tumor? Two years ago, I had a small hard lump under my left chest that was surgically removed and diagnosed as a benign fibroma. A year later, another lump developed in the same location (just below the scar). This time, the surgical results indicated a &...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
A-Yao: Based on what you described, this is indeed a malignant soft tissue sarcoma, not a carcinoma in situ. There is a possibility of recurrence and even distant metastasis. After surgical intervention, it may be prudent to consider adjuvant radiation therapy for added safety.[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Sarcoma: Recovery and Future Steps After Diagnosis
Managing Post-Chemotherapy Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy for rectal cancer has caused sclerosis on the left side of the buttock? My father is 81 years old and underwent chemotherapy for rectal cancer and had a colostomy 10 years ago, with tumor gene testing confirming recovery. However, in the past three years, he has expe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhizhong: 1. Is the bleeding coming from the anus? If so, it may be radiation-induced colitis. You can consult the physician who previously administered your radiation therapy for steroid enemas to alleviate the symptoms. 2. I'm not sure if it's muscle stiffness or if y...[Read More] Managing Post-Chemotherapy Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients
Understanding Osteoclastoma: Is It a Malignant Tumor?
What is an osteoclastoma? Hello Dr. Chen: I apologize for bothering you. I have a female friend who is only 28 years old. Last year, she had a tumor in the area of her left ulna and underwent resection surgery at Kaohsiung Medical University and I-Shou University Hospital. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a lytic tumor primarily composed of mononuclear cells and multinucleated giant cells, classified as a primary bone tumor that lies between malignant and benign. It is also known as osteoclastoma. It is not to be confused with multiple myeloma or ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoclastoma: Is It a Malignant Tumor?
Understanding Recurrence in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Please provide information regarding the medication used for the recurrence of breast cancer? Hello Doctor: In November 2000, I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (T1N0M0) and underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by four cycles of chemotherapy (Adriamycin) and 30 se...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
1. It is likely related to issues with the pathological examination at that time, or the degeneration of cancer cells. 2. As for the subsequent treatment and prognosis, it may depend on the patient's response to the medication. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Recurrence in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Navigating Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatment: Key Questions and Concerns
Issues regarding treatment for stage 3 lung cancer...! A decision on whether to proceed with targeted therapy needs to be made in the next two days? The father is 60 years old and has been experiencing swelling in the jaw and neck (so severe that the neck is almost not visible) a...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
In theory, treatment should proceed only after obtaining a definitive pathological report. However, due to the more tolerable side effects of targeted therapy, the attending physician may decide to initiate treatment in critical situations.[Read More] Navigating Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatment: Key Questions and Concerns
Managing Urinary and Bowel Issues After Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Abnormal bowel and bladder function after electrotherapy? Hello, Dr. Chen. My mother (56 years old) underwent a total hysterectomy along with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy three years ago due to cervical cancer. She subsequently received chemotherapy ...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
The cause is likely related to complications from abdominal cancer treatment. Intestinal probiotics may be considered, and it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional physician in person.[Read More] Managing Urinary and Bowel Issues After Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Understanding Glioblastoma: Recurrence Rates and Treatment Options Explained
Brain, polymorphic glioma Could you please tell me if the tumor mentioned in my topic is the worst type of tumor? Is the recurrence rate very high? The oncologist said it has been completely removed, and I am currently undergoing radiation therapy. Soon, I will start taking targe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. It can be said that it is the worst primary brain tumor. 2. It has a very high rate of recurrence. 3. Searching online for "Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)" will yield information that may be helpful to you. Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Taoyuan.[Read More] Understanding Glioblastoma: Recurrence Rates and Treatment Options Explained
Managing Appetite Loss and Pain After Chemotherapy for Cancer
Post-chemotherapy anorexia and tumor pain? Hello! My father has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for duodenal ampullary cancer in the hospital for over six months now. In the past two months, the tumor pain has caused a loss of appetite. Could you please advise ...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Ms. Liu: Hello! If loss of appetite is caused by pain, it is important to adjust the type and dosage of pain medication to improve quality of life, and this should be addressed with your physician. However, strong opioid analgesics can cause nausea and even vomiting, which may al...[Read More] Managing Appetite Loss and Pain After Chemotherapy for Cancer
Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
Leukemia Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has leukemia, and she mentioned that she has had it for many years. She told me that there are a total of four stages, and she is currently in stage three. Is this due to genetic factors, or what other reasons might contribute to it? Besides b...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Causes: The majority of leukemia cases have unclear origins, while a small number can be attributed to specific factors: a. Radiation exposure, such as previous radiation therapy or exposure to radiation. b. Chemical agents, including certain chemotherapy drugs and sub...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia: Stages, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained
How Many Chemotherapy Sessions Are Necessary for Stage 2 Breast Cancer?
How many cycles of chemotherapy are needed? Hello Dr. Chen: My wife has stage II breast cancer, and the doctor informed us that she needs to undergo 4 cycles of chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. I have some concerns and contradictions. On one hand, fewer treatments may ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Although the standard chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer typically consists of 6 cycles, there are also regimens that involve 4 cycles, which are considered standard treatment options as well. You may inquire with your attending physician whether there will be...[Read More] How Many Chemotherapy Sessions Are Necessary for Stage 2 Breast Cancer?
Understanding CEA and CA15-3 Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer, cancer index issues? Hello Doctor: My mother has stage III breast cancer and has completed four rounds of chemotherapy before surgery and six rounds after surgery. She has also just finished radiation therapy. I would like to ask about her lab results. Before the s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Xiao Guang, The normal range for CEA is 0-10.0, and for CA-153, it is approximately 0-31, though values may vary slightly between different hospitals. In this case, it cannot be concluded whether there are residual cancer cells based solely on these values. Generally, if th...[Read More] Understanding CEA and CA15-3 Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment
Treatment Options for Local Recurrence of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
What treatment options should be considered for local recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? My husband is currently 32 years old and was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (T4N2) at the end of 2006. He immediately underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, the ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Xiao Cheng, 1. The final determination of cancer recurrence still relies on confirmation through pathological biopsy. However, this case has supporting evidence from PET scans and MRIs, along with the presence of clinical symptoms, indicating a high likelihood of cancer rec...[Read More] Treatment Options for Local Recurrence of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Post-Surgery Breast Cancer Treatment: Understanding Options and Concerns
Postoperative treatment for breast cancer? A month ago, my mother felt a small hard lump under her breast. She went to a nearby hospital for an examination, and the results indicated it was benign. However, feeling uneasy, she returned to Chung Shan Medical University for a more ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui, 1. It is the patient's reasonable right to request a copy of the pathology report from the original treating hospital. Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist with this information is also a reasonable course of action, and the hospital and physician ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Breast Cancer Treatment: Understanding Options and Concerns
Understanding Subglottic Cancer Treatment Options in Taiwan
Subglottic carcinoma Hello, I am a bride from Mainland China and I have obtained my identification card. My father has been diagnosed with subglottic cancer, which has already been surgically removed. After the surgery, he underwent radiation therapy, but less than a month after ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Dear Ms. Chia-Jung, Hello. If surgery is required, please consult an otolaryngologist regarding the surgical costs. The cost for radiation therapy for head and neck cancer is approximately around 300,000 NTD, while the cost for adjuvant radiation therapy post-surgery is about 2...[Read More] Understanding Subglottic Cancer Treatment Options in Taiwan
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Recurrence, and Aftermath
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Dear Dr. Chen, 1. Previously, in July 2008, I inquired about experiencing body-wide tingling after undergoing radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in July 2005. A PET scan, which I paid for out of pocket, suggested recurrence in the left neck a...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, Shang-Jun. 1. The probability of recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after treatment is less than 3% after three years, so try to relax a bit. 2. Have you considered consulting a neurosurgeon or an internist? The cause of neck nerve compression could be due to fibros...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Recurrence, and Aftermath
Understanding Treatment Options for Elderly Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma
The treatment options for gastric adenocarcinoma include: 1. **Surgery**: This is the primary treatment for localized gastric cancer. It may involve partial or total gastrectomy, depending on the extent Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about a patient who has been preliminar...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Radiation therapy can cause severe vomiting, and chemotherapy administered via injection can also lead to nausea and vomiting. Oral chemotherapy medications may provide some relief. 2. You can visit a large hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. 3. For Wester...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Elderly Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Breast Cancer Test Results: What You Need to Know
Regarding the breast cancer examination report content? Dear Doctor, My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. The doctor mentioned that due to the large size of the tumor, she needs to undergo four cycles of chemotherapy before surge...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
The good news is that her cancer cells are positive for estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), and there is no overexpression of Her-2/neu. The bad news is that the nuclear grade is 3. In summary, there is no need to overinterpret the doctor's expression. T...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence Dr. Chen: I discovered a lump on the right side of my neck in May 2005, and after examination at the hospital, I was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. I completed radiation therapy at the end of July that year (without chemotherapy). Rec...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. I recommend that the next examination be a positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT). I believe that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray examinations can only detect tumors larger than 0.5 cm, while PET is too sensitive and may also pick ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Managing Post-Surgery Care for Brain Tumor Patients: What You Need to Know
Follow-up treatment for brain tumors? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor (located in the posterior right parietal lobe) on December 26, 2007. She underwent resection on December 29, and the pathology report in early January indicated a malignant tumor (par...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, the medications can be divided into three categories: 1. Anticancer drugs: Post-surgery chemotherapy (nitrosourea-based) such as PCV can also increase survival, especially in anaplastic astrocytoma, where 50% of patients can survive up to 157 weeks. Additionally, temozol...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Care for Brain Tumor Patients: What You Need to Know