Should I Get a CT Scan or Consult an ENT Specialist for My Concerns?
Seeking advice, please? I have been troubled by a neck tumor for a long time, so I went to see a doctor. He only performed a physical examination and determined that I have lymphadenopathy, but this lymph node measures 2.5 cm, almost 3 cm, and there is also a small mass nearby th...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, you can either undergo a CT scan or consult an otolaryngologist to assess whether there are any issues in the nasopharynx. If abnormalities are found, a nasopharyngeal biopsy will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. You may choose the option that is more convenient base...[Read More] Should I Get a CT Scan or Consult an ENT Specialist for My Concerns?
Can I Wear Braces After Radiation Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
After radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Doctor: May I ask if I can wear braces after completing radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: After completing radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, it is advisable to consult with a dental specialist at the hospital to evaluate whether you can wear braces or undergo dental procedures. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of t...[Read More] Can I Wear Braces After Radiation Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Parent's Guide to Diagnosis and Concerns
Malignant nasopharyngeal carcinoma Hello Dr. Cheng~~~~~ My child (14 years old) has been suffering from long-term nasal allergies for many years and has been regularly visiting a clinic for allergy medication. However, recently the effectiveness of the medication seems to have di...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Currently, the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma still requires a nasopharyngeal biopsy for confirmation. Blood tests can only provide reference values. It is recommended to seek a second opinion at another hospital. If both physicians suggest a nasopharyngeal biopsy, ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Parent's Guide to Diagnosis and Concerns
Understanding Elevated EB IGA Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated EB IgA index? The EB IGA index in the company health check shows a value of 16.7, with a reference value of less than 9.0 NTU. Is this value considered very high? I am very concerned and would appreciate your advice!
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, Dr. Rui: If the EBV IgA levels are elevated, it does not necessarily indicate nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but it is still recommended to visit a hospital for an examination of the nasopharynx by an otolaryngologist to confirm the diagnosis. Wishing you safety and health. Sin...[Read More] Understanding Elevated EB IGA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ear Sounds: What Does Fluid in the Ear Mean?
There is a sound of water in the ear? For the past six months, I've been experiencing a sensation of water in my ears. At first, I didn't think much of it and assumed it was due to unclean ears, so I cleaned them, which led to some inflammation and pain. Eventually, it ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Regarding the issue of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, if an endoscopic examination is deemed necessary, the physician may recommend a nasopharyngeal biopsy. If there are no specific abnormalities, most often observation is advised. However, your symptoms may be more indicative of Eust...[Read More] Understanding Ear Sounds: What Does Fluid in the Ear Mean?
Should You Get Tested for EB Virus After Close Contact with a Patient?
Can one contract the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)? If you have been in close proximity to a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient while eating and talking for an extended period, and you are concerned about the possibility of being exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) through saliva, i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello AARON: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is not the only factor that causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma; it is the result of multiple factors combined. There is no need to worry about infection or an increased risk of cancer simply due to contact with nasopharyngeal carci...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for EB Virus After Close Contact with a Patient?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, last year at the end of the year, I had a lymph node in the middle of my neck, which may have been caused by inflammation from acne. However, I was not at ease and visited two major hospitals to see an ENT specialist. In January, I also underwent ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Both colds and cold sores can cause lymphadenopathy due to infection. 2. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is primarily confirmed through nasopharyngeal biopsy, but if a nasopharyngoscopy shows no issues, the likelihood of problems is relatively low. If abnormalities are detecte...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Mucus: Causes and Concerns
Blood in nasal mucus Hello Dr. Zheng, I have been experiencing nasal discharge with blood streaks for a month. The first occurrence, about two weeks ago, seemed to be from the anterior nasal vestibule, and I could wipe it away with tissue. Last week, it appeared to be from the na...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Allergic rhinitis can still cause blood-tinged nasal discharge due to microvascular rupture. As for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the primary method of diagnosis involves endoscopic evaluation followed by biopsy of any suspicious areas. Blood tests can only reference EBV-IgA, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Mucus: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Streaks in Throat: When to Consider Further Testing
Blood streaks in the throat? Hello, doctor. It seems that I have undergone several nasal endoscopies. Currently, there is some redness and swelling observed on the medial wall of the nasopharynx. The doctor mentioned that it looks okay but still could not determine the cause. Occ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If the index is abnormal, further consideration for a biopsy may be warranted. The biopsy site should be determined by the physician from the suspected area. If the index is normal, it may be advisable to continue monitoring and observation. Wishing you peace and good heal...[Read More] Understanding Blood Streaks in Throat: When to Consider Further Testing
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Lymphoid Hypertrophy and Cancer Risks
Nasopharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia The doctor recently performed a nasal endoscopy and mentioned that the lymphoid tissue at the back of the nasal cavity appeared more red and swollen. However, nothing unusual was observed. I would like to know if this swollen lymphoid tissue co...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx is often red and swollen, primarily due to nasopharyngitis. Occasionally, forceful nose blowing may result in blood-tinged mucus; however, if bleeding persists and does not improve, it is important to rule out nasopharyngeal carcinoma...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Lymphoid Hypertrophy and Cancer Risks
Understanding Nasal Bleeding: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Some questions to ask? Hello, doctor. Over the past two years, I've occasionally noticed blood streaks in the mucus from my left nostril, about every few months. I visited an ENT specialist who performed a nasal endoscopy and found no abnormalities in my nasal cavity or thro...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you have already undergone an endoscopic examination by an otolaryngologist, nasopharyngeal carcinoma can likely be temporarily ruled out. If there are any abnormalities, the physician may recommend a nasopharyngeal biopsy. Given the current situation, it is advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Bleeding: When to Worry About Cancer Risks
Understanding Tinnitus: Do Benign Nasopharyngeal Growths Require Removal?
About Tinnitus Recently, I have been experiencing a low buzzing sound in my right ear. I underwent a nasopharyngoscopy and biopsy at National Taiwan University, and the results showed benign lymphoid hyperplasia in the nasal area. Should I consider removal, and will it improve my...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello Zoneching: If the nasopharyngeal biopsy results indicate lymphoid hyperplasia, it suggests that there is currently no indication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the tissue is normal lymphoid tissue. Therefore, there is no need for excision, and removing the lymphoid tissue...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Do Benign Nasopharyngeal Growths Require Removal?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Biopsy: What to Expect and Next Steps
Nasopharyngeal biopsy Hello, Dr. Hsu. Last month, my comprehensive health check revealed a positive EB VCA IgA index. I visited the ENT department, and during my first consultation, the doctor used an endoscope to examine me, which appeared normal. They also drew blood for furthe...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Abnormal blood test results do require careful attention, but blood tests are not the only basis for diagnosis. The most accurate method is a biopsy, which is currently the definitive standard for medical evaluation. Of course, there are limitations to biopsies, such as th...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Biopsy: What to Expect and Next Steps
Understanding Lumps Near the Jaw: Causes and Concerns for Ear and Throat Issues
There is a 2-3 cm swelling at the junction of the lower jaw and the posterior neck, 3 cm below the right ear? Dear Dr. Cheng, Two weeks ago, I woke up to find a "sudden lump about 2-3 cm" at the junction of my right jaw and the back of my neck, approximately 3 cm below...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ah Kai, Based on the symptoms you described, it appears that you may be experiencing lymphadenopathy. The most common causes are infections in the head and neck region, such as infections of the ear or teeth. An endoscopic examination typically only requires entry through o...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Near the Jaw: Causes and Concerns for Ear and Throat Issues
High Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening Index: What You Need to Know
The screening index for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is excessively high? Hello, doctor. In October, I went to the hospital for a health check-up, and the report revealed that my blood test showed an elevated level of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma marker. The normal range for EB VCA I...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear: Hello, a high index for nasopharyngeal carcinoma does not necessarily indicate that one has the disease. The definitive diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma still requires a nasopharyngeal biopsy, which should then be sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagno...[Read More] High Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening Index: What You Need to Know
Long-Standing Neck Mass: Should I Monitor or Consider Surgery?
A neck mass that has been present for many years? Hello, Director: I had some small lumps in my neck since childhood, and my family said they would disappear as I grew up. However, there is still one on the left side. Ten years ago, while I was in high school, I discovered two mo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: When a mass is found in the neck, there is usually a concern about whether it is a metastatic malignant tumor, with nasopharyngeal carcinoma being a common example. An endoscopy may be necessary for diagnosis. After ruling out common lesions, it could also be lymphadenopat...[Read More] Long-Standing Neck Mass: Should I Monitor or Consider Surgery?
Understanding the Link Between Chronic Rhinitis and Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Rhinitis and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Hello, I have been experiencing chronic rhinitis, with persistent nasal congestion. Medication only helps to manage the symptoms. I have come across information online suggesting that rhinitis can develop into nasopharyngeal cancer. Is this t...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Currently, there is no medical evidence to suggest that rhinitis can evolve into nasopharyngeal carcinoma.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Chronic Rhinitis and Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Ear Lumps and Chronic Nasal Congestion: What You Need to Know
Hard lump behind the ear, frequent nasal congestion on the left side? I have noticed a hard lump behind my left ear for about five to six years, approximately located at the area of the mastoid process. The lump is about 1-2 centimeters in size, feels very hard, and is not painfu...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In individuals of Eastern descent, a lump behind the ear should first raise suspicion for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, especially given your symptoms of nasal congestion. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further nasopharyngeal examination. Additionally, you ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Lumps and Chronic Nasal Congestion: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and When to Seek Help
The sensation of fullness or blockage in the right ear? Since yesterday, I've been feeling a blockage in my right ear upon waking up. Initially, I also experienced pain in the right side of my neck, similar to discomfort caused by poor posture. However, after an afternoon, t...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Eustachian tube obstruction is indeed one of the symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Generally, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist, who can use a mirror or nasopharyngoscope to observe the nasopharynx and determine if there are any tumors present. If confirma...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Swallowing Sounds: Causes and Treatment Options
Making noise while swallowing saliva? Hello Doctor: Previously, I suddenly became unable to adapt to the sound of swallowing saliva, and I lost a lot of weight within a few days. I visited an ear, nose, and throat clinic, and they said it was an issue with the Eustachian tube. Af...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: The clinical manifestations of Eustachian tube disorders are similar to what you mentioned. Whether it is blockage or over-dilation, these sensations are common and usually do not require special attention, as they often resolve on their own over time. It is worth noting t...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Sounds: Causes and Treatment Options