Ninja Nerds!

In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob discuss Colorectal Cancer. This comprehensive discussion focuses on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management of one of the most common malignancies encountered in clinical practice.

We start by breaking down the epidemiology and risk factors, covering both sporadic and inherited forms—highlighting Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). From there, we analyze the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and key molecular mutations such as APC, KRAS, and p53.

The conversation then shifts to clinical features and how tumor location influences presentation—such as iron deficiency anemia in right-sided lesions and obstructive symptoms in left-sided tumors. We’ll walk through the diagnostic workup, including colonoscopy findings, biopsy, and imaging, and review the role of CEA as a tumor marker.

Finally, we discuss treatment strategies based on TNM staging, including surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy regimens like FOLFOX, and the importance of routine screening protocols for early detection.

This episode has high-yield insights to help you excel on exams and confidently approach colorectal cancer in clinical settings.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and let’s conquer colorectal cancer—one polyp at a time.

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Ninja Nerds!

In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob explore the complex world of Brain Tumors. We explore the key types of brain tumors—both primary and metastatic—and examine their clinical implications through high-yield pathophysiology, neuroanatomy, and diagnostic principles.

The discussion begins with an overview of tumor classification, distinguishing between supratentorial and infratentorial masses, and covers the most common tumors seen in adults versus children. Zach then breaks down the characteristic features, origins, and imaging findings of high-yield tumors like glioblastoma, meningioma, schwannoma, and brain metastases—including a patient case involving adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the brain. For pediatric tumors, we highlight medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and pilocytic astrocytoma, focusing on their clinical presentations and radiographic findings.

We’ll also discuss the signs and symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure, focal neurologic deficits, and paraneoplastic syndromes. Finally, the episode reviews diagnostic strategies and introduces key treatment principles, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending on tumor type and location.

This episode is packed with clinically relevant material to help you crush your exams and prepare for real-world applications.

🎧 Listen, learn, and laugh as we tackle brain tumors—one neuron at a time.

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Ninja Nerds,
Welcome to the Ninja Nerd Podcast with Zach and Rob! In this episode, we discuss Lung Cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. We explore the pathophysiology, risk factors, and key differences between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to help you master this complex topic.

Our discussion covers the clinical presentation of lung cancer, including subtle early symptoms like cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain, as well as advanced findings such as pleural effusions, superior vena cava syndrome, and paraneoplastic syndromes.

Finally, we break down treatment strategies based on staging and tumor type, covering surgical interventions, chemotherapy regimens, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies such as EGFR and ALK inhibitors. We also review the latest advancements in precision medicine and the evolving role of molecular markers in guiding therapy.

Whether you’re preparing for exams or rotations or seeking a deeper understanding of lung cancer, this episode is packed with high-yield insights to boost your clinical knowledge and critical thinking.

Enjoy the episode and support us below! 🌬️🫁

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