Understanding Liver Calcifications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer. He has undergone surgery to remove the colorectal tumor, and there are two tumors in the liver measuring 1 to 2 centimeters each. There are also about 7 to 8 white calcifications in the liver. He has just completed his...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Yihsin / 38 years old / Female Patient: Doctor, are liver calcifications precursors to tumors (shadows)? Doctor: No, the causes of liver cancer are usually related to infections from hepatitis B or C, excessive alcohol consumption, or long-term damage. Otherwise, what causes ca...[Read More] Understanding Liver Calcifications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Understanding Colonic Enlargement: Causes and Concerns in Patients
Colonic enlargement Hello, doctor... I am a male office worker. In April of this year, I experienced dull pain in my lower abdomen. I went to the hospital for a colonoscopy and an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), and the results were normal. However, the lower abdominal pain has pers...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It is inaccurate to assess whether the colon is enlarged through ultrasound. It is essential to undergo a colonoscopy and a computed tomography (CT) scan for reliable results. Being suspicious without these tests is meaningless. Thank you for your understanding.[Read More] Understanding Colonic Enlargement: Causes and Concerns in Patients
Stage IV Ampullary Cancer with Liver and Lung Metastasis: Treatment Insights
Stage IV ampullary carcinoma with liver and lung metastases? Hello, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV ampullary cancer after going to the hospital for diarrhea in March of this year. She is not a candidate for surgery and started chemotherapy on May 10th, having completed fou...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
During cancer treatment, appetite may decrease or weight loss may occur due to the cancer itself or cancer-related therapies. However, if the decreased appetite occurs only 2-3 days after chemotherapy, it likely represents an acute side effect of the treatment. It sounds like you...[Read More] Stage IV Ampullary Cancer with Liver and Lung Metastasis: Treatment Insights
Understanding Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: Treatment Options and Quality of Life
Small intestine adenocarcinoma Recently, due to abdominal pain, nausea, and inability to eat, I vomited after eating and went to the hospital for a detailed examination. The diagnosis was small intestine malignant tumor, specifically small intestine adenocarcinoma, which has alre...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to surgically remove the site of the tumor obstruction to first address issues related to eating, drinking, and bowel movements. Additionally, considering your age is relatively young, if your overall health is stable (with no significant weight loss or other ch...[Read More] Understanding Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: Treatment Options and Quality of Life
Understanding a Lumps Under the Chin: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a mass under the chin that appears to be a tumor? Hello, when I was in middle school, a lump about a little over one centimeter in diameter suddenly appeared under my chin. It was oval-shaped, soft, movable, and painless. At that time, we were studying lymphatic tissues ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is likely just a calcified lymph node or another benign subcutaneous tumor. Observation is recommended. Essentially, maintaining normal lifestyle and dietary habits is sufficient, and there is no need for special precautions.[Read More] Understanding a Lumps Under the Chin: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: Vaccine Injection Concerns
Post-operative injection issues in breast cancer? Hello, doctor. In 2008, I underwent a total mastectomy of the left breast (early stage – tumor near the nipple) and partial lymph node removal. I do not need to take medication. The doctor advised that there is a risk of lymphedem...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Wen, 57 years old, female. Hello. 1. February 13. 2. Injection in the left hand. 3. Possible side effects are not significant and should be manageable; any hand-related side effects are expected to heal. Wishing you peace. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Sih-Rong.[Read More] Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: Vaccine Injection Concerns
Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support
Cancer treatment My husband has metastatic colorectal cancer and has undergone resection of the malignant tumor at Shuanghe Hospital. He had his third chemotherapy session on July 21, with a total of five sessions planned. A CT scan is scheduled for mid-August to assess the treat...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with the attending physician; if necessary, you can request a consultation with an oncology psychologist, social worker, or other holistic support services![Read More] Understanding Metastatic Colon Cancer Treatment and Emotional Support
Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Cancer treatment Dear Dr. Chen, My husband, Cheng-Chung, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer) in May 2021. A CT scan on May 11 at National Taiwan University Hospital revealed liver metastases, with multiple small tumors, approximately 7-8 ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For stage IV colorectal cancer, according to current standard treatment, the first-line therapy consists of chemotherapy combined with the targeted drug Avastin. Based on previous research findings, the expected probability of tumor shrinkage is over 50%. The average durat...[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
Malignant tumors of the salivary glands? Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family member recently underwent surgery to remove a salivary gland tumor, which was later found to have malignant components. The doctor mentioned that they will need to undergo six weeks of radi...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello! 1. Is radiation therapy absolutely necessary? A: Yes, it is necessary because when performing surgery, a safe margin must be maintained. The parotid gland is small, and if the tumor is too large, it may affect the appearance. Therefore, it can be predicted that the safe ma...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Radiation Therapy Necessity and Risks
Understanding Retinal Issues in Multiple Myeloma Patients: Symptoms and Solutions
Multiple myeloma causing retinal issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about two years ago, and after treatment, my symptoms stabilized for a year. Recently, however, my left eye suddenly became blurry and I couldn't see clearly. I visited the ophthalmo...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Zhang Ren'an / 72 years old / Male Your questions may exceed my ability to answer, please forgive me. 1. Are there more definitive examination methods for these eye symptoms? (e.g., fluorescein angiography) A: This should be directed to an ophthalmologist. The hematologi...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Issues in Multiple Myeloma Patients: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Desmoid Tumors: Concerns and Care for Patients
Small intestinal fibroma My father (72 years old) has been in and out of Chi Mei Hospital since the end of March this year, and as of May 7, he has not been discharged. His first surgery was a minimally invasive abdominal procedure, where the doctor mentioned that three incisions...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Inability to eat may be caused by adhesions resulting from surgery. 2. If the adhesions are removed and gastrointestinal function is normal, with no persistent vomiting or normal bowel movements, then the patient can gradually resume eating. 3. If the physician advises again...[Read More] Understanding Desmoid Tumors: Concerns and Care for Patients
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Key Questions and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy Hello Dr. Chen, about two weeks ago, I discovered a lump measuring 1.7 x 1.5 cm under my right clavicle. The characteristics of the lump are that it is hard, immovable, and painless. A week later, I went to a major hospital for an ultrasound and biopsy. The ultras...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot respond as I am unsure about the content of the report. 2. I have not seen the report, so I cannot answer that either. 3. No, this is not a characteristic related to lymphoma. 4. Without a report, I cannot answer that either. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Key Questions and Concerns
Which Specialist Should I See for a Neck Tumor and Numbness?
Which specialty should I see? You should see a neurologist.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
You can see general surgery, plastic surgery, or neurosurgery.[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for a Neck Tumor and Numbness?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Using Denosumab for Giant Cell Tumors
What are the issues related to the use of Denosumab after surgery for giant cell tumor of bone? I have a giant cell tumor on the third lumbar vertebra, and later I consulted a neurosurgeon who performed surgery. The doctor mentioned that for tumors located on the spine, a Total E...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ming, 23 years old, male. 1. The doctor said the surgery was very successful and the tumor was completely removed, but I still need to take Denosumab to reduce the recurrence rate. A: Essentially, Denosumab is used to treat tumors by shrinking them before surgery or for patients...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Using Denosumab for Giant Cell Tumors
Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Elevated CEA levels in recurrent colorectal cancer? Hello Dr. Chen, I am from Taoyuan and currently in Canada. In May 2019, I was diagnosed with cancer located between the ascending colon and the transverse colon, which was classified as stage III. After an emergency surgery for ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tony Chen / 57 years old / Male Hello, medical condition: 1. Diagnosed with recurrent metastatic colorectal cancer in the lymph nodes near the aorta, measuring 17mm in diameter. 2. CEA levels have been consistently rising. The Canadian physician recommends continuing chemotherap...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels During Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Do You Suspect a Pituitary Tumor? Understanding Diagnosis and Next Steps
Is there a concern for a pituitary tumor? Hello, Doctor: Since I started my menstrual cycle, my periods have been irregular, and in the past two to three years, the frequency of my menstruation has decreased significantly. After taking ovulation medication for three months in the...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
A skull X-ray is only used to examine the bones of the head; are you referring to a brain CT scan? If it is a CT scan, it can visualize the actual structures of the brain. If a scan was performed a year ago and no abnormalities of the pituitary gland (such as a tumor) were found,...[Read More] Do You Suspect a Pituitary Tumor? Understanding Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The side effects of Ufur Rejuvenation Capsules? Hello, doctor. My mother is approximately 68 years old and was diagnosed with colon cancer during a health check last year. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor in August, and the pathology report classified it as stage 2A. She...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot comment on traditional Chinese medicine as I am not familiar with it. 2. This is something you should discuss with the primary physician; I cannot answer on their behalf. 3. The answer is the same as above. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Ufur Capsules in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Understanding Gastric Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastric cancer metastasis I would like to ask the doctor about an elderly family member who, due to their age, is reluctant to undergo further examinations. They have only had their stomach checked, where a tumor was found. In addition to the symptoms of gastric cancer, they are ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I cannot answer this question without a CT scan. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Gastric Cancer Metastasis: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: A Guide for Patients
Inquiry about breast cancer pathology report? Hello, doctor: My family recently received a pathology report, but we don't quite understand it. I would like to ask you about it. ER (6F11): positive PR (1A6): positive HER-2-neu (polyclonal): negative (1+) GATE3 (+) and...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Maio, 36 years old, female. It is not necessary to know every detail; just understand the following: ER (6F11): positive (Estrogen Receptor positive) PR (1A6): positive (Progesterone Receptor positive) HER-2-neu (polyclonal): negative (1+) (HER-2-neu negative) This means...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: A Guide for Patients
Small Hard Lump on Inner Thigh: Should You Worry About Tumors?
There is a small hard lump on the inner side of the right thigh near the groin? Hello Doctor, I recently discovered a small lump about 1.5 centimeters in size on the inner side of my right thigh. It can be pinched and is painful when pressed, and it feels like there is a small pa...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be lymphadenitis; observation is recommended. However, if it continues to enlarge and is accompanied by systemic symptoms (such as recurrent fever, night sweats, weight loss, etc.), it is advisable to see a general surgeon or an obstetrician-gynecologist.[Read More] Small Hard Lump on Inner Thigh: Should You Worry About Tumors?