Overview of common oral lesions.

This article summarises common oral lesions that clinicians may face in everyday practice by categorising them by clinical presentation: ulcerated lesions, white or mixed white-red lesions, lumps and bumps, and pigmented lesions. The pathologies covered include recurrent aphthous stomatitis, herpes simplex virus, oral squamous cell carcinoma, geographic tongue, oral candidosis, oral lichen planus, pre-malignant disorders, pyogenic granuloma, mucocele and squamous cell papilloma, oral melanoma, hairy tongue and amalgam tattoo. The objective of this review is to improve clinician knowledge and confidence in assessing and managing common oral lesions presenting in the primary care setting.

Prescribing pre-exposure prophylaxis in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective method of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention available to prescribe on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme general schedule. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide information and guidance to general practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare providers on providing PrEP, and to discuss efficacy, adverse effects, monitoring and further resources. DISCUSSION: GPs can play a central role in discussing HIV prevention strategies for people who may be at risk of HIV. An open and engaging discussion will assist patients in making an informed decision on whether PrEP is suitable for them.

Huge Abdominal Mass in a Young Unmarried Lady - A Social and Psychotherapeutic Challenge.

Large ovarian tumours are rare. Various diagnostic modalities are used to help in confirming the size and type of ovarian tumours. Laparotomy in a lateral decubitus position under general anaesthesia is the most common treatment approach. Here we present a case of a 17-year-old unmarried girl from whom a 13 kg ovarian tumor was resected. We highlight in this case report the mental stress that a patient goes through when accused of having an extramarital pregnancy by the community in a conservative society like ours. Furthermore, the importance of psychological support and counselling is paramount.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivorship care.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. More than 90% of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). With advances in cancer therapies, survivorship care is becoming increasingly topical. In particular, general practitioners (GPs) will play an increasingly central part in the management of this unique cohort of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a succinct overview of long-term follow-up and surveillance for the head and neck SCC survivor. DISCUSSION: Treatment of head and neck SCC, particularly advanced cases, often requires a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. As a result, the long-term follow-up care of head and neck SCC survivors is complex and has many facets including physical and mental treatment sequelae. GPs play a vital part in follow-up, particularly in disease surveillance and managing treatment complications.

Traumatic nasal injuries in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic nasal injuries are common in all age groups of the community. Significant nasal trauma can cause nasal fractures and a range of complicating injuries. OBJECTIVE: This article provides general practitioners (GPs) with a succinct overview of pathology arising from nasal trauma, and a framework on the assessment and management of common nasal injuries. DISCUSSION: During assessment of traumatic nasal injuries, it is essential to exclude a septal haematoma, which requires urgent drainage. Undisplaced nasal fractures without functional symptoms can be managed conservatively. Displaced fractures should be referred for reduction. There is a window of two weeks before the displaced nasal bones start uniting. Investigations are rarely indicated for traumatic nasal injuries. Blood tests, including full blood count and coagulation screening, may be indicated in severe epistaxis. X-rays are not helpful for the assessment of traumatic nasal injuries. Computed tomography (CT) scans are only indicated if there is a suspected orbital, maxillary, frontal or zygomatic fractures.