GPnotebook Podcast

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores an important and often overlooked area of head and neck oncology: oral mucosal cancer. As GPs, we frequently encounter oral lesions in primary care, and they are also often seen in dental practice, emergency settings and specialist clinics; however, distinguishing benign conditions from early malignancy can be challenging. Here, we break down the essential anatomy of the oral cavity, clarify how it differs from the oropharynx and examine the major risk factors driving disease development, including tobacco, alcohol, human papillomavirus (HPV) and immunosuppression. We also discuss clinical presentation, red-flag features, diagnostic pathways, staging principles and current management strategies. Most importantly, we focus on the role GPs play in early detection, timely referral and multidisciplinary care.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ear-nose-and-throat/ep-203-oral-mucosal-cancer.

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 explores labyrinthitis from a GP’s perspective, moving beyond the textbook definition to focus on practical diagnosis, pathophysiology and management. Although often grouped broadly under causes of acute vertigo, true labyrinthitis is a distinct inflammatory condition of the inner ear that combines vestibular and auditory dysfunction. Its presentation can closely resemble more serious neurological pathology, including posterior circulation stroke, making accurate assessment essential in both primary and acute care settings. This episode examines the underlying causes, key clinical features, important differentials and evidence-based treatment strategies. It aims to refine our diagnostic reasoning, avoid common pitfalls and strengthen confidence when evaluating patients presenting with acute vertigo, hearing loss and associated neuro-otological symptoms in everyday general practice.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ear-nose-and-throat/ep-202-labyrinthitis.

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

Pityriasis rosea is a common and self-limiting condition, but it can cause significant anxiety and distress for patients. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the expected course and clinical findings that are associated with this condition, as well as exploring possible differentials, treatment options, potential complications and referral criteria.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-201-pityriasis-rosea.

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

Hepatitis C was once considered a chronic, life-limiting condition with difficult treatments and significant stigma. Today, it is one of the great success stories of modern medicine: curable in the vast majority of patients with short courses of well-tolerated oral therapy. Yet, thousands of people in the UK remain undiagnosed. In this first episode of a series on hepatology and hepatitis, Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Rik Fijten (GP Partner, Hepatitis C GP Champion for Bexley and GP Clinical Fellow in Gastroenterology) to explore why hepatitis C matters to primary care now more than ever. Together, they discuss who should be tested, how to interpret results, what happens after diagnosis and the central role GPs play in the NHS Hepatitis C Elimination Programme. This practical, confidence-building conversation focuses on normalising testing, reducing stigma and being curious, helping primary-care clinicians identify patients who could benefit from life-changing treatment.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-200-hepatitis-c.

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

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.