Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Stage I lung adenocarcinoma My grandmother, born in 1931, underwent a single-port thoracoscopic surgery on the right upper lobe last month. Last week, the pathology report confirmed that the doctor diagnosed her with early-stage lung cancer, stage I. The physician recommended tak...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to discuss with your grandmother's primary care physician.[Read More] Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Stage 1A Lung Adenocarcinoma: CT Options
Postoperative follow-up for stage 1A lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask whether, after being diagnosed with stage 1A lung adenocarcinoma and having undergone surgery 4.5 years ago, I should have follow-up imaging with a chest CT without contrast (approximat...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Joytu: Both options are acceptable, but LDCT is not covered by health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Stage 1A Lung Adenocarcinoma: CT Options
Should I See an ENT or Pulmonologist for Chronic Cough and Throat Issues?
Should I see an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist? Hello Dr. Yang, I have hypertension and take one tablet of Epaned 5/80 daily to control my blood pressure. Since December of last year, I have been experiencing chronic cough and a dry throat with a feeling of inflammation. Aft...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray is normal, and you do not smoke, so there is no need to worry about lung adenocarcinoma at this time. The symptoms you are experiencing may be related to your constitution, and it is recommended that you consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.[Read More] Should I See an ENT or Pulmonologist for Chronic Cough and Throat Issues?
Is Lung Cancer Contagious? Understanding Transmission Myths and Facts
Is lung cancer contagious? Hello, doctor. Can lung cancer (or lung adenocarcinoma) be transmitted through the mouth, nose, saliva, or any other means?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It will not be transmitted through the means you described![Read More] Is Lung Cancer Contagious? Understanding Transmission Myths and Facts
Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Should long-term chest pain symptoms raise concerns about the early stages of lung cancer? Since June, I have been experiencing respiratory symptoms that feel like tightness in my airways, accompanied by pain in the left side of my chest. My shoulders feel forward, and I also exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your physician has actively arranged for the relevant examinations. Both asthma and mitral valve prolapse can potentially cause chest tightness. Currently, the chest pain seems more like neuropathic pain. Early-stage lung tumors rarely cause chest pain. It is recommended t...[Read More] Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Screening Age for Smokers
Age for lung adenocarcinoma screening? I have been smoking for over 7 years. Originally, it was 8 years, but I don't smoke on Saturdays and Sundays, so I'm not sure if I can count it as over 7 years. Is that a valid way to calculate it? I quit smoking a year ago. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Congratulations on quitting smoking for a year! From now on, your risk of developing lung cancer should be similar to that of non-smokers, so there’s no need to worry excessively![Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Screening Age for Smokers
Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
I have been coughing for five months and have seen over 20 doctors, yet it still hasn't improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since early March and have seen a doctor for the first time. I have continued to see doctors for examinations, and I have seen more than 20 do...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: At the age of 24, the likelihood of developing lung adenocarcinoma is low. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be one of the causes of chronic cough. It is important to consider whether the cough is related to occupational exposure. Pulmonary functi...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
Understanding Treatment for Lung Cancer and Related Symptoms
Lung issues Hello doctor, my father was diagnosed with stage III lung adenocarcinoma last year. He has already undergone surgery and completed six rounds of chemotherapy. However, the day after his last chemotherapy session, he suddenly started experiencing dizziness and a loss o...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
It is possible that the high calcium levels were discovered during a clinical blood test, and this may not necessarily be related to the dizziness. For further details, please consult the attending physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Treatment for Lung Cancer and Related Symptoms
Managing Neck Swelling and Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Swelling and pain in the neck? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old and has stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. He has completed six cycles of chemotherapy and is resting for a month before starting the seventh cycle. Throughout the process, my father's health has been quite go...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your father's condition is best understood by the attending physician. First, we would like to thank the medical team for their effective treatment. However, we would like to ask the attending physician if the discomfort in his neck could be a potential side effect of...[Read More] Managing Neck Swelling and Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
About lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a cold with symptoms of cough, runny nose, and sore throat since mid-February. I have seen 3 to 4 doctors over the course of about 10 days without improvement. Eventually, I discovered that my symptoms were due to ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR LEE: Based on your description, I think one diagnosis that must be considered is tuberculosis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis typically does not present with afternoon fevers, so tuberculosis should be considered. Please visit an otolaryngologist for a biopsy; it is unlikely to b...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Pain Management and Survival Rates
Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma I would like to ask about a situation where a patient has been coughing for a long time, leading to chest pain and side abdominal pain, and subsequently sought medical attention. It was discovered that there is pleural effusion, and after hospitalizat...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR OZ: Cancer staging is assessed using the T (tumor size), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis) system. If pleural effusion is related to cancer, it indicates metastasis. If pain persists, a transdermal fentanyl patch can be used. The average survival period is around 6 to 9 mo...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Pain Management and Survival Rates
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening for Non-Smokers
Regarding lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who is in her 50s. She undergoes annual health check-ups and regularly gets chest X-rays. Her overall health is good, her diet is normal, and she does not smoke. There is no family history of lung ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The causes of cancer are still not clearly understood, with both environmental and genetic factors playing a role. It is recommended to have regular X-ray examinations annually, and considering low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs every 2-3 years is also ad...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening for Non-Smokers
Surgical Treatment Options for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Benefits
Surgical treatment for stage IV lung adenocarcinoma? Director Huang, I would like to seek your expertise regarding my mother, who is 68 years old. In January 2017, a CT scan revealed a 2 cm tumor in the lower right lung. Follow-up biopsies and Tc-99m MDP scans confirmed stage IV ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR AKIRA: Stage IV lung cancer is generally inoperable; however, if there is downstaging after targeted therapy, surgery is certainly recommended as it tends to have a higher survival rate. If surgery is not an option, there are many medications available for lung adenocarcinom...[Read More] Surgical Treatment Options for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Benefits
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Insights on Diagnosis and Prognosis
The lung biopsy results indicate lung adenocarcinoma. I would like to understand more details? GROSS FINDING: The entire specimen is embedded in 2 blocks. Immunostaining for TTF-1 is performed on block A (HBH). MICROSCOPIC FINDING: Sections show desmoplastic stroma with infiltr...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Prognosis is related to the extent of tumor spread and specific biochemical/immunological markers. It is advisable to discuss this in detail with your attending physician to determine the subsequent management plan.[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Insights on Diagnosis and Prognosis
Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Imaging Interpretation of Lung Adenocarcinoma Dear Dr. Zhou, My wife was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma three years ago, which has spread to both lungs. After examination, the doctors determined that targeted therapy was not suitable, and the effectiveness of conventional ch...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Imaging studies may not definitively tell you what it is. Therefore, each method of monitoring or biopsy has its pros and cons. From a diagnostic standpoint, to confirm the possibility, surgery may still be necessary. However, since it is an invasive procedure, please disc...[Read More] Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Chest Tightness Near Ribs: Understanding Pain After Lung Surgery
I feel tightness near my right rib cage, and it hurts when I lift heavy objects? I was diagnosed with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma six years ago and underwent surgery to remove one lobe of my right lung. I have since recovered from the surgery and have regular check-ups with n...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao: Due to your medical history, I personally recommend scheduling a CT scan or bone scan, as X-rays cannot detect subtle changes. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.[Read More] Chest Tightness Near Ribs: Understanding Pain After Lung Surgery
Persistent Coughing: Could It Be Lung Cancer Despite Normal Tests?
Regarding the recent issue of persistent coughing that cannot be resolved? Hello, I have a smoking habit and a history of tuberculosis. Recently, I have been coughing persistently, and after undergoing tests, black spots were found in my lungs. A biopsy indicated no issues, but d...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, due to the ongoing progression of the pulmonary imaging findings (black spots?), even though the biopsy report is normal, the possibility of malignancy cannot be ruled out. The actual situation should be primarily assessed by the treating physician. Please continue to moni...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Could It Be Lung Cancer Despite Normal Tests?
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Are They Always Malignant?
Ground-glass opacities Hello Dr. Huang: Two years ago, my mother had a CT scan during a health check-up that revealed a 0.2 cm ground-glass opacity in the right upper lobe of her lung. It has been continuously monitored for two years without any changes. Could this be malignant? ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
If there is no change in size, regular follow-up imaging studies should continue. If there are any concerns, please follow the recommendations of the attending physician. The determination of malignancy should still be based on pathological examination. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Are They Always Malignant?
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: What to Do Next for Lung Health?
Ground-glass opacities Hello Doctor, my sister was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma, and I have been a smoker for many years. I have been experiencing a cough, so I first went to a clinic for a chest X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. However, my family was ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
According to the current lung cancer screening guidelines in the United States, if there is a confirmed ground-glass opacity measuring 1.3 cm, it is recommended to follow up with imaging in 3 to 6 months. Further recommendations will be based on the results of the follow-up. If y...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: What to Do Next for Lung Health?
Optimal Treatment Strategies for ALK-Positive Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma
Issues with targeted therapies for lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about the treatment options for a patient with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma (with brain metastasis) who has an ALK gene mutation. 1. If participating in a clinical trial with oral ALK-targ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Huang: Due to the lack of TKI medications for ALK mutations at our hospital, we have to transfer you to another facility. However, similar to other cases of lung adenocarcinoma, I would recommend starting with oral targeted therapy as the first line. If that is ineffective, ...[Read More] Optimal Treatment Strategies for ALK-Positive Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma