Navigating Drug Resistance in Post-Surgery Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Colorectal cancer resistance to treatment After my family member's surgery for colorectal cancer, they had a KRAS mutation and underwent all lines of chemotherapy. The first-line treatment was the most effective, but the tumor only shrank initially and then showed no further...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I am not your attending physician and cannot provide answers to your questions. 2. What is often not mentioned in online advertisements and promotional content is that it requires a significant amount of money, and it is completely outside of the National Health Insu...[Read More] Navigating Drug Resistance in Post-Surgery Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Pancreatic cancer metastasized to the liver, with bilateral lower extremity edema up to the knees? Last November, a family member (female) was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer and underwent a Whipple resection. Post-surgery, she did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Fou...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yuyu / 28 years old / Female 1. What does the doctor think should be done in this situation? A: 1.1 The cancer itself may cause cachexia, leading to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in a severe weight loss down to 33 kg. Even with supplementation, it may not be sufficient. T...[Read More] Managing Edema and Pain in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Pancreatic pseudocyst. Hepatic hemangioma? I recently had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that I have a small cyst on my pancreas and a hemangioma on my liver. They didn't specify the size or location, only stating that they are benign but recommended follo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The small cysts in the pancreas and the hemangioma in the liver are both benign tumors. It is recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cancer Treatment: CTC vs. NGS and Drug Resistance
Cancer Consultation 1. What is the benefit of performing a circulating tumor cell (CTC) test, or would it be more meaningful to conduct next-generation sequencing (NGS)? 2. Previously, during first-line treatment, the CEA level dropped to 5, but after switching to the 23rd line...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. NGS testing is out-of-pocket, and I estimate it costs tens of thousands of NT dollars. If a rare genetic mutation is detected, using the latest imported targeted therapies can be significantly more expensive (it's not uncommon to spend over a hundred thousand NT ...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Treatment: CTC vs. NGS and Drug Resistance
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Can Fibromas Affect Tumor Markers?
The CEA level is very high? Doctor, I would like to ask about the tumor marker CEA. My report shows an abnormal level of 70, but I have no discomfort in my body. I suddenly remembered that I have had a fibroma on my tongue for over a year. Could the fibroma on my tongue cause the...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
K/41 years old/male CEA report index 70 abnormal. Can a fibroma on the tongue cause an elevated CEA level? A: I don't think so. Are you sure it's a fibroma on the tongue? I recommend seeing a dentist or an ENT specialist for a definitive diagnosis. Even if it were tongu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Can Fibromas Affect Tumor Markers?
Understanding a Lump Below the Left Collarbone: What Could It Be?
There is a lump below the left clavicle? Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed a small lump under my left clavicle while examining my chest. It's located around the area between the first and second ribs. It's not very large and doesn't protrude much. I don't...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a benign subcutaneous tissue (such as a subcutaneous nodule, calcified tissue, lipoma, etc.), and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding a Lump Below the Left Collarbone: What Could It Be?
Understanding Armpit Lumps: Tumors or Lymph Node Concerns?
Axillary lump This year, I suddenly discovered a small lump about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in size under my left armpit. It can only be felt when I stretch my arm or touch it, and it is not painful or itchy. It is movable, and I am unsure whether it is a tumor or related to the lymph ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be a benign subcutaneous nodule, such as a lipoma or lymph node. Observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Armpit Lumps: Tumors or Lymph Node Concerns?
Alternative Treatments for Stage IV Anal Cancer: Options Beyond Surgery and Chemotherapy
Treatment for anal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, my older sister is 64 years old and has been diagnosed with stage IV anal cancer for a year. The tumor was initially 10 cm in size, reduced to 5 cm after radiation therapy, but has gradually grown back to 10 cm. The surgeon believes that...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: There is no textbook standard answer for the treatment of recurrent anal cancer, as the results are not convincing. Patients still need to seek medical advice from a physician for recommendations. I don't have much to suggest here online. Thank you.[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Stage IV Anal Cancer: Options Beyond Surgery and Chemotherapy
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy Hello, I experienced a high fever in mid-April that lasted for three days, with the highest temperature reaching over 39 degrees Celsius. After that, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. When I consulted a doctor at that time, they s...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please visit an otolaryngologist to perform a neck lymph node biopsy (preferably with the same physician who performed the initial biopsy). If possible, avoid needle aspiration and opt for an excisional biopsy of the entire lymph node, as it has greater diagnostic value. S...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Tumors and Lymph Nodes
Inguinal mass? About a year and a half ago, a small, hard lump appeared in the upper left area of my groin. It doesn't hurt unless I squeeze it very hard, so I haven't paid much attention to it. However, it hasn't gone away or increased in size, and it still doesn&...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It was discovered over a year ago, and there has been no significant increase in size recently, so it is unlikely to be a tumor. It is recommended to ignore it.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: When to Worry About Tumors and Lymph Nodes
Understanding Advanced Colon Cancer Treatment Options and Challenges
Colorectal cancer treatment As a child seeking advice for my father: My father, in his seventies, was diagnosed with colon cancer that had metastasized to the liver at the time of discovery. After surgically removing the tumor at the junction of the colon and rectum, he began che...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Some questions are not ones that I, as a general physician, can or should answer; you need to ask your father's primary physician. Therefore, I will only address some research-related inquiries: 2. All Ras gene mutations indicate that targeted therapies for a specific...[Read More] Understanding Advanced Colon Cancer Treatment Options and Challenges
Understanding a Hard Lump in the Armpit: Tumor, Folliculitis, or Lymphadenopathy?
There is a hard lump in the armpit? Hello doctor, I have had swelling in both armpits for several months. Recently, the swelling on the right side has decreased, but today while showering, I felt a small hard lump (about one centimeter) in my left armpit. It is not very noticeabl...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Seal / 19 years old / Female 1. Which is more likely: a tumor, folliculitis, or lymphadenopathy? A: Accessory breast tissue and the other three conditions you mentioned are all possibilities. 2. Can it be left untreated? A: 2.1 Based on what you described, the likelihood of ...[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump in the Armpit: Tumor, Folliculitis, or Lymphadenopathy?
Understanding Normal Pancreatic Index in Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Normal pancreatic index? My mother initially thought she had stomach discomfort, but after undergoing an MRI in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department, the report indicated a 90% likelihood of stage 3 pancreatic cancer. After being evaluated by an oncologist, there wer...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Currently, the method for biopsy in pancreatic cancer is endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, which has an extremely low risk of cancer cell dissemination due to the tumor biopsy. For stage III pancreatic cancer, preoperative treatment may involve either chemother...[Read More] Understanding Normal Pancreatic Index in Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Radiation Therapy Options for Advanced Head and Neck Tumors
Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Tumors Hello Dr. Chen: My father is a terminal cancer patient (unable to eat, can only take small amounts of liquid, primarily receiving intravenous nutrition while hospitalized). Due to recurrent bacterial infections, chemotherapy has been pau...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tinglee / 37 years old / Female 1. In an online consultation without seeing the patient, I cannot claim that my recommendations are better than those of the original attending physician. 2. Generally, I respect the original attending physician. 3. A patient may not necessarily p...[Read More] Radiation Therapy Options for Advanced Head and Neck Tumors
Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass A few days ago, I noticed mild pain in my left groin area. After two or three days, it developed into a hard lump about 2.5 cm in size. It hurts when I walk slowly, when I sit down, and even when I apply gentle pressure. The lump is immovable. Additionally, I have b...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be localized lymphadenopathy caused by a bacterial infection (such as in the urinary tract or pelvic region). It is recommended to see a gynecologist or an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Post-Chemotherapy Management for Breast Cancer Patients: Key Considerations
Post-Chemotherapy Management The patient has right breast cancer and has undergone a total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. The pathology report indicates the following: Stage: IIB, Tumor size: 2.4 cm, Lymph nodes: positive for metastasis (2, 11), Distant metastasis...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Patient: 46 years old, male 1. I would like to ask, what are the key reasons for the consultation with the radiologist to assess whether additional radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy are necessary? A: If the lymph nodes have not metastasized, and the tumor is less than 4 c...[Read More] Post-Chemotherapy Management for Breast Cancer Patients: Key Considerations
Understanding Abdominal Lumps: What You Need to Know About Tumors
Palpating the abdomen reveals small nodules? Hello doctor, three days ago I had stomach discomfort and went to see a doctor. The doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound and said that the organs appeared normal. Today, when I contracted my abdomen (very forcefully), I suddenly fe...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be some benign tumors under the skin (such as lipomas, localized calcified tissue, etc.), and observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Lumps: What You Need to Know About Tumors
Managing Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Key Considerations
Radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is reduced? My father was diagnosed with stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but there was no distant metastasis; however, there was involvement of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region and the left optic nerve. Initially, he un...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. What are the consequences of stopping radiation therapy? A: The tumor may grow and compress the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness in the left eye. It could invade the brain, nose, and lymph nodes in the neck, causing recurrence and growth that may lead to skin ulce...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Key Considerations
Understanding Kidney Tumors: When to Consider a Biopsy
Regarding renal tumors? Hello Doctor, my mother was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive stage T1b breast cancer six months ago and has completed hormone therapy and radiation treatment. During a recent ultrasound, a hyperchoic lesion (1.46 x 1.0 cm) without acoustic shadow w...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hamartoma, also known as angiomyolipoma, is a benign tumor. If asymptomatic (without abdominal pain, back pain, hematuria, etc.), it is recommended to simply observe. However, if subsequent follow-up shows that the size exceeds 4 cm or if complications arise (such as tumor bleedi...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Tumors: When to Consider a Biopsy
Understanding Lung Cancer: Surgery, Recurrence, and Screening Guidelines
Lung cancer that is inoperable and the recurrence of lung cancer along with regular check-ups? 1. My mother was diagnosed with three lesions last year through LDCT. The doctor recommended a thoracoscopic resection of the largest one. Later, it was determined to be stage 0 lung ca...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. The surgical resection cure rate for stage 0 lung cancer is very high (indicating a very low likelihood of recurrence). 2. Cryoablation is not an immunotherapy; it is somewhat similar to electrosurgery. A thin needle is first placed at the tumor site, and then a heat source i...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Surgery, Recurrence, and Screening Guidelines