OPINION

It is not my intent to provide all the solutions to the problems. My intent is to identify the special population, their needs, and their unique characteristics. Each of us can help to increase the availability of dental care for this population. Although it may be impossible to be 100% successful, a tremendous step can be taken if we all join in this effort. This commitment, toourselves, our colleagues, and our patients, will increase the accessibility of special patients to good dental health and, at the same time, increase our busyness.     

High-dose gallium imaging in lymphoma

The role of gallium-67 imaging in the management of patients with lymphoma, traditionally assessed using low tracer doses and the rectilinear scanner, was assessed when using larger doses (7 to 10 mCi) and a triple-peak Anger camera. Gallium scan results in 51 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 21 patients with Hodgkin's disease were compared with simultaneous radiologic, clinical, and histopathologic reports. Subsequent disease course was also evaluated in light of radionuclide findings. Sensitivity and specificity of the scans were 0.90 or greater for both non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease, and overall accuracy by site was 96 percent. Although there are insufficient numbers of pretreatment scans to allow any conclusions, our data suggest that newer approaches to gallium scanning in treated patients are (1) highly specific in all lymphomas and most sensitive in high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease; (2) valuable in assessing the mediastinum in both non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease; and (3) helpful adjuncts to computed tomographic scanning and ultrasonography in assessing abdominal node disease.     

Caring for rape victims

Students in the health professions are working with a variety of anxiety-provoking patients, such as victims of child abuse or sexual assault, suicidal and terminally ill patients. Faculty have a responsibility to assist these students in maximizing the growth potential of the experience. This study, involving 22 female and three male students at the University of New Mexico Colleges of Nursing and Medicine, examines the effects of such an experience. Each participant worked on a Sexual Assault Response Team at the Bernalillo County Medical Center for an average of 8.6 months; each saw an average of 16 rape victims for whom they provided counseling services and assisted in medical care and gathering evidence.All of the students reported heightened awareness of their own vulnerability. They began to develop cognitive and behavioral strategies to cope with the possibility of being raped. Approximately one third of the subjects developed symptoms similar to those experienced by rape victims. Those who did not develop symptoms attributed it to being able to work through their feelings at team meetings. Students became more aware of their attitudes toward rape victims, both positive and negative. Moreover, the most significant change they experienced was in their own perception of themselves as care givers; they felt more confident and competent, both in medical and counseling areas. Faculty are encouraged to meet weekly with students involved in such experiences.Drs. DiVasto, Kaufman, and Jackson are faculty members in the Department of Family, Community, and Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Ms. Ballen and Ms. Seymour are recent graduates of the University of New Mexico College of Nursing. Ms. Duphorne is a faculty member in the College of Nursing. Requests for reprints should be addressed to Dr. DiVasto, Department of Family, Community, and Emergency Medicine, 620 Camino de Salud, N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131.