Persists the controversy concerning the rutinary use of diagnostic tests in asymptomatic persons

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Arturo Zárate
Marcelino Hernández-Valencia
Lourdes Basurto
Renata Saucedo

Keywords

Routine diagnostic tests, Asymptomatic diseases, Differential diagnosis, Multimodal treatment

Abstract

Currently, in medicine there is an environment replete with controversy and debate, partially due to the popular concept Evidence-Based Medicine, and to the development of technological advances and, apparently, better therapeutic resources. This has led to the establishment of an over-diagnosis epidemic and to an excess of therapeutic interventions, which do not necessarily lead to a longer life expectancy. Some medical controversies, which have called the attention of physicians and even of common people are those related with dislipoproteinemias, pre-diabetes and detection of cancer in asymptomatic persons. The debate and the controversy will surely continue and that is why it is very important to emphasize that clinical practice should be personalized, taking into account risks and implied benefits. 

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