2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP04.04. Delay in Lung Cancer Diagnosis as a result of being Diagnosed as Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Riau Province

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This study aimed to identify factors associated with delays in the diagnosis of lung cancer in patients who had received treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center in Riau province, Indonesia. The patients' medical records were analyzed retrospectively, and they were classified into two groups based on whether they had received anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) or not. The factors associated with delays in the diagnosis were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression.<br /><br />The study found that chest radiographic findings showing lung abnormalities other than a mass were associated with receiving ATT. The presence of sputum bacilli was also significantly associated with delays in the diagnosis. However, there were no significant correlations with clinical symptoms or the healthcare worker who prescribed ATT. The most common presenting symptoms in the patients were coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis, and non-respiratory conditions.<br /><br />The study highlighted that in developing countries with a high prevalence of PTB, clinicians often misdiagnose lung cancer as PTB. This is due to the similarity of symptoms and confusing imaging findings. The study recommended that clinicians have a high awareness of referring patients for further investigation if empirical tuberculosis treatment does not lead to a clinical response within 4 weeks. The main sources of diagnostic error were delays in investigating lung opacities using CT scans or fiber-optic bronchoscopy and misinterpretation of chest radiographs.<br /><br />The study emphasized the importance of correctly interpreting chest X-rays and considering alternative diagnoses if there is no response to tuberculosis treatment. Lack of awareness, cost limitations, and limited availability of diagnostic machines in developing countries contribute to wrong judgments. The study concluded that clinicians should be aware of the factors associated with delays in the diagnosis of lung cancer in patients with a history of PTB, in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.<br /><br />In summary, this study identified factors associated with delays in the diagnosis of lung cancer in patients who had received treatment for PTB. The study highlighted the need for clinicians to be aware of the potential for misdiagnosis and to consider alternative diagnoses if tuberculosis treatment does not lead to a clinical response within 4 weeks.

Asset Subtitle

Ananda Aulia

Meta Tag

Speaker Ananda Aulia

Topic Screening & Early Detection: Nodule Management

Keywords

lung cancer diagnosis

pulmonary tuberculosis treatment

factors associated with delays

chest radiographic findings

sputum bacilli

clinical symptoms

healthcare worker

misdiagnosis of lung cancer

diagnostic error

chest X-rays