Chapter 690 - 318: Skills Forced by Necessity—A Young Man Ignorant of His Own Limits
Doctors are often asked such questions by patients, but typically, they don’t give a direct answer.
No one can guarantee such outcomes.
However, based on experience, doctors know that tumors take time to grow. Advising patients to have a check-up every six months is actually a confident decision.
It’s essentially predicting that the tumor won’t grow.
Which means surgery might not be necessary.
Moreover, even if it does grow, it’s unlikely to grow significantly within six months. It shouldn’t go from the size of a sesame seed to the size of a fist under normal circumstances.
If it truly grows from the size of a sesame seed to a diameter of one centimeter within six months, it’s still not too late to operate then.
In reality, many imaging tests can’t detect tumors smaller than 5 millimeters.
Clinically, tumors under 1 cm are considered microtumors.
Doctors will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, and if they think the threat isn’t significant, they might suggest the patient avoid surgery.
Because all surgeries come with risks.
Moreover, some surgeries carry particularly high risks.
Additionally, tumors have a trait where the more they are stimulated, the more likely they are to grow rapidly.
Some patients, who might have faced no major issues if they hadn’t undergone surgery, find themselves deteriorating within months or half a year post-operation. There are many such real cases.
In the operating room, the surgery was progressing tensely.
"Xiaoli, why did you determine that it’s very likely to be a benign tumor based solely on an X-ray chest film?"
Director Zhang curiously asked.
"It’s a comprehensive diagnosis from many aspects! For example, the clear boundaries, the size and shape of the tumor, the symptoms the patient reports, the patient’s medical history, age, occupation, living environment, etc., all contribute to a comprehensive diagnosis. In the entire diagnostic process, the X-ray is actually just a small part of the diagnostic basis."
Li Jingsheng openly shared his diagnostic method.
"This diagnostic ability is something you all should learn from, including Old He, as you all lack this broad comprehensive diagnostic awareness. Old He might have some awareness, but his acuity is far from enough."
Director Zhang was diligently assisting in the advancement of his subordinate doctors.
They were very fortunate to encounter such an excellent department director. He served as both a mentor and a friend, guiding their treatment approaches thoughtfully, fostering good habits in considering patients’ long-term well-being.
Moreover, when he discovers commendable qualities in a particular doctor, he encourages others to learn from them.
Such a department director is truly a great teacher and friend.
"I’m quite curious; Dr. Li is a doctor in the bone specialty clinic handling manual realignment—how did he develop such outstanding comprehensive diagnostic ability? Could you share a bit?"
The instrument nurse glanced at him with bright eyes.
She quickly focused back on the patient’s wound, coordinating closely with Director Zhang’s surgical work.
"Developing this kind of comprehensive diagnostic ability isn’t difficult. Just ensure every patient visit is thoroughly understood in all aspects, review their examination reports, and use your own reasoning to make a diagnosis, then compare it with the correct diagnostic conclusion. Over time, you’ll develop a comprehensive diagnostic awareness."
Dr. He shared his growth experiences.
"However, how to enhance diagnostic acuity, like determining if a tumor is malignant or benign, if immediate action is necessary? Are there other potential risks? What is the general outlook of the prognosis? These, I believe, are the most challenging."
The other doctors listened attentively.
Among departments, doctors often share cases, but methods to improve diagnostic awareness and acuity are closely guarded by most.
"To put it bluntly, it’s simple. I run a clinic, and I can’t afford even a tiny bit of negligence with every case. It’s because a single mistake could mean the end of my clinic. The stakes are too high; I have no room for trial and error, which ultimately forces me to sharpen my diagnostic acuity. From the moment a patient walks in, I might already be making some judgments."
Li Jingsheng believes that any doctor under such significant pressure could become more astutely aware than a beast.
"I always looked down on clinic doctors, but it turns out the real experts are among the people!"
"My abilities are nothing; there’s a clinic on that street that’s been around for over twenty years, and the boss there is the true expert! When it comes to curing illnesses, I think he’s average. But whether a patient can be cured or if they’ll be a problem, he always judges it correctly. It’s quite unbelievable."
Li Jingsheng was referring to Boss Zhao.
For a clinic to run safely for over twenty years, Boss Zhao is undoubtedly among the elite.
"I’ve gained some insights today! Another time, I’ll visit Dr. Li’s clinic!"
Dr. He, upon hearing this, was quite intrigued.
The other doctors were also eager to broaden their insights.
In the medical field, colleagues are often seen as rivals, and doctors typically don’t visit others’ clinics.
Even visiting, they wouldn’t be privy to deeper insights.
Now that they got to know Li Jingsheng, they have this opportunity.
"Sure, you’re always welcome! But almost every day, I have a lot of patients to treat, so if I’m quite busy when you visit, please forgive any lack of attention."
His relationship with the cardiothoracic surgery team, consisting of several doctors and nurses, was clearly becoming more familiar.
Director Zhang observed everything and was, in fact, inwardly pleased.
...
The surgery concluded, and Li Jingsheng’s surgical capabilities were preliminarily recognized by Director Zhang, earning him the respect of the cardiothoracic surgery team.