Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
The significance of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening index? Hello Dr. Chen, I have seen many people online saying that a positive reaction for both EA-IgA and VCA-IgA indicates a very high probability of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Does this mean that if both EA an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, in Taiwan, many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) indeed have very high EBV titers at the time of diagnosis. As cancer treatment progresses, these titers tend to decrease, and if the treatment is successful, the levels will normalize. Clinically, w...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Thymic carcinoma metastasis Hello Doctor, my family member, a 21-year-old male, experienced lower back pain and underwent an X-ray in early February, which revealed an abnormal enlargement of the thymus. A biopsy confirmed thymic carcinoma (lymphoepithelial type) with bone metast...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, regarding the symptoms of your relative, we are unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without actually observing the symptoms. Please return to the hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible f...[Read More] Understanding Thymic Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid malignant tumor progression time? Hello, doctor. Last month during a health check at the clinic, I discovered a tumor on my thyroid, so I was referred to National Taiwan University Hospital for an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed it to be a mal...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: The prognosis and progression rate of thyroid cancer are quite complex and related to the histological type. If it is well-differentiated, the deterioration and progression tend to be slower; however, if it is poorly differentiated or of a degenerative type,...[Read More] Understanding the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors
Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Symptoms of mediastinal tumors may include: 1. Chest pain or discomfort 2. Coughing, which may be persistent or worsening 3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 4. Wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound) 5. Hoarseness or changes in voice My mother is 64 year...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: A mediastinal tumor may be a thymoma, which can be associated with myasthenia gravis. This condition can affect the ocular muscles, leading to ptosis and diplopia; if it impacts the respiratory muscles, it may result in respiratory muscle weakness or respiratory f...[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Tumors: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Lumps Near the Clavicle: Tumors or Lymph Nodes?
A round lump on the clavicle? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you: Recently, I discovered a round, movable lump about one centimeter in the hollow of my left clavicle, which is slightly painful. Sometimes my hand feels numb. Could this possibly be a tumor, or is it lymphadenop...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Minmin, 24 years old! 1. I would like to ask if it could possibly be a tumor? Or could it be lymphadenopathy due to fatigue? Or a fibroma? A: Broadly speaking, they can all be classified as tumors, but it is not possible to distinguish which type of tumor it is. 2. Which sp...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Near the Clavicle: Tumors or Lymph Nodes?
Understanding a Movable Lump Under the Right Rib: Is It Lipoma?
Hard mass under the right lower rib cage? Hello, doctor: About six months ago, while taking a shower, I noticed a 1 cm round hard lump about 1 cm above the lower edge of my right rib cage. It is painless and not attached to the skin; I can move it when I push on it. It hasn'...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Liyichi / 46 years old / Male Hello: 1. Pushing the lump hard can move it. A: It is not recommended to push it hard. Either have it surgically removed, or if you choose not to, avoid touching it frequently and definitely do not push it hard. 2. It hasn't changed in six ...[Read More] Understanding a Movable Lump Under the Right Rib: Is It Lipoma?
Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Second surgery for breast cancer? Hello, Dr. Lai! I found calcifications in my mammogram, and after an ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined to be stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) measuring 2.5 cm. I underwent surgery to remove a 7 cm x 7 cm tissue sample for pathologic...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Belinda Ho, Hello. In response to your inquiry regarding stage I breast cancer, I would like to ask whether you are considering breast-conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy. If you choose the former, it is recommended to follow up with adjuvant radiation the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Second Surgery in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery
Brain tumor Hello, doctor. I have neurofibromatosis and have undergone several surgeries for tumors in the past. I have had a brain tumor for three years now; initially, there was only one, but during a follow-up last year, it increased to three—one in each hemisphere and one in ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, user: 1. May I ask which type you are diagnosed with (Neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, or type 3 [Schwannomatosis])? 2. Regardless of the type, it can potentially affect the intracranial and spinal cord or peripheral nerves. It sounds like your symptoms, in addition to in...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Symptoms: Pituitary Microadenoma and Pineal Gland Edema
Severe dizziness? My daughter recently underwent an MRI at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with contrast enhancement, which revealed a 0.5 cm pituitary microadenoma. However, my endocrine function is normal, with only a slight decrease in potassium levels (3.2). Currently, her physi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Subject: Health Inquiry Dear Doctor, I am a 34-year-old female named Xiaotaozi. Currently, my health condition is quite poor. I am experiencing severe dizziness, weakness in my legs, and an unsteady gait. My head feels heavy and congested, and at times, I have urinary incontine...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Pituitary Microadenoma and Pineal Gland Edema
Understanding Neck Lumps in Children: Benign vs. Malignant Concerns
My five-year-old son has a hard lump/tumor under his left ear, approximately two centimeters in diameter? Hello Doctor, my five-year-old son has a hard lump/tumor located about five centimeters below his left ear on the neck. This lump, which is less than two centimeters in diame...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is this lump/tumor more likely to be benign or malignant? A: It is mostly benign. 2. If it is benign, can it still continue to grow? A: Yes, it can. Isn't it already continuing to grow? 3. Will the location in the neck, below the left ear, affect health and the ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps in Children: Benign vs. Malignant Concerns
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Ureteral cancer Dear Dr. Lai, My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignancy in April of this year. On April 21, 2016, she underwent surgery at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to remove her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder cuff. The doctor menti...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Errorwu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. Regarding the ureteral tumor that is close to the lymph nodes but has not metastasized distantly, whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the pathology report indicating lymph node invasion. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Left Armpit Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Swelling in the left axilla? I have been feeling swelling in my left armpit for over a year. There are no visible tumors, and I can't feel anything unusual, but it just feels swollen. I previously had a breast ultrasound, and the doctor said it was just a fibrocystic breast ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Apple: 1. Excess fat in the armpit may cause a sensation of swelling. 2. Based on your description, it is difficult to answer your question; I recommend visiting a hospital for a physical examination by a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and assessment. Wishing you a...[Read More] Understanding Left Armpit Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ureteral cancer Hello Dr. Lai: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignant tumor in April of this year. She has undergone the removal of her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder. She is now preparing to undergo chemotherapy. I would like to ask: 1. Are ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, 1. You have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, and the standard treatment involves a chemotherapy regimen of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, which is the first-line therapy and the most effective option available. 2. The medical center also utilizes this standard ...[Read More] Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Stage I breast cancer Hello, my mother has completed all the tests, and today when reviewing the report, the doctor indicated that it is a malignant tumor, approximately 1.1 cm in size, and currently there is no evidence of metastasis. The relevant report data is as follows: 1. E...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu, Thank you for your message. Here are my responses: 1. Is it generally better for ER/PR to be positive? What about one positive and one negative? If ER/PR is positive (+), that is considered better. If ER/PR is positive (+) and negative (-), the positive/negative ...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Breast Cancer: Key Factors and Prognosis
Should I Remove a 0.3cm Benign Neck Tumor? Expert Advice
Can a 0.3 cm benign tumor in the neck be surgically removed? Hello Doctor, In February of this year, I discovered a lump in the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. I managed to wait until mid-May to have it checked in Taiwan, where it was found to be 0.3 cm and benign. The...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tina / 50 years old / Female. The meaning is that after the surgeon incises your skin, they cannot locate the 0.3 cm mass amidst the surrounding tissue. If all the lymph nodes in the area need to be removed, that would be an overreaction. The opinion of the physician you consulte...[Read More] Should I Remove a 0.3cm Benign Neck Tumor? Expert Advice
Understanding Left Temporal Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Brain tumor (left temporal lobe) measuring 5x7x4 cm? A few months ago, family members began to experience declines in memory and cognitive abilities. After imaging studies, the doctor diagnosed dementia caused by a stroke. They have been taking medication, but within less than a ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Alice / 33 years old / Female 1. Is it malignant? A1. A biopsy is necessary to determine if it is truly malignant. A2. If it is located in the brain, surrounded by bone, and causing pressure on the cranial nerves, even if the pathology is benign, the symptoms can be unbear...[Read More] Understanding Left Temporal Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Could a Hard Lump in the Neck Indicate a Tumor?
Neck problems Two days ago, I felt a hard lump (about 1-1.5 cm, non-spherical, somewhat elongated, and movable) near my left neck close to my ear. Could it possibly be a tumor?
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Xiaowen, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question, I am unable to provide an accurate assessment without seeing your condition in person. Please visit the dermatology or surgery department at the hospital for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Best regard...[Read More] Could a Hard Lump in the Neck Indicate a Tumor?
Post-Thymoma Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Heart Rate Changes
Postoperative symptoms related to thymoma? About a year ago, I was diagnosed with a thymoma through an X-ray examination, which was not accompanied by myasthenia gravis. A CT scan showed that the tumor was approximately 3x5 cm in size and had invaded the pericardium. The doctor a...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yan, In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following information: 1. Based on the symptoms you described, including the rapid heartbeat and pain located between the left clavicle and breast (closer to the sternum), which varies with weather ch...[Read More] Post-Thymoma Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Heart Rate Changes
Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules: Causes and Concerns in Tumor Care
Subcutaneous nodule Subcutaneous lumps in the thigh and buttock area that appear intermittently and resolve within a few days to a week may be indicative of various conditions, such as lipomas, cysts, or localized inflammation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear A-Chung, You mentioned that you occasionally experience subcutaneous lumps in your thigh and buttock areas, which tend to resolve after a few days to a week. Regarding your concern, I cannot provide an accurate response without seeing your condition in person. If you notic...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules: Causes and Concerns in Tumor Care
Understanding Pituitary Tumor Recurrence: What You Need to Know
Pituitary tumor recurrence About three months ago, I underwent endoscopic surgery through the nasal cavity to remove a pituitary tumor. It has now been discovered that part of it has regrown. Is this normal? Do I need to undergo another surgery? All my other health indicators are...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that the recurrence of your pituitary tumor has affected your vision. It is recommended to consider radiation therapy, such as Gamma Knife or photon therapy. Since we cannot fully understand your condition, please discuss this with your attending physic...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumor Recurrence: What You Need to Know