Oral cancer analysis in a Brazilian city: interval between diagnosis and treatment

In Brazil, there are 15,500 incident cases of oral cancer (OC) yearly, and early diagnosis is the main factor for a better prognosis. The objective of this study was to analyze the interval between the first symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment commencement in patients with malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity, lips, and oropharynx diagnosed between 2012-2018. Epidemiological data, duration, history of lesion, biopsy, and diagnosis were obtained from the medical records of these patients, who were then contacted via phone and interviewed about their oncological treatment. The results were analyzed and expressed as mean, median, and SD. Of 184 patients, most were men, white, 50-69 years old, smokers, and alcoholics. The longest interval was between the first symptoms and first evaluation (a mean of 275 days). The interval between the first appointment and the result of the biopsy was shorter (13 days). Among the 85 patients interviewed, the interval between the diagnosis, the first appointment at the oncological clinic and treatment commencement was 55 days (mean) for patients using private-sector health care, and 96 days (mean) for patients using public health care. The interval was twice as long in the public health system compared with the private sector, which highlights the inequality of access to health care in Brazil. Delay in seeking health care after the appearance of the first symptoms remains a major problem.