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. 2010 Jul-Aug;76(4):416-22.
doi: 10.1590/S1808-86942010000400002.

Characterization of oral cancer diagnostic delay in the state of Alagoas

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Luiz Carlos Oliveira dos Santos  1 , Olívio de Medeiros Batista, Maria Cristina Teixeira Cangussu
Affiliations

Characterization of oral cancer diagnostic delay in the state of Alagoas

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Luiz Carlos Oliveira dos Santos et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2010 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Oral cancer in Brazil still presents high levels of incidence and mortality bearing different traits throughout the national territory. In most of the cases the diagnosis is late; however there is a great possibility for cure when treated early on.

Aim: to assess factors associated with the late diagnosis of oral cancer in the state of Alagoas.

Material and methods: a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 74 patients, all of them diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma in a hospital of Alagoas, between July of 2007 and September of 2008. A semi-structured interview was given, obtaining socio-demographic data, the type of professional help sought, symptom onset, referrals and tumor clinical stage at the moment of diagnosis.

Results: According to the results obtained in this study, the patients usually sought professional medical help, rather than dental help when a lesion in the mouth appeared, being always referred to a specialist by the dentist, in advanced stages of the disease.

Conclusions: This study suggests the need for continued education programs for the population and professionals aiming at the early identification of symptoms of the illness; however needing further studies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Anatomical site of lesions.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of staging as detected.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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