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Sousa-Neto SS, Martins AFL, Moreira VHLDO, Pereira JGB, Freitas NMA, Curado MP, Leles CR, Mendonça EF. The association between referral by specialists in oral diagnosis on survival rates of patients with oral cancer: A retrospective cohort study. J Oral Pathol Med 2024; 53:358-365. [PMID: 38745372 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the influence of diagnosis and referral provided by specialists in oral diagnosis on disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with oral cancer. METHODS A cohort of 282 patients with oral cancer treated at a regional cancer hospital from 1998 to 2016 was analyzed retrospectively. The referral register of the patients was analyzed and assigned to two groups: (1) those referred by oral diagnosis specialists (n = 129), or (2) those referred by nonspecialized professionals (n = 153). The cancer treatment evolution was assessed from the patients' records, and the outcome was registered concerning cancer recurrence and death. Sociodemographic and clinicopathological variables were explored as predictors of disease-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS Group 1 exhibited lower T stages and a reduced incidence of regional and distant metastases. Surgery was performed in 75.2% of cases in Group 1, while in Group 2, the rate was 60.8%. Advanced T stages and regional metastases reduced the feasibility of surgery. Higher TNM stages and tumor recurrence were associated with decreased disease-free survival, while surgical intervention was a protective factor. Higher TNM stage had a negative impact on the overall survival. CONCLUSION Specialized oral diagnosis did not directly impact disease-free survival and overall survival and did not influence the indication of surgery in oral cancer; however, it was associated with the diagnosis of early tumors and better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Paula Curado
- Department of Epidemiology, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio Rodrigues Leles
- Department of Prevention and Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Frank MH, van Dijk BAC, Schoonbeek RC, Zindler J, Devriese LA, van Es RJJ, Merkx MAW, de Bree R. Differences in the association of time to treatment initiation and survival according to various head and neck cancer sites in a nationwide cohort. Radiother Oncol 2024; 192:110107. [PMID: 38262531 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether there are differences in the effects of time to treatment interval (TTI) on patient survival for head and neck cancer (HNC) sites in order to provide evidence that can support decision-making regarding prioritizing treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients in the Netherlands with a first primary HNC without distant metastasis between 2010 and 2014 were included for analysis (N = 10,486). TTI was defined as the time from pathologic diagnosis to the start of initial treatment. Overall survival (OS), cox regression analyses and cubic spline hazard models were calculated and visualized. RESULTS Overall, the hazard of dying was higher (HR = 1.003; 95 % CI 1.001-1.005) with each additional day until treatment initiation. The pattern, as visualized in cubic spline graphs, differed by site the hazard increased more steeply with increasing TTI for oral cavity cancer. For oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, a slight increase commenced after a longer TTI than for oral cavity cancer, while there was hardly an increase in hazard with increasing TTI for hypopharyngeal cancer. CONCLUSION The relationship between longer TTI and decreased survival was confirmed, but slight variations in the pattern of the hazard of dying by TTI by tumour site were observed. These findings could support decisions on prioritizing treatment. However, other aspects such as extent of treatment and quality of life should be investigated further so this can also be included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël H Frank
- University of Utrecht, Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research and Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Boukje A C van Dijk
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research and Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rosanne C Schoonbeek
- University of Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Zindler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Lot A Devriese
- University of Utrecht, Department of Medical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J J van Es
- University of Utrecht, Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias A W Merkx
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research and Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Radboud University Nijmegen, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Remco de Bree
- University of Utrecht, Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Amezaga-Fernandez I, Aguirre-Urizar JM, Suárez-Peñaranda JM, Chamorro-Petronacci C, Lafuente-Ibáñez de Mendoza I, Marichalar-Mendia X, Blanco-Carrión A, Antúnez-López J, García-García A. Epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed and treated in a single hospital in Galicia (Spain): a retrospective study with 5-year follow-up. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 2024; 29:e36-e43. [PMID: 37330964 PMCID: PMC10765332 DOI: 10.4317/medoral.26047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral cancer is a common neoplasm worldwide, mostly corresponding to squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Unfortunately, its overall prognosis remains poor, with no improvement in recent decades. In this study, we have analysed the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic characteristics of OSCC on patients of a specific Spanish region (Galicia), in order to improve its prognosis and apply effective preventive and early diagnosis measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed 243 cases of OSCC, diagnosed and treated in a single hospital centre in Galicia between 2010 and 2015 (minimum of 5 years of evolution). Overall and specific survival were calculated (Kaplan-Meier) and associated variables were identified (log rank test and Cox regression). RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 67 years, with the majority being male (69.5%), smokers (45.9%) and alcohol consumers (58.6%), who lived in non-urban areas (79.4%). Cases diagnosed at advanced stages entailed the 48.1% of the sample, and 38.7% of cases relapsed. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 39.9% and 46.1%, respectively. Patients who consumed tobacco and alcohol had a worse prognosis. OSCC cases referred to hospital by specialist dentists had a better prognosis, as those who were previously diagnosed with an oral potentially malignant oral disorder (OPMD) or received dental care during OSCC treatment. CONCLUSIONS In view of these findings, we conclude that OSCC in Galicia (Spain) still has a very poor overall prognosis, which is mainly related to the advanced age of the patients and the late diagnosis. Our study highlights the better survival of OSCC in relation to the referring health professional, the presence of a previous OPMD and the dental care after diagnosis. This demonstrates the importance of dentistry as a health profession involved in the early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of this malignant neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Amezaga-Fernandez
- Department of Stomatology II University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain
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Sajid IM, Frost K, Paul AK. 'Diagnostic downshift': clinical and system consequences of extrapolating secondary care testing tactics to primary care. BMJ Evid Based Med 2022; 27:141-148. [PMID: 34099498 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous drivers push specialist diagnostic approaches down to primary care ('diagnostic downshift'), intuitively welcomed by clinicians and patients. However, primary care's different population and processes result in under-recognised, unintended consequences. Testing performs poorer in primary care, with indication creep due to earlier, more undifferentiated presentation and reduced accuracy due to spectrum bias and the 'false-positive paradox'. In low-prevalence settings, tests without near-100% specificity have their useful yield eclipsed by greater incidental or false-positive findings. Ensuing cascades and multiplier effects can generate clinician workload, patient anxiety, further low-value tests, referrals, treatments and a potentially nocebic population 'disease' burden of unclear benefit. Increased diagnostics earlier in pathways can burden patients and stretch general practice (GP) workloads, inducing downstream service utilisation and unintended 'market failure' effects. Evidence is tenuous for reducing secondary care referrals, providing patient reassurance or meaningfully improving clinical outcomes. Subsequently, inflated investment in per capita testing, at a lower level in a healthcare system, may deliver diminishing or even negative economic returns. Test cost poorly represents 'value', neglecting under-recognised downstream consequences, which must be balanced against therapeutic yield. With lower positive predictive values, more tests are required per true diagnosis and cost-effectiveness is rarely robust. With fixed secondary care capacity, novel primary care testing is an added cost pressure, rarely reducing hospital activity. GP testing strategies require real-world evaluation, in primary care populations, of all downstream consequences. Test formularies should be scrutinised in view of the setting of care, with interventions to focus rational testing towards those with higher pretest probabilities, while improving interpretation and communication of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Mohammed Sajid
- NHS West London Clinical Commissioning Group, London, UK
- University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Kathleen Frost
- NHS Central London Clinical Commissioning Group, London, UK
| | - Ash K Paul
- NHS South West London Health and Care Partnership STP, London, UK
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Soman C, Alghamdi SRM, Alazemi FNM, Alghamdi AAA. Cyberknife Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review. Eur J Dent 2021; 16:266-273. [PMID: 34891184 PMCID: PMC9339918 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyberknife radiosurgery is a frameless stereotactic robotic radiosurgery which has shown to deliver better treatment outcomes in the treatment of advanced head and neck (H&N) carcinomas, especially in previously irradiated and recurrent cases. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review of the available data on the outcomes of Cyberknife radiosurgery for treatment of head and neck cancer and to evaluate its collective outcomes. This systematic review was registered with the university with the registration no. FRP/2019/63 and was approved by the Institutional Review Board (RC/IRB/2019/132). Literature search was performed in the following: PubMed, Science direct, SciELO, MyScienceWork, Microsoft Academ EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, and Cochrane databases with the keywords “Cyberknife,” “oral cancer,” “oropharyngeal cancer,” and “head and neck cancer” and data was extracted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The records identified were 147 manuscripts. Excluded articles included 5 duplicate articles, 33 abstracts, 101 full text articles due to being off-topic, case reports, review, non-English, 1 survey, and 2 other articles containing data extracted from a main study which was already included. A total of 5 articles were evaluated for qualitative synthesis. The mean dose of Cyberknife radiosurgery delivered for previously irradiated recurrent H&N carcinoma patients was 34.57 Gy, with a mean sample size of 5 studied during the period of 2000 to 2016. The available evidence from the systematic review indicates that Cyberknife can be an efficacious treatment option for recurrent previously irradiated H&N carcinoma, especially for nonresectable tumors. There is paucity of homogenous data and studies in this arena; hence, meta-analysis could not be performed. Further standardized studies are essential, especially where the treatment of H&N carcinoma is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristalle Soman
- Department of Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Radiology, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Impact of the Presenting Symptom on Time Intervals and Diagnostic Routes of Patients with Symptomatic Oral Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205163. [PMID: 34680312 PMCID: PMC8533728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation was aimed at determining the time intervals from the presenting symptoms until the beginning of oral cancer treatment and their relative contribution to the total time, and to assess the impact of the presenting symptom on diagnostic timelines and patient referral routes. A cross-sectional, ambispective study was designed to investigate symptomatic incident cases. The Aarhus statement was used as a conceptual framework. Strategies for minimizing potential recall biases were implemented. A sample of 181 patients was recruited (power: 99.5%; α = 0.05). The patient interval reached 58.2 days (95% CI, 40.3-76.2), which accounted for 74% of the whole prereferral interval and for more than one third of the total time interval. The presenting symptom (trigger for consultation) influenced both the number of primary care consultations and the length of time to diagnosis. General dental practitioners generated longer intervals to diagnosis (p < 0.005) and needed more consultations before referring a patient (RR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93), than general medical practitioners. The current study identifies the patient as the main target for interventions to improve awareness and reinforces the need for increased alertness amongst healthcare professionals about presenting symptoms of oral cancer and to diminish the number of prereferral consultations in order to optimize the primary care interval.
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Schoonbeek RC, Zwertbroek J, Plaat BEC, Takes RP, Ridge JA, Strojan P, Ferlito A, van Dijk BAC, Halmos GB. Determinants of delay and association with outcome in head and neck cancer: A systematic review. Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 47:1816-1827. [PMID: 33715909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head and neck cancers (HNC) are relatively fast-growing tumours, and delay in treatment initiation is associated with tumour progression and adverse outcome. An overview of factors contributing to delay can provide critical insights on necessary adjustments to optimize care pathways. This systematic review aims to identify factors associated with delay and summarize the effect of delay on oncological outcome measures. METHODS A search strategy was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to search electronic databases for studies assessing the carepathway interval (days between first visit in head and neck oncology center and treatment initiation) and/or time-to-treatment-initiation interval (days between histological diagnosis and treatment initiation) and 1) determinants of delay and/or 2) effect of delay on outcome within these timeframes. Due to heterogeneity between included studies, a meta-analysis was not possible. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. Non-Caucasian race, academic setting, Medicaid/no insurance and radiotherapy as primary treatment were associated with delay. Advanced tumour stage was related to increased time-to-treatment initiation in the four common sites combined (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx). Separate determinants for delay in different tumour locations were identified. In laryngeal, oral cavity cancer and the four common HNC sites combined, delay in start of treatment is associated with decreased overall survival, although no cut-off time point could be determined. CONCLUSION Race, facility type, type of insurance and radiotherapy as primary treatment were associated with delay and subsequent inferior survival in the four common sites combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne C Schoonbeek
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Julia Zwertbroek
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn E C Plaat
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert P Takes
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - John A Ridge
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Department of Surgical Oncology, Head and Neck Surgery Section, 333 Cottman Avenue, 19111, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Primož Strojan
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zaloška Cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
| | - Boukje A C van Dijk
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research, Godebaldkwartier 419, 3511, DT, Utrecht, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - György B Halmos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
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da Conceição MGD, Emmerick ICM, Figueiró AC, Luiza VL. Oral cancer patient's profile and time to treatment initiation in the public health system in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:145. [PMID: 33588852 PMCID: PMC7885217 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper aims to describe the profile of oral cancer (OC) patients, their risk classification and identify the time between screening and treatment initiation in Rio de Janeiro Municipality. METHOD Data were obtained from the healthcare Regulation System (SISREG) regarding the period January 2013 to September 2015. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed identifying the factors associates with a diagnosis of OC as well as the time to treatment initiation (TTI) differences between groups. RESULTS From 3,862 individuals with a potential OC lesion, 6.9 % had OC diagnosis. OC patients were 62.3 y.o. (mean), 64.7 % male, 36.1 % were white and 62.5 % of the records received a red/yellow estimated risk classification. Being older, male, white and receiving a high-risk classification was associated with having an OC diagnosis. OC TTI was in average 59.1 days and median of 50 days significantly higher than non-OC individuals (p = 0.007). TTI was higher for individuals older than 60 years old, male, and white individuals and for risk classification red and yellow, nevertheless while in average none of these differences were statistically significant, the median of individuals classified as low risk was significantly (p = 0.044) lower than those with high risk. CONCLUSIONS Time to treatment initiation (TTI) was higher for OC patients related to non OC. Despite OC confirmed was associated with risk at screening classified as urgent or emergent, a high percentage of OC patients had their risk classified for elective care when specialized care was requested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoela Garcia Dias da Conceição
- Public health Post-Graduation Program National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (PPGSP/ENSP/FIOCUZ), 1480 Rua Leopoldo Bulhoes, Manguinhos, RJ, ZC, 21041-210, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel Cristina Martins Emmerick
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, UMass Memorial Healthcare/University of Massachusetts Medical School, 67 Belmont Street #201, Massachusetts, 01605, Worcester, USA
| | - Ana Claudia Figueiró
- Department of Collective Health, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (SDC/IAM/Fiocruz), Campus da UFPE - Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Recife - PE, ZC, 50670-420, Recife, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Luiza
- Department of Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services Policies, National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (NAF/ENSP/FIOCUZ), 1480 Rua Leopoldo Bulhoes, Manguinhos, ZC, 21041-210, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Zavarez LB, Stramandinoli-Zanicotti RT, Sassi LM, Ramos GH, Schussel JL, Torres-Pereira CC. The interval since first symptoms until diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region is still a problem in southern Brazil. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 2020; 25:e769-e774. [PMID: 33037811 PMCID: PMC7648913 DOI: 10.4317/medoral.23781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim was to examine the interval since first symptoms until final diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck region in southern Brazil.
Material and Methods The individuals were prospectively selected and underwent anamnesis, physical examination and interview in the first medical consultation at a Cancer Hospital from south of Brazil.
Results From 488 patients who underwent clinical examination, 105 were included in the study with diagnosis of SCC. Patients average interval from first symptoms to final diagnosis was 152 days (median 86; max:1105; min: 1), the average professional interval was 108 days (median: 97; max:525; min: 1) , and the average total period interval was 258 days (median: 186; max:1177; min: 45). Factors statistically associated with patient and diagnosis itinerary intervals were smoking and poorly adapted dentures and distance from home to hospital, respectively.
Conclusions The identification of the itinerary characteristics of this specific population may reflect in more effective public policies, such as primary and secondary prevention programs, aiming to increase the survival of oncological patient. Furthermore, the knowledge of the variables that influence the late diagnosis minimizes patient's journey in search of care to cancer centers through health programs. Key words:Head and neck cancer, time interval, time to diagnosis, diagnosis delay, squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-B Zavarez
- Av Lothário Meissner 632 Curitiba - PR, Brazil. ZIP 80210-170
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Overall time interval ("Total diagnostic delay") and mortality in symptomatic oral cancer: A U-shaped association. Oral Oncol 2020; 104:104626. [PMID: 32146387 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact on survival of the total time interval since the first bodily change (sign/symptom) until the start of treatment in symptomatic oral cancer patients. METHODS Retrospective, hospital-based study designed within the "Aarhus Statement" conceptual framework, using the overall interval to treatment of 183 oral cancer patients to analyse their survival rates. RESULTS Overall time interval (T5): 107.1 ± 85.2 days. Overall survival rate: 58.4 (CI: 51.3-66.4%). Recurrence time (median): 724 days (IQR, 223-2963.5). Median survival time: 1744 days (IQR, 479.5-3438). Overall delay (T5) and mortality showed a U-shaped association, where patients with short (24.0-55.5 days) and long T5 intervals (127.5-420 days) had higher mortality than those with medium T5 intervals (55.5-127.5 days). CONCLUSION There is a non-monotonic association between time interval and mortality. Higher mortality rates are linked to shorter and longer time intervals. This may induce underestimation of the association when time intervals are considered dichotomously.
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