Showing papers by "Thomas N. Walsh published in 2008"

Lack of awareness of oesophageal carcinoma among the public in Ireland

Abstract: Oesophageal cancer is advanced in the majority at presentation and its symptoms are usually present for many months suggesting poor awareness of its symptoms. Few studies have examined awareness of oesophageal cancer amongst the public. This study aimed to identify the level of awareness among the general public of oesophageal cancer, of its symptoms, of its awareness campaigns and to compare it with other common cancers. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 279 members of the public. People were asked about their awareness of a range of cancers, and their knowledge of cancer symptoms and cancer awareness campaigns. Awareness of oesophageal cancer was low and knowledge of its symptoms was even lower. Despite the efforts of awareness campaigns, knowledge of these campaigns was poor amongst the public. Awareness of oesophageal cancer and its symptoms is low amongst the public. This needs to be addressed if disease is to be detected at an earlier and curable stage.

Intra-operative examination of the sentinel node in breast cancer.

Abstract: Intra-operative sentinel node analysis allows immediate progression to axillary clearance in patients with node positive breast cancer and reduces the need for re-operation. Despite this, intra-operative sentinel node analysis is infrequently performed in Ireland. We report our experience using this technique. Sentinel node biopsy was performed in 47 consecutive patients with symptomatic T1-T2 clinically node negative breast cancer. Sentinel nodes were examined intra-operatively by frozen section and imprint cytology and definitive histological assessment was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue. The sentinel node was identified in 46 (98%) patients. Twelve patients had axillary metastases. The sensitivity of intra-operative analysis in identifying nodal metastases was 92%. False negative rate was 8%, negative predictive value 97%, and specificity 100%. Intra-operative analysis of the sentinel node allowed re-operation to be avoided in 92% of patients with axillary node metastases. In our experience this technique can be readily introduced with reliable outcomes.