title: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Saudi Arabia: clinical presentation and diagnostic delay.
abstract: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is commonly advanced at diagnosis. In this study we evaluated the clinical presentation, diagnostic delay and factors affecting delay in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Data were collected prospectively for 307 newly diagnosed patients, including detailed demographic data, disease history, health care consultations and referral process. Diagnostic delay was classified as patient, professional and overall. Neck lump and nasal obstruction were the commonest presenting symptoms. There was a significant association between delay time of > or = 3 months and advanced stage. Patient's age and otological symptoms were associated with increased overall delay time. Advanced clinical stage at diagnosis was associated with paitents' sociodemographic characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. nrajhi@kfshrc.edu.sa
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Al-Rajhi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El-Sebaie
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Khafaga
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: AlZahrani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mohamed
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Amro
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis / Q000145:classification / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014195:Travel