Understanding Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer Hello Dr. Chen, my sister was diagnosed with stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the left buccal mucosa two years ago without lymphatic metastasis. The doctor at that time performed a tumor resection without lymphadenectomy and did not recomm...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot answer this question; you would need to ask her attending physician for that information. 2. I also cannot answer this question because I do not have specific information about the medication name and dosage, and I am unaware of the patient's physical cond...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Understanding HPV Persistence and Cancer Risks After Treatment
The recurrence rate of HPV (Human Papillomavirus)? Hello, I am a patient with HPV type 16 throat cancer who has completed chemoradiation. My doctor has confirmed that the tumor is no longer visible. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Will the HPV in my body still be...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. P16 is just one type of protein expression associated with HPV infection, and its significance in head and neck cancer is that patients who are P16 positive tend to have a better prognosis (for example, they respond better to chemoradiation compared to other causes such as smo...[Read More] Understanding HPV Persistence and Cancer Risks After Treatment
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Brain tumor issues? Examination Name: MRI Imaging of the Pituitary Gland: The MRI scan of the pituitary gland shows: enlargement of the sella turcica, downward displacement of the sella floor, and an irregular nodular lesion with slightly shorter T2 signal within the sella, with ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tina / 46 years old / Female, can chemotherapy eliminate the tumor? A: 1. The physician needs to determine the type of cells in order to select the appropriate chemotherapy agents. 2. The location of your tumor may not be suitable for biopsy. 3. Please discuss with your physician...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recur? Understanding Risks and Diagnosis
Is it possible for nasopharyngeal carcinoma to recur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my family member. Two and a half years ago, they were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma T1N1 and underwent 33 sessions of proton therapy and 5 cycles of chemotherapy. Subsequent ex...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Li / 40 years old / Female Hello~~ 1. I would like to ask the doctor~~ Is the diagnosis primarily based on the biopsy report? A: Yes, the diagnosis is primarily based on the biopsy report. However, if there are suspicions and the biopsy is inconclusive, we may repeat the...[Read More] Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recur? Understanding Risks and Diagnosis
Should HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Continue Treatment After One Year?
For HER2-positive breast cancer, after one year of treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin), it is important to evaluate the patient's individual situation, including the response to treatment and any potential side effects. Continuing treatment may be recommended based on the...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consider the following options: 1. The PET scan shows a very faint residual lesion in the left chest wall; should consideration be given to resecting the residual lesion to enhance treatment efficacy? 2. Continue maintenance therapy with anti-cancer treatment...[Read More] Should HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Continue Treatment After One Year?
Post-Treatment Concerns for HPV-Related Tongue Cancer
Post-treatment issues of HPV-related tongue cancer? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. After undergoing chemoradiation for stage 1 HPV-related tongue cancer, it has been 7 months and my sense of taste has not returned. What should I do? The limited mouth ope...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lily / 70 years old / Female 1. After 7 months of chemoradiation for stage 1 HPV-related tongue cancer, my sense of taste has not returned. What should I do? The limited mouth opening may be due to fibrosis; how can I rehabilitate it? A: To stimulate your sense of taste, try e...[Read More] Post-Treatment Concerns for HPV-Related Tongue Cancer
Understanding Treatment Options for Head and Neck Lymphoma: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
Head and neck lymphatic cancer Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery for a head and neck lymphatic tumor in 2023, and the tumor was diagnosed as stage III lymphoma. Recently, I found another tumor on the left side of my clavicle. I consulted the same hospital and the doctor suggested...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wei Cheng / 35 years old / Male 1. Most head and neck cancer cells are squamous cells and undifferentiated cells; the decision to perform surgery depends on the location. 2. Lymphoma cells are a type of lymphocyte that has transformed into cancer cells; surgery is not necessa...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Head and Neck Lymphoma: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
Managing Lymph Node Pain After Tongue Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Six months after treatment for tongue cancer, there has been recent swelling and pain in the cervical lymph nodes? A 65-year-old male, who underwent treatment for stage 0 tongue cancer six months ago, has recently experienced pain and swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck. A CT...
Dr. Yan Jingheng Reply:
Hello, 1. Pain relief medications can have different effects on individuals, but acetaminophen is generally considered the mildest pain reliever. 2. For tongue cancer surgery, if it was detected at a very early stage, monitoring after surgery may suffice. However, if the lymph no...[Read More] Managing Lymph Node Pain After Tongue Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Timing Growth Hormone Injections for Craniopharyngioma Patients: Key Considerations
Timing of Growth Hormone Injection in Patients with Craniopharyngioma A 7-year-old child diagnosed with precocious puberty was found to have a brain tumor. In April of this year, the child underwent surgery for a craniopharyngioma. Due to a height increase of less than 2 centimet...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhang S / 42 years old / Female 1. What impact does administering growth hormone injections have on craniopharyngiomas in the brain? A: I can provide you with a paper from mainland China that suggests there are no significant adverse effects. 2. If one were to administer gro...[Read More] Timing Growth Hormone Injections for Craniopharyngioma Patients: Key Considerations
Improving Mouth Opening After Stage III Oral Cancer Treatment: Tips and Techniques
Stage III Oral Cancer Hello: In July of this year, I underwent a stage III oral cancer surgery that involved the removal of oral tissue and neck lymph nodes. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 8 sessions of chemotherapy by the end of September. Currently, I am in re...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wu / 35 years old / Male. I don't know what your doctor has taught you, but one suggestion is to stack tongue depressors to a thickness of 1.5 cm and then add another piece (to hold in your mouth). This means to practice more. Of course, it doesn't mean you should b...[Read More] Improving Mouth Opening After Stage III Oral Cancer Treatment: Tips and Techniques
Understanding Follicular Lymphoma: Challenges in Bone Marrow Invasion
Follicular lymphoma invading the bone marrow? Hello Doctor: My mother had a car accident a year ago, and during her hospitalization, it was discovered that her spleen was enlarged. A CT scan suggested lymphoma, and a biopsy confirmed follicular lymphoma. The doctor mentioned that...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Patients under the age of 60-65 with normal physical function are suitable candidates for bone marrow transplantation. 2. If the patient's hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow are aging and cancer cells are proliferating rapidly, the risks associated with bone marrow tr...[Read More] Understanding Follicular Lymphoma: Challenges in Bone Marrow Invasion
Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
How long does it take for the wound to heal after the first surgery for oral cancer treatment? Hello Doctor: My father had a mouth sore that did not heal by the end of last year. At the beginning of this year, he went to an otolaryngologist for a biopsy, which revealed stage II o...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wu / 25 years old / Female. Doctor, after completing both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, how long is the typical recovery period for the wound? Is it normal to still experience pain at this point? A: 1. Some individuals may not experience pain after surgery and before radi...[Read More] Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation
Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Iodine-131 waste contamination Hello, I am a patient with thyroid follicular carcinoma and I am undergoing my first iodine-131 treatment with a dosage of 30 mCi. On the first day after taking radioactive iodine, I accidentally allowed urine to come into contact with the bathtub w...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Hsu / 43 years old / Female Is there a risk that this will affect the child's future development? A: No. The dosage is low, and this type of radiation has limited penetration. Should I take my child for regular thyroid check-ups in the future? A: There is no need to have...[Read More] Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Malignant pleural effusion cannot be drained? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my mother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for over ten years. In recent years, the cancer has metastasized to various areas, and she has also devel...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Sunny / 28 years old / Male Hello, you are already in stage IV. Although you have been undergoing treatment, ultimately, there may come a point where 1. there are no treatment options available, or 2. you may lack the physical strength to continue treatment. As for whether ther...[Read More] Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage I Breast Cancer: Key Considerations
Post-treatment for Stage I Breast Cancer? Hello Doctor, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year at the age of 42. The pathology report after surgery is as follows: ER: 98+ PR: 98+ Her2: 2+ FISH: Negative Ki67: 9% Tumor size: 1.9 cm. During lymph node surgery, 4...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
According to the report, the type of breast cancer is associated with a low risk of recurrence. It is recommended to follow the attending physician's advice to take Tamoxifen for 5-10 years and undergo postoperative radiotherapy, with regular follow-ups. There are no dietary...[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage I Breast Cancer: Key Considerations
Do I Need Chemotherapy for Stage 1A Breast Cancer with Ki-67 at 30%?
In stage 1A breast cancer with a Ki-67 index of 30%, is chemotherapy necessary? Hello, Doctor! I just underwent a lumpectomy, and the postoperative pathology report indicates that the original tumor size was 1.3 cm, with ER positive, 80% PR positive, 70% HER-2 positive, and Ki-67...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Amily / 46 years old / Female Hello! 1. Does the data above indicate a low or high risk of recurrence? I calculated the IHC4 score, and the postoperative specimen is 1.89, while the core needle biopsy specimen is 1530. Both are classified as intermediate malignancy. It is reco...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Stage 1A Breast Cancer with Ki-67 at 30%?
Seeking a Second Opinion for Thymic Cancer Treatment Options
The specialty for a second opinion on thymic cancer? I underwent a thymoma resection surgery in early January this year. Initially, it was estimated that I would not need any further radiotherapy or chemotherapy after the surgery, but the pathology report indicated metastasis. Th...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If it is only a local metastasis, radiation therapy may be sufficient; however, if there is distant or multi-organ metastasis, chemotherapy is required. It is advisable to consult an oncologist for a second opinion.[Read More] Seeking a Second Opinion for Thymic Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Tongue Base Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Cancer Issues: Base of Tongue Cancer My father has been battling cancer for nearly three months. During the initial phase of chemotherapy, his condition was stable, and he was able to manage daily activities independently. However, on January 25th, the day after completing radiat...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During cancer treatment, if acute changes occur, it may be due to acute complications caused by the treatment (such as infections, dehydration, or hypercalcemia, etc.). It is recommended to promptly take the patient to the emergency department for further management.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Base Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Does Cryoablation for Musculoskeletal Tumors Qualify as Surgery?
Is the procedure of cryoablation for skeletal muscle tumors considered a surgical operation? Hello Doctor, my mother recently underwent treatment for malignant bone tumors. Our claim for surgical insurance reimbursement was denied. Does this surgery meet the definition of a surgi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Rain, 35 years old, male. Does this surgery meet the definition of surgical procedure? A: According to Dr. Huang Cai-wang from Today's News, cryoablation using micro-needles involves inserting micro-needles filled with argon gas into tumor tissue, creating an ice ball at a t...[Read More] Does Cryoablation for Musculoskeletal Tumors Qualify as Surgery?
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