Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Lower back pain? Hello, I apologize for taking your time. I would like to ask you about a sudden onset of lower back pain I experienced a few days ago. Initially, it was just a simple ache in my lower back, but the next day I began to feel discomfort behind my knees, and later, t...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Sciatica is essentially a symptom that relies on clinical diagnosis. As for whether the cause is a herniated disc, it is certainly a possibility. The diagnostic tools commonly used are computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is also possible for sciatica ...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Transplant Risks and Options for Patients
Confusion about liver transplantation? I would like to consult a physician regarding my mother, who is suffering from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Since I am living abroad, I am unable to fully understand her condition. Among my five siblings, only I share the same blood type as m...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Hello: Most liver cancer cases are caused by cirrhosis. In Taiwan, 80% of liver cancer cases are due to hepatitis B and C leading to the progression of cirrhosis into liver cancer. Currently, cirrhosis cannot be improved. If liver cancer develops after cirrhosis, the prognosis af...[Read More] Understanding Liver Transplant Risks and Options for Patients
Effective Treatments for Visible Facial Microvessels: IPL vs. Laser
Microvascular dilation Dear Doctor: The microvessels on my face are very prominent, especially on my cheeks and around my nose. What can I do to remove them? Should I consider intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser treatment? Which option has the best results and the lowest risks? H...
Dr. Luo Qihua Reply:
Treatment for telangiectasia shows better results with finer vessels compared to thicker ones. Whether using intense pulsed light (IPL) or lasers (such as dye lasers), multiple sessions are required to see noticeable effects. IPL typically requires more sessions but does not affe...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Visible Facial Microvessels: IPL vs. Laser
Post-Surgery Complications of Colon Cancer: Understanding Risks and Treatments
Complications after colorectal cancer surgery? Hello Doctor, my mother is 64 years old. She was diagnosed with colon cancer two weeks ago and has already undergone surgery. However, it has been over a week since the surgery, and she has not passed gas, has stiffness in her neck, ...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: 1. Colorectal cancer commonly metastasizes to the liver and lungs, while bone metastasis can occur but is less frequent. 2. Based on your description, it is not possible to fully determine whether surgery is the better option. Considerations include: (1) Are there multiple...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications of Colon Cancer: Understanding Risks and Treatments
Breast Nipple Reconstruction: Timing and Breastfeeding Concerns
Questions about nipple reconstruction? Hello Doctor, I have a congenital inverted nipple issue, and to overcome my psychological barriers, I am considering surgery. However, I recently got married and plan to conceive this year or next. I have heard from other doctors that nipple...
Dr. Luo Qihua Reply:
Hello: Most inverted nipple correction surgeries involve cutting the milk ducts, which means that breastfeeding will not be possible after the surgery. Therefore, if you plan to have children in the future and wish to breastfeed, this surgery should not be performed. Even if you ...[Read More] Breast Nipple Reconstruction: Timing and Breastfeeding Concerns
Understanding Liver Tumors: Distinguishing Between Benign and Malignant Lesions
Suspected hepatic hemangioma? Hello Dr. Huang: I was hospitalized at Renai Hospital in Taichung City in December 2000 due to rectal bleeding. I underwent several examinations including colonoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and blood tests for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) types A, B, ...
Dr. Huang Kaiwen Reply:
Differentiating between benign and malignant liver tumors is not straightforward and depends on factors such as the patient's age, gender, history of viral hepatitis, and use of contraceptives, along with comprehensive evaluations through advanced imaging studies. Ms. Chen h...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Distinguishing Between Benign and Malignant Lesions
Understanding Gynecomastia: Treatment Options and Costs in Taiwan
Gynecomastia Hello, Dr. Ke. Since elementary school, my breasts have looked very much like those of a female. I am now 28 years old, and they still appear the same. Is there any treatment available? Does health insurance cover it? How much would it cost out of pocket? Would I nee...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, gynecomastia in males is a common issue. If there are no liver function abnormalities, it is often seen in overweight men. The only treatment option is surgical removal, which can be performed by a general surgeon and is covered by health insu...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Treatment Options and Costs in Taiwan
Does Scoliosis Pose Risks During Pregnancy? Key Considerations
Does scoliosis pose any risks during pregnancy? Dear Lobster, 1. If your girlfriend becomes pregnant, there may be physical impacts on both her body and the baby. The risks can vary depending on the severity of her scoliosis and overall health. It is essential for her to consult...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, a primary scoliosis with an angle of less than 30 degrees typically does not require surgical correction. If the scoliosis is caused by trauma, the assessment will depend on the location of the injury. Generally, a curvature of less than 30 de...[Read More] Does Scoliosis Pose Risks During Pregnancy? Key Considerations
Understanding Anal Itching: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Anal itching Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about occasional itching around my anus (sometimes occurring after my menstrual period). Before having my daughter, I had issues with constipation (often experiencing difficulty in bowel movements, feeling the urge but unable to...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it appears to be a chronic anal fissure (caused by constipation). Please seek a consultation with a colorectal surgeon for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. You may refer to our hospital's educational website for information on co...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Are Hemorrhoids Related to High Body Heat? Understanding the Connection
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? Is there a connection between hemorrhoids and excessive heat in the body?
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, excessive heat is manifested through symptoms such as dry mouth, irritability, red eyes, and constipation. These symptoms may arise from factors like staying up late, excessive consumption of tonics, or infections. Excessive heat can lead to const...[Read More] Are Hemorrhoids Related to High Body Heat? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Postpartum Bowel Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
I'm not sure if there is an issue with the colon? Hello, Doctor: I gave birth about 50 days ago and am still breastfeeding. For the past couple of days, when I have a bowel movement, I notice a small amount of watery stool at first, followed by normal stool. However, that sm...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: Based on your current condition, please visit the proctology clinic for an initial anoscopic examination. If necessary, the physician will arrange for further sigmoidoscopy. It is important to receive a formal medical diagnosis and not to delay, in order to avoid worsening...[Read More] Understanding Postpartum Bowel Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Liver Transplant: Can I Donate My O-Type Liver to My A-Type Father?
Liver transplantation? 1. If my father needs a liver transplant and he is type O while I am type A, can I donate my liver to him? 2. If not, would it be advisable to go to mainland China for a liver transplant? Is the technique inferior there, or is it something else? If the te...
Dr. Huang Kaiwen Reply:
Hello, there are generally two types of liver transplantation: living donor transplantation and deceased donor transplantation. For living donor transplantation, it is best if the blood types match, so you are not suitable to donate a liver to your father. Additionally, liver don...[Read More] Liver Transplant: Can I Donate My O-Type Liver to My A-Type Father?
Understanding Calcifications in the Spleen: Causes and Concerns
There are calcifications in the spleen? Hello, Doctor He! I recently had an abdominal ultrasound examination. The results showed that I have fatty liver and there are two calcifications on my spleen. Could you please explain why this is happening? Could it be a tumor?
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Fatty liver is a common issue and typically does not have a significant impact on health. The calcified spots on the spleen are likely not tumors. If you are concerned, you may consider further evaluation with a computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Understanding Calcifications in the Spleen: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Regarding the brain..? For the past one to two months, I have been experiencing poor mental health, with a heavy and dizzy feeling in my head. My head feels slightly painful when I shake it side to side, and I feel mildly dizzy throughout the day regardless of how much sleep I ge...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello! Generally speaking, symptoms like yours resemble those of a cold, but if they have persisted for more than a month or two, that is somewhat prolonged. It is important to consider whether you have been under significant stress recently or if you have not been exercising eno...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Effective Medications for Managing Epilepsy Without Harming Liver and Kidneys
Epilepsy Hello, doctor. I would like to ask which medications are currently available for controlling epilepsy in patients without harming their liver and kidneys.
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Patients with epilepsy require different medications based on their seizure type and age. Generally, these medications are effective with minimal side effects. However, in cases that are difficult to control, further detailed examinations may be necessary, and surgical treatment ...[Read More] Effective Medications for Managing Epilepsy Without Harming Liver and Kidneys
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Hemorrhoidal bleeding Hello Dr. Wang: I would like to ask you about experiencing rectal bleeding for the past 2 to 3 days, while having normal bowel movements. What could be the cause?
Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
Hello! Damage to the intestinal epithelium can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. If the stool is black and tarry, it usually indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, liver, or gallbladder). If the stool is bright red but otherwise normal in color,...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rectovaginal Fistula: Treatment Options and Care Tips
Rectovaginal fistula Could you please provide information regarding the treatment methods for rectovaginal fistula, the duration of medical care, and any precautions that should be taken? Thank you!
Dr. Zhang Zhenxiang Reply:
Rectovaginal fistula is a complex condition with diverse causes, sizes, and locations, as well as various treatment options ranging from conservative natural healing to aggressive surgical interventions involving resection of the vagina or rectum. It is difficult to summarize in ...[Read More] Understanding Rectovaginal Fistula: Treatment Options and Care Tips
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Next Steps in Surgical Evaluation
CEA (Carcino In April 2002, during a routine check-up, the CEA level was 10.5. In May, a colorectal examination was performed, and a 1 cm polyp was removed. Subsequently, for the next two months, two CEA tests were conducted, both showing a level of 4.35, which is still above the...
Dr. Huang Yuanhui Reply:
Answer: Surgery Dr. Huang Yuan-Hui stated that since our hospital already has a colorectal surgery specialty, this question is specifically addressed by Dr. Hou Yong-Ji from the colorectal surgery department. Thank you. Colorectal Surgery Dr. Hou Yong-Ji: 1. Carcinoembryonic anti...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Next Steps in Surgical Evaluation
Understanding Gynecomastia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gynecomastia Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the symptoms of gynecomastia in males. I have noticed a noticeable protrusion in my chest, especially around the area of the nipples. During my military service, my peers jokingly referred to me as having an A-cup size! W...
Dr. Luo Qihua Reply:
Gynecomastia in males is caused by the excessive proliferation of glandular or surrounding adipose tissue, rather than muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, if the enlargement is due to muscle training resulting in pectoral muscle hypertrophy, it is not considered gynecomastia. As for t...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Transplants: Success Rates, Recovery, and Side Effects
Liver transplantation Hello, I have some questions regarding liver transplantation. Q1: What is the success rate of liver transplantation for patients with severe liver cancer? Q2: How long is the recovery period for liver cancer patients and liver transplant recipients, and ...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello: Regarding liver transplantation, the technology in this field is rapidly advancing. To answer your questions: 1. The severe liver cancer referred to should be non-metastatic, where the tumor cannot be completely resected due to its location. After liver transplantation, it...[Read More] Understanding Liver Transplants: Success Rates, Recovery, and Side Effects