Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello! My mother is 71 years old. Earlier this year, a cytological examination revealed a malignant tumor (a papillary carcinoma) in the isthmus of her thyroid, while both lobes of the thyroid were unaffected. After consulting with the doctor, she unde...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 44 years old, female Hello! 1. The postoperative report indicates that there is one metastatic lymph node among six surrounding the thyroid (the doctor mentioned it is stage I). Is this considered distant metastasis? The doctor stated that this situation is relatively...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Understanding Oral Pathology Reports: Key Insights on Squamous Hyperplasia and Tumor Concerns
Consultation for Oral Pathology Report Interpretation In April of this year, an unknown growth was discovered in the upper jaw, which was asymptomatic. After a hospital examination, it was surgically removed, and the pathology report indicated inflammatory cell fibrosis. Less tha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
A / 39 years old / Female 1. Is squamous hyperplasia a bad thing? Will the pathology report show any bad cells? A: It is benign, so it cannot be classified as bad cells. 2. Why did it grow back in less than a month? Is it because it is something bad? Is it therefore impossi...[Read More] Understanding Oral Pathology Reports: Key Insights on Squamous Hyperplasia and Tumor Concerns
Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma with distant metastasis? My boyfriend is from mainland China and has recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma at a hospital there. The cancer has metastasized to the bilateral cervical lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, multip...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, stage IV cancer is considered incurable. The treatment goals are primarily to control the disease and extend the patient's average survival time. It is recommended to follow the physician's advice and subsequent treatment plans.[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Its Treatment Options
Understanding Rising Tumor Markers: What You Need to Know
Tumor marker issues? Hello, Doctor. Two years ago, my CA 19-9 level was 5. This year, from February to May, the levels have risen from 15 to 17, 18, and then 23. 1. I would like to know if this increase is significant. Could it be due to inflammation or something else? 2. Shoul...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Some inflammation of the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract can cause a mild elevation of CA 19-9 (>37); however, as long as the values remain within the normal range, they are considered normal. It is advisable not to be overly anxious about this.[Read More] Understanding Rising Tumor Markers: What You Need to Know
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
CA19-9 Issues Hello, doctor. Two to three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was less than 10. This year, from February to May, the levels increased from 15 to 17, then 18, and finally 23. All other markers are normal. Does this increase indicate inflammation in the body? Should I under...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Wen / 38 years old. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, and elevated levels can be associated with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and gastric cancer. Occasionally, conditions like cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis can also result in increased levels. So...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, my father started experiencing severe coughing after the Lunar New Year this year. He has visited many hospitals, and by mid-March, he was admitted to the emergency department due to persistent fever and chills every night. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Vanessa / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. The content does not include a PET report; the final section contains a pathology report. 2. Tuberculosis and cancer can sometimes be difficult to differentiate, and even our attending physicians have encountered similar situations. Ini...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Understanding a Small Neck Tumor: Is It Genetic or Viral?
Inquiry about a small tumor on the left posterior side of the neck? Hello Doctor, I have noticed a small lump about 0.7 cm in diameter on the left posterior side of my neck. It feels somewhat hard, round, and has a bit of elasticity. It does not move, and pressing it firmly does ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah Hong / 23 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is it malignant? Or is it congenital? A: If it were malignant, it wouldn't have been asymptomatic for five years. As for whether it is congenital, the answer to this question depends on your perspective. Essentially, it may not hav...[Read More] Understanding a Small Neck Tumor: Is It Genetic or Viral?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lumps: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Multiple areas of abdominal pain with palpable masses? Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain, which initially presented with bruising, but the bruising has subsided. Upon palpation, I can feel two lumps, each less than 1 cm in size. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! Regarding what you mentioned: the location of the pain changes, and when pressing on the painful spots, there is a sensation of hard lumps or nodules, along with feelings of inflammation and swelling, but when there is no pain, it is difficult to feel anything. 1. If a s...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lumps: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Rising CA19-9 Levels: What It Means for Cancer Detection
Elevated CA 19-9 levels? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was over 5, and recently it has increased to over 15 in the last two months, and then to over 17 two months later. All of these values are within the normal range (below 37), but it seems to be rising. I wo...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Long / 37 years old / Male The normal values are within range. Don't be too hard on yourself; his name is a tumor marker, but it is also a substance naturally produced in the body, so it won't be zero. Wishing you a warm spring and good days every day. Taoyuan Hos...[Read More] Understanding Rising CA19-9 Levels: What It Means for Cancer Detection
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What It Means for Your Health
Elevated CEA levels? Recent health check results show that my CEA level is 5.27 ng/mL. I have a smoking habit, and my chest X-ray is normal. Does this mean I have cancer? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Lin, 23 years old, male. The CEA level is 5.27 ng/mL. If the hospital's normal value is 5, then it's acceptable. Non-tumor-related conditions that can cause elevated CEA levels include smoking, peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, obstructive ja...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What It Means for Your Health
Why Does My Armpit Still Feel Hard After Tumor Removal?
There is a hard lump in the armpit? I would like to ask, I had a hard lump in my armpit that was surgically removed, but why does it still feel hard when I touch it?
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Bonnie / 33 years old / Female. Although the mass has been removed, why does it still feel hard? 1. Short-term: Local inflammation has not yet healed. 2. Long-term: Local fibrosis due to surgery. It is recommended to have regular follow-ups with the original surgeon. Wishing...[Read More] Why Does My Armpit Still Feel Hard After Tumor Removal?
Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage I Breast Cancer: Key Considerations
Post-treatment for Stage I Breast Cancer? Hello Doctor, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year at the age of 42. The pathology report after surgery is as follows: ER: 98+ PR: 98+ Her2: 2+ FISH: Negative Ki67: 9% Tumor size: 1.9 cm. During lymph node surgery, 4...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
According to the report, the type of breast cancer is associated with a low risk of recurrence. It is recommended to follow the attending physician's advice to take Tamoxifen for 5-10 years and undergo postoperative radiotherapy, with regular follow-ups. There are no dietary...[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage I Breast Cancer: Key Considerations
Understanding Cancer Risks After Sedative Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey
Cancer development after withdrawal from sedative medications? I have been experiencing difficulty breathing since I accidentally took a sedative, and after two years, I was diagnosed with lung atrophy. During the diagnosis process, I underwent a hundred chest X-rays and five CT ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please visit an otolaryngologist, as this falls within their area of examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Cancer Risks After Sedative Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey
Do I Need Chemotherapy for Stage 1A Breast Cancer with Ki-67 at 30%?
In stage 1A breast cancer with a Ki-67 index of 30%, is chemotherapy necessary? Hello, Doctor! I just underwent a lumpectomy, and the postoperative pathology report indicates that the original tumor size was 1.3 cm, with ER positive, 80% PR positive, 70% HER-2 positive, and Ki-67...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Amily / 46 years old / Female Hello! 1. Does the data above indicate a low or high risk of recurrence? I calculated the IHC4 score, and the postoperative specimen is 1.89, while the core needle biopsy specimen is 1530. Both are classified as intermediate malignancy. It is reco...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Stage 1A Breast Cancer with Ki-67 at 30%?
Understanding HER2 Positive Results in Breast Cancer: A Pathology Report Explained
I have undergone a total mastectomy of the right breast. Below is the pathology report. Before the surgery, the doctor mentioned that I was classified as Luminal A, but upon reviewing the report, I see that HER2 is positive. Will this change my classification to Luminal B after t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The growth of cancer cells is polymorphic, meaning that the morphology of cancer cells in different areas varies. Since the preoperative biopsy only samples a small portion of the tumor, there may be discrepancies with the actual tumor morphology. Therefore, the subsequent pat...[Read More] Understanding HER2 Positive Results in Breast Cancer: A Pathology Report Explained
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Potential Tumors
Swelling in the neck? Hello, doctor. About a year ago, I discovered a lump in my neck, located near my jaw. One is round and the other is irregularly shaped. I have undergone ultrasound and CT scans at the hospital. The doctor said the round part has not increased in size during ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Ultrasound and CT scans are unable to detect anything, which may just be benign tissue or a psychological effect. It is recommended to simply monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Worry About Potential Tumors
Understanding Lateral Thigh Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Lateral thigh mass? I discovered this incidentally while showering, and I can only feel it when standing. It has been present for about a month. The tumor is quite superficial and relatively flat, but it has a diameter of at least 3 cm. It is immovable, harder than the surroundin...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The outer sides of both thighs are symmetrical and firmer than the surrounding muscle tissue, which is likely due to the greater trochanter (a normal bone structure). It's advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Lateral Thigh Lumps: Potential Causes and Concerns
Should I Worry About a Neck Lump? Understanding Potential Risks and Next Steps
A lump has appeared in the neck since October of last year? About last October, I discovered a lump in the groove between my ear and jaw. It is now shaped like a flat oval, approximately the size of a one-dollar coin in diameter and about the width of my index fingernail to the f...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be some benign lymph nodes (or nodules, lipomas) that are hardened or calcified. Observation is recommended. If there is subsequent enlargement or an increase in number, then a consultation with a hematologist-oncologist may be warranted.[Read More] Should I Worry About a Neck Lump? Understanding Potential Risks and Next Steps
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
Understanding Hard Lumps in Armpit Lymph Nodes: Is It Cancer?
There is a hard lump in the axillary lymph nodes? I discovered a hard lump in my axillary lymph nodes about six months ago, accompanied by pain. I went to the hospital, and an ultrasound showed two tumors, each approximately two centimeters in size, with one showing signs of infl...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
S/37 years old/female 1. This blood test cannot determine if it is malignant. 2. Generally speaking, malignant tumors tend to grow continuously. Given your situation, from August until now, which is approximately six months, if it has remained stable, the likelihood of malign...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in Armpit Lymph Nodes: Is It Cancer?