The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 197, Issue 4 , Pages 434-438, April 2009

Time interval in diagnosis and treatment of papillary thyroid cancer: a descriptive, retrospective study

  • Gianlorenzo Dionigi, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Endocrine Surgery Research Center, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57 21100, Varese, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +390332278450; fax: +390332260260
    • ,
  • Maria Laura Tanda, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
    • ,
  • Eliana Piantanida, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
    • ,
  • Luigi Boni, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Endocrine Surgery Research Center, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57 21100, Varese, Italy
    • ,
  • Francesca Rovera, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Endocrine Surgery Research Center, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57 21100, Varese, Italy
    • ,
  • Renzo Dionigi, F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S. (Hon. Edin.)

      Affiliations

    • Endocrine Surgery Research Center, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57 21100, Varese, Italy
    • ,
  • Luigi Bartalena, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy

Received 20 November 2007; received in revised form 31 December 2007 published online 09 September 2008.

Abstract 

Background

Studies have investigated delays in the diagnosis of neoplasms to identify delays to treatment on the part of patients and primary care practitioners. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the time interval (TI) required for the diagnosis of symptomatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

The study included 97 patients with PTC. Other histologic types and incidental microcarcinomas were excluded. The primary outcome variable was the TI between the occurrence of a sign/symptom and thyroidectomy. TI was composed of: patient's TI (PTI), diagnostic TI (DTI), and therapeutic TI (TTI).

Results

The TI between the occurrence of a sign/symptom and thyroidectomy averaged 3 months. PTI ranged from 25–85 days, DTI from 12–40 days, and TTI from 7–30 days. PTI was higher (P < .05) than DTI and TTI.

Conclusion

PTI is the most important factor affecting TI. Implementation of information may increase patient's alertness and reduce misinterpretation of signs/symptoms. Collaboration between specialists is fundamental to further reduce DTI and TTI.

Keywords: Papillary thyroid carcinoma, Symptoms, Consultation, Diagnosis, Treatment

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 Supported in part by grants from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR, Roma, Italy, Project “Studies on relationship between foetal microchimerism and thyroid autoimmune disease”), and from the University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

PII: S0002-9610(08)00479-0

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.01.031

The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 197, Issue 4 , Pages 434-438, April 2009

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