Kornél Dános, Angéla Horváth, Judit Halász, László Tamás, Gábor Polony
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Head and neck cancers represent a major health problem in Hungary. With their high incidence and mortality rates, Hungary is one of the world leaders in these indicators. The length of patient delay, defined as time from onset of symptoms to first medical consultation, is unknown in Hungarian patients with head and neck cancer. We aimed to use a representative sample of the Hungarian head and neck cancer patient population to determine patient delay according to disease localization and stage and to identify correlations with other clinical parameters. Methods: In our retrospective study, we reviewed patient documentation. For the inclusion, the patients had to be diagnosed with malignant tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx at the Department Head and Neck Surgery of Semmelweis University between 2012 and 2017. Results: We identified 236 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The median delay was 9.5 weeks (range 0-209 weeks) and the mean delay of patients was 17.57 weeks (SD 23.67). There was a significant difference in patient delay data by location. Among glottic cancers, the most common diagnosis was an early stage (67%), compared with other localizations, including most commonly the oropharynx (81%) and hypopharynx (80%), where a locoregionally advanced stage was more frequent. Discussion: Compared to data from different countries, the delay of Hungarian patients with head and neck cancer is significantly longer, which may contribute to the high mortality in Hungary. Screening and patient education in high-risk groups could contribute to earlier diagnosis and thus improve prognosis.
期刊介绍:
Pathology & Oncology Research (POR) is an interdisciplinary Journal at the interface of pathology and oncology including the preclinical and translational research, diagnostics and therapy. Furthermore, POR is an international forum for the rapid communication of reviews, original research, critical and topical reports with excellence and novelty. Published quarterly, POR is dedicated to keeping scientists informed of developments on the selected biomedical fields bridging the gap between basic research and clinical medicine. It is a special aim for POR to promote pathological and oncological publishing activity of colleagues in the Central and East European region. The journal will be of interest to pathologists, and a broad range of experimental and clinical oncologists, and related experts. POR is supported by an acknowledged international advisory board and the Arányi Fundation for modern pathology.