Ninja Nerd

Ninja Nerd

Welcome to the official Ninja Nerd Podcast! Brought to you by Zach and Rob, we will be presenting on board exam content and highlighting the most important information you need in order to crush your exams and apply these concepts clinically.

  1. -3 J

    Testicular Cancer

    Ninja Nerds! In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob discuss testicular cancer, one of the most common solid tumors in young adult men. We begin with a classic clinical vignette of a young male presenting with a painless testicular mass. From there, we explore the epidemiology and key risk factors for testicular germ cell tumors, including cryptorchidism, family history, and Klinefelter syndrome (in rare cases of nonseminomatous tumors like mediastinal choriocarcinoma). We then distinguish between the two major types: seminomas and nonseminomas—breaking down their unique biological behaviors and typical age distributions. Our discussion dives deep into the pathophysiology of germ cell tumors, highlighting tumor markers like AFP, β-hCG, and LDH, and how they guide diagnosis and treatment. We walk through the classic presentations of seminomas (often β-hCG positive and radiosensitive) versus nonseminomas (associated with aggressive behavior and elevated AFP/β-hCG levels). Next, we focus on the diagnostic workup, including scrotal ultrasound, serum tumor marker analysis, and CT imaging for staging. We emphasize the importance of inguinal orchiectomy as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Finally, we cover treatment strategies based on stage and histology—ranging from surveillance and radiation therapy for early-stage seminomas to cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for advanced or nonseminomatous disease. Don’t miss it—let’s get into it, Ninja Nerds! Support the show

    21 min
  2. 25 SEPT.

    Urinary Tract Malignancies

    Ninja Nerds! In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob dive into the essential clinical and pathophysiologic features of urinary tract malignancies, beginning with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and followed by urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. We start with a patient case of renal cell carcinoma, exploring the epidemiology and risk factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, and inherited syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease. The discussion focuses on the pathophysiology of clear cell RCC, particularly the loss of VHL gene function and dysregulation of the HIF pathway, leading to increased angiogenesis. We review the classic triad of RCC—flank pain, hematuria, and a palpable abdominal mass—along with common paraneoplastic syndromes, including polycythemia and hypercalcemia. Diagnostic evaluation includes CT imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, with treatment strategies ranging from partial or radical nephrectomy to immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies for advanced disease. Next, we shift to a patient with urothelial carcinoma, highlighting epidemiologic risks like tobacco use, occupational exposures, chronic inflammation, and cyclophosphamide. Clinical signs such as painless hematuria, irritative voiding symptoms, and hydronephrosis are discussed alongside the diagnostic approach: urine cytology, cystoscopy with biopsy, and CT urography. Management strategies include TURBT, intravesical BCG, radical cystectomy, and systemic chemotherapy, based on staging and risk. Support the show

    30 min
  3. 28 MARS

    Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

    Ninja Nerds, Welcome to the Ninja Nerd Podcast with Zach and Rob! In this episode, we explore Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a group of hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We also discuss the pathophysiology of MDS, highlighting the clonal stem cell mutations that lead to dysplastic bone marrow changes and peripheral blood cytopenias. Our discussion explores the clinical presentation of MDS, from common findings like fatigue, pallor, and bleeding tendencies to more concerning signs such as transfusion dependence and infection risk. We also cover the diagnostic approach, emphasizing the importance of bone marrow biopsy findings such as dysplastic cell morphology, ring sideroblasts, and blast percentages. Key scoring systems like the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) are discussed to guide risk stratification and treatment decisions. In this episode, we break down treatment strategies for both low-risk and high-risk MDS, including supportive care with transfusions and growth factors, the role of hypomethylating agents like azacitidine and decitabine, and advanced interventions such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Whether you’re preparing for exams, clinical rotations, or looking to expand your knowledge of hematology, this episode is packed with high-yield insights to help you understand this challenging topic. Enjoy the episode and support us below! 🔬🩸 Support the show

    27 min

À propos

Welcome to the official Ninja Nerd Podcast! Brought to you by Zach and Rob, we will be presenting on board exam content and highlighting the most important information you need in order to crush your exams and apply these concepts clinically.

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