Catarina Faria Tavares1, Inês Silva Costa1, Sara Almeida2, Mónica Jerónimo2, Manuel João Brito2.
1Pediatrics Department, ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões, Portugal,
2Oncology Department, Hospital Pediátrico, ULS Coimbra, Portugal.
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Abstract
Introduction: Pediatric cancer, the leading cause of disease-related mortality in children ages 1 to 14, has more promising outcomes with earlier diagnosis. This retrospective study (2011–2023) characterized pediatric oncology patients in Portugal, specifically from the district of Viseu, referred to a tertiary Pediatric Oncology service.
Methods: Data were analysed to assess demographic characteristics, symptom presentation, ED visits before diagnosis, and potential correlations with diagnostic delays.
Results: Among the 104 newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients, 57 (54.8%) were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.6 ± 5.6 years. The most frequent neoplasms were leukemias (group I), lymphomas (group II), and central nervous system (CNS) tumors (group III). The diagnoses occurred at earlier ages in neuroblastoma (group IV) and retinoblastoma (group V), while older patients were more commonly diagnosed with lymphomas, malignant bone tumors and carcinomas. Edema was the most common presenting symptom (24.0%), followed by B symptoms such as night sweats (7.7%) and weight loss (7.7%). Patients had a median of two ED visits before clinical suspicion of cancer. Malignant bone tumors consistentally had more visits to ED before diagnosis suspicion (p=0.025). However within the group of patients with more than 3 ED visits, acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases were predominant. A significant correlation was found for disease progression time over five years of age (r=0.271; p=0.035).
Conclusion: Understanding the diagnostic timeline in pediatric oncology is vital for optimizing early detection. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals can enhance diagnostic strategies, reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
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