Is Local Radiation Necessary After Total Mastectomy for Stage IIB Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
The necessity of total mastectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy? My mother, who is 77 years old, underwent a right total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection on January 20. The postoperative pathology report indicated triple-negative breast cancer, stage IIB T3N0M0, with a t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Jojo, Thank you for your letter. I would like to respond as follows: Your mother has been diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer, T3N0M0, with a tumor size of 10 cm, grade 3, triple-negative, and stage IIB. 1. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the standard ...[Read More] Is Local Radiation Necessary After Total Mastectomy for Stage IIB Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding Brain Tumor Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Thank you, Dr. Lai, for your continued questions? Dr. Lai: Thank you for your prompt response. My brother's brain tumor surgery was completed on March 15, and he was transferred to a regular ward on March 18. The doctor mentioned that it is not a metastatic tumor, but it is ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Ling, Thank you for your inquiry. I find it difficult to accurately answer your question regarding "survival rates," as this depends on the pathology report for precise determination. Different cancer cells have varying prognoses, and treatment methods also d...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consider Pregnancy After Treatment?
Can breast cancer patients conceive? Hello, I am a breast cancer patient. I have completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy and have 30 sessions of radiation therapy remaining. I am currently taking hormone therapy medication, and my doctor mentioned that I need to take it for at least 5...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Candy, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. You should wait at least two years after chemotherapy before attempting to conceive. 2. Pregnancy is not permitted during radiation therapy. 3. During hormone therapy with Nolvadex (Tamoxif...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consider Pregnancy After Treatment?
Understanding Esophageal Hardening After Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Esophageal rigidity? Hello, Doctor. My father, who has stage III esophageal cancer, underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Three years later, he is experiencing difficulty swallowing again. After a follow-up visit and an endoscopy, it was found that his esophagus has becom...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Tinglee828, Thank you for your letter. In response to your concerns about your father's esophagus becoming more rigid after chemotherapy, I personally believe that since it has been three years since the treatment, the tissue should be relatively stable, and the c...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Hardening After Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Exploring Torisel Coverage for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
Hello, doctor. Regarding the application for reimbursement of Torisel for metastatic renal cell carcinoma? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which has already metastasized to the lungs, bones, adrenal glands, neck, and multiple lymph nodes. The biopsy fro...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Pharmacist, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: 1. Regarding the diagnosis - The biopsy was taken from the L3 vertebra and the adrenal metastasis. The pathology report shows positive results for AMACR and PAX8. Both of these immunohistochemical tests are non-sp...[Read More] Exploring Torisel Coverage for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Worry
Axillary lump Since November of last year, I have experienced alternating swelling in both armpits, about the size of a five-dollar coin. The first one naturally ruptured and discharged pus, while the second one disappeared on its own without breaking. However, both left marks on...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Jiang has reported recurring lumps under both armpits and below the abdomen that are discharging pus. I personally believe that Mr. Jiang's symptoms, including obesity and lack of exercise, are more indicative of inflammation around the subcutaneous hair follicles (furun...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Worry
Understanding Brain Tumors: Concerns and Survival Rates for Patients
Please help me? Hello, Doctor. My brother is 32 years old and went to the emergency room due to dizziness and discomfort, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor tomorrow. There are three small tumors and one large tumor measurin...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ling, I acknowledge your letter and would like to respond as follows: 1. Your brother has three small and one large tumor in the left hemisphere of the brain, with the largest measuring 4.5 cm. This is associated with a high likelihood of metastasis, as primary brain t...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Concerns and Survival Rates for Patients
Could Intermittent Proteinuria Indicate Multiple Myeloma Risk?
Is intermittent proteinuria possible in multiple myeloma? Hello, I am currently 19 years old and have been experiencing intermittent proteinuria for the past four years, during which I have undergone regular monitoring (at laboratories and large hospitals). My kidney function and...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Mr. Cai, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding your inquiry about the intermittent presence of protein in your urine and its possible relation to multiple myeloma, this is unlikely. The hallmark of multiple myeloma is persistent proteinuria. The p...[Read More] Could Intermittent Proteinuria Indicate Multiple Myeloma Risk?
Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Recently, I discovered a small hard lump about 1cm x 0.Xcm in size in my right armpit (where the armpit hair grows, approximately parallel to the chest). It feels hard and is painful to touch, but I don't feel it under normal circumstances...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Kuan, Thank you for your letter. In response to your description of a small hard lump (approximately 1cm x 0.Xcm) located in the axillary region, which is painful to touch and is roughly parallel to the chest, I personally believe it resembles a subcutaneous cyst. I rec...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding High-Risk Groups for Multiple Myeloma: Prevention and Management
Regarding high-risk groups for multiple myeloma? Hello Director Lai, Last year, my father was informed that he is in a high-risk group for multiple myeloma, which was discovered through blood test results. The doctor advised that he should have blood tests every three months to ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Shen: In response to your inquiry regarding your father's high-risk status for multiple myeloma, I would like to provide the following information: 1. It is generally recognized that risk factors for multiple myeloma include: age, gender (male > female), race (Black...[Read More] Understanding High-Risk Groups for Multiple Myeloma: Prevention and Management
Uneven Armpits: Understanding Possible Lymph Node Issues
The left and right armpits are different? Recently, I noticed a slight protrusion under my right armpit that is not very obvious. It looks the same color as my skin and feels soft to the touch. It doesn't hurt, and my left side is normal! I'm really worried that it migh...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Sir, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your recent observation of a slightly prominent area under your right armpit, which appears to match the skin color and feels soft to the touch, it is possible that this may be fatty tissue. Typically, if it were an enlarged lymph ...[Read More] Uneven Armpits: Understanding Possible Lymph Node Issues
Understanding Lateral Tumors and Malignant Adenomas in Colorectal Health
There are laterally developing tumors within the intestine and a malignant intestinal adenoma on the intestinal wall? My father was found to have a lateral type of developing adenoma in the left colon during a colonoscopy on January 28 of this year. The report indicated: "A ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. He, I have read your letter several times, but I still do not fully understand your content. I will attempt to answer your questions. 1. Your father's intestinal malignancy refers to colorectal cancer. From your letter, I cannot determine the stage; please consult...[Read More] Understanding Lateral Tumors and Malignant Adenomas in Colorectal Health
Understanding Abdominal Distension and Constipation in Terminal Cancer Patients
Abdominal swelling and hardness in terminal cancer patients, along with persistent urges to defecate without being able to do so, may be due to several factors. These can include bowel obstruction, which is common in advanced cancer due to tumor growth or adhesions; constipation ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I am very sorry to read your account. Treatment often does not end as satisfactorily as we hope. If I were your attending physician, I would increase the dosage and potency of morphine. You should know that the analgesic effect of morphine has no upper limit; it can be gra...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension and Constipation in Terminal Cancer Patients
Understanding Breast Lumps: Concerns for Teens and Weight Impact
Breast lump? I have lumps in both of my breasts, which I remember having since around the 6th grade (I'm currently in the 9th grade and a bit chubby, but not overweight). The lumps are approximately within the area of the areola (they're not very large), but I feel they...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear student, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: Your height is 175 cm and weight is 70 kg, which indicates a robust physique. The lumps are located near both areolas (right > left). 1. Do you enjoy eating fried chicken? Chicken contains a significant amount of...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Concerns for Teens and Weight Impact
Understanding the Early Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Signs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Could you please tell me about all the warning signs of nasopharyngeal cancer, including occasional migraines, tinnitus, and blood in nasal discharge? I have undergone biopsy and endoscopic examinations, but no cancer has been found. What could ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Do you have a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? 2. I recommend that you first undergo a blood test to check the EBV DNA viral load: a. If the levels are below the reference value, you can have regu...[Read More] Understanding the Early Signs of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Dietary Recommendations for Managing Gastric Cancer and Chemotherapy Side Effects
What foods should be consumed for stomach cancer, such as fish and similar items? My family member is approximately 78 years old and is male. He has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and underwent surgery to remove a little less than two-thirds of his stomach. Subsequent examina...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: Your family member is currently undergoing chemotherapy after gastric cancer surgery. You inquired about dietary supplements that may alleviate side effects and discomfort. 1. I recommend discussing with your phy...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Managing Gastric Cancer and Chemotherapy Side Effects
Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Axillary lymphadenopathy I have had a lump under my armpit since around fifth grade. It feels hard to the touch, but when I lower my arm, it creates a bulge of flesh. I initially thought it was due to being overweight, so I exercised and massaged the area diligently for a long ti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Rou Rou, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on your description, the lumps in your armpit that appear before your menstrual period may be indicative of accessory breast tissue. This condition can occur in certain individuals, and since this ac...[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Seniors
Prostate cancer Hello Dr. Lai: Recently, a family member (approximately 80 years old, with a pacemaker, unable to undergo MRI) was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones. The outpatient physician recommended surgical resection (which could exte...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, 1. The letter mentions that the patient has prostate cancer with bone metastasis. According to literature, the five-year survival rate is approximately 20%, but it is essential to evaluate this alongside risk factors such as the pathological Gleason score and PSA levels ...[Read More] Understanding Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Seniors
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Throat Cancer
Cancer treatment Hello Dr. Lai, my husband discovered a hard lump on the right side of his jaw near the neck in January, which has been growing larger. He visited the ENT department at the hospital, where the doctor used an endoscope and noted an ulcer in the deep throat. Due to ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Chia, I received your letter regarding your husband's condition, and I would like to respond as follows: 1. The epiglottic vallecula is located anterior to the epiglottic cartilage and is associated with malignant tumors of the oropharynx. 2. The original treating...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Throat Cancer
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Birth Control Pills?
Can breast cancer patients take contraceptive pills? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2008 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Currently, I am on regular follow-up visits. However, I have recently noticed that my menstr...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy, In response to your inquiry, my recommendations are as follows: 1. It is advisable to postpone the use of contraceptive pills. 2. The decrease in menstrual flow may indicate the onset of menopause. You can check the levels of LH and FSH in your blood to confirm wh...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Use Birth Control Pills?