Understanding the Uses and Risks of Celecoxib During Nasopharyngeal Radiation Therapy
Taking Xeloda during nasopharyngeal radiotherapy? Hello, Dr. Chen. A friend of mine is currently undergoing radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and does not have any pain symptoms. However, the doctor has prescribed Celecoxib to be taken twice daily. I would like to kn...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Wu / 38 years old / Female Hello, 1. I would like to know if this medication has any other uses besides pain relief? A: It has anti-inflammatory properties. 2. Is it harmful to take more than the recommended dose? A: The maximum daily dose is 400 mg. If each pill is 200 ...[Read More] Understanding the Uses and Risks of Celecoxib During Nasopharyngeal Radiation Therapy
Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Stage IV Colon Cancer Pain Management
Cancer treatment Hello Doctor: Last year, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. The doctor prescribed chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and for a while, her condition was well-controlled; she could eat, sleep, and move around like a normal person. However, I f...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: After reading the description, your mother was already diagnosed at stage IV, which is terminal, meaning it has essentially metastasized. All treatments for stage IV are merely to delay the inevitable; a cure is not possible. 1. Can monoclonal antibodies or bisphosphonate ...[Read More] Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Stage IV Colon Cancer Pain Management
Seeking Chemotherapy Port Removal Services Near My Home
Chemotherapy port removal Hello, doctor. I live in the Qingpu area of Zhongli. I have been diagnosed with colon cancer with metastasis to the liver and lungs, and I am currently receiving outpatient chemotherapy at Taipei Medical University Hospital. I need to carry a portable in...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
MK / 56 years old / Female, please schedule an appointment for Wednesday with Dr. Kao Chung-Shu at the Radiation Oncology Department. Wishing you peace at Taoyuan Hospital. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Seeking Chemotherapy Port Removal Services Near My Home
Understanding PET Scan Results and Cancer Risks: Key Questions Answered
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Issue 2 Dr. Chen, thank you for your response. Although I am still unsure about how to decide, I appreciate your analytical suggestions. I have a few questions that I would like to clarify: 1. The PET scan report indicates a suspected le...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Lin / 45 years old / Female 1. The doctor mentioned that the biopsy only examines the brightest areas and not the entire specimen. Does this approach help in identifying the overall nature of the epiglottis? A: The biopsy does not involve the complete excision of the speci...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results and Cancer Risks: Key Questions Answered
Managing Pain from Liver Cancer Metastasis: Options for Nerve Relief
Liver cancer metastasis My father was diagnosed with a liver tumor three years ago (which has been surgically removed), and it has metastasized to the ribs and pelvis (hip bone) and spine. Currently, the tumor in the hip bone is compressing a nerve, causing severe pain in both le...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mark, 43 years old, male, is it possible to destroy or remove the compressed nerve like in a root canal procedure to alleviate pain? A: Generally, radiation therapy is administered first, followed by morphine-based pain management. Nerve blocks are typically performed later, and ...[Read More] Managing Pain from Liver Cancer Metastasis: Options for Nerve Relief
Is It Safe to Have Breast Cancer Surgery and Radiation Therapy at Different Hospitals?
Surgery and Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) I am a breast cancer (in situ) patient living in Taitung. I would like to undergo a lumpectomy at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, and then have radiation therapy at Taitung Christian Hospital. Do yo...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yü / 47 years old / female. It is acceptable that during the surgery, transferring to another hospital is not recommended for radiation therapy. This means that the localization design and radiation treatment should be done at the same hospital, but it is not necessary to remain ...[Read More] Is It Safe to Have Breast Cancer Surgery and Radiation Therapy at Different Hospitals?
Understanding Breast Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Does breast cancer recur? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma of the breast in April 2019. She has completed both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. During a recent follow-up appointment, the doctor performed an ultrasound and subsequently conducted a ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Jerry / 44 years old / Male 1. Is it possible that this is metastasis or recurrence? A: It is possible. 2. Is the opposite side the contralateral side? The likelihood of developing breast cancer in the opposite breast is higher than that of the general population, so the phys...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Recurrence: Key Insights and Concerns
Managing Relapsed Rectal Cancer: Concerns About Chemotherapy and Liver Function
Recurrence of colorectal cancer? Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, I recovered well and lived normally for about two years. During a recent routine check-up, a recurrence was found in the pelvic area. My original surgical...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
LHF / 58 years old / Male 1. Can I start taking this chemotherapy drug with my liver enzymes still being so high? A: Regardless of liver function, it is essential to continuously monitor liver function while taking this medication. If liver function continues to deteriorate, we...[Read More] Managing Relapsed Rectal Cancer: Concerns About Chemotherapy and Liver Function
Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
Malignant tumors of the salivary glands? Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family member recently underwent surgery to remove a salivary gland tumor, which was later found to have malignant components. The doctor mentioned that they will need to undergo six weeks of radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! 1. Is radiation therapy absolutely necessary? A: Yes, it is necessary because when performing surgery, a safe margin must be maintained. The parotid gland is small, and if the tumor is too large, it may affect the appearance. Therefore, it can be predicted that the safe ma...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
Understanding Lymphadenopathy in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Lymphadenopathy Last November, I was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer (2.5 cm) and underwent a total lobectomy. However, I discovered a round mass in the upper left neck that is not painful and feels immobile. I have no other discomfort in my body. In mid-November, I also re...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there is a metastasis to the lymph nodes, it is recommended to first perform a lymphadenectomy, and then consider treatment with iodine-131 or radiation therapy. As for other concerns (such as bleeding risks, surgical risks, etc.), it is advisable to discuss them with the prim...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Regarding the complications of lung cancer? My father is a patient with hepatitis B and lung cancer (aged 60). He completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy about one to two years ago, and since then, he sneezes at least once a day (sometimes even more, including several sneeze...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It should not be a side effect of the treatment. You can consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Can Radiation Therapy Improve Speech in Elderly Patients with Brain Cancer?
Radiation Therapy for Brain Cancer The elderly patient (80 years old) at home has secondary brain cancer that is compressing the nerves, leading to unclear speech (but with clear consciousness and understanding). It is also affecting other cranial nerves (such as the inability to...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuil / 27 years old / Female 1. Due to her age, she just wants to try radiation therapy to see if it can help her regain normal speech. Doctor, is there a chance that radiation therapy can restore normal speech? A: The chances are related to the duration of compression; the long...[Read More] Can Radiation Therapy Improve Speech in Elderly Patients with Brain Cancer?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Treatment Options Explained
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence Doctor, this is the 10th year since my nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence. An MRI has revealed lymph nodes behind my right ear and neck. I underwent a traditional lymphadenectomy, and the Epstein-Barr virus test came back normal. Why is it nec...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Cai Cai / 40 years old / Female The recommendation from the hospital you visited is reasonable. For neck recurrence, surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy should be considered to reduce the chances of further recurrence. Of course, choosing between the two optio...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recurrence: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Many questions? Hello, doctor. My family members do not smoke or drink alcohol. During the day, they work in an office, and at night, they cook. One family member was diagnosed with bone metastasis from squamous lung cancer after suffering from a persistent cough that would not i...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 25 years old / Female 1. How often should I get an LDCT scan? Is it too frequent to have one every two to three years? A: 1.1 Please confirm if you meet the criteria for the "Taiwan Low-Dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening Consensus Statement" reg...[Read More] Understanding Squamous Lung Cancer: Questions and Concerns for Patients and Families
Understanding Safe Radiation Doses and Treatment Continuity in Oncology
A small issue? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if an 800-milliCurie dose is considered a safe total amount for treatment, or if this is also the safe value during scanning examinations. Is it necessary to continue treatment with the original hospital and physician, rather than...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is a dose of 1.800 millicuries the safe total amount for treatment, or is this the safety value for the dose during scanning examinations? Answer: Yes, but this refers specifically to I-131 and does not include other examinations. 2. Is it necessary to stick with the origin...[Read More] Understanding Safe Radiation Doses and Treatment Continuity in Oncology
Understanding Brain MRI Reports: Insights from a Tumor Specialist
Dear Dr. Chen, please interpret the brain MRI report. Thank you? 109/09/16 Imaging or pathology report content Outpatient Zhang Yingzhen 4573630-9 F 5099 050 REQ# PROCEDURE: (15020011) Order Date: 2020/06/04 14:30 Corrected Report D55JCM5 MRI/BRAIN (For GK Follow-up) Execution Da...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Lin / 57 years old / Male Regarding the interpretation of the report: 1. The images belong to Zhang Yingzhen, not you. 2. Online, you cannot prove that you are his relative; the outpatient clinic requires a dual identification authorization form, or you should have accompanie...[Read More] Understanding Brain MRI Reports: Insights from a Tumor Specialist
Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe for Ovarian Cancer Survivors?
Radiation Issues Hello Dr. Chen, I was diagnosed with stage II ovarian cancer two years ago and have been undergoing regular follow-ups after completing chemotherapy. Since my diagnosis, I have had five CT scans, and my doctor is scheduling a sixth scan for September. Is such fre...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Grace / 51 years old / Female 1. Is it necessary to have such frequent examinations? A: Examinations every 3 to 6 months are considered normal. Typically, if several consecutive tests are normal, the frequency can be changed to once every six months or once a year. 2. Will thi...[Read More] Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe for Ovarian Cancer Survivors?
Understanding Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Treatment Options During Pregnancy
Lymphoma Hello Doctor: I have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, specifically nodal marginal zone lymphoma (low-grade, stage I). 1. In April, I discovered a 2 cm enlargement of the right parotid gland, with no symptoms such as fever, swelling, or itching. 2. On July 1, I underwent surgery to ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The need for radiation therapy depends on the area being irradiated. If the radiation field does not include the breast or chest cavity, it is generally still possible to hold a child and breastfeed. 2. The rate of progression from low-grade lymph node marginal zone lymphoma ...[Read More] Understanding Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Treatment Options During Pregnancy
Understanding Pineal Tumors: Size, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
I would like to inquire about pineal gland tumors? My sister recently experienced severe headaches and went to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with a pineal gland tumor measuring 6 centimeters. Although my sister mentioned that it might be benign rather than malignant and that sh...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Bai / 21 years old / Female 1. I would like to inquire if a 6 cm pineal gland tumor will cause any effects. A: Symptoms such as headaches and nausea may already be present. You do not need to worry about any additional symptoms; she will likely have regular follow-up appoin...[Read More] Understanding Pineal Tumors: Size, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Worry About Malignancy
Neck mass Hello, doctor. I have a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck. I had surgery to remove it on March 23, and the results were benign. However, after the surgery, a large lump about the size of a 10 NT dollar coin appeared in the right submandibular triangle. It ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Gaga, 41 years old, female. Question for the doctor: Since this lump has not disappeared or decreased in size for over a month, could it possibly be a malignant tumor? Answer: It cannot be completely ruled out. I recommend: 1. Follow up with your original treating physician for...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Worry About Malignancy