Rapid oncological diagnosis of lung cancer patients — specific facility experience

Introduction: In order to improve diagnosis procedure by public health service, an organizational solution called Rapid Oncological Therapy has been introduced. The introduction of this program caused criticism of the medical community, and state control authorities showed irregularities in its functioning in medical clinics. Its aim was to assess this process among lung cancer patients hospitalized in the Clinic for 9 months. Material and methods: After the analysis of imaging tests, the patients were qualified for invasive tests (bronchoscopy, EBUS). Patients with histopathological diagnosis of NSCLC were subjected to molecular diagnostics. After completing the diagnosis and establishing the final diagnosis, the patient's forfeiture was presented at the clinical meeting. Results: The analysis involved 209 patients who had a DILO card issued. 156 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer and qualified for the consulate. Among the histopathological types, NSCLC dominated — 80%. SCLC was 17% of the types. By the decision made on medical case conference, 135 patients have been qualified for casual treatment, among others 12% surgical treatment; 47% chemotherapy, 18% radiotherapy; 8% chemo-radiotherapy. An average waiting time for diagnosis process to begin, after DILO card has been issued was 16.33 (± 18.78) days, an average hospitalization and diagnosis time was 9.16 (± 6.61) days. Around 31.3 (± 14.93) days on average have passed from the start of diagnostical hospitalization until beginning of the causal treatment. Conclusions: In a multi-specialist center, it is possible to develop a care model for lung cancer patients, consistent with Rapid Oncological Diagnosis

Potential benefits and hazards associated with the use of e-cigarettes — a guide for practitioners and current status in Poland

The use of electronic cigarettes has dynamically increased over the last few years. Meanwhile, the knowledge regarding their safety has been rapidly changing, which could be a challenge for a medical practitioner. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest reports and to verify statements on e-cigarettes’ influence on health, including in the context of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Awareness of the benefits of e-cigarettes can provide vital support for doctors caring for patients who smoke tra-ditional cigarettes. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the dangers of the medically unjustified use of electronic cigarettes. Despite the idea of releasing e-cigarettes into the market as a harmless alternative to traditional cigarettes, this product also has a negative impact on health. Replacing traditional cigarettes with e-cigarettes provides well-documented benefits to patients with certain indications such as hypertension and asthma, as well as to smokers who intend to minimize the negative effects of passive smoking on their environment. Moreover, it could be valuable for patients who are willing to permanently overcome a nicotine addiction, especially when previous attempts to quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) monotherapy were unsuccessful. Electronic cigarettes are a rapidly developing technology and an innovative form of a well-known addiction, so it is essential for practitioners to stay informed