Understanding Vascular Proliferation in Breast Fibroadenomas: To Remove or Monitor?
Fibroadenoma with vascular proliferation? Hello, I live in Malaysia. During my last visit to Taiwan, I had a breast ultrasound that revealed a tumor. The doctor mentioned there was vascular proliferation. After a biopsy, although it was benign, the doctor still recommended surgic...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Surgical Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: The determination of whether a breast tumor is benign or malignant is based on pathological examination of biopsy samples. If the breast tumor has been confirmed as benign through ...[Read More] Understanding Vascular Proliferation in Breast Fibroadenomas: To Remove or Monitor?
Does Hormone Progesterone Influence Colorectal Tumor Growth?
Does progesterone affect colorectal tumors? Dear Doctor: Does taking hormones and progesterone increase the risk of growth in colorectal tumors? Additionally, could the use of hormones and progesterone potentially induce the recurrence of colorectal tumors that have been previous...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hormonal agents are generally considered to have a stronger association with breast cancer and reproductive system cancers, while their connection to colorectal tumors is relatively weaker. However, if a colorectal tumor has been previously resected, regular follow-up examination...[Read More] Does Hormone Progesterone Influence Colorectal Tumor Growth?
Understanding Numbness in Breast Cancer Survivors: Causes and Solutions
Some issues faced by breast cancer patients? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my mother, who is 53 years old. Last year, she underwent a right mastectomy due to stage I breast cancer and had three lymph nodes removed. She first received four cycles of Adriamycin chemothera...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, Executive Yuan Health Department, One of the side effects of paclitaxel is peripheral neuropathy (numbness in the hands and feet), which may improve after discontinuation of the medication. Taking vitamins may a...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Breast Cancer Survivors: Causes and Solutions
Understanding White Discharge from Nipples: Causes and Concerns
There is a milky white discharge from the nipple? Hello, Doctor: Here’s the situation. Ever since I gave birth to my first child ten years ago, and even until three years later with my second child, I have had low milk supply but experienced feelings of breast engorgement, so I w...
Dr. Lai Jihong Reply:
Dear guest, Regarding your inquiry about the occasional discharge of a milky-white fluid when squeezing the breast, clinically, this is often related to milk production, also known as galactorrhea. It is associated with regular ovulation, menstruation, or pregnancy (as colostru...[Read More] Understanding White Discharge from Nipples: Causes and Concerns
Managing Side Effects of Paclitaxel in Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients
What are some concerns regarding the administration of paclitaxel in breast cancer patients? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you some questions. My mother is a stage I breast cancer patient and has received four injections of small red berry extract. She has now received her fi...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
1. Numbness in the hands and feet is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and it typically improves gradually within one to two years after treatment. At this stage, it is advisable to supplement with B vitamins (such as vitamin B complex) and to increase fluid intake post-chemo...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Paclitaxel in Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Is Trastuzumab Covered by Insurance for Stage 1 Breast Cancer Patients?
Is there health insurance coverage for patients with stage I breast cancer for the drug paclitaxel? Hello Doctor: My mother is a stage I breast cancer patient, with no metastasis, and she has had her entire right breast removed. However, her doctor said she needs to undergo 8 ses...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Hello, based on my understanding, for stage I breast cancer, chemotherapy with taxanes may not necessarily be required, and it is important to complete the chemotherapy regimen. If there is lymph node involvement and the hormone receptor (ER) is negative, coverage for treatment m...[Read More] Is Trastuzumab Covered by Insurance for Stage 1 Breast Cancer Patients?
Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consume Soy Products During Chemotherapy?
Is it true that breast cancer patients should avoid soy products? Hello Doctor: My mother is 53 years old and has stage I breast cancer without metastasis. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The doctor provided us with a list of items that should be avoided, including gins...
Dr. Lai Jihong Reply:
Hello, Xiaozhi: Regarding your question about whether breast cancer patients should avoid soy products, after discussions with the oncologist and nutritionist at our hospital, it is suggested that there is currently no effective evidence proving that breast cancer patients cannot...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consume Soy Products During Chemotherapy?
How to Handle Early Stage Breast Cancer: A Guide for Patients
What should be done to manage early-stage breast cancer? Hello Doctor: My mother is 52 years old. In late December of last year, a tumor was discovered in her right breast during a check-up. The tumor is located deep and cannot be felt by touch, measuring about 1 cm. It is painle...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the pathology report has been confirmed, trust the report and find a way to address the issue. 2. Based on the stated tumor size of 1 cm, if the pathology report indicates early stage (Stage I), breast-conserving surgery can be performed, which has minimal impact on ...[Read More] How to Handle Early Stage Breast Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Fibromas: Armpit Swelling and Pain Concerns
Fibroma with swelling and pain in the axilla? Doctor, I discovered a 1.6 cm fibroma in my left breast during a check-up on December 31. Since then, I have noticed that a certain area in both of my armpits has become swollen and painful when pressed. I felt a hard lump a few month...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, Executive Yuan Health Department, If the tumor in your left breast has been examined by a physician and diagnosed as a fibroma, it would not be breast cancer. If you are very concerned, it is recommended that yo...[Read More] Understanding Fibromas: Armpit Swelling and Pain Concerns
Understanding Breast Fibroadenomas: Pain and Tumor Concerns
Breast-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have a breast fibrocystic condition, and now I am experiencing pain in the area near the axilla and the upper outer quadrant of my breast. The pain is quite noticeable during massage and feels different from the pain on the other side. Coul...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Breast pain is indeed one of the concerns that troubles women, but there are many causes for breast pain, which are often related to the menstrual cycle. Breasts may swell during menstruation and feel better afterward. Of course, there are also many causes that remain unidentifie...[Read More] Understanding Breast Fibroadenomas: Pain and Tumor Concerns
Post-Surgery Care for Breast Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Postoperative care issues following breast surgery? Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you very much for your detailed response on August 15th. My mother and our family feel more informed about the surgery, and we are more at ease after reading your reply. Thank you. My mother (56 years old) u...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Dear Miss Juanjuan, I apologize for the delay in my response as I attended the International Breast Medicine Conference in Taipei this past Saturday and Sunday. I hope this has not caused you any concern. I am pleased to hear that your biopsy results indicate benign calcified ti...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care for Breast Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Understanding the Process of Breast Biopsy Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
The process of breast biopsy surgery? Hello: 1. Outpatient Information: A mammogram revealed calcifications in the left breast, suspected to be malignant tissue. The doctor recommends a three-day hospitalization for a biopsy (requiring general anesthesia), followed by pathologi...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Juan Juan, I apologize for not responding promptly due to my recent business trips. The biopsy procedure, which requires general anesthesia, is necessary to obtain sufficient tissue for diagnosis, and it is the most definitive step for accurate diagnosis. Generally, Fin...[Read More] Understanding the Process of Breast Biopsy Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Areola: What Men Should Know
Hard lump beneath the areola? I have noticed a hard lump about 1.5 cm in size located in the upper part of my right areola over the past couple of days. It is slightly painful when pressed. What could this be? I haven't paid attention to how long it has been there. I am an a...
Dr. Li Guoding Reply:
Dear Dr. Li Guoding, Department of Surgery, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1) A hard lump under the male breast is usually indicative of "gynecomastia." 2) Men can also develop breast cancer, although the incidence is very low. 3) A chest X-ray cannot...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Under the Areola: What Men Should Know
Understanding Breast Changes: Should You See a Doctor?
Breast issues? Hello, today I learned that my mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I performed a self-examination and found that my left breast has an irregular shape (with some areas appearing sunken, etc.), but there are no lumps. Could this possibly be breast cance...
Dr. Niu Zhenyuan Reply:
The left breast exhibits irregularities (including some indentations), which may be congenital. However, it is important to monitor for any discharge; if present, ductal disorders should be considered. A maternal history of breast cancer indicates a family history, and regular br...[Read More] Understanding Breast Changes: Should You See a Doctor?
Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage 4 Breast Cancer Recovery
Post-operative issues after breast cancer surgery? Dear Doctor, My mother has stage 4 breast cancer. She underwent surgery to remove her left breast a year ago, but the wound has not healed and continues to ulcerate. Recently, we have noticed signs of the wound expanding, and w...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
In clinical practice, breast cancer is typically classified into four stages for convenience. Stage I: The tumor within the breast has a diameter of less than 2 centimeters. These tumors are mostly painless and can be movable upon palpation. The cancer is localized within the b...[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage 4 Breast Cancer Recovery
Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms: Key Questions and Answers
Please clarify your question? Hello, I have a few questions for Dr. Lin: Last year, I experienced persistent pain in my left arm, which initially was localized to the arm but has now extended to the entire arm and left chest. After seeing a doctor and undergoing an ultrasound, I ...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Mandy, After reading your letter, I understand that you are a serious woman who takes great care of herself. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. In Taiwan, women tend to have smaller breasts with less fat and denser tissue, making ultrasound a very effective an...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms: Key Questions and Answers
Breast Fibroadenoma Surgery: Impact on Future Breastfeeding and Recovery
Breast fibroma..!!? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if having surgery on the breast will affect future breastfeeding, as I am not yet married. Also, if a lump is removed, will there be any indentation at the incision site? How long will it take for the wound to heal? Will one b...
Dr. Wang Zhitang Reply:
Hello, Xiaomi: Breast lumps are a concern for many women, as they fear the possibility of breast cancer. However, not all breast lumps are malignant tumors. The issue you mentioned pertains to fibroadenomas, which are benign breast tumors commonly found in young women. Fibroadeno...[Read More] Breast Fibroadenoma Surgery: Impact on Future Breastfeeding and Recovery
Understanding Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy for Breast Lumps
Breast examination I am 38 years old and unmarried. I have had a lump in my breast for several years, which has been continuously monitored without significant changes. This year, I went to another hospital for an examination, where I underwent both mammography and ultrasound. Th...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Hello Melody: As an unmarried individual of appropriate age, your risk of developing breast cancer is already higher than that of the general population. Additionally, since you have had a lump for several years, the hospital's decision to perform a mammogram and ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy for Breast Lumps
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
There is a lump in the breast? Hello Doctor, I have noticed hard lumps in both of my breasts. The lump on the right side is located in the lower right quadrant, and the lump on the left side is in the upper right quadrant. I had an examination three years ago, and a doctor in Tai...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
A young woman has had hard lumps in both breasts for three years, along with itching and pain in the nipples. It is recommended to have annual follow-up examinations with a general surgeon or a breast surgeon, and to undergo at least one breast ultrasound each year to monitor for...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Understanding Localized Antiperspirants: Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Options
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Regarding the antiperspirants you mentioned, are you referring to prescription medications or commercially available deodorants? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Most antiperspirants are quite similar and generally contain aluminum salts. However, some people claim that certain antiperspirants are associated with breast cancer (though this has not been proven). It is recommended that you consult a dermatologist for advice.[Read More] Understanding Localized Antiperspirants: Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Options