Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels are elevated above the standard value? Hello, Doctor! I am 32 years old and recently received my company health check results, which show that my CEA levels have been above 5 for three consecutive years; the recent results are 5.2, 5.7, and 7...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The textbook states that blood tumor markers should not be used as a tool for cancer screening because they are not accurate. Many patients who are in the terminal stages of cancer can have normal CEA levels. Therefore, a slightly elevated CEA does not indicate anything si...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Can an artificial blood vessel be removed without chemotherapy? Hello, my mother is 53 years old and has stage IV endometrial cancer. She underwent chemotherapy after having an artificial blood vessel placed, but her white blood cell count has been consistently low, causing delay...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Si-Rong / 53 years old / Female 1. He asked if it is possible to remove the artificial blood vessel. A: 1.1 Recommendations may vary by hospital; Taoyuan Hospital typically suggests waiting for 2 years without recurrence before removal. 1.2 Of course, if he is certai...[Read More] Can Artificial Blood Vessels Be Removed Without Chemotherapy?
Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Terminal lung cancer Hello, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 due to pleural effusion, but she was classified as stage III and could not undergo surgery, so she was treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and has also received oral target...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Since I have not seen your mother's pathology report, CT imaging, etc., I currently do not know the extent of her lung cancer. If the cancer cells have spread, chemotherapy will be the primary treatment. Even in the advanced stages of cancer, chemotherapy can still be...[Read More] Understanding Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Using Hypnosis to Support Cancer Patients with Depression
Inquiry about hypnosis? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother is in the terminal stage of cancer and is currently receiving treatment at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I recently saw your report in the newspaper about how hypnosis can help patients. My mother has been suffering from de...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Grace: I, along with fellow enthusiasts, have established the Faxi Mind-Body-Spirit Cultural Center, which offers several services: 1. Hypnosis Volunteer Services: A team of volunteers trained in hypnosis from the Faxi Mind-Body-Spirit Cultural Center has been formed. To avoid ...[Read More] Using Hypnosis to Support Cancer Patients with Depression
Assessing Surgical Outcomes: Did Liver Cancer Surgery Lead to Rapid Decline?
Is it considered malpractice if a patient dies three months after liver cancer surgery? Before the surgery, a 10 cm tumor and several smaller tumors were detected in the liver. The internal medicine physician diagnosed that without treatment, the patient would have less than a ye...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Typically, prior to liver cancer surgery, it is necessary to assess whether there are any extrahepatic metastases. This evaluation is crucial because if there are already micro or macroscopic metastases present, resecting the primary liver tumor may accelerate the spread of the m...[Read More] Assessing Surgical Outcomes: Did Liver Cancer Surgery Lead to Rapid Decline?
Exploring Alternatives for Advanced Biliary Cancer Management
Cholangiocarcinoma In the case of advanced biliary cancer, where biliary obstruction necessitates the use of a drainage tube, patients may still experience significant discomfort. Are there alternative methods available? The patient is currently abroad; are there any reputable ho...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. While the use of a drainage tube in terminal stages may be uncomfortable, it is better than not using one. I personally cannot think of a better method. 2. Even the most authoritative hospitals cannot cure terminal cancer patients, so I recommend seeking a nearby medica...[Read More] Exploring Alternatives for Advanced Biliary Cancer Management
Understanding the Rapid Progression of Stomach Cancer: A Patient's Journey
The development period of gastric cancer? Dear Doctor: Recently, I read about a physician from National Taiwan University who was diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away within a brief period of 2 to 3 months. Is it possible for all types of cancer to progress from zero to te...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Normal gastric cells naturally undergo apoptosis and regeneration at fixed intervals, achieving homeostasis. 2. During the process of cell regeneration, which involves gene replication and division, some genetic mutations may occur. 3. A small number of cells with genet...[Read More] Understanding the Rapid Progression of Stomach Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Tongue Cancer: Bleeding, Treatment Options, and Pain Management
I have a question to ask? Dr. Huang: I have a few questions to ask. Why does tongue cancer keep bleeding? Is this related? Since it is now in the terminal stage, can chemotherapy and radiation therapy still be administered? If so, how can we alleviate the patient's suffering...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. The cause of bleeding is due to the weakened surface cells of the tongue cancer, which can easily become injured and bleed from friction during eating, or due to cancer cells invading blood vessels. 2. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be administered. 3. To allevia...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Cancer: Bleeding, Treatment Options, and Pain Management
Managing End-Stage Liver Cancer: Essential Care Strategies
Hepatic coma How to manage end-stage liver cancer?
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
In the terminal stage of liver cancer accompanied by hepatic encephalopathy, the primary focus is on symptomatic treatment to ensure the patient can pass away without suffering. It is recommended that the patient be admitted to a palliative care unit. Hospitals in the Taipei area...[Read More] Managing End-Stage Liver Cancer: Essential Care Strategies
Guidance for Managing End-Stage Nasopharyngeal Cancer at Home
I'm here to help! Please provide The patient has nasopharyngeal carcinoma with liver and bone metastases, presenting with ulcerations on the arms and both sides, jaundice, abdominal swelling, and lower extremity edema. The patient has chosen to return home instead of being h...
Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Patients in the terminal stage of cancer face an inevitable and imminent death, so it is crucial to enhance their quality of life during their remaining time. Alleviating pain, maintaining personal hygiene, and ensuring a comfortable environment are all vital for the patient. Pal...[Read More] Guidance for Managing End-Stage Nasopharyngeal Cancer at Home