Rectal cancer, Oncology FAQ

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Understanding Appendiceal Cancer: Causes, Genetics, and Research Gaps

Appendiceal cancer issues? There is very little information about appendiceal cancer online. I still don't understand why my mother passed away from stage IV appendiceal cancer. Her colonoscopy results were normal, and she didn't even have any polyps. Could it be becaus...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the question of who gets cancer and why, it is currently believed to be caused by multiple factors. The relationships and the weight of their influence are still unclear, so I cannot provide you with a definitive answer. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Appendiceal Cancer: Causes, Genetics, and Research Gaps


Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule

National Health Service - Free Five Cancers Screening Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the free cancer screenings provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Service. Under qualifying conditions, individuals can receive free screenings every ...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Fang Fang / 31 years old / Male If a free check-up was used on June 15, 2022, the next eligible date would be January 1, 2024, at Taoyuan Hospital, Merry Christmas. Chen Si-Rong.

[Read More] Understanding Taiwan's Free Cancer Screening Eligibility and Schedule


Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health

CA19-9 Issues Hello, doctor. Two to three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was less than 10. This year, from February to May, the levels increased from 15 to 17, then 18, and finally 23. All other markers are normal. Does this increase indicate inflammation in the body? Should I under...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wen / 38 years old. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, and elevated levels can be associated with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and gastric cancer. Occasionally, conditions like cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis can also result in increased levels. So...

[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health


Understanding Tumors Near the Anus: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options

There is a tumor near the anus? Recently, I visited a cosmetic medical clinic to address a hemorrhoid issue. On the day of the surgery, the physician performed a digital examination and discovered a hard mass near the anus, which he believed was not hemorrhoids. Additionally, the...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chen / 47 years old / Male (?) 1. Is the likelihood of colon cancer high? A: It is advisable to consult a physician for a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancer. 2. If it is indeed stage III colon cancer, is the survival rate high? A: The cure rate for stage 0 colon ca...

[Read More] Understanding Tumors Near the Anus: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options


Navigating Drug Resistance in Post-Surgery Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer resistance to treatment After my family member's surgery for colorectal cancer, they had a KRAS mutation and underwent all lines of chemotherapy. The first-line treatment was the most effective, but the tumor only shrank initially and then showed no further...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I am not your attending physician and cannot provide answers to your questions. 2. What is often not mentioned in online advertisements and promotional content is that it requires a significant amount of money, and it is completely outside of the National Health Insu...

[Read More] Navigating Drug Resistance in Post-Surgery Colorectal Cancer Treatment


Alternative Treatments for Stage IV Anal Cancer: Options Beyond Surgery and Chemotherapy

Treatment for anal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, my older sister is 64 years old and has been diagnosed with stage IV anal cancer for a year. The tumor was initially 10 cm in size, reduced to 5 cm after radiation therapy, but has gradually grown back to 10 cm. The surgeon believes that...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no textbook standard answer for the treatment of recurrent anal cancer, as the results are not convincing. Patients still need to seek medical advice from a physician for recommendations. I don't have much to suggest here online. Thank you.

[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Stage IV Anal Cancer: Options Beyond Surgery and Chemotherapy


Understanding Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer: A Patient's Guide

Treatment options for rectal cancer? Dear Dr. Chen, My wife, who is 63 years old, has been experiencing unusual frequent diarrhea. After undergoing a colonoscopy at the gastroenterology department, five polyps were discovered, one of which is particularly large, and the biopsy r...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Why did it develop into a malignant tumor in just one year? Doesn't tumor formation take some time? A: It sounds like a portion of a benign polyp has transformed into a malignant one. Since you have check-ups every two years, it was detected early. Screening can...

[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer: A Patient's Guide


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


Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results in Cancer Survivors

Abnormal blood test results! Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. My mother has a medical history of being diagnosed with stage II colorectal cancer in March 2019. After surgery, she did not undergo any treatment and returned home to rest, with re...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: After reviewing the blood test results you mentioned, I believe there is no major concern. The blood cell counts are slightly low, which does not seem to be related to cancer recurrence. It appears more like a manifestation of nutritional deficiency. Individuals who follow...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results in Cancer Survivors


Understanding Liver Calcifications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer. He has undergone surgery to remove the colorectal tumor, and there are two tumors in the liver measuring 1 to 2 centimeters each. There are also about 7 to 8 white calcifications in the liver. He has just completed his...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yihsin / 38 years old / Female Patient: Doctor, are liver calcifications precursors to tumors (shadows)? Doctor: No, the causes of liver cancer are usually related to infections from hepatitis B or C, excessive alcohol consumption, or long-term damage. Otherwise, what causes ca...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Calcifications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment


Understanding Cancer Cell Transmission and Risks in Daily Life

Issues related to cancer cells contacting other sites? Hello Dr. Hu, I would like to ask some questions regarding cancer: 1. Can cancer cells be found in our feces? Do patients with colorectal cancer have cancer cells in their feces? Do these cancer cells in the feces have the ...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. No, colorectal cancer will only present with blood in the stool or black stools, or there may be a positive fecal occult blood test. 2. None of the above concerns will occur; cancer is not transmitted through contact.

[Read More] Understanding Cancer Cell Transmission and Risks in Daily Life


Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support

Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer and has undergone resection of the malignant tumor at Shuanghe Hospital. He had his third chemotherapy session on July 21, with a total of five sessions planned. A CT scan is scheduled for mid-August to assess the treat...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with the attending physician; if necessary, you can request a consultation with an oncology psychologist, social worker, or other holistic support services!

[Read More] Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support


Understanding Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis

Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colon cancer to the liver. The colon cancer has been surgically removed, and he underwent his second chemotherapy on July 7, which included 5-FU, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin. Before chemotherapy, his CEA level was 300, but after the firs...


Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During the treatment of colorectal cancer, follow-up CT imaging and CEA levels are monitored every 2-3 months. Chemotherapy typically lasts for 3-4 months (approximately 6-9 cycles) before treatment effects can be assessed. Therefore, since only two cycles have been completed, an...

[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis


Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Cancer treatment Dear Dr. Chen, My husband, Cheng-Chung, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer) in May 2021. A CT scan on May 11 at National Taiwan University Hospital revealed liver metastases, with multiple small tumors, approximately 7-8 ...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For stage IV colorectal cancer, according to current standard treatment, the first-line therapy consists of chemotherapy combined with the targeted drug Avastin. Based on previous research findings, the expected probability of tumor shrinkage is over 50%. The average durat...

[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy


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 Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

Elevated CEA levels in recurrent colorectal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, I am from Taoyuan and currently in Canada. In May 2019, I was diagnosed with cancer located between the ascending colon and the transverse colon, which was classified as stage III. After an emergency surgery for ...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tony Chen / 57 years old / Male Hello, medical condition: 1. Diagnosed with recurrent metastatic colorectal cancer in the lymph nodes near the aorta, measuring 17mm in diameter. 2. CEA levels have been consistently rising. The Canadian physician recommends continuing chemotherap...

[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer


Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

The side effects of Ufur Rejuvenation Capsules? Hello, doctor. My mother is approximately 68 years old and was diagnosed with colon cancer during a health check last year. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor in August, and the pathology report classified it as stage 2A. She...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot comment on traditional Chinese medicine as I am not familiar with it. 2. This is something you should discuss with the primary physician; I cannot answer on their behalf. 3. The answer is the same as above. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment


Key Questions in Cancer Treatment: Insights for Patients and Caregivers

Cancer treatment-related issues? 1. Regarding the issue of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis, after ten cycles of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the CT scan shows no change in the metastatic tumors, but the tumor marker has decreased from fifty to thirty. How should thi...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, regarding your cancer issue, it is best to consult your oncologist for answers, as I am not familiar with your condition and cannot provide guidance. Secondly, 1. I do not understand this; I have not heard of it. 2. Chemotherapy drugs should not be taken with...

[Read More] Key Questions in Cancer Treatment: Insights for Patients and Caregivers


Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for Stage IVA Colon Cancer

Postoperative treatment issues for colorectal cancer? Hello Doctor: A senior in their seventies has undergone surgery for a malignant tumor in the rectum, confirmed to be stage IVA, with a CEA level in the fifties, and multiple tumors of varying sizes present in both lobes of the...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The most suitable respondent to these questions is the attending physician responsible for the treatment (to clarify the responsibility). Medical care is not a mechanical job; each person's experience and skills vary. I will answer based on my approach. 1. Generally...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Considerations for Stage IVA Colon Cancer


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


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