Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Postoperative and chemotherapy monitoring of abnormal CEA levels? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a colectomy last November, and her CEA level was in the 70s at that time. After the surgery, the level did not decrease. Following the initiation of chemotherapy, the CEA level con...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level is indeed a tumor marker, but it is not specific and is not limited to colorectal cancer. Elevated levels can occur in various cancers throughout the body, such as head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, pa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels After Colon Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Continuous Chemotherapy for Cancer Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cancer Treatment: Treatment for Cancer Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid Hello Dr. Chen: My wife was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer at the end of last year after six years. Cancer cells were found in her cerebrospinal fluid, and she is currently undergoing her fifth roun...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Chen Shunqing / 56 years old / Male 0. I am quite shocked to hear this. Is this true? A: In terms of Western medicine, once the disease has spread, it is considered incurable. Medications can only control it, which is a blessing. How long it can be controlled is also a blessin...[Read More] Understanding Continuous Chemotherapy for Cancer Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid
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
Preparing for Esophageal Cancer Surgery: Essential Tips and Nutrition
Preoperative Preparation for Esophageal Cancer Surgery Hello Doctor, my father-in-law (78) underwent a CT and PET scan two days ago, which revealed a 7 cm tumor in the middle to lower esophagus, with spread to nearby lymph nodes. After consultation, a professor has agreed to perf...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Liang / 27 years old / Female. What else can I do besides drinking high-protein nutritional drinks? A: Companionship is the most important thing. Maintaining weight or even gaining weight is fine; after surgery, you will naturally lose weight. Thank you for your inquiry. Taoy...[Read More] Preparing for Esophageal Cancer Surgery: Essential Tips and Nutrition
Understanding Right Posterior Brain Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns
Right posterior part of the brain? I have noticed a small, slightly raised lump on the back of my right brain that does not move. I hadn't felt it for a while, but recently I have been able to feel it again! When I sleep on my right side, my right hand tends to get numb, and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 26 years old, female 1. I have noticed a small, slightly raised lump on the back of my right brain that does not move. I hadn't felt it for a while, but recently I have noticed it again. A: If it comes and goes, it is likely benign. If there are symptoms, surgi...[Read More] Understanding Right Posterior Brain Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Soft Lumps on the Neck: When to Seek Medical Attention
There are two soft lumps on the neck? A few days ago, I noticed my neck was itchy, and when I scratched it, I felt a soft lump that wasn't protruding and only felt firm when pressed (it moves and isn't painful). When I checked my neck again, I found another similar lump...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The description in the text is not very clear; it's hard to understand where you are referring to the lump. If you are really concerned, clinic doctors usually see more cases of colds and may not be very sensitive to cancer. I recommend visiting a hospital's hema...[Read More] Understanding Soft Lumps on the Neck: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Multiple Head Tumors: Fatty Lumps and Weight Loss Concerns
Multiple swellings on the head? I originally had a lump on my forehead that I didn't pay much attention to, and it hasn't shown any signs of growing. However, now I have developed several lumps of varying sizes on the back of my head, and I am also losing weight. Can li...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Lipomas are benign and will not cause weight loss. If there are abnormal growths on the skin, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Multiple Head Tumors: Fatty Lumps and Weight Loss Concerns
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
Evaluating Adrenal Nodules: Essential Tests for Malignancy Confirmation
Adrenal nodule If Dr. Hu's family member has a post-operative CT scan that reveals an adrenal nodule smaller than 1 cm, and there is a concern for malignant tumor metastasis to the adrenal gland, what tests should be performed to confirm its nature?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: It is advisable to have a physician first assess whether the condition is functional or non-functional, as the treatment approach will depend on the presence of functionality. If metastasis is suspected, it is essential to identify the primary site (for exampl...[Read More] Evaluating Adrenal Nodules: Essential Tests for Malignancy Confirmation
Can Liver Cancer Be Surgically Removed If No Metastasis Is Found?
Does liver cancer metastasize? Dear Dr. Hu, This year, my friend was diagnosed with liver cancer. Both the CT scan and MRI evaluations indicate no lymphatic or distant metastasis, making surgical resection possible. Can you confirm if these examinations can reliably rule out me...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: Yes, if there is metastasis, surgery is not possible; however, for liver cancer surgery, in addition to assessing whether there is distant metastasis, it is also necessary to consider the tumor's location and the patient's overall function (such as a...[Read More] Can Liver Cancer Be Surgically Removed If No Metastasis Is Found?
Understanding Persistent Neck Lymph Node Pain After Chemotherapy
Is the persistent pain in the neck lymph nodes after chemotherapy an indication that it hasn't been controlled? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old and has stage IV gastric cancer that has metastasized to the lymph nodes in his shoulder and abdomen, as well as to a small...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: It is recommended to continue chemotherapy and complete the entire treatment course.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Neck Lymph Node Pain After Chemotherapy
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-Liver Cancer Surgery: Evaluating Adrenal Nodules for Metastasis
Adrenal nodules discovered after liver cancer surgery? Hello Dr. Chen, In April of this year, a family member underwent surgery for liver cancer. The preoperative CT assessment indicated T2N0M0 (Hospital A), while the preoperative MRI assessment indicated T1N0M0 (Hospital B). T...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The adrenal glands are located deep within the body and are surrounded by many highly vascularized organs and tissues, which is why fine needle aspiration is generally avoided due to potential risks. If a tumor develops in the adrenal gland, the only definitive method for ...[Read More] Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Evaluating Adrenal Nodules for Metastasis
Can Thyroid Tumors Affect Your Throat and Esophagus?
Can thyroid tumors affect the throat and esophagus? Hello, Doctor: I have a thyroid tumor that has not yet been surgically biopsied, and it has been deemed benign. However, it has been growing, increasing from three nodules to five. Recently, I have frequently felt discomfort in ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wang Youyou / 35 years old / Female Hello: 1. I'm not sure if it's related to a tumor. A: It could be related to a tumor, but I cannot confirm this; only the physician who examines you in person can determine that. 2. I recommend that even if it is a benign tumor, i...[Read More] Can Thyroid Tumors Affect Your Throat and Esophagus?
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?
Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Preoperative and postoperative treatment for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm,...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Cervical cancer treatment The patient is a 72-year-old mother who has been diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. The gynecologist believes that surgery is not advisable. After undergoing 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, the tumor has slightly sh...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. HDJDJKFKD, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. After 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, a PET scan is required. It is important to rest for 6 to 8 weeks to avoid false positives. 2. The effectiveness of the treatment will ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients