The aim of the present study was to investigate diagnostic delay in oral cancer (OC) in two diagnosis centers in Córdoba, Argentina. Special attention was paid to the role of the patient and the professional in the diagnostic delay.
Methods: Seventy clinical records of patients with newly diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma were included.
Results: Both patients and professionals were responsible for the delay in diagnosis. This delay was longer for tumors in early stages. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the professional delay was the most associated variable to the stage of tumor (P = 0.03).
Conclusions: Continuing education in OC and pre-cancerous lesions is important to reduce the professional delay. The findings of the present study also indicate that 58% of the patients are partially responsible for delay in the diagnosis of OC. Intensive public promotion and educational campaigns against OC are also needed to increase patient awareness.