El tiempo de atención y su impacto en la evolución del cáncer laríngeo

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal carcinoma is the 22nd most common cause of cancer in men worldwide and the second most common head and neck malignancy. The care of these patients is multidisciplinary. Factors such as tumor stage and initiation of treatment 60 days after diagnosis have been associated with worse survival. OBJECTIVE: To know the overall time of care in laryngeal cancer and its impact on the outcome of patients in a tertiary health center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In July 2020, a retrospective study was carried out of 173 patients with laryngeal cancer diagnosed in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology from January 2014 to December 2018. Odds ratio and Fisher's exact test were calculated with a p value of 0.05. RESULTS: 2 out of 77 patients started treatment at the recommended time. The total attention time (TAT) was 246 ± 159 days. 56% of the patients were still alive, 43% disease-free and 10% with progression. Control of the disease was achieved in 69% of early tumors and only 26% in advanced ones. CONCLUSIONS: The overall time of care impacts on the health status, affecting survival and control of disease. The stage of the tumor at the time of diagnosis is a decisive prognosis factor. Strategies towards multidisciplinary management and early detection in primary care should be created.