Evaluation of Delayed Diagnosis of Neck Masses and Related Factors

Background: Due to the importance of time in diagnosis and treatment and, as a result, the prognosis of patients with neck malignancies, we decided to evaluate the causes of delay in diagnosis of neck masses and their associated factors. Aim: In this study, we have evaluated the delay in diagnosing neck masses and the related factors. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 500 patients with a neck mass who were referred to Loghman Hakim Hospital in 2019. Demographic data were recorded. The time of the delay to visit a doctor and the time of the delay to diagnosis were recorded. Factors related to the delay in the patient and physician's diagnosis, including the patient's socioeconomic status, literacy and income level, associated symptoms, history of smoking, infections and underlying diseases, were evaluated. Results: the mean age of patients was 46.04 years. 50.4% were female. The mean time interval between feeling neck mass and visiting a doctor was 34.72 days. This time interval between feeling neck mass and visiting a doctor in patients with higher education levels was less than in illiterate patients with low education levels (p = 0.046). This interval time in patients with higher income levels was less than in patients with lower income levels (p = 0.009). This interval was significantly increased with increasing age (p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, some factors such as age, income and education level significantly influence the process of diagnosis and treatment. On the other side, the presence of some signs and symptoms like dysphagia, sore throat, weight loss, etc., can remarkably reduce delay in that process. Ultimately it seems helpful to make an application which provides essential training for elderly, low-income or unlearned patients and facilitates consulting and referring to doctors for them.