Persistent Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes: Should I Be Concerned?
I've had a sore throat for a while, and I'm a bit worried? I have been experiencing unilateral sore throat for almost six months and have seen many ENT specialists. They all said that my immune system is weak, which makes me prone to illness. Recently, in the past few w...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Dede's younger brother, Regarding your symptoms, please visit a regional otolaryngology specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and confirm the diagnosis. A specialist will conduct an endoscopy and assess whether a biopsy is necessary....[Read More] Persistent Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes: Should I Be Concerned?
Is Shoulder and Neck Pain After Chemotherapy a Sign of Bone Metastasis?
Is the unusual pain in the shoulder, neck, and armpit after the third chemotherapy session for breast cancer a sign of bone metastasis? Multiple tumors in the right breast (1.8 cm, and ductal carcinoma in situ) with three lymph nodes affected. After surgical removal, an eight-cyc...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Lee: Question: Should I get follow-up examinations for signs of metastasis? Response: Bone metastasis commonly occurs in the axial skeleton, such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and skull, as well as the ends of long bones (such as the femur and humerus). Patients often ...[Read More] Is Shoulder and Neck Pain After Chemotherapy a Sign of Bone Metastasis?
Understanding Retroperitoneal Tumors: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Retroperitoneal tumor Hello! In early October, during a physical examination, an abdominal ultrasound revealed left hydronephrosis. I was hospitalized in the urology department for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), abdominal CT, and MRI (all with contrast injection), as well as ure...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. Can MRI determine whether a lesion is benign, malignant, or inflammatory? Answer: No, MRI cannot determine this. The indications for MRI include: head, cerebrovascular conditions, various spinal nerve disorders, tumors, abdominal, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney lesions, pelvi...[Read More] Understanding Retroperitoneal Tumors: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, a re-test at the clinic showed a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the test results i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Are there other potential underlying conditions in this situation? 1. CEA is a convenient but not an "ideal" marker. The diversity of influencing factors makes it impossible to specify which type of cancer it indicates. It is primarily used for monitoring. Is there a li...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Markers and Implications
Understanding Yttrium-90 Treatment Challenges in Liver Metastasis
Yttrium-90 therapy issues The patient has colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. After evaluation by the physician, it was determined that Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization therapy could be used to target the liver tumors. The first phase of the treatment went smoothly; howev...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: The problem statement is unclear, making it difficult to provide suggestions. A personal consultation is recommended. If you are unable to visit our hospital, please discuss and communicate with your attending physician to clarify any confusion. Dr. Lai from the Dep...[Read More] Understanding Yttrium-90 Treatment Challenges in Liver Metastasis
Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Is it really possible for the CEA level to reach 10,000? Hello Director Lai, I discovered a CEA level of 1085 during my health check in August this year, and subsequently, the clinic tested it again with a value of 1500. Later, after transferring to another hospital, the results ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss La Bao: Question 1. Is there a limit to the CEA index? Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most commonly used tumor marker for colorectal cancer. However, CEA is not exclusive to colorectal cancer; it can also be elevated in breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancre...[Read More] Is a CEA Level of 10,000 Possible? Understanding Cancer Marker Limits
Understanding Small Hard Lumps on the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a small hard lump on the arm? There is a small hard lump on my arm near the elbow. It started as a lump about 1 centimeter in size, and then it became red, swollen, and started to ooze pus. I thought it was just a pimple, so I left it alone, but now, almost two weeks lat...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a surgical specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and further confirmation. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnoses cannot be provided without a personal examination by the physician. Thank you for you...[Read More] Understanding Small Hard Lumps on the Arm: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Unilateral Posterior Auricular Lymphadenopathy a Cause for Concern?
Unilateral posterior auricular lymphadenopathy? Unilateral posterior auricular lymphadenopathy, approximately 1.5 cm in size, not easily movable, with noticeable swelling and mild tenderness. Should I seek medical attention?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, please consult an otolaryngologist for a physical examination and evaluation to determine the diagnosis. You may see Dr. Hsu Chia-Fang at our hospital's ENT department for assessment. Thank you for reaching out. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng (Dir...[Read More] Is Unilateral Posterior Auricular Lymphadenopathy a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Attention
A lump was found behind the left ear? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old male, 178 cm tall and weighing 80 kg. I am currently studying abroad and unable to return to Taiwan for a medical consultation, so I am reaching out for your assistance. Seven days ago, I suddenly experience...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Mr. Tony: Hello, the physician cannot provide treatment without a personal examination. Please refer to similar questions in this field. You may consult a general surgeon or seek evaluation from an otolaryngology specialist. A doctor will perform a physical examination and provid...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Armpit Pain: When to See a Specialist for Tumor Concerns
Axillary swelling and pain? A few days ago, while showering, I noticed a small area in my armpit that hurts when pressed, but there is no obvious lump when I look at it. It feels somewhat hard when pressed, but not very hard (just a little bit hard), and it feels a bit swollen. I...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss. The physician cannot provide treatment without a personal examination. Please refer to similar questions in this field. You may consult a general surgeon or a breast surgeon for an examination. Radiation Oncology, Dr. Lai, October 16, 2018.[Read More] Understanding Armpit Pain: When to See a Specialist for Tumor Concerns
PET Scans After Breast Cancer Radiation: Understanding False Positives
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is performed immediately after completing radiation therapy for breast cancer? Hello Dr. Chen: If a patient has just completed radiation therapy (after having undergone a lumpectomy) and then undergoes a PET scan, could the area that rece...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mary / 60 years old / Female Dear Mary, It is generally recommended to wait two months after completing radiation therapy. 1. The treated area may show diffuse enhancement, which is different from malignant tumors, so it can theoretically be distinguished. 2. However, if you ...[Read More] PET Scans After Breast Cancer Radiation: Understanding False Positives
Should My 67-Year-Old Mother with 1cm Breast Cancer Undergo Chemotherapy?
Breast cancer measuring 1 cm without metastasis, uncertain whether to undergo chemotherapy? Dear Dr. Lai, My mother is currently 67 years old and has hypertension. She is continuously taking medications including Clonidine, Bisoprolol, and Amlodipine. She also has bone spur issu...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Lai: Whether adjuvant chemotherapy is needed after breast cancer surgery primarily depends on the tumor size. For example, if the tumor is larger than 1 cm or there is axillary lymph node metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended. Here, it is important to explain...[Read More] Should My 67-Year-Old Mother with 1cm Breast Cancer Undergo Chemotherapy?
Understanding Axillary Lumps: Are They Cancerous?
Axillary lump I have had breast cancer for almost 9 years. There is currently swelling in my left armpit, where I had breast cancer surgery. When I raise my arm, it is noticeably swollen, but it does not hurt when I press on it, and I cannot feel a distinct lump. Could this be a ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a breast surgery specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and further confirm the diagnosis. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnostic reports cannot be provided without a personal examination by the phys...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lumps: Are They Cancerous?
How Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Radiation Therapy Begin?
Typically, how long after breast cancer surgery does radiation therapy begin? Hello Doctor: After my family member's breast cancer surgery, it was assessed that chemotherapy is not needed, but radiation therapy is required. However, after visiting the radiation oncology clin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Generally, it is hoped that radiation therapy will begin within 6 weeks after breast cancer surgery. Thank you for your message! Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] How Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Radiation Therapy Begin?
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: Impact on Lymph Node Areas
Radiation therapy for lymphatic regions in breast cancer? Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask if the lymphatic areas are also irradiated during radiation therapy for the breast, or if there is a need to specifically adjust the radiation angles? The pathology report indicates tha...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding radiation therapy, it is aimed at treating cancer cells. If there are no cancer cells, radiation therapy is not necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng.[Read More] Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: Impact on Lymph Node Areas
Impact of Radiation Therapy on GORE-TEX in Nasal Reconstruction
The effect of radiation therapy on GORE-TEX materials? Hello doctor, I previously underwent rhinoplasty using GORE-TEX material due to a car accident. I have recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and need to undergo radiation therapy. I would like to know if radiatio...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Samy, the area of your nose is not within the radiation zone for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, so it should not affect the use of GORE-TEX material for the procedure. Changhua Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, May 21, 2018.[Read More] Impact of Radiation Therapy on GORE-TEX in Nasal Reconstruction
Understanding Synovial Sarcoma: A Rare and Challenging Tumor
Synovial sarcoma Hello, doctor. My brother was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his kidney two months ago, measuring 5.4 x 4 cm. It was suspected to be renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but after surgery, the pathology results indicated it was Ewing sarcoma. A comprehensive examinat...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Your brother has been diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, which is a rare type of cancer. Currently, I do not have experience in treating this disease. The primary treatment for this condition is surgery. If the tumor is not completely resected or if the cells are of high-grade mali...[Read More] Understanding Synovial Sarcoma: A Rare and Challenging Tumor
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Groin: When to Seek Further Testing
Hard mass in the right groin? Hello Doctor, I noticed this hard lump when I was around 24 years old during my military service. A few months after I was discharged, I had blood tests done by an oncologist (the results were normal) and also consulted a surgeon who advised just to ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If there is no enlargement, it is recommended to simply monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Groin: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Worry and What to Do
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, I have found a lymph node in my neck that is about 0.5 cm in size. It is not painful and does not move much. Is this a cause for concern? Last week, I had an allergic rhinitis flare-up and my throat was also sore; I wonder if there is a connection. I...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, please consult an otolaryngologist for a physical examination and assessment to determine the diagnosis. You may see Dr. Hsu Chia-Fang at our hospital's ENT department for evaluation. Thank you for reaching out. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng (Dir...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: When to Worry and What to Do
Can Radiation and Chemotherapy Be Combined for Cancer Treatment?
Can radiation therapy and chemotherapy be done together? Hello, Director Lai. I have a matter I am unsure about. My wife was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, which recurred three years later and metastasized to the lymph nodes on the other side. After two years of chemothera...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, Regarding your question, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be administered simultaneously. It is important to take advantage of the optimal treatment window and not delay therapy any further. If you experience any side effects during the treatment process, pl...[Read More] Can Radiation and Chemotherapy Be Combined for Cancer Treatment?