MD, DDS, PhD(c), Oral and maxillofacial Surgeon
Locum Consultant, Specialized Oral and Maxillofacial Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction Center, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
Researcher at Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Associate Editor, Hellenic Archives of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (HAOMS Journal)
former post-CCT Senior Clinical Fellow, Head and Neck, University College London Hospitals, NHS Trust
-Greek text follows-
Στοματικός και Γναθοπροσωπικός Χειρουργός σε θέση Επικουρικού Επιμελητή στη Πανεπιστημιακή κλινική της Στοματικής Γναθοπροσωπικής Χειρουργικής του Νοσοκομείου Γ. Παπανικολάου - Ειδικό Κέντρο Χειρουργικής Θεραπείας και Αποκατάστασης Καρκίνου της Στοματικής Γναθοπροσωπικής Χειρουργικής.
Γναθοχειρουργική - Γναθοχειρουργός
Address: Leof. Papanikolaou
Pilea Chortiatis
570 10
Thessaloniki
Greece
Locum Consultant, Specialized Oral and Maxillofacial Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction Center, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
Researcher at Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Associate Editor, Hellenic Archives of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (HAOMS Journal)
former post-CCT Senior Clinical Fellow, Head and Neck, University College London Hospitals, NHS Trust
-Greek text follows-
Στοματικός και Γναθοπροσωπικός Χειρουργός σε θέση Επικουρικού Επιμελητή στη Πανεπιστημιακή κλινική της Στοματικής Γναθοπροσωπικής Χειρουργικής του Νοσοκομείου Γ. Παπανικολάου - Ειδικό Κέντρο Χειρουργικής Θεραπείας και Αποκατάστασης Καρκίνου της Στοματικής Γναθοπροσωπικής Χειρουργικής.
Γναθοχειρουργική - Γναθοχειρουργός
Address: Leof. Papanikolaou
Pilea Chortiatis
570 10
Thessaloniki
Greece
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Papers by Dimitris Tatsis
Head and neck cancer is a significant health issue, particularly in underserved communities, where late-stage diagnoses and limited access to screenings and preventive care contribute to poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. This manuscript highlights the rise of head and neck cancer cases in Greece, specifically addressing the lack of a national cancer registry, delays in referral and diagnosis, and low awareness among general medical practitioners.
Materials and Methods
The study collected data from the university affiliated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department in Thessaloniki, Greece, over a four-year period (2019-2022). Patient records were extracted from the electronic archive, and parameters such as staging, diagnostic modalities, and area of residence were recorded.
Results
The data revealed a consistent trend over the four years, with more patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer outside the Thessaloniki metropolitan area compared to within it. The delay in referral was statistically significant and partially attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
Patients with very advanced disease emphasize the need for early detection and timely intervention. Socioeconomic factors, limited access to healthcare resources, and low public awareness contribute to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes in head and neck cancer. Early detection strategies show promise in underserved communities. The impact of head and neck cancer on quality of life necessitates multidisciplinary care and specialized interventions to address physical and psychological concerns. Awareness campaigns, structured recording of the factors contributing to the disparity in head and neck cancer outcomes among underserved communities, as well as dissemination strategies of specialist care and quicker referral patterns should be implemented.
Head and neck cancer is a significant health issue, particularly in underserved communities, where late-stage diagnoses and limited access to screenings and preventive care contribute to poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. This manuscript highlights the rise of head and neck cancer cases in Greece, specifically addressing the lack of a national cancer registry, delays in referral and diagnosis, and low awareness among general medical practitioners.
Materials and Methods
The study collected data from the university affiliated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department in Thessaloniki, Greece, over a four-year period (2019-2022). Patient records were extracted from the electronic archive, and parameters such as staging, diagnostic modalities, and area of residence were recorded.
Results
The data revealed a consistent trend over the four years, with more patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer outside the Thessaloniki metropolitan area compared to within it. The delay in referral was statistically significant and partially attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
Patients with very advanced disease emphasize the need for early detection and timely intervention. Socioeconomic factors, limited access to healthcare resources, and low public awareness contribute to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes in head and neck cancer. Early detection strategies show promise in underserved communities. The impact of head and neck cancer on quality of life necessitates multidisciplinary care and specialized interventions to address physical and psychological concerns. Awareness campaigns, structured recording of the factors contributing to the disparity in head and neck cancer outcomes among underserved communities, as well as dissemination strategies of specialist care and quicker referral patterns should be implemented.