Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Breast cancer treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am 32 years old and have stage II breast cancer. I have undergone a lumpectomy on my left breast. The tumor analysis shows: hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 at 30%. I would like to know if I definitely need to un...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Vicky, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, we can only determine that targeted therapy is not required (HER2 negative / Ki67 50%). This is insufficient to ascertain the need for chemotherapy. - Chemother...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Hello, I would like to understand the effects of radiation therapy after breast cancer treatment. A stage I breast cancer patient has undergone surgery abroad and had a tissue expander implanted. The doctor has suggested that radiation therapy may ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Linlin, a 29-year-old female patient who underwent breast reconstruction, can still receive hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy postoperatively, which does not conflict with further treatment for breast cancer. Future follow-ups, including outpatient physical exam...[Read More] Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Post-radiation changes in the skull base after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment? Hello Dr. Lai, I have completed my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment nearly two years ago. In April of this year, an MRI scan revealed a gray area at the skull base. The radiologist informed me that...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiahe, In response to your inquiry, please find our reply below: 1. The gray lesions observed at the skull base on your MRI scan, whether seen on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), or under contrast enhancement, have different implications. Given y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy
White blood cells after chemotherapy? It has been 7 months since I completed chemotherapy, and during my monthly follow-up visits to the hospital, my white blood cell count has consistently been around 2,000 to 3,000. All other lab results are normal. I have also undergone PET sc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Did you have low white blood cell counts seven months ago before starting chemotherapy? If so, that indicates there was already an issue. 2. If not, could it be related to the chemotherapy drugs? I believe it is unlikely, as the effects of chemotherapy typically reso...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy
Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Side effects after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Dr. Lai: I just completed radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in May of this year, and it has been exactly two months. I returned to work on July 18 and started feeling some numbness in my chin o...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee9788, Thank you for your message. I would like to respond as follows: Many patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience symptoms similar to yours. This is a side effect caused by radiation damage to the nerves in the cervical spin...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Symptoms of mediastinal tumors may include: 1. Chest pain or discomfort 2. Coughing, which may be persistent or worsening 3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 4. Wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound) 5. Hoarseness or changes in voice My mother is 64 year...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: A mediastinal tumor may be a thymoma, which can be associated with myasthenia gravis. This condition can affect the ocular muscles, leading to ptosis and diplopia; if it impacts the respiratory muscles, it may result in respiratory muscle weakness or respiratory f...[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Second surgery for breast cancer? Hello, Dr. Lai! I found calcifications in my mammogram, and after an ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined to be stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) measuring 2.5 cm. I underwent surgery to remove a 7 cm x 7 cm tissue sample for pathologic...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Belinda Ho, Hello. In response to your inquiry regarding stage I breast cancer, I would like to ask whether you are considering breast-conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy. If you choose the former, it is recommended to follow up with adjuvant radiation the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Ureteral cancer Dear Dr. Lai, My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignancy in April of this year. On April 21, 2016, she underwent surgery at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to remove her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder cuff. The doctor menti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Errorwu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Regarding the ureteral tumor that is close to the lymph nodes but has not metastasized distantly, whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the pathology report indicating lymph node invasion. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a lump in the armpit? Before bedtime, I massage the acupoints around my breasts, but a few days ago, while I was massaging, I applied too much pressure and suddenly felt a sharp pain, like something had been pinched or broken. It really felt that way, and the pain persis...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Tsai: Regarding your symptoms, I am unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually seeing them. Please return to the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Has the lung cancer metastasized? Hello Dr. Lai: My father has had lung cancer for two years. Recently, he has been experiencing pain in his left leg, but he does not have any discomfort in other parts of his body. He has undergone chemotherapy twice in the past. I often wonder i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Hsiao-Ching: Please return to the hospital for a physician to arrange a bone scan to assess for possible metastasis. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you. Radiation Oncology Department, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng.[Read More] Is Lung Cancer Spreading? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Left Armpit Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Swelling in the left axilla? I have been feeling swelling in my left armpit for over a year. There are no visible tumors, and I can't feel anything unusual, but it just feels swollen. I previously had a breast ultrasound, and the doctor said it was just a fibrocystic breast ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Apple: 1. Excess fat in the armpit may cause a sensation of swelling. 2. Based on your description, it is difficult to answer your question; I recommend visiting a hospital for a physical examination by a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and assessment. Wishing you a...[Read More] Understanding Left Armpit Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: Autoimmune Disease or Cancer Risk?
The lymph nodes have been swollen for nearly three years? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease - multiple sclerosis two to three years ago. I started receiving interferon treatment in July 2013. In November of the same year, I experienced full-body itching for...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Annie, Thank you for your letter. In response to your inquiry, are you very thin? In thin patients, it is sometimes possible to palpate the inguinal or cervical lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes have not continued to enlarge over the past 2-3 years, they are likely benig...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: Autoimmune Disease or Cancer Risk?
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ureteral cancer Hello Dr. Lai: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignant tumor in April of this year. She has undergone the removal of her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder. She is now preparing to undergo chemotherapy. I would like to ask: 1. Are ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, 1. You have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, and the standard treatment involves a chemotherapy regimen of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, which is the first-line therapy and the most effective option available. 2. The medical center also utilizes this standard ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding Underarm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Something feels strange in the armpit? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing tightness in my left shoulder and neck, which is accompanied by a tight, stabbing sensation in my left armpit. I visited a rehabilitation specialist, who suggested that this might be due to l...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Juo, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to make an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Underarm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Pain in the Left Armpit: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain in the skin under the left armpit? The skin under my left armpit has been painful for about 5 days. There are no wounds, swelling, or hard lumps, and the pain has neither worsened nor improved. The painful area is roughly in the deeper creases of the armpit, and I feel pain ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss A-Rou, Thank you for your inquiry. In response to your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Cha...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Left Armpit: When to Seek Medical Help
Radiation Therapy Concerns: Options After Stage II Breast Cancer Surgery
Radiation therapy issues Dr. Chen: Hello! I have two questions I would like to ask you, thank you! 1/ After a lumpectomy for stage II breast cancer, is it possible to choose not to undergo chemotherapy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that I could opt for ra...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Li / 54 years old / Female 1/ Can a patient with stage II breast cancer choose not to undergo chemotherapy after a lumpectomy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that radiation therapy and continuous medication for ten years are options. A: It's diff...[Read More] Radiation Therapy Concerns: Options After Stage II Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding Left Temporal Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Brain tumor (left temporal lobe) measuring 5x7x4 cm? A few months ago, family members began to experience declines in memory and cognitive abilities. After imaging studies, the doctor diagnosed dementia caused by a stroke. They have been taking medication, but within less than a ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Alice / 33 years old / Female 1. Is it malignant? A1. A biopsy is necessary to determine if it is truly malignant. A2. If it is located in the brain, surrounded by bone, and causing pressure on the cranial nerves, even if the pathology is benign, the symptoms can be unbear...[Read More] Understanding Left Temporal Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Could a Hard Lump in the Neck Indicate a Tumor?
Neck problems Two days ago, I felt a hard lump (about 1-1.5 cm, non-spherical, somewhat elongated, and movable) near my left neck close to my ear. Could it possibly be a tumor?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Xiaowen, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Best regard...[Read More] Could a Hard Lump in the Neck Indicate a Tumor?
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Causes of Swelling and Night Sweats
A lump in the neck? Hello, doctor. Around February, I noticed a lymph node about 1 cm in size on my neck. I thought it was a pimple and squeezed it, releasing some white fluid, but it didn't go away. Eventually, I couldn't stand it anymore and went to see an ENT special...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Xiaowen, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Best regard...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Causes of Swelling and Night Sweats