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[Oncologic pathology at an internal medicine service]
M I de Miranda1, R da Luz, F M Gonçalves
1Serviço de Medicina I, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Oncological diseases were a major cause of hospital admissions, with many patients presenting with advanced cancer. Improved cancer care coordination and early detection programs are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Oncology
- Public Health
Context:
- Retrospective survey of oncological disease admissions in 1987.
- Oncological diseases were the second leading cause of internal medicine admissions.
- Significant proportion of patients diagnosed within the department.
Purpose:
- Determine the prevalence of oncological diseases.
- Profile patient admissions for cancer.
- Identify challenges in cancer care.
Summary:
- Oncological diseases constituted 12% of admissions, second only to cardiovascular diseases.
- 60% of patients had pre-existing diagnoses, admitted for complications or treatment.
- 40% of cases were diagnosed during admission, revealing a variety of hematological and non-hematological tumors.
- Over 50% of patients presented with advanced disease, necessitating supportive care.
- Difficulties in interdisciplinary coordination were noted.
- 60% of discharged patients were referred to primary care physicians.
Impact:
- Highlights resource dispersion in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
- Underscores the need for national cancer registers and improved prevention/early detection programs.
- Emphasizes the importance of enhanced undergraduate and postgraduate education, particularly for primary care physicians, to improve cancer patient assistance in Portugal.