Head and Neck Cancer during COVID-19 pandemic: Diagnosis and treatment delays?

• Author(s): Teixeira, Mónica ; Aguiar, Cristina ; Gama, Rita ; Alves, Sandra ; Oliveira, Pedro
• Date: 2023
• Origin: Revista Portuguesa de Otorrinolaringologia-Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço
• Subject(s): COVID-19; Cancro da Cabeça e Pescoço; Atraso diagnóstico; Tempo até tratamento; COVID-19; Head and neck cancer; Delayed Diagnoses; Time-to-treatment
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Study design: Clinical data analysis of HNC patients who started treatment before COVID-19 pandemic period: from September 1st, 2018 to March 10th, 2020 (Group A) and after COVID-19 pandemic period: from March 11th, 2020 to September 30th, 2021 (Group B). Results: We included 177 patients. After the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, there was larger tumoral extent and more advanced regional lymph node involvement. Moreover, there was a longer duration of symptoms until medical evaluation (p=0,009). However, the time interval between the histological diagnosis and the beginning of the treatment was shorter (p=0,008), even in the subgroup of patients who underwent surgery. Conclusions: Despite the significant delay in seeking medical care, there was a quick response in approaching patients with HNC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objetivos: Analisar o impacto da pandemia Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) na abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica de doentes com Cancro da Cabeça e Pescoço (CCP). Métodos: Consulta dos processos clínicos dos doentes com CCP tratados no período pré- COVID-19: entre 1 de setembro de 2018 e 10 de março de 2020 (Grupo A), e no período pós- COVID-19: entre 11 de março de 2020 e 30 de setembro de 2021 (Grupo B). Resultados: Foram incluídos 177 doentes. No período pós-COVID-19, verificou-se uma maior extensão tumoral e envolvimento ganglionar regional mais avançado. Após a pandemia, houve um aumento do tempo de sintomas até à primeira avaliação médica (p=0,009). Contudo, o tempo entre o diagnóstico e o início do tratamento foi inferior (p=0,008), inclusive no subgrupo de doentes propostos para cirurgia. Conclusões: Apesar do atraso significativo na procura de cuidados médicos, constatou-se uma célere resposta na abordagem aos doentes com CCP durante a pandemia COVID-19.