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Outcomes of a head and neck cancer screening clinic.

Authors :
Shuman AG
McKiernan JT
Thomas D
Patel P
Palmer FL
Shaffer BT
Shah JP
Patel SG
Boyle JO
Source :
Oral oncology [Oral Oncol] 2013 Dec; Vol. 49 (12), pp. 1136-40. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Sep 29.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Objective: To describe an institutional experience conducting an annual free head and neck (H&N) cancer screening clinic. Specific aims included: (1) identifying factors predicting which individuals will have findings suspicious for malignancy; and (2) evaluating potential barriers to subsequent follow-up among patients with suspicious findings.<br />Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved individuals presenting to an annual H&N cancer screening clinic (2001-2012). Original screening clinic data and electronic medical records were reviewed. Descriptive and comparative statistics were utilized in order to address the study aims.<br />Results: Of 1573 participants, 325 (21%) had abnormal findings on screening, of which 183 (12%) had findings suspicious for cancer. No demographic factors predicted a suspicion for cancer. The presence of patient-reported symptoms (16% vs. 8%; p<0.001) were significantly associated with a suspicion for cancer. Only 20% of individuals with a suspicion for cancer returned to our institution for recommended follow-up. Patients who did not complain of symptoms were less likely to return for follow-up (2% vs. 36%; p<0.001). Of the patients who returned for follow-up evaluation, malignancies were diagnosed in three patients.<br />Conclusion: Few individuals presenting to a H&N cancer screening clinic will have a malignancy detected, and barriers may influence patients' likelihood to present for subsequent evaluation. Due to self-selection among patients presenting for screening, traditional risk factors may not be associated with the likelihood of detecting a suspicion for H&N cancer. Head and neck cancer screening clinics should thus target patients at high risk, and attempt to ensure appropriate follow-up thereafter.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-0593
Volume :
49
Issue :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Oral oncology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
24084407
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.09.007