Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Adult otitis media with effusion Dr. Hsu: Hello! A while ago, my mother experienced repeated colds for about a month. During the later stages of her cold, she reported that she seemed to have some hearing impairment in one ear (we also noticed that we needed to speak louder than ...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Hello, Little Black Pig: Middle ear effusion can be classified into acute and chronic types. Acute otitis media leading to middle ear effusion is caused by bacterial infection, with symptoms including ear pain and even discharge. Antibiotics can be effective in this case. Howev...[Read More] Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Lateral Pharyngeal Tumors: Risks, Size, and Comparison to Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Lateral pharyngeal tumor Recently, I suddenly felt a lump on the right side of my neck, so I went to the hospital for a check-up. After undergoing a CT scan and endoscopy, the doctor said it was a lateral pharyngeal tumor that requires surgery. I would like to ask if a lateral ph...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello! Here is my response: Lateral pharyngeal tumors can have many different cell types, most of which are benign, and they are completely different from nasopharyngeal carcinoma as you mentioned. Generally, if the tumor is more superficial, complete removal usually results in n...[Read More] Understanding Lateral Pharyngeal Tumors: Risks, Size, and Comparison to Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Managing Tinnitus After Major Illness: Seeking Solutions for Hearing Loss
Tinnitus following treatment for a major illness? Dear Director, I have a significant medical history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which I was treated for in July 2005. Recently, I started attending a yoga class, and I am unsure if it is related to my diet or the stretching exer...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello! I must honestly tell you that this is mostly due to the side effects following radiation therapy, primarily affecting the Eustachian tube, which is responsible for balancing middle ear pressure. This often leads to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. Clinically, i...[Read More] Managing Tinnitus After Major Illness: Seeking Solutions for Hearing Loss
Understanding EB Virus and Adenoid Enlargement: Key Insights for Patients
EB virus and adenoid hypertrophy issues? Dear Doctor, Two years ago, I visited a teaching hospital due to tinnitus, and the attending physician ordered a blood test for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which returned positive, but I had no other symptoms. Recently, in the past week or ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Since the majority of the population has been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a positive EBV IgA test is only for reference or for monitoring after nasopharyngeal cancer radiotherapy. The definitive diagnosis still relies primarily on nasopharyngeal t...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus and Adenoid Enlargement: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Nosebleeds: Are Allergies the Cause?
Why do nosebleeds occur? Hello Dr. Hu: My younger brother has been suffering from nasal allergies for 4 to 5 years! He is 14 years old this year. His nose has been uncomfortable, feeling congested, and itchy, which makes him want to rub it! He also frequently experiences itching ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, patients with allergic rhinitis often rub their noses or blow their noses due to itching, which can injure the nasal mucosa and lead to nosebleeds. However, it is also necessary to conduct some examinations to rule out the possibility of tumor...[Read More] Understanding Nosebleeds: Are Allergies the Cause?
Persistent Nosebleeds: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Recent occurrences of nosebleeds? Hello Dr. Cheng, Recently, I have noticed blood in my nasal mucus. Although I have experienced nosebleeds in the past, I have never encountered a situation like this where it does not heal. Each time I blow my nose, there are streaks of blood ra...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Nick, Regarding nasal bleeding, most of the bleeding occurs at the anterior part of the nasal septum, as this area is a convergence point for blood vessels. It can be caused by dry weather, trauma, or hypertension, leading to the rupture of blood vessels. Nasopharyngeal car...[Read More] Persistent Nosebleeds: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survival Rates and Recurrence Risks
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma survival rate? Hello Dr. Chen, my uncle has been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and has completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He is in stage III, and he still feels a slight hard lump; the doctor said it's normal. Is this true? My un...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Hello. In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, neck lumps may occur after radiation therapy. This is due to the death of tumor cells, which temporarily leaves the space previously occupied by the tumor filled with scar tissue, resulting in a firm and slightly s...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survival Rates and Recurrence Risks
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer? What are the exact symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Can it cause post-nasal drip and jaw clenching (because I previously experienced a clicking sound when moving my left temporomandibular joint, but now it hurts when I force it)? What does ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: The five major symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are (1) neck mass, (2) epistaxis, (3) diplopia, (4) unilateral serous otitis media, and (5) headache. Temporomandibular joint disorder and post-nasal drip are not typical symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Te...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Understanding EB Virus, Nasopharyngeal Cancer, and Ear Tumor Concerns
EB virus is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and tumors located behind the earlobe? Hello Dr. Chen, First of all, thank you for your professional and attentive response. Here are my questions: 1. Last year during my health check-up, my Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) test was...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, I have carefully read and provide the following response: 1. Individuals who have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) will have a lifelong positive result for EB IgG; however, EB IgA does not follow this pattern. Most p...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus, Nasopharyngeal Cancer, and Ear Tumor Concerns
Understanding Long-Term Unilateral Nasal Congestion: Causes and Concerns
Chronic nasal congestion on one side? Hello Dr. Yeh, I have been experiencing chronic nasal congestion in my left nostril. Additionally, I often have post-nasal drip (not self-induced, but I feel something in the upper part of my throat that I then swallow and spit out). Sometime...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: It is likely just chronic nasal congestion. A2: If you are concerned, please visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination. It may not necessarily be serious. A3: Testing for Epstein-Barr virus antibodies is quite valuable for reference. A4: It is indeed v...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Unilateral Nasal Congestion: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus issues? I have been experiencing tinnitus for the past 11 years, and sometimes I even have ear pain. I have undergone examinations before, and they all indicated that there were no issues. However, when the doctor used a stethoscope, they could indeed hear the same sound...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Subject: Q: Is there a way to treat tinnitus? A: Not necessarily treatable. ● Classification of Tinnitus The phrases "tinnitus is the gradual onset of deafness" and "if tinnitus persists, it will lead to deafness" highlight the potential severity of tinnitus...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Flexible Endoscopy: Safety and Pain Concerns in ENT Exams
Please ask another question? The hospital's website states: The newly introduced flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope is equipped to examine the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, base of the tongue, hypopharynx, and larynx through the nostrils. It is an effective tool for diagnosing c...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Regarding your literal question, nasopharyngoscopy is quite safe. During the examination, you may experience some discomfort and a sensation of nasal congestion. However, some patients may feel uncomfortable due to excessive anxiety. G6PD deficiency does not affec...[Read More] Understanding Flexible Endoscopy: Safety and Pain Concerns in ENT Exams
Understanding One-Sided Nasal Congestion: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Nasal issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if my persistent unilateral nasal congestion is related to nasopharyngeal cancer. Recently, I came across some information about nasopharyngeal cancer and noticed that one side of my face is more swollen, and I have been experiencin...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Based on your literal question, the only clinical method for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma is to have an expert examine the nasopharynx to check for the presence of a tumor. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a nearby otolaryngology clinic for a physical e...[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Nasal Congestion: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Persistent Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Continuous tinnitus..? I have been experiencing continuous tinnitus, described as the sound of insects and birds, for the past two months. Could this be related to aging and degeneration? It has been a constant source of distress for me, often preventing me from sleeping. Could y...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Please visit the outpatient clinic for examination. **Inner Ear Tinnitus** As the name suggests, inner ear tinnitus is caused by lesions in the inner ear. The most well-known conditions associated with this are Meniere's disease and the increasingly comm...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Understanding Nasal Congestion and Neck Swelling: Key Concerns
Nasal turbinate hypertrophy & mild neck swelling Hello Doctor, I have chronic rhinitis caused by allergies, with long-term nasal congestion (usually affecting only one nostril recently), occasional sneezing in the morning, and a feeling of slight numbness or pressure in my he...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello, there is currently no evidence linking chronic allergic rhinitis with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. If you have swelling in the neck, it is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination. Hu Ke-xin.[Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion and Neck Swelling: Key Concerns
Understanding Nasal Issues: Polyp Concerns and Cancer Screening
Nasal issues Hello Dr. Hong, My husband underwent a health check-up at a health examination center in July this year, and he has some issues related to his nose, including: 1. Nasopharyngoscopy: bilateral nasal polyps (which have been present for over twenty years; he feels lik...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned, a nasopharyngoscopy has already been performed, and I believe there are no obvious tumors in the nasopharynx. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) markers are reference indicators, but the most important factor is still the clinical findings. Typ...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Issues: Polyp Concerns and Cancer Screening
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms and Thyroid Nodules
Question What are the symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Is there a possibility of a lump, and if so, where is it located? Additionally, regarding the small lump near the neck that a doctor mentioned could be related to the thyroid, is that correct?
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Mr. Lai, The symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma include neck masses, diplopia, middle ear effusion, headaches, and epistaxis. Among these, neck masses are the most significant symptom, typically located in the lateral neck region. Given that there are numerous potential c...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms and Thyroid Nodules
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Ear Ringing
Tinnitus In the past week, I suddenly experienced persistent tinnitus in my left ear. It is continuous and not very noticeable during the day, but at night, when it's quiet and there are no external noises, it becomes particularly pronounced while I'm trying to sleep.
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
● Classification of Tinnitus "Tinnitus is a gradual onset of deafness," and "If tinnitus persists, it may lead to deafness." These ancient phrases highlight the serious possibility that tinnitus can cause significant hearing loss. The English term for tinnitus...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Ear Ringing
Facing Stage 1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Surgery Concerns and Alternatives
Stage I nasopharyngeal carcinoma refuses surgery? My father was hospitalized last week for examination, and yesterday the hospital's report indicated that he has stage I nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a malignant tumor approximately 2 cm in size. The doctor recommended surger...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Hello. If the patient is not willing to undergo surgery, radiation therapy can be considered, and it has shown good results.[Read More] Facing Stage 1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Surgery Concerns and Alternatives
Surgery vs. Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: What to Choose?
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is typically treated with radiation therapy rather than surgery? My father is 84 years old and has recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after a hospital examination. The doctor suggested surgical removal via a lateral nasal approach...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is generally recommended that nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) be treated primarily with radiation therapy.[Read More] Surgery vs. Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: What to Choose?