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Timely diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: the GP's role
Cristina Renzi1, Simona Mastroeni, Thomas J Mannooranparampil
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy. c.renzi@idi.it
Background:
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequent skin cancer among Caucasians. Advanced cases determine significant tissue destruction and they can metastasize.
Objectives:
To evaluate the role of GPs in timely diagnosis of SCC, examining the probability of delay before the diagnosis and treatment of SCC among patients having first seen a GP compared to patients having accessed directly a dermatologist.
Methods:
We included a stratified sample of 308 SCC patients treated at a referral center in Italy. Medical records were reviewed and combined with patient interviews.
Results:
Multivariable analysis has shown that patients who have first seen a GP have a significantly lower likelihood of long patient delay [odds ratio (OR) = 0.45; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.21-0.94; P = 0.04) compared to patients having accessed directly a dermatologist. Treatment delay was not associated with the specialization of the first doctor seen for the lesion (OR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.15-1.84; P = 0.31).
Conclusion:
Our findings highlight the potential role of the GP in facilitating rapid access to appropriate health care.
