Understanding Bone Metastasis in Stage 4 Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Breast cancer metastasis to bone? Hello, Doctor Lai! My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer earlier this year, which has metastasized to her bones. In March, she underwent surgery on her spine (from the neck to the upper body) because a tumor was pressing on her nerve...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ying-Chi, In response to your inquiry regarding your mother's condition, she has a history of breast cancer with bone metastasis following surgery and radiation therapy. 1. She is experiencing neck pain and pain behind the left ear, which may indicate new bone me...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis in Stage 4 Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Understanding Bone Metastasis and Treatment Options for Cancer Patients
Bone metastasis 1. There is neck pain and pain behind the left ear after the head. This may indicate new bone metastases; please arrange for a whole-body bone scan. If new lesions are found, palliative radiation therapy can be considered. 2. There is left facial paralysis. Is t...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Side Effects of Brain Radiation Therapy: (Acute Side Effects) 1. During the treatment process, increased intracranial pressure may occur, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, localized edema from the tumor may exacerbate these symptoms. In...[Read More] Understanding Bone Metastasis and Treatment Options for Cancer Patients
Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Esophageal cancer Hello Doctor: My father has been diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer, which has spread to the lungs. He is currently undergoing stenting and gastroesophageal procedures. Despite receiving antibiotic injections, he has been experiencing recurrent high fever...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss, I have carefully read your letter regarding your father's condition. You mentioned that he has stage IV esophageal cancer with lung involvement. The "infection" you described likely refers to either metastasis or a bacterial infection in the lungs. Give...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Sudden Growth and Pain of a Rectal Lump: What You Need to Know
The lump suddenly increased in size and is painful? In April 2014, I underwent surgery for rectal prolapse. After that, I discovered an irregular hard mass growing inward next to the anus. It is painful when pressed, but it is not visible externally. I experienced intermittent pa...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Miss: Based on the description of your condition in your letter, I personally tend to believe that it is a case of anal fistula, which is benign, so please do not worry. The primary treatment for anal fistula is surgical intervention. I have already discussed your condition...[Read More] Sudden Growth and Pain of a Rectal Lump: What You Need to Know
Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment Options for Recurrence and Symptoms
Breast cancer recurrence and metastasis? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. I did not receive chemotherapy during the interim and have been under continuous follow-up. Unfortunately, the cancer has now recurred and spread throug...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no best answer or standard answer to your question. Even with chemotherapy (and possibly targeted therapy, depending on the pathology report) and brain radiation therapy, there is no guarantee of how much normal function can be restored. Please find a trusted phys...[Read More] Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment Options for Recurrence and Symptoms
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Risks of Inaction
Laryngeal cancer: Risks of treatment and non-treatment? Hello, Doctor! My father is 63 years old. He was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in September 2014, classified as glottic type, with the tumor located on the vocal cords. There was no metastasis, but the doctor did not speci...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: First, we need to know your father's treatment schedule, the radiation dosage, the locations of the two recurrences, and the intervals between them in order to provide you with accurate advice. Generally, the recommendations are as follows: Laryngeal cancer ty...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Cancer: Treatment Options and Risks of Inaction
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options and Concerns
Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello, doctor! A few years ago, during a health check-up, I discovered that I had a thyroid tumor on the right side, measuring over 2 centimeters. All the examinations indicated it was benign, so I was treated with medication. Later, not w...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Olivia, 1. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a malignant tumor with a relatively good prognosis. Near-total thyroidectomy (with preservation of the parathyroid glands) is the primary treatment approach. If the postoperative pathology reveals well-differentiated papillary c...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Radiation Effects on Tumor Sites After Surgery
The impact of radiation on tumors after surgical resection? The family member had a benign tumor removed around the age of ten. However, since the surgery, whenever they are exposed to areas with slightly higher radiation levels, the site of the tumor feels stiff, and they experi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Xiaotian, Regarding the above issues, do you have regular follow-up appointments for check-ups after the excision? As for the effects of radiation on human health, they depend on factors such as radiation intensity, duration of exposure, type of radiation, and the types...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Effects on Tumor Sites After Surgery
Comparing Efficacy and Coverage of Cancer Treatments: Hecancer Plus Paclitaxel vs. Vinorelbine
"Herb Cancer Clear + Wen Nuo Ping" Hello, Director Lai. I am a terminal patient with liver metastasis from breast cancer. My doctor has suggested treatment with "Capecitabine + Paclitaxel" or "Capecitabine + Vinorelbine." If I choose the less effecti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, regarding your questions, you may consult a hematology-oncology specialist. As for "Hecacef and Vinorelbine and Paclitaxel," if they meet the health insurance regulations, there will be no need for out-of-pocket expenses. This is from Director Lai of the...[Read More] Comparing Efficacy and Coverage of Cancer Treatments: Hecancer Plus Paclitaxel vs. Vinorelbine
Optimal Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis
End-stage breast cancer with liver metastasis? Hello, Director Lai. I am a terminal breast cancer patient with liver metastasis. My doctor has suggested two treatment options: (1) Hecare (Capecitabine) + Paclitaxel or (2) Hecare (Capecitabine) + Vinorelbine. Could you please advi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, Choosing (1) Gemcitabine + Paclitaxel: The side effects are relatively greater, but the treatment efficacy is better. The physician will also assess your physical condition. For chemotherapy side effects, you can consult your attending physician. It is also impo...[Read More] Optimal Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis
Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer or Polyps?
Do I have cancer? Hello, I would like to explain my previous health condition: I usually experience constipation and am prone to diarrhea, which I attribute to irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes, I notice bleeding during constipation, which I believe is due to hemorrhoids. Recen...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ching-Ching, Regarding your inquiry, you may visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a specialist evaluation to determine whether a colonoscopy is necessary and to assess the appropriate type. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Sincerely, Direc...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer or Polyps?
Bladder Cancer Treatment: Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Concerns
Bladder cancer D1 Hello Doctor, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. My mother has bladder cancer and has undergone a radical cystectomy. During the surgery, two lymph nodes in the groin were found. The attending physician mentioned that she needs to undergo chemothe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. My mother has bladder cancer and has undergone a total cystectomy. During the surgery, two lymph nodes in the groin were found, and the attending physician mentioned that she needs to undergo chemotherapy. Are there any targeted therapies or immunotherapies available? The comb...[Read More] Bladder Cancer Treatment: Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Concerns
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, my mother (currently 68 years old) was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in August 2010 and began treatment (chemotherapy, left mastectomy, and radiation therapy) for nearly a year and a half. She currently maintains follow-up visits to the oncology departme...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the low white blood cell count you mentioned, it is indeed quite unusual. I have many breast cancer patients who are taking Fulvestrant, and they have not experienced low blood counts. I believe the low white blood cell count is unrelated to this medication. If i...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts in Cancer Patients
Can a PSA Level of 1.13 Indicate Remaining Prostate Cancer?
Is it possible to have malignant tumors with a post-prostate cancer PSA level of 1.13? On June 29, 2015, the PSA level was 17.4. A biopsy on August 3 of the same year confirmed the presence of malignant tumors, specifically prostate cancer. On September 4, the PSA level increased...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is used for monitoring, not for diagnosing prostate cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer relies on pathological biopsy; if cancer is present, it is confirmed. Unless you have undergone surgical removal, you cannot say there are...[Read More] Can a PSA Level of 1.13 Indicate Remaining Prostate Cancer?
Drug Interactions: Can Cranberry Supplements Affect Hormonal Therapy?
Drug interactions Hello Doctor: I am a patient with endometrial cancer. I previously underwent radiation therapy, which led to ureteral fibrosis. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. My doctor suggested that I could take a dietary supplement calle...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, there are currently no specific side effects associated with the combined use of Megejohn and New Cranberry. However, if you only supplement with New Cranberry but do not drink enough water or hold in urine, it can still lead to urinary tract infec...[Read More] Drug Interactions: Can Cranberry Supplements Affect Hormonal Therapy?
Understanding Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors in the Hip: Prognosis and Survival Rates
Connective tissue tumor of the left hip? Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 74 years old. In May of this year, she experienced abnormal swelling in her hip, and after examination, it was found to be a malignant tumor in the connective tissue of her left hip. She underwent a second s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yu Xiaoyu / 16 / 1 If, as you said, it has spread to the lungs, then it is already stage IV. (1) It is said that this type of disease is rare; may I ask what the survival rate for this disease is? The 5-year survival rate = 0. (2) How much time does my grandmother approximately h...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors in the Hip: Prognosis and Survival Rates
Understanding Stage III Breast Cancer: Progression to Stage IV Timeline
Stage III breast cancer My mother is currently in stage III breast cancer, and it has been almost a month since her last examination. I would like to ask how quickly stage III breast cancer can progress to stage IV.
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: The extent of breast cancer invasion determines the treatment method, which is staged based on tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, and metastasis to other organs: Stage 0: The breast tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters and there is no lymph node involvement. ...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Breast Cancer: Progression to Stage IV Timeline
Challenges of Uncovered Oral Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment
The National Health Insurance does not cover oral targeted therapy medications? Hello, Director Lai. My father was diagnosed with hematologic cancer at the end of June, and the report stated "subacute myeloid leukemia" (but I couldn't find much information on this ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Ya-Hui, Regarding your question, you may consult a hematology-oncology specialist. The physician will inform you about the medications used. Currently, there are numerous targeted therapies available, making it difficult to answer your question specifically. Thank you...[Read More] Challenges of Uncovered Oral Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment
Understanding Ewing's Sarcoma: Survival Rates and Treatment Options
Bone cancer treatment? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the cure rate for Ewing's sarcoma. The tumor appears to be quite large, and I am very afraid of amputation.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The cure rate for Ewing's sarcoma depends on whether there is distant metastasis, such as whether it has spread to the lungs. If there is no distant metastasis, the cure rate is quite good. Generally, complete surgical resection is the best option, but sometimes, if t...[Read More] Understanding Ewing's Sarcoma: Survival Rates and Treatment Options
Concerns About Ovarian and Uterine Tumor Recurrence: What to Know
Concern about the recurrence of ovarian tumors and uterine tumors? Hello. My mother has been experiencing bloating in her lower left abdomen for the past month, and she can feel a hard mass when pressed. The bloating is particularly noticeable after meals, even though she doesn&#...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If your mother has been regularly following up at the outpatient clinic, please go back and schedule an appointment for her. We need to determine if any tests are necessary (abdominal X-ray, blood tests for cancer markers, colonoscopy, or CT scan...). All your concerns are...[Read More] Concerns About Ovarian and Uterine Tumor Recurrence: What to Know