Characterization of oral cancer diagnostic delay in the state of Alagoas.
Oral cancer in Brazil still presents high levels of incidence and mortality bearing different traits throughout the national territory. In most of the cases the diagnosis is late; however there is a great possibility for cure when treated early on.


OBJECTIVE
to assess factors associated with the late diagnosis of oral cancer in the state of Alagoas.


METHODS
a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 74 patients, all of them diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma in a hospital of Alagoas, between July of 2007 and September of 2008. A semi-structured interview was given, obtaining socio-demographic data, the type of professional help sought, symptom onset, referrals and tumor clinical stage at the moment of diagnosis.


RESULTS
According to the results obtained in this study, the patients usually sought professional medical help, rather than dental help when a lesion in the mouth appeared, being always referred to a specialist by the dentist, in advanced stages of the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests the need for continued education programs for the population and professionals aiming at the early identification of symptoms of the illness; however needing further studies.
Santos
Luiz Carlos Oliveira dos
LC
Integrated Doctoral Program in Dentistry, UFPB/UFBA.
Batista
Olívio de Medeiros
Ode M
Cangussu
Maria Cristina Teixeira
MC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors