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- Title
A qualitative exploration of the pathway to diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with perineural spread.
- Authors
Pradhan, Poorva; Wan, Ke; Chan, Li; Low, Tsu‐Hui; Wu, Raymond; Lee, Jenny H.; Palme, Carsten E.; Clark, Jonathan R.; Venchiarutti, Rebecca L.
- Abstract
Background: Perineural spread (PNS) is associated with a poor prognosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN). Hence, investigating facilitators and barriers of early diagnosis and treatment of PNS in cSCCHN may improve outcomes. Methods: Patients were recruited from an institutional database. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted according to the Model of Pathways to Treatment. Thematic analysis was based on the four main intervals in the framework using a data‐driven analytical method. Results: Seventeen participants were interviewed. Facilitators included patients' past experiences, symptom progression, trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs), and capacity to leverage relationships. Barriers included difficult diagnoses, limited access to cancer services, lack of care coordination, and lack of awareness of PNS among primary health care providers. Conclusion: These findings emphasise the complexity early diagnosis and treatment of PNS. Interventions like clinical practice guidelines, education for HCPs, and telehealth could facilitate timely detection and management.
- Subjects
MEDICAL personnel; PATIENTS' attitudes; SQUAMOUS cell carcinoma; PRIMARY health care; THEMATIC analysis
- Publication
Cancer Medicine, 2024, Vol 13, Issue 16, p1
- ISSN
2045-7634
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/cam4.70118