EP06.01-017 Clinical Impact of SARS-CoV2 Pandemic in the Diagnosis of Early-Stage Thoracic Tumours

IntroductionCancer healthcare has been affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, interfering the normal function of oncology units and increasing diagnostic delay. Nevertheless, the rising incidence of respiratory infections led to an increase in medical consultations and chest imaging explorations. . The aim of the study was to assess whether the increase in medical evaluations in the context of the pandemic led to an increase in the detection of early-stage thoracic tumours.MethodsWe performed a retrospective single-institution study, collecting data from patients diagnosed with thoracic tumours between March, 1, 2020 and December, 31, 2021. We analysed their demographic and clinical data, symptoms at diagnosis and those who were diagnosed due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsTabled 1Total (N = 378)SexMale: 256 (67.7%) Female: 122 (32.3%)Age67.0 (21.0-87.0)Smoking habitNever smoker: 42 (11.1%)Former smoker: 189 (50.0%)Current smoker: 137 (36.2%)Unknown: 10 (2.7%)Stage at diagnosisI: 130 (34.4%) II: 37 (9.8%) III: 98 (25.9%) IV: 109 (28.8%) Unknown: 4 (1.1%)HistologyAdenocarcinoma: 192 (50.8%)Squamous carcinoma: 92 (24.3%) Small cell carcinoma: 39 (10.3%) Adenosquamous: 2 (0.5%) Large cell carcinoma: 3 (0.8%) Neuroendocrine large cell carcinoma: 11 (2.9%) Sarcomatoid: 1 (0.3%)NOS: 12 (3.2%) Carcinoid: 16 (4.2%) Mesothelioma: 2 (0.5%)Others: 8 (1.6%)Symptoms reported at diagnosisAsymptomatic: 131 (34.7%) Anorexia: 23 (6.1%) Asthenia: 34 (9.0%) Dyspnoea: 66 (17.5%) Pain: 64 (16.9%) Haemoptysis: 27 (7.1%) Weight loss: 57 (15.1%) Cough: 65 (17.2%) Others: 60 (15.9%)Diagnosis due to SARS-CoV-2 suspicion/disease20 (5.3%)Causes of diagnosis in asymptomatic patientsFollow-up of a non-oncological pathology: 56.6% Follow-up of another tumour: 17.5% Preoperative study: 7.0%Extension study of another tumour: 6.3% Rutinary revision: 6.3%Symptoms not related with thoracic cancer: 6.3% Open table in a new tab ConclusionsKeywordsCOVID19, Lung Cancer, Diagnosis IntroductionCancer healthcare has been affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, interfering the normal function of oncology units and increasing diagnostic delay. Nevertheless, the rising incidence of respiratory infections led to an increase in medical consultations and chest imaging explorations. . The aim of the study was to assess whether the increase in medical evaluations in the context of the pandemic led to an increase in the detection of early-stage thoracic tumours.