Sexual Activity During APL Treatment: Safety and Considerations
Sexual activity during the treatment process for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) should be approached with caution. It is important for patients to discuss their Hello Dr. Hu, In January, I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, M3 type). After more than a mont...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Yes, but it is important to rest after sexual activity and maintain regular exercise and a balanced diet. 2. Ejaculation does not affect white blood cell production; in fact, moderate sexual activity can improve and adjust overall physical and mental health.[Read More] Sexual Activity During APL Treatment: Safety and Considerations
Understanding Eosinophil Levels: Implications for CML and Lymphoma
Eosinophil percentage In recent years, blood tests have shown that the white blood cell count typically ranges from 4,500 to 7,000. The percentage of basophils is between 0.3% and 0.9% (0-1%). I would like to know if having results of 0.8% or 0.9% on several occasions is consider...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the white blood cell count is normal, it is recommended to simply observe. Note: The classification of white blood cells is based on machine interpretation, and the ratios can be influenced by physiological or other factors on the day of blood draw (such as blood quality, mach...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil Levels: Implications for CML and Lymphoma
Understanding High Platelet Count: Should You See a Hematologist?
Elevated platelet count? Hello doctor, this is my recent blood test report: white blood cells 6.9, red blood cells 4.40, hemoglobin 10.5, hematocrit 34.2, mean corpuscular volume 77.7, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 23.9, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 30.7, platelets 594...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated platelet count is not related to urinary occult blood. 2. Yes, you need to follow up with a hematologist for further examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: Should You See a Hematologist?
Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Is further examination needed for abnormal white blood cell distribution ratios? Hello, doctor. Since around the 20th of last month, I have been experiencing itching on my eyelids and palms, as well as mild urticaria or rashes on my face, behind my ears, and on my feet, which fee...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This number is abnormal, and you need to see a hematologist for further testing and other related examinations. Thank you.[Read More] Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Infection? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: I have a history of hypertension and usually take medication to control it. My routine blood tests show a white blood cell count of about 12,000 to 13,000. On January 14, I received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and three days later, i...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult to determine whether it's an infection or a vaccine side effect, but based on your second blood test report, it does not appear to be leukemia, as there is no mention of blasts, which allows us to rule out the possibility of blood cancer. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights from Oncology Experts
Health examination issues Dr. Hu, is there any issue with this blood report? R.B.C: 4.55 W.B.C: 5.22 Hb: 13.6 Hct: 40.5 MCH: 29.9 MCHC: 33.6 MCV: 89.0 Platelet: 221 CRP: 0.022 A-Lym: 0.0 Band: 0.0 Baso: 1.0 Blast: 0.0 Eosin: 3.4 Lym: 41.2 Metamyelo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
No problem; Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, and Lymphocytes are all types of white blood cells. Their ratios may fluctuate, but as long as they remain within the normal reference range, they are considered normal.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights from Oncology Experts
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
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 White Blood Cell Count Changes: What You Need to Know
White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my white blood cell count has always been over 5000. On April 15th, it was 5640, but during a check on August 17th, I found it had dropped to 4100. My red blood cell count is 556, hemoglobin (Hb) is 16.6, hematocrit (Hct) is 48.9, mean corpusc...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The white blood cell count is within the normal range, with no abnormalities. The numbers are inherently variable; they are not fixed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Count Changes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
For questions regarding blood test reports, please consult your doctor? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were around 40 and my cholesterol was just over 200, so I have been following up every three months. Howe...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The answer is the same, but in my words: I will ask you to come back in two weeks for a follow-up blood test. That's it; the current data doesn't indicate much. Medicine is a science, and we don't speculate without evidence. We only speak based on the eviden...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Understanding Symptoms of Leukemia: Throat Pain and Weakness
Symptoms of leukemia? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing a sore throat for the past week (I noticed possible inflammation near the soft palate), along with weakness in my arms and legs, and my appetite has not been very good most of the time. Could this possibly be related ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Xiaomi / 38 years old / Male, is there a problem with leukemia? A: Leukemia typically involves an increase in white blood cells, which can be determined through a blood test. It is recommended that you go to a laboratory, clinic, or large hospital for examination. Wishing you saf...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Leukemia: Throat Pain and Weakness
Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Eosinophils Hello Doctor: I had a blood test at the hospital the other night, and the report shows that my eosinophil count is 8.9, while the normal range is 0-6. Should I undergo further testing? I kindly ask for your guidance. Thank you for your help!
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
In the classification of white blood cells, there are neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, etc. Therefore, the 8.9% you see is just a percentage, indicating that there are 8.9 eosinophils among 100 white blood cells. This ratio should be interpreted in conjunction wi...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophils: When to Seek Further Testing for Elevated Levels
Understanding Blood Test Anomalies and Groin Lump Concerns
Blood test issues and groin mass? Hello doctor, last month I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and to assess for anemia, I underwent a blood test. The report showed two abnormalities: neutrophils at 76.9% and lymphocytes at 16.7%, while other white blood cells and red blood cells...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The normal range for white blood cells (WBC) is 4,000 to 12,000 cells per microliter. White blood cells can be further classified into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and others. Therefore, a neutrophil percentage of 76.9% and a lymphocyte percentage of 16.7% represent a rat...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Anomalies and Groin Lump Concerns
Elevated Immature White Blood Cells and Atypical Lymphocytes: What to Know
Blood test shows elevated levels of immature white blood cells and atypical lymphocytes? I previously went to the hospital due to unstable blood pressure. The doctor initially planned to check my cholesterol levels through a blood test, but instead found immature white blood cell...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If immature white blood cells contain blast cells, it may indicate a hematologic malignancy, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Elevated Immature White Blood Cells and Atypical Lymphocytes: What to Know
Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Sternum issues Doctor, I have a question. I suddenly noticed a bruise on the front of my right calf, and I don't recall hitting it. It doesn't hurt much (today it has faded significantly and is almost healed). Additionally, a few days ago, I had some redness and swellin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah-Jeh / 38 years old / Male 1. Is there still a possibility of blood cancer? A: No, blood cancer refers to leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells rather than a decrease. 2. Is it abnormal that the white blood cell count is sligh...[Read More] Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Neutrophils and Lymphocytes Explained
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, on August 13th, my blood test results showed a WBC of 7.6, hemoglobin of 12.4, Neutrophils at 58.6%, Lymphocytes at 33%, and Monocytes at 7.5%. However, in today's blood test, my WBC is 6830, hemoglobin is 12.5, Neutrophils at 43.4%, Lymphocyt...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Neutrophils 40-75% and Lymphocytes 20-56% are considered normal. The percentages of Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Basophils, and Eosinophils are determined by the automated analysis of 500 white blood cells. Therefore, the percentages calculated from blood drawn at differe...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Neutrophils and Lymphocytes Explained
Can Normal Blood Tests Rule Out Blood Cancer? Understanding Sternum Pain
Midsternal tenderness Hello, doctor. Two weeks ago, I went to the hospital for a blood test because I had many small red spots on my arm, suspecting a coagulation issue. The report showed everything was normal, with normal blood cell counts and types of white blood cells. However...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a bone marrow biopsy is performed to diagnose blood cancer only after abnormal results are found in blood tests. You asked if it is possible to have blood cancer despite normal blood test results. In my 15 years as a physician, with 7 years specializing in hemat...[Read More] Can Normal Blood Tests Rule Out Blood Cancer? Understanding Sternum Pain
Understanding Easy Bruising: When to Seek Medical Attention
Easy bruising? Your question: Hello doctor, I recently noticed that my legs bruise easily, with multiple bruises and many petechiae on my skin. I had a cold a while ago, and since then my body temperature has been slightly elevated, around 37.3°C. There was one occasion when my t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It initially appears to have iron deficiency anemia; it is recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding the Connection Between Elevated White Blood Cells and Weight Gain
White blood cell and weight issues? Hello, I had a health check-up at the hospital on May 13th. The report indicated that my white blood cell count is 13,000, which is slightly elevated. My high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is >= 45. I did not have a cold or take any ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: If we exclude other acute and potential infectious causes, it is possible that the increase in white blood cell count is related to a significant weight gain.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Elevated White Blood Cells and Weight Gain
Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Why do doctors generally not recommend surgery? Is it because there may be potential complications? Hello Doctor, in early December 2016, I felt pain inside my right lower jaw. I thought about massaging it and found a lymph node. After taking medication at a nearby ENT clinic, it...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Since you have seen so many specialists, it's best to follow their advice and just observe. Clinically, lymph nodes that are recognized to have malignant changes typically have a diameter greater than 1 cm, and most cancers are around 2-3 cm in size. So, is your lymph...[Read More] Why Doctors Advise Against Lymph Node Removal: Understanding Risks and Concerns