Ninja Nerds!

In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob break down the essential clinical and pathophysiologic features of Prostate Cancer, one of the most common malignancies affecting men worldwide.

We begin with the epidemiology and risk factors, highlighting age, race, family history, and androgen exposure. From there, we explore the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, focusing on the role of androgen receptor signaling.

The discussion covers clinical manifestations, including urinary symptoms, back pain from bone metastases, and signs of spinal cord compression. We also examine the utility and controversy surrounding PSA screening, along with digital rectal exam findings and the importance of prostate biopsy for histologic confirmation, emphasizing Gleason scoring and its prognostic significance.

Next, we analyze imaging modalities like multiparametric MRI and bone scans, and review treatment strategies based on risk stratification, ranging from active surveillance and radical prostatectomy to radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

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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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