Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer with Metastasis: Key Considerations
Stage IV esophageal cancer with metastasis to other sites? Hello, Doctor! At the beginning of July, my father (56 years old) suddenly experienced weakness in his left leg. After examination at the hospital, it was found that there were 3-4 tumors of varying sizes in his brain. Fu...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Thank you for your letter. Here are the responses to your inquiries in order: 1. Currently, nutrition is being administered primarily via a nasogastric tube. Oral intake should be avoided to prevent aspiration pneumonia due to potential esophageal obstruction from ...[Read More] Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer with Metastasis: Key Considerations
Exploring Treatment Options for Stage III Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Stage III esophageal adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor, my father was diagnosed with stage III esophageal adenocarcinoma in mid-April. There is only some space left in the upper part of his stomach, and the gastric wall at the gastroesophageal junction has thickened. In early May, a c...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Shiori: Based on the condition you described, your father will primarily continue with chemotherapy, supplemented by radiation therapy. Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Stage III Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Managing Cancer and Mental Health: Prioritizing Care for Patients
Lung cancer metastasis to the brain? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend is Malaysian, and his mother has been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain. She has just completed radiation therapy for the brain. Initially, she was supposed to receive a treatment...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: In the case of lung cancer with brain metastasis, and recent treatments including cranial radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, if the patient has no history of mental illness, it is advisable to first rule out the worsening of brain metastasis or acute side...[Read More] Managing Cancer and Mental Health: Prioritizing Care for Patients
Understanding Axillary Lumps: When to See a Specialist
There is a lump in the armpit? The lump is located in the axillary groove near the chest (likely in the area of the axillary lymph nodes). It seems to be elongated, and when raising my arm and feeling from above downwards, I can sense a protruding area. My menstrual period starte...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Da-Fei, Thank you for your letter. I recommend a consultation with a breast surgeon. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng Department of Radiation Oncology[Read More] Understanding Axillary Lumps: When to See a Specialist
Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment Options for a 90-Year-Old Grandmother
My grandmother, who is over 90 years old, has been diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. What are the concerns regarding her subsequent treatment? Recently, it was discovered that my 90-year-old grandmother has stage II breast cancer, PR+ER+Her2+(currently undergoing FISH testin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Meg, 30 years old, female. 1. After examination, there is no metastasis, but due to age and the inherent risks of surgery, she chooses to forgo surgical intervention. Can she opt for direct hormonal therapy and targeted therapy with government insurance coverage for trastuzumab...[Read More] Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment Options for a 90-Year-Old Grandmother
Understanding Abdominal Masses: When to See a Specialist
Abdominal mass? Hello doctor, recently I have noticed a lump above my navel and below my chest. I initially thought it was an acne, but upon closer examination, I can feel a hard mass underneath it, approximately 2 centimeters in diameter, and there is no pus at the site of the l...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Vinas, Thank you for your letter. I recommend that you seek an evaluation from the surgical department to determine whether a biopsy is necessary for confirming benign or malignant status. Wishing you all the best and a smooth journey ahead. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed a lump in my groin area that is slightly painful when pressed and can move. Additionally, I have small, bump-like lesions on my abdominal skin. I have researched a lot and found that these could be related to lymphatic tumors or a w...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Xiaohau, Thank you for your letter. I recommend seeking a surgical biopsy to determine whether the condition is benign or malignant. Wishing you all the best and a smooth process. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yicheng Department of Radiation Oncology[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Surgery or I-131?
For lateral lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, is surgery recommended or is iodine-131 treatment preferred? 1. What is the ideal level of thyroglobulin (TG)? 2. Given the bilateral lateral neck lymph node metastasis, should surgery be performed or should anothe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Marian / 21 years old / Male Q1: What is the ideal TG value? A: For patients on thyroid hormone replacement, a TG < 1 indicates successful treatment, while a TG > 5 raises suspicion for recurrence. For those not on thyroid hormone replacement, a TG < 5 indicates succe...[Read More] Managing Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Surgery or I-131?
Understanding Adjuvant Therapy Options for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Adjuvant medication Hello, Dr. Lai! I recently underwent a colonoscopy, and it was found that there are two flat polyps extending horizontally at the cecum: one measuring approximately 1.5 cm x 0.7 cm and the other in a V-shape measuring about 2 cm x 0.5 cm. Visually, they are di...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. K.K., Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. All diagnoses should be based on the pathological report from laboratory tests. If it is not a malignant tumor, polypectomy may suffice. However, if it is unfortunately malignant, the pathological report from...[Read More] Understanding Adjuvant Therapy Options for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Is Surgery Necessary After Radiation for Stage 3B Cervical Cancer?
Radiation Therapy Hello, the patient is a 73-year-old woman diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. She has undergone 28 sessions of external beam radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy during the radiation treatment. Due to hospital equipment limitations, she did not ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 49 years old / Male Is surgery a necessary option at this stage and age if further brachytherapy is not performed, or is monitoring sufficient? A: 1. If no adjuvant brachytherapy is performed, it means that the radiation dose is insufficient, as the effective dose ...[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary After Radiation for Stage 3B Cervical Cancer?
Understanding Axillary Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Axillary tenderness Hello, I have accessory breast tissue. During a self-examination, I noticed a few small, bean-like clusters in my right armpit that are not hard and do not hurt unless I press on them. I have been massaging them vigorously, and now when I press on my armpit, I...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Shan: Due to the inability to observe your actual symptoms and conduct a thorough assessment, it is recommended that you seek an initial evaluation from a breast surgeon. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Radiation Oncology Department, Director Lai Yi-Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Axillary Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
A lump near the armpit suddenly enlarged? Hello, Dr. Lai: I have had a hard lump about the size of a mung bean near my right armpit for a long time. Since it has not been painful and has not increased in size, I have ignored it. However, in the past three days, the lump suddenly ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Since I cannot see your actual symptoms, I am unable to provide a comprehensive assessment. I recommend that you first consult a surgeon for evaluation before making a diagnosis. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Che...[Read More] Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Treatment
The relationship between cancer treatment and thyroid nodules? Hello, Doctor. This year, my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively. My mother has already started her radiation therapy, while my grandmother is still undergo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if it is hereditary and has not changed in size, the likelihood of malignancy is usually very low. It is recommended to just monitor it.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Treatment
Radiofrequency Ablation for Liver Tumors: Treatment Options in Taichung
Electrocautery treatment for liver tumors? Hello Dr. Lai: My elder brother is 68 years old and has hepatitis C and mild cirrhosis. A few months ago, an ultrasound examination revealed three tumors (3.1, 2.2, and 1.8 cm). The doctor mentioned that radiofrequency ablation could be ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Mr. Liu: Regarding your inquiry about which hospital in the Greater Taichung area has Bi-polar radiofrequency ablation equipment, generally, all medical centers are equipped with this technology. Our Changhua Hospital also has specialists who perform this procedure. If you ...[Read More] Radiofrequency Ablation for Liver Tumors: Treatment Options in Taichung
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello Doctor: On February 21, I was diagnosed with a 6 cm tumor on the left side of my thyroid and two tumors measuring about 1-2 cm on the right side. I underwent a surgical removal, and the pathology results showed that the right side was benign whil...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response: 1. Surgery is typically the first step in treating thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. In rare cases of localized and well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a lobectomy of the affe...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up
Choosing Chemotherapy Drugs for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy drug options for triple-negative breast cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer last December, approximately 2.4 cm in size. The lymph node biopsy did not show any cancer cells because the tumor is located too close to the nip...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Clare, Thank you for your letter. I appreciate your concern for your mother; you are a caring daughter. Regarding the choice of chemotherapy drugs for triple-negative breast cancer that you mentioned, there are some discrepancies with your mother's attending physic...[Read More] Choosing Chemotherapy Drugs for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Managing Side Effects of Third Chemotherapy for Thymic Tumors
Side effects of the third chemotherapy session? The patient is in the advanced stage of malignant thymoma (approximately 7.5 cm at diagnosis, encasing major blood vessels and close to the heart). After two rounds of chemotherapy, the doctor mentioned some shrinkage, but did not s...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. The treatment for malignant thymoma primarily involves surgical resection, followed by postoperative pathological evaluation to determine the necessity for further radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In the case you described, which falls under ...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Third Chemotherapy for Thymic Tumors
Understanding Post-Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy side effects? My sister is 39 years old and has stage III colon cancer. The doctor recommended a five-week course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, after which the tumor shrank by 80% or disappeared. She is currently resting at home for abo...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I cannot answer this because there are too many possible causes for the pain, such as pain from the tumor itself, pain from intestinal perforation, or pain from a wound infection or abscess (which, if not treated, could lead to sepsis and be fatal)... She needs to see a ph...[Read More] Understanding Post-Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer
Post-Surgery Considerations for Residual Meningioma: Is Radiation Necessary?
Residual tumor after brain surgery? I have been diagnosed with a meningioma, approximately 3 cm in size, located on the right side of the brain, specifically a sphenoid wing meningioma. The tumor envelops the internal carotid artery and compresses the optic nerve, extending to th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiao Yu / 42 years old / Male 1. Is it necessary to undergo radiation therapy for a slowly growing grade I benign meningioma? A: Yes, it can delay the time to recurrence and may even prevent it from growing further, maintaining the current status. 2. If radiation therapy is n...[Read More] Post-Surgery Considerations for Residual Meningioma: Is Radiation Necessary?
Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?
Postoperative examination after adrenal benign tumor resection? Hello Doctor, my family member underwent adrenal tumor removal at the beginning of the year. The tumor was 4 centimeters in size and has been confirmed as benign after testing. What follow-up items should be arranged...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. CJ, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: Generally, hormone levels can be assessed through tests such as serum cortisol to detect any abnormalities in the adrenal glands early on. CT and MRI scans provide clear images of the renal contours, perirenal spaces,...[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Benign Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect?