Characterizing breast symptoms in family practice.

Purpose: The frequency and outcome of breast symptoms have not been well characterized in primary care settings. To enhance and inform physician practice, this study aims to establish the proportion of visits and resultant diagnoses by age by examining longitudinal data on breast-related reasons for encounter.

Methods: We used data from a prospective longitudinal sample of patients seeking care in Dutch family physician offices between 1985 and 2003 to provide routine family practice data on breast symptoms as the reason for encounter; all visits were coded using the International Classification of Primary Care.

Linked claims and medical records for cancer case management : evaluation of mammography abnormalities.

Background: Failure to obtain the requisite follow-up of patients with abnormal mammograms may delay cancer diagnosis and impact outcome. Up to 20% of women do not receive timely recommended follow-up. The current study tested the accuracy of the linkage of payer claims and clinical data to identify the appropriate treatment for patients with abnormal mammograms.

BI-RADS classification for management of abnormal mammograms.

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), developed by the American College of Radiology, provides a standardized classification for mammographic studies. This system demonstrates good correlation with the likelihood of breast malignancy. The BI-RADS system can inform family physicians about key findings, identify appropriate follow-up and management and encourage the provision of educational and emotional support to patients.

Patients with a family history of cancer: identification and management.

A family history of certain malignancies, especially breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancers, can place persons at increased risk of developing these cancers. By constructing a pedigree that includes 3 generations, family physicians can identify patients at increased risk because of family cancer history. Persons at increased cancer risk because of family history warrant a surveillance strategy for early detection.

Unsuspected Klinefelter syndrome diagnosed during oncologic evaluation: a case series.

Klinefelter syndrome is an underdiagnosed chromosomal disorder that has significant implications for health and for medical management. This report presents 5 adult male patients diagnosed with previously unsuspected Klinefelter syndrome as a result of cytogenetic testing for suspected hematologic malignancies. This case series highlights the importance of maintaining a comprehensive and holistic approach to medical care.

Care of cancer survivors.

Cancer survivors are at increased risk for recurrence of their original malignancy; development of second primary malignancies; and medical, developmental, and psychologic problems resulting from cancer therapy, genetic predisposition to cancer, and other risk factors. Surveillance following curative cancer treatment generally includes interval history and physical examinations every six months for five years. Thereafter, histories and examinations are recommended annually for breast cancer; every three months for two years, then every six months for three to five years for colorectal cancer; and every six months for five years, then annually for prostate cancer.