Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Prostate cancer Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 81 years old and had a PSA level of 14.9, which led to a prostate biopsy that confirmed the presence of cancer cells. The doctor then arranged for a CT scan of the pelvic area, a chest X-ray, and a nuclear medicine scan of the entire s...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
J / 52 years old / Male Hello! 1. The doctor recommended laser treatment to remove the prostate. A: This procedure is likely not aimed at prostate cancer but rather at benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What I mean is: for BPH, laser treatment is applicable; for prostate canc...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
The necessity of continuing to participate in clinical trials? Hello Dr. Chen: The patient's second sister (59 years old) has stage IV breast cancer. The doctor did not perform surgery due to metastasis, so she is undergoing chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy to t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you join a clinical trial, you must adhere to the trial regulations. I cannot advise you on whether to withdraw from the trial, as this is an agreement between you and the principal investigator, and outsiders cannot know the specific details involved. 2. Psychol...[Read More] Evaluating the Necessity of Continuing Experimental Cancer Treatments
Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Gynecological cancer metastasized to the lungs? Hello, Doctor! My mother was diagnosed with vulvar cancer 7-8 years ago and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. It recurred two years later, requiring another surgery and radiation therapy. Last year, several tumors were found in...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There are no textbook-standard answers to these three questions; the responses can vary for each patient even under similar circumstances. 1. The risk assessment and outcomes of surgery are not something I can explain; that should be addressed by the surgeon. 2. The dec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Metastasis from Gynecological Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Targeted Therapy for Stage 3B Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The treatment options for stage IIIB squamous cell lung carcinoma typically include a combination of therapies. These may involve: 1. **Chemotherapy**: Often used as a primary treatment to shrink tumors and control symptoms. 2. **Radiation Therapy**: Can Hello Dr. Chen, my mothe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Paul / 38 years old / Male 1. It is advisable to consult his attending physician first in order to provide answers based on his condition and physical status. 2. For stage IIIb, the treatment is as follows: chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy, followed by targeted th...[Read More] Understanding Targeted Therapy for Stage 3B Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Understanding Persistent Fever and Breathing Issues in Brain Cancer Patients
Breast cancer metastasis to the brain, with persistent fever and shortness of breath? I'm sorry to hear about your family's situation. Here are the translated questions: Q1: The doctor said the wheezing is due to pneumonia, but why does it continue to worsen even after...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
If a 25-year-old woman says: 1. This is your only family member! However, the reality is that the disease has metastasized and has progressed to stage IV. If her physical condition is poor, it can be considered terminal. Generally, even after chemotherapy and radiation therapy fo...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Breathing Issues in Brain Cancer Patients
Understanding Stage III Melanoma: Risks of Skipping Chemotherapy
Diagnosed with stage III melanoma? Hello, my mother is 58 years old and was diagnosed with stage III melanoma six months ago. It originated from a black mole on the sole of her foot and has metastasized to the lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa. The doctor mentioned that the exci...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, melanoma has lymph node metastasis. It is recommended to perform a PET scan (covered by health insurance) to determine if there is distant metastasis for staging purposes, which will help decide on subsequent treatment (pathologically confirmed as stage III, there is actua...[Read More] Understanding Stage III Melanoma: Risks of Skipping Chemotherapy
Understanding Recurring Skin Redness and Swelling: Possible Causes and Concerns
Skin redness and swelling? Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. My skin suddenly becomes red, swollen, and painful to the touch, but after about a week, the pain subsides and the redness and swelling gradually disappear on their own. This has happened multipl...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Please consult a dermatologist or an infectious disease specialist, as it may be an allergy or a localized inflammatory infection. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Kao Chung-Shu, Attending Physician, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taoyuan General Hospital, M...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Skin Redness and Swelling: Possible Causes and Concerns
Managing Advanced Oral Cancer: Concerns About Treatment and Progression
Terminal stage of oral cancer? Recently, my father was diagnosed with terminal oral cancer, with cancer cells located in the left gum and eroding into the left mandible. Surgery is scheduled for the 15th, but prior to that, the doctor has not prescribed any medication for him asi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah, 19 years old, female. 1. The surgery date is already scheduled for the 15th. a: That's great! It's coming up quickly. 2. The doctor has not prescribed any medication for my father. Shouldn't we be concerned about the cancer cells spreading to other area...[Read More] Managing Advanced Oral Cancer: Concerns About Treatment and Progression
Understanding a Hard Lump in the Upper Inner Right Chest: Fat or Something More?
Hard mass in the upper inner right chest? I have a hard lump on the upper inner side of my right breast, measuring 170 cm and weighing 76 kg. It looks normal, but it hurts only when pressed lightly. I visited a family medicine clinic for an examination, and the doctor said it was...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A 17-year-old male with a specialization in radiation therapy for malignant tumors, please forward your questions to a general surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump in the Upper Inner Right Chest: Fat or Something More?
Understanding Bruising and Blood Disorders: Is It Blood Cancer?
Blood disorders Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that I have bruises around my knees. The last time, there were about 6-7 small bruises on my knee, not large ones. They eventually faded away. Last week, I saw 4 bruises, and they went away as well. Today, I noticed one bruise on...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a hematology-oncology specialist and an immunology-rheumatology specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and determine whether a biopsy or blood tests are necessary. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnos...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Blood Disorders: Is It Blood Cancer?
Understanding the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk
The relationship between breast cancer and oral contraceptives? Hello Dr. Lai: I would like to ask you a few questions: Is it advisable for individuals with a family history of breast cancer to use oral contraceptives? Does the dosage of contraceptives have an impact on breast ca...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Currently, epidemiological studies have not confirmed a link between the use of oral contraceptives and the risk of breast cancer. The relationship between breast cancer and genetic inheritance, as well as dietary habits, is much clearer. If you have a family history that ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Lymphatic issues Doctor, I have a question: I found a marble-sized lump on the right side where my jaw connects to my neck. It doesn't hurt when I touch it, but it does hurt when I press on it. I can feel it better when I tilt my head back, but it's harder to feel when ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a dermatologist and an otolaryngologist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and determine whether a biopsy is necessary. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnoses cannot be provided without a personal examinatio...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Swelling and Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Solutions
Swelling and small lumps in the armpit? When I touch the lower right armpit (the middle of the axilla) while showering, I feel a small lump (colorless, about the size of a mung bean, not like an inflamed follicle as in acne, no pus, and slight pain when pressed). It seems slightl...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a breast surgery specialist for an evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnostic reports cannot be provided without a personal examination by the physician....[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Liver Cancer in Elderly Patients
Is liver cancer metastasizing and spreading throughout the body? Dear Doctor, My mother is 89 years old. Last year, she was diagnosed with liver cancer, and after undergoing transarterial embolization and radiofrequency ablation, it was discovered that there were metastases, whi...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Sir, Regarding your inquiry, according to the National Health Insurance regulations, there are conditions that qualify for coverage. However, whether your mother’s physical condition can tolerate the side effects of targeted therapy or chemotherapy needs to be assessed thro...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Liver Cancer in Elderly Patients
Managing Rising Cancer Markers: Treatment Options for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Elevated cancer markers? Hello, my father was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in December, with vascular involvement making surgery impossible. His CA19-9 level is 340, and he has completed a regimen of 7 days of chemotherapy followed by 1 week off, and will continue wi...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to discuss with the attending physician for more appropriate guidance![Read More] Managing Rising Cancer Markers: Treatment Options for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding a Small Neck Lump: Should You Be Concerned?
There is a pea-sized lump on the back of the neck? Hello! I have a lump on the back of my neck that is slightly larger than a grain of rice. It has been there for 30 years. It is not painful and has not grown larger. What could this condition be? Is surgery necessary for removal?...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a specialist in surgery or otolaryngology for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and further confirmation. Thank you for your inquiry. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hosp...[Read More] Understanding a Small Neck Lump: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Treatment, Testing, and Symptoms Explained
Adrenal adenoma 1. Does an adrenal adenoma require treatment and follow-up? 2. After undergoing blood and urine tests with a urologist, the test results showed issues, but the doctor only emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring blood pressure. 3. Can an adrenal aden...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. Does an adrenal adenoma require treatment and follow-up? Regular monitoring and check-ups are necessary. 2. After undergoing blood and urine tests with a urologist, there were issues in the test results, but the doctor only emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring b...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Treatment, Testing, and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Further Evaluation
There is a lump in the armpit? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old! Recently, I found a lump in my right armpit while showering. It's a little smaller than 2 centimeters. I had a cold earlier and felt weak and fatigued. The lump hurts when I touch it, but it doesn't hurt wh...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a surgical specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment, prescriptions, or issuance of a diagnosis certificate cannot be provided without a personal examination by the ph...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Lumps Under the Skin: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a lump under the fluid? A few days ago, I suddenly noticed a lump under my skin while showering. It doesn't hurt when I press it lightly, but it does hurt when I press it harder. What could this condition be? Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a surgical specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnostic reports cannot be provided without a personal examination by the physician. Thank yo...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Skin: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor, on January 15th, I noticed some itching in my left groin area, specifically where my underwear would rub against. Upon touching it, I discovered a small lump, which was not large at first. However, the next day it noticeably increased in size (about 2 ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, you may consult a dermatologist or an obstetrician-gynecologist to assess whether further examination or regular follow-up is necessary. Thank you for reaching out for consultation. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cha...[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help