Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Lymph nodes (second question) Hello, doctor. Last time I inquired about my lymph nodes after taking antibiotics for five days, and they became hard. I was wondering if I needed to return for a follow-up. After my follow-up, the doctor only performed a physical examination and pre...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello. 1. Regarding your previous inquiry about the lymph nodes becoming hard after taking antibiotics for five days, is it necessary to return for a follow-up? A: If they are not continuing to enlarge, it is indeed acceptable to observe further. 2. Should you consider seeing an ...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Nipple: What You Need to Know
A hard lump on the nipple? Today, while massaging my breasts, I noticed a lump right above my left nipple that feels round. I don't recall feeling it during previous massages. Additionally, I've been experiencing increased vaginal discharge, which might indicate that my...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If there is a lump in the breast, you can schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon (or a general surgeon). The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine if there is indeed an abnormality. Not all lumps are tumors; some may be normal physiological changes...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Nipple: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Supraclavicular Hello doctor, a few days ago I felt a large (1 cm) and a small (0.5 cm) movable and soft mass above my left clavicle (below my neck). I went to see a doctor, and he mentioned that it might be a lymph node, but he is concerned that it could be a metastasis from ano...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The likelihood of a virus is higher, and it should disappear after full recovery and physical rehabilitation.[Read More] Understanding Lumps Above the Clavicle: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Liver cancer & liver tumor embolization chemotherapy Hello, Doctor: My mother was found to have an 8 cm malignant tumor during her annual health check-up. Despite undergoing various tests and imaging studies, and after a challenging process, she is scheduled for an embolizati...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: 1. So your mother underwent embolization after the surgery? 2. The staging of liver cancer is quite complex. In addition to assessing the size of the tumor and whether there is lymphatic spread, it is also important to evaluate the patient's liver function and p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Staging, Treatment, and Care After Embolization
Addressing Lung Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns
The issue of colorectal cancer metastasizing to the lungs? Dear Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer 4-5 years ago, which was staged from 1 to 2. He underwent surgery for tumor resection and received approximately 8 months of che...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Doctor, Borgy / 39 years old / Female 1. Could you please change the medication? 2. If your esteemed father is physically able, there are injectable options available, as well as targeted therapies that can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Thank you for your cor...[Read More] Addressing Lung Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Your Lymph Node Pathology Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Pathology Report Hello Doctor, I recently had a lymph node removed, and the pathology report is as follows: Received in formalin consists of a piece of lymph node, measuring 1.4 x 0.6 x 0.3 cm. It is tan and elastic firm. The entire specimen is embedded in one block. Micro: The s...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: According to this pathology report, the lymph node that was removed is not malignant. However, since it is located in the groin area, further monitoring is recommended. To be specific, this report can only confirm that this particular lymph node is not problematic; it cann...[Read More] Understanding Your Lymph Node Pathology Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Lymphadenopathy Hello, doctor. About a week ago, I noticed a small, painless hard lump on the right side of my neck. I went to an ENT clinic for examination, and the doctor said it might be a swollen lymph node due to an infection. After taking antibiotics for three days, it has ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
C/21 years old/Female 1. After taking antibiotics for three days, the lymph node has decreased in size (but has not disappeared). A: This suggests it is likely benign, as malignant lymph nodes typically do not shrink with antibiotic treatment. 2. However, I have experienced m...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Two months after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the MRI still shows bright spots? I am a stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. I completed 33 sessions of radiation therapy and 6 cycles of chemotherapy at National Taiwan Univer...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Li / 41 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is this normal? (Is it because the MRI was done too soon after treatment (2 months), causing the radiation effects to not completely eliminate the tumor?) A: The timing seems reasonable. You can confirm this through one of the following tw...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment MRI Results for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Thyroid Tumors: What You Need to Know About Surgery Risks
Thyroid tumor Dear Dr. Hu: About a month ago, I was diagnosed with a hard nodule on my thyroid. Following the doctor's recommendation, I underwent an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy. When I reviewed the report, the doctor suggested that I need surgery because th...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: The report for thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy is categorized into several major types (insufficient specimen, benign, malignant, suspicious for malignancy, etc.); the reason the physician recommends surgery is likely to rule out the possibility of malignanc...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: What You Need to Know About Surgery Risks
Understanding CT Scans in Tumor Evaluation: Key Questions Answered
Computed Tomography (CT) scan Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions previously. Recently, besides the lymph nodes, I have noticed swelling in my neck near the shoulder area. I'm not sure how long it has been swollen because I went to the clinic for a cold. The doctor...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: If the tumor is large enough, it should typically be visible on imaging. Additionally, the radiologist will provide a report after reviewing the images. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with the pulmonary medicine department in about two weeks ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans in Tumor Evaluation: Key Questions Answered
Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Total or partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma? Hello, Director Lai. I am a 38-year-old female. In July of this year, a health check revealed a suspected tumor larger than 3 cm on the left side of my thyroid. I was referred to a larger hospital for blood tests and...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Niu. 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 unilateral lobectomy may be considered; however, most patients should ...[Read More] Thyroid Papillary Cancer: Total vs. Partial Removal Options Explained
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
About pancreatic cancer? Hello, I am asking on behalf of my mother who is 50 years old, does not smoke or drink, and has a normal lifestyle. A month ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the ovaries and colon. Initially, she experienced abdominal ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
According to your description, your mother has pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the ovaries and colon, classified as stage IV cancer. Currently, she is post-surgery and receiving gemcitabine chemotherapy and thrombolytic therapy. To address your questions in order: 1. Accor...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Dietary Adjustments
Understanding Mild Aplastic Anemia: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy Results
Mild Aplastic Anemia Hello, Doctor. This is my second time seeking your advice. Last time, you recommended that my wife undergo a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy by the attending physician. The report has come back, and the attending physician diagnosed her with mild aplastic a...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, everyone: 1. Aplastic anemia is a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning it is diagnosed only after ruling out other possible causes); 2. If it is mild aplastic anemia and there are no clinical symptoms, it is recommended to simply observe. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Mild Aplastic Anemia: Insights from Bone Marrow Biopsy Results
Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Regarding breast cancer radiotherapy? Is it necessary to perform another surgery to remove lymph nodes from the axilla for examination before radiation therapy for breast cancer, in order to determine the radiation dose, number of sessions, and whether the radiation field should ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, I am unable to give you more accurate advice. It is essential to review the pathology report and PET scan to determine the subsequent treatment and therapy option...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Tumor issues Today in April, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to nasal congestion. The doctor said I had a deviated septum and there was a mass in the nasopharynx that needed a biopsy. After the examination, it was determined to be benign tissue, so I proceeded with surg...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, internet user: Smoking itself is a risk factor for cancer (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). As you mentioned, hyperplasia of the nasopharyngeal tissue is not necessarily malignant, and benign biopsy results do not completely rule out malignancy (as it is possible that ...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Growth: The Need for Repeated Biopsies
Understanding Thyroid Surgery Reports and Nodule Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Thyroid Surgery Report and Nodule Issues Hello, Doctor. I have multiple nodules (0.4 cm to 0.8 cm in size) on both sides of my thyroid, and the doctor mentioned that one of them has an irregular shape. I was given the option of surgery or close monitoring, but after two fine need...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. The pathology report should indicate a benign hyperplastic nodule; 2. Benign nodules are certainly different from follicular thyroid tumors; one is benign (surgical excision is sufficient), while the other is malignant (surgical excision may require adjuvant th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Surgery Reports and Nodule Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Can triple-negative breast cancer be changed to tumor resection after infection following the first chemotherapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my friend's mother-in-law is nearly 70 years old. Last year, she discovered a hard lump in her right breast, and during a hospital examination, th...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruby Chen, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have better outcomes when followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, this depends on the surgical method and the extent of resection. If the tu...[Read More] Can Surgery Replace Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lymph node issues? Hello, doctor! Recently, I noticed a few small round lumps in my neck (they feel somewhat hard and are not painful). The lumps feel about 2-3 mm in size. Could these be lymph nodes? However, I have also heard that if they feel hard and are not painful, they cou...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. 1.2 to 3 mm is too small; it usually has no clinical significance. 2. Could it just be some lipomas? I suggest monitoring it. :) By Dr. Hu Ziren[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Acromegaly: When to Consider MRI for Diagnosis
Acromegaly Doctor, I have been experiencing changes in my appearance resembling acromegaly for over a year. I have undergone growth hormone and other related tests at different hospitals, all of which returned normal values. Therefore, I have decided to pay out of pocket for an M...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
168 cm / 37 years old / male is advised to receive the injection... to avoid situations where the doctor later states that certain areas were unclear due to the absence of contrast agent. Chen Sih-Jung, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Acromegaly: When to Consider MRI for Diagnosis
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