The Fellow on Call: The Heme/Onc Podcast

Emergencies happen in hematology and oncology. This is a fact. But how do we manage these emergencies? Look no further. In this episode, we talk all about our first hematologic emergency: immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): Be sure to check out episode 009 on thrombocytopenia for a general approach and differential! Specific instances where there may be cl...

Emergencies happen in hematology and oncology. This is a fact. But how do we manage these emergencies? Look no further. In this episode, we talk all about our third oncologic emergency: new brain mets. Cord compression: - If someone has a pathologic fracture, think about the following differential as underlying etiologies: - Females: rule out breast cancer - Males: Prostate cancer - Others: multip...

Emergencies happen in hematology and oncology. This is a fact. But how do we manage these emergencies? Look no further. In this episode, we talk all about our second oncologic emergency: new brain mets. Brain mets: Strongly consider steroids, particularly with the presence of vasogenic edema associated with brain mets Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): use of high dose radiation delivered in a singl...

Emergencies happen in hematology and oncology. This is a fact. But how do we manage these emergencies? Look no further. In this episode, we talk all about first oncologic emergencies: superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Superior vena cava syndrome: Important: although we focus on a possible malignant mass in this discussion about SVC, other things can also cause SVC syndrome. How do you know about...

In our final stop in our Cytopenias series, we discuss the ins and outs of neutropenia. This is another very commonly seen issue in the clinic and in the hospital so most definitely high yield! Why is neutropenia dangerous? Prone to infections, especially gut translocation of bacteria Definition of neutropenia: NORMAL: WBC 4400-11000 cells/microL; neutrophils make up 40-70% of that Neutropenia def...

We continue on our cytopenias journey, this time talking all about anemia. This is a high yield topic for anyone who sees patients, as this is something we will all see. Determining the acuity of the anemia is the most important first step. Acute drop in hemoglobin? Consider active bleeding or hemolysis. Dilutional anemia (a drop in hemoglobin following fluid resuscitation) is also on the differen...

One of our most common consults in hematology is teams seeking guidance for workup and management of thrombocytopenia. In this episode, we cover our approach to this hematologic conundrum. Major Points Covered: Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count <150K - Mild: 100-150K - Moderate: 50-100K - Severe: <50K - We get really worried when <20K (risk of spontaneous bleeding) What to a...

Not to be confused with “carcinoma of unknown primary,” in this episode of metastatic disease of “origin TBD”, we discuss the workup of a mass noted incidentally on imaging. This is a very high yield topic often faced on solid oncology consults! Major Points Covered: Mass found incidentally on imaging → we need to stage always Initial Workup: Reasonable to get CBC, CMP, UA, PSA (if male) Low blood...

Heme Path Capstone Pt. 2 Pearls In this episode, we continue our conversation with guest, Dr. Emily Mason, hematopathologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN), as we apply all that we have learned in our Heme Path series. This time, we talk about a patient with a new leukocytosis, fevers, and easy bruising; and our approach to workup and management. Reminder: While these epis...

Heme Path Capstone Pt. 1 Pearls It’s time to put all you have learned in our Heme Path series to the test! Listen in as our guest, Dr. Emily Mason, hematopathologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN) sits down with us to discuss the approach to diagnosis and workup of a new enlarged lymph node. While these episodes may seem a little more in-depth than the prior Heme Path epis...

Molecular Testing Pearls In Part 4 of our Heme Path series, we thoroughly examine the details of molecular testing and how it relates to hematologic and oncologic malignancies I. Molecular Testing Basics A. Provides a means of assessing patient’s genotypes, specifically at smaller changes in the genetic information B. How is it performed? 1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing, which inv...

In Part 3 of our Heme Path series, we break down the basics of immunohistochemistry (IHC) Episode contents: - What is immunohistochemistry? - What are the pros and cons? - How do we use this clinically? ****Have some time and want to make some extra money? Get paid to participate in market research surveys: https://affiliatepanel.members-only.online/FOC_24?utm_campaign=FOC&utm_source=email&amp...

In Part 2 of our Heme Path series, we get into the details of cytogenetics (conventional karyotype and FISH) Episode contents: - What is "cytogenetics"? - How do we use cytoenetic information clinically? - What is the difference between the conventional karyotype and FISH? ****Have some time and want to make some extra money? Get paid to participate in market research surveys: https://affiliatepan...

In Part 1 of our Heme Path series, we break down the logistics and applications of flow cytometry. Episode contents: - What is flow cytometry? - How do we use this to identify cells? ****Have some time and want to make some extra money? Get paid to participate in market research surveys: https://affiliatepanel.members-only.online/FOC_24?utm_campaign=FOC&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email **...

Thank you so much for checking out The Fellow on Call: The Heme/Onc Podcast. In this intro episode, learn more about our show and what you can expect. Please visit our website (TheFellowOnCall.com) for more information  Twitter: @TheFellowOnCall Instagram: @TheFellowOnCall Listen in on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcast