Efficient and cost-effective diagnostic evaluation and management of pulmonary nodules, infiltrates and unidentified opacities. Presented by Dr Sam Kim

THIS TALK WAS PRESENTED LIVE DURING THE INAUGURAL MEDD LIVE 2020 VIRTUAL MEDICAL CONFERENCE

Efficient and cost-effective diagnostic evaluation and management of pulmonary nodules, infiltrates and unidentified opacities.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the clinical epidemiology of pulmonary abnormalities in our domestic population (not of the US or European data)
2. Recognize the key indicators of malignant versus benign lesions
3. Understand the important differential diagnosis and the relevant radiological and clinical features
4. Understand the general aspect of a diagnostic approach while mastering the diagnostic approach of an experienced pulmonologist
5. Be broadly informed of the interventional approach to diagnosis, its diverse indications, and the decision-making process
6. Develop the relevant practical diagnostic and management skills through the collaboration by discussing clinical cases of dilemma

Abstract:
GPs and specialists are confronted with the constant dilemma of diagnostic uncertainties imposed by pulmonary nodules, infiltrates, and unidentified opacities in our era of advanced radiological imaging. Obviously, the decision for intervention such as lung biopsy is a significant decision-making process that is controversial and risky for individual patients. The presentation offers a streamlined approach to optimize our clinical decision making and clinical ‘pearls’ to assist the clinician in achieving diagnostic certainty of balancing observation versus intervention while providing reassurance for the worried patient who is either focused on the possibility of a frank lung cancer or onset of an incurable occupational lung disease.