Factors of Delayed Diagnosis of Oral Cancer in Rajavithi Supertertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective : To identify the factors related delayed diagnosis of oral cancer in the Era of digital technology 2018.

Methods : Related information is collected by interview and statistical analyzed.

Results : Out of the 136 patients, 77 were males, 59 females. The median age was 60 years old (ranged 17-86). The average time of diagnosis after patient recognition was more than 5 weeks. 11% of oral cancer patients were diagnosed within 4 weeks. The delayed diagnosis was caused by the patients which were self-observed the symptoms before visiting the hospital (p<0.05; OR 4.7; 95% CI: 1.02-21.9) and those with 60 years of age or older (p<0.05; OR3.4; 95% CI: 1.02-11.31). In addition, delayed factors by physician were first time treatment by medication (p<0.01; OR 7.9; 95% CI: 2.65-23.88) and by observation (p<0.01; OR 6.0; 95% CI: 2.03-17.68).

Conclusion : While the data of cancer knowledge can be accessed by many varieties of digital technology and social media, the delayed diagnosis of oral cancer is still the problem of referred patients in Rajavithi Supertertiary Hospital. The delayed factors were self-observation, age, and lack of intervention by physician at early stage. To decrease the delay of diagnosis, early warning sign of oral cancer should be promoted for public awareness, particularly for older persons. Oral self-examination to detect oral cancer should be available to improve the efficiency of self-observation. It is also advisable that medical profession be recognize to early stage oral cancer lesion for early intervention.