Background Isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy is an increasingly common finding as a result of the increasing use of cross-sectional thoracic imaging. We investigated the performance of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle-aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in establishing a pathological diagnosis in patients with isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
This symposium provided an update on recent advances in medicine relevant to the general physician. The opening session on respiratory medicine session focused on lung cancer and lung transplantation. Everyday practical issues of dealing with abnormal liver function tests were considered in session two as well as the challenges in improving end-of-life care. Clinically orientated presentations in the third session covered case-based discussions on severe metabolic acidosis and the management of Parkinson’s disease.
The use of cannabis is embedded within many societies, mostly used by the young and widely perceived to be safe. Increasing concern regarding the potential for cannabis to cause mental health effects has dominated cannabis research and the potential adverse respiratory effects have received relatively little attention.
Lung cancer remains the most common fatal malignancy in the Western world. Survival rates have only improved modestly over the past three decades and new approaches are urgently required. It is clear that a concerted effort to reduce cigarette smoking is required. However, about 10% of patients with lung cancer are never smokers, indicating genetic or other predisposition. Lung cancer screening programmes are being trialled to target high-risk populations. Genetic strategies will provide new methods for screening and predicting response to treatment.
