Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology referrals for Detection of Malignancy

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Gülden Taşova Yılmaz

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of the pandemic on the detection of diseases through the materials sent to the pathology laboratory, especially the malignant patient group.


Material and Methods: According to official data, the first Covid-19 patient was detected in our country on March 11 2020. All materials that came to the pathology laboratory between 11 March-10 April 2020 and 11 March-10 April 2019 were included into the study. The age, gender, material and diagnoses of the patients were recorded. The pre-pandemic period and post-pandemic period were analyzed statistically.


Results: Cases divided into five diagnostic groups as benign(92.9%), malignant(2.8%), pre-malignant(2%), atypia of uncertain significance(1.4%) and inadequate(0.9%). Although a numerical decrease was detected in all groups, statistically significant decrease was detected in the benign(p=0.001), malignant(p=0.001), and atypia of uncertain significance(p=0.047). According to the types of materials, the first five materials most frequently sent before the pandemic are smears(31.3%), gastric biopsy(18%), curettage(9%), gallbladder resections(5.2%), and skin biopsies(4.5%). After the pandemic, smears(29.8%), stomach biopsies(17.6%), curettage(10.2%), gallbladder(5.2%) and appendectomies(5.2%) are respectively. Materials with statistically significant reductions were skin biopsies(p=0.006), thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies(p=0.018), and abortions(p=0.025).


Conclusion: It can be argued that the unknown and devastating effect of the pandemic is felt intensely, especially in malignant group, where early diagnosis and treatment are important. We would like to emphasize the necessity of putting B plans in global events such as pandemics to prevent any disruption in cancer screening programs in these special groups.

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How to Cite
Taşova Yılmaz , G. (2022). Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology referrals for Detection of Malignancy. Medical Science and Discovery, 9(11), 614–617. https://doi.org/10.36472/msd.v9i11.833
Section
Research Article
Received 2022-10-26
Accepted 2022-11-16
Published 2022-11-16

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