Outcomes for Emergency Presentations of Lung Cancer: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Lung cancer is frequently diagnosed in emergency departments (EDs).
• EDs play a vital role in identifying lung cancer and coordinating patient care.
• Emergency presentations (EPs) represent a significant pathway for lung cancer diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define emergency presentations (EPs) of lung cancer.
• To analyze mortality rates, cancer stage, and treatments for lung cancer diagnosed via EPs.
• To explore the heterogeneity in defining EPs of lung cancer.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of the literature was conducted.
• 27 relevant articles were identified from an initial screening of 1338.
• Data on definitions, mortality, stage, and treatment were extracted and synthesized.

Main Results:

• Most studies originated from the UK, reporting over 270,000 lung cancer EPs.
• Patients diagnosed via EPs had higher mortality and presented at advanced stages.
• Fewer patients with EPs received surgery or radiotherapy; EP definitions were inconsistent.

Conclusions:

• Patients with undiagnosed lung cancer presenting acutely often have advanced disease and poor outcomes.
• Significant heterogeneity exists in the definition of EPs for lung cancer.
• Further research is needed to develop interventions for improving outcomes in ED patients with suspected lung cancer.