GPnotebook Podcast

Gastric cancer is often described as a disease in decline, yet it remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. For many GPs, it is a diagnosis that still arrives late, cloaked in vague symptoms and missed opportunities for early intervention. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a deep, clinically focused look at gastric cancer, from its evolving epidemiology and underlying biology to modern approaches in diagnosis, staging and treatment. He also explores why outcomes differ so dramatically across regions, how molecular insights are reshaping its therapy and what this disease continues to teach us about prevention and early detection.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-199-gastric-cancer

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a diagnosis most GPs encounter regularly, yet its familiarity often disguises its true impact. As the most common cancer in humans, BCC shapes clinical workload, healthcare costs and patient quality of life far more than its low mortality rate suggests. Although it is frequently described as slow growing and low risk, delayed recognition or inadequate treatment can lead to significant local destruction, functional impairment and disfigurement. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a closer look at BCC beyond the surface, exploring its clinical variability, underlying biology and evolving management strategies.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/oncology/ep-198-basal-cell-cancer

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Glaucomas are a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. They encompass a range of disorders, including primary open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension and secondary glaucomas, each with distinct pathophysiology, risk factors and clinical presentations. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how elevated intraocular pressure drives optic nerve damage and also examines cases where pressure remains normal. He considers diagnostic strategies, including tonometry and visual field testing, and emphasises the importance of early detection. Finally, he covers glaucoma management, from pharmacologic therapy and laser procedures to surgical interventions and minimally invasive options, highlighting individualised approaches for each subtype.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ophthalmology/ep-197-glaucoma

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at acute laryngitis, a condition that is both common and deceptively complex. Often dismissed as a simple cold-related voice change, acute laryngitis actually offers GPs insights into airway physiology, vocal mechanics and clinical reasoning. Understanding the nuances of this condition is essential. We look at its typical presentation, from sudden hoarseness and vocal fatigue to dry cough, and discuss red flags that signal more serious pathology. We also consider infectious and non-infectious causes, management strategies and the subtle ways patient behaviour and environment can influence recovery.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ear-nose-and-throat/ep-196-acute-laryngitis

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Cirrhosis represents the end stage of chronic liver injury, characterised by fibrosis and regenerative nodules that disrupt normal liver architecture. While the liver can compensate for years, patients often remain asymptomatic until complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy arise. Understanding cirrhosis involves exploring its pathophysiology, systemic manifestations, diagnostic tools and management strategies. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses how chronic insults from viral hepatitis, alcohol or metabolic disease lead to progressive fibrosis, the development of portal hypertension and multisystem involvement.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-195-liver-cirrhosis

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, accounting for up to 15% of foot complaints requiring professional care and affecting both athletic and sedentary populations. It is best understood as a mechanically driven, degenerative condition resulting from repetitive loading that exceeds the plantar fascia’s capacity for repair, rather than a purely inflammatory process. Key risk factors include abnormal foot biomechanics, limited ankle dorsiflexion, posterior chain tightness, obesity and prolonged weight-bearing. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the epidemiology and pathophysiology of plantar fasciitis, reviews key clinical features and examination findings, discusses differential diagnoses and appropriate investigations, and outlines evidence-based management strategies, with a focus on practical guidance for primary-care clinicians.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-194-plantar-fasciitis

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Barrett’s oesophagus sits at the crossroads of gastroesophageal reflux disease and oesophageal cancer, making it a condition every clinician should understand. Although most patients with Barrett’s will never develop malignancy, it remains the only identifiable precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer with rising incidence and high mortality. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how chronic reflux reshapes the oesophageal lining, who is at greatest risk and how modern surveillance and endoscopic therapies have transformed management. He also discusses evolving guidelines, emerging technologies and practical implications for everyday clinical practice.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-193-barretts-oesophagus

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as a frozen shoulder, reviewing its epidemiology, risk factors and underlying pathophysiology, as well as typical clinical presentations, disease staging and key examination findings that aid diagnosis in primary care. Diagnostic challenges, differential diagnoses and the role of imaging and injections are covered, alongside management strategies, prognosis and indications for surgical intervention, with particular attention to patients with diabetes and endocrine disorders who experience more severe and prolonged disease.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-192-adhesive-capsulitis

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Intertrigo is an inflammatory condition of opposing skin surfaces, driven by friction, heat and moisture that weaken the skin barrier and invite secondary infections, especially Candida and bacteria. It affects all ages, from infants with diaper dermatitis to older adults with limited mobility. It is more common in hot climates and in patients with obesity or diabetes. Clinically, it presents with symmetrical erythema that may progress to maceration, fissures, discharge and secondary infection. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, with cultures or potassium hydroxide testing when needed. Management focuses on reducing moisture and friction, treating infections and using gentle barrier protection. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how to identify and manage this condition, which is commonly seen in primary care.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-191-intertrigo

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Chondromalacia patella (CMP), sometimes called “runner’s knee”, is a degenerative condition involving softening and breakdown of the patellar articular cartilage, most often due to abnormal patellofemoral mechanics, muscular imbalance or repetitive micro-trauma. It commonly presents with anterior knee pain worsened by stair descent, squatting, running or prolonged sitting. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation supported by imaging (especially magnetic resonance imaging) to assess cartilage integrity and patellar alignment. Most patients improve with long-term conservative therapy focused on quadriceps strengthening, hip stabilisation and activity modification. Surgical intervention is reserved for persistent, symptomatic cases or significant maltracking. Early recognition helps prevent progression to patellofemoral osteoarthritis. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how best to recognise the condition in our surgeries and the best plan of action for our patients.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-190-chondromalacia-patella

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.