Understanding Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer Hello Dr. Chen, my sister was diagnosed with stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the left buccal mucosa two years ago without lymphatic metastasis. The doctor at that time performed a tumor resection without lymphadenectomy and did not recomm...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot answer this question; you would need to ask her attending physician for that information. 2. I also cannot answer this question because I do not have specific information about the medication name and dosage, and I am unaware of the patient's physical cond...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient's Journey
Understanding HPV Persistence and Cancer Risks After Treatment
The recurrence rate of HPV (Human Papillomavirus)? Hello, I am a patient with HPV type 16 throat cancer who has completed chemoradiation. My doctor has confirmed that the tumor is no longer visible. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Will the HPV in my body still be...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. P16 is just one type of protein expression associated with HPV infection, and its significance in head and neck cancer is that patients who are P16 positive tend to have a better prognosis (for example, they respond better to chemoradiation compared to other causes such as smo...[Read More] Understanding HPV Persistence and Cancer Risks After Treatment
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Cervical lymph nodes Hello Doctor, I am currently studying in the UK. About three months ago, I noticed a movable lymph node about 1 cm in size on the right side of my neck. Over time, it has increased in size, reaching approximately 2.8 cm by the end of May. However, a few days ...
Dr. Yan Jingheng Reply:
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are not necessarily indicative of lymphoma; a pathological biopsy is required for confirmation. They could also be benign tumors, and lymphoma may be associated with head and neck cancers. Additionally, since your lymph nodes have been enlarged fo...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Uneven Nipple Shape and Hardness: Should You Be Concerned?
The hardness and shape of the nipples on either side are different? A month or two ago, I suddenly noticed that the shapes of my nipples are different; the left one is round while the right one is oval, although I'm not sure if they were always different. Recently, I've...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may simply be a visual asymmetry caused by breast development during puberty or menstruation. If there are no palpable tumors or signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, or pain, observation is sufficient.[Read More] Uneven Nipple Shape and Hardness: Should You Be Concerned?
Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Elevated AFP levels persist, and abdominal ultrasound shows no abnormalities? On May 25, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up. On June 21, I received the report indicating that my Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is a marker for liver cancer, was elevated at 19.3. On J...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician/nutritionist. Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello. I apologize for the delayed response as I was abroad. 1. I would like to ask if there are any other benign conditio...[Read More] Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Brain tumor issues? Examination Name: MRI Imaging of the Pituitary Gland: The MRI scan of the pituitary gland shows: enlargement of the sella turcica, downward displacement of the sella floor, and an irregular nodular lesion with slightly shorter T2 signal within the sella, with ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tina / 46 years old / Female, can chemotherapy eliminate the tumor? A: 1. The physician needs to determine the type of cells in order to select the appropriate chemotherapy agents. 2. The location of your tumor may not be suitable for biopsy. 3. Please discuss with your physician...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
How does the progression of lung cancer tumor metastasis occur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the progression of lung cancer tumors. Do they typically spread first through the lymphatic system in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, br...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hua Hua / 66 years old / Female Hello, 1. Can you explain how lung cancer tumors spread? Do they typically start by spreading to the lymph nodes in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, brain, and bones? A: 1.1 This question is somewhat like fo...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
Understanding Left Supraclavicular Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swelling in the left supraclavicular fossa? Hello, doctor. I have swelling on the left side of my neck, approximately in the area of the supraclavicular fossa. It is not painful or itchy, but I can feel two firm lumps when I press on it. Should I seek medical attention? Which spe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be some benign subcutaneous tumors (such as lipomas, lymph nodes, tendon tumors, etc.), and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Left Supraclavicular Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Continue Treatment After One Year?
For HER2-positive breast cancer, after one year of treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin), it is important to evaluate the patient's individual situation, including the response to treatment and any potential side effects. Continuing treatment may be recommended based on the...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to consider the following options: 1. The PET scan shows a very faint residual lesion in the left chest wall; should consideration be given to resecting the residual lesion to enhance treatment efficacy? 2. Continue maintenance therapy with anti-cancer treatment...[Read More] Should HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Continue Treatment After One Year?
Understanding CBC Results and Anemia Concerns in Cancer Patients
Please ask your questions regarding CBC blood test data? Hello, Doctor! I have had a unique constitution since childhood, unable to consume supplements, which usually leads to random growths. I have a surgical history of six procedures: 1. Facial lipoma 2. Adenotonsillar hypertro...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
From the initial examination values, it indeed appears to be iron deficiency anemia; however, if there are concerns, it is advisable to consult a hematologist or a specialist in immunology and rheumatology. PS: 1. Does short sleep duration and staying up late affect CBC results...[Read More] Understanding CBC Results and Anemia Concerns in Cancer Patients
Understanding Abdominal Ascites Testing in Oncology: What to Expect
Abdominal ascites examination? Hello, doctor. The hospital said there are multiple tumors in the abdomen and also ascites, with a slightly elevated inflammatory index. They suspect there may be issues with the ovaries and peritoneum. They performed an ascitic fluid analysis, and ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, cancer examinations follow a standard procedure and require a certain amount of time. Initially, non-invasive tests (which have low risk, are easier to perform, and have fewer complications) are prioritized. If a clear diagnosis is not established, then invasive tests (which...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ascites Testing in Oncology: What to Expect
Understanding Your EBV Test Results: Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns
Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond, which has helped ease my anxiety and allowed me to sleep better? Hello Doctor, I am very anxious and would like to ask a few questions. I have not had any cough, but I constantly feel like I have phlegm. I visited several clinics...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Yes, it is very dangerous. The normal EBV DNA levels in healthy individuals are close to zero, which likely indicates a possibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Please wait for the biopsy pathology results; until the pathology report is available, everything remains highly...[Read More] Understanding Your EBV Test Results: Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns
Understanding Stage IA1 Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Marker Abnormalities
Stage I lung adenocarcinoma with abnormal tumor markers? Hello Doctor, this is my mother's pathology report from that time. NOMED: 28000-B-M81403, 29000-B-M09450 DX: Lung, right middle lobe, wedge resection - Invasive acinar adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated (G2)...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Huang, 27 years old, male, has been diagnosed with stage I lung cancer. The Cyfra 21-1 level is 4.11, which is greater than the standard of 3.3 (first test). It is advisable to conduct follow-up testing for Cyfra 21-1 earlier, which is out-of-pocket, so you can have it checked ev...[Read More] Understanding Stage IA1 Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Marker Abnormalities
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: Impact of Pregnancy on Tumor Markers
The annual company health check-up included tumor marker screening, and the CA 19-9 level was reported at 50? Recently, I had a health check-up at the hospital at the end of March, during which tumor marker screening was performed. Last week, the hospital informed me that my CA 1...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
CA 19-9 can also be elevated in some benign conditions, such as gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, and even bronchitis. It is recommended to follow up in 3-6 months. If the levels remain persistently and abnormally elevated, consider consulting a hematologist or a gastroenterologist ...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: Impact of Pregnancy on Tumor Markers
Understanding Treatment Options for Head and Neck Lymphoma: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
Head and neck lymphatic cancer Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery for a head and neck lymphatic tumor in 2023, and the tumor was diagnosed as stage III lymphoma. Recently, I found another tumor on the left side of my clavicle. I consulted the same hospital and the doctor suggested...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wei Cheng / 35 years old / Male 1. Most head and neck cancer cells are squamous cells and undifferentiated cells; the decision to perform surgery depends on the location. 2. Lymphoma cells are a type of lymphocyte that has transformed into cancer cells; surgery is not necessa...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Head and Neck Lymphoma: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
Understanding Breast Lumps in Teenage Boys: Causes and Concerns
Nipple lump I am a high school sophomore, and previously in middle school, I discovered a hard lump in my chest. After a physician's examination, the result was gynecomastia. Recently, I have been feeling that the hard lump on my right chest seems to have grown a bit larger....
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is likely just gynecomastia. It is advised not to keep pressing on it; observation is sufficient. If you have never seen an endocrinologist before, it is recommended to get checked to see if the gynecomastia is caused by a pituitary tumor.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps in Teenage Boys: Causes and Concerns
Which Test is More Accurate for Adrenal Tumors: Ultrasound or CT Scan?
Which type of test is more accurate for adrenal tumors? Hello Doctor, I went to a health check center for an endoscopic ultrasound of the pancreas. The pancreas is fine, but the doctor mentioned a suspected 1.18 cm tumor on the left adrenal gland. I then visited the urology depar...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A CT scan is more accurate; if you have concerns, it is recommended to undergo a self-paid examination again in 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Which Test is More Accurate for Adrenal Tumors: Ultrasound or CT Scan?
Understanding Axillary Tumors: What to Expect and Next Steps
Axillary tumor Hello Doctor: In the past week or two, I suddenly felt pain in my right armpit, and it also hurts when I raise my arm. There was one instance where I suddenly had a fever, but it went away the next day. I had a routine chest ultrasound scheduled, and I informed the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello, is the possibility of an axillary lump being a malignant tumor high? 4A 2-10% 4B 10-50% 4C 50-95% (the waiting time for the biopsy results is really agonizing). Is there a chance that the tumor could shrink during this waiting period? Philosophically discussing this issue,...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Tumors: What to Expect and Next Steps
Managing Lymph Node Pain After Tongue Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Six months after treatment for tongue cancer, there has been recent swelling and pain in the cervical lymph nodes? A 65-year-old male, who underwent treatment for stage 0 tongue cancer six months ago, has recently experienced pain and swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck. A CT...
Dr. Yan Jingheng Reply:
Hello, 1. Pain relief medications can have different effects on individuals, but acetaminophen is generally considered the mildest pain reliever. 2. For tongue cancer surgery, if it was detected at a very early stage, monitoring after surgery may suffice. However, if the lymph no...[Read More] Managing Lymph Node Pain After Tongue Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Understanding Oral Cancer Staging: Insights from Pathology Reports
Staging of Oral Cancer Hello, doctor. My family member had a malignant tumor (on the lip) surgically removed last year. The pathology report indicated that the tumor was approximately 0.5 cm in size, with an invasion depth of 0.8 mm. The margins of the specimen were free of invas...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Aguo / 51 years old / Male Hello, the pathology report for the lip malignant tumor indicates that the tumor is approximately 0.5 cm in size, with an invasion depth of 0.8 mm. 1. I would like to ask the doctor if this pathology report is considered relatively mild? Also, what s...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cancer Staging: Insights from Pathology Reports