| Popis: |
Background:Recent encouragement in early detection of cancer nationally has significantly increased the number of referrals made through the two-week wait suspected cancer pathway. In particular women with abdominal pain and bloating are frequently having their Ca-125 levels investigated for suspected ovarian cancer and this has led to a significant increase in referrals to the ovarian cancer service. We have conducted this study to help improve the efficiency in which these patients are investigated and to improve future pathways within the referral service. Methods:A retrospective observational outcome study. Data were collected from electronic documents of patients’ referrals, assessments, and clinical correspondences.The study was conducted in a tertiary gynaecology cancer centre with primary care direct referrals. The pelvic mass clinic was the clinic setup with consultation, scan and patient support was available. All patients referred by direct primary care for suspected ovarian cancer over two years with Ca-125 result. Data were collected and analysed from the pelvic mass clinic over 48 months, which was available through electronic documentation. Data included information on their consultation, ultrasound scan findings, any further intervention, surgery, and histological outcome of all patient who underwent biopsies or surgery.Results: Two hundred and eighty-six patients were referred from primary care where the NICE guideline, ‘two-week wait for ovarian cancer’, was applied. Two hundred and twenty-three patients were included in this analysis, who had a Ca-125 result reported at the time of their referral. Out of the 223 patients, 126 patients were discharged with or without a repeat Ca-125 after the initial assessment. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with cancer following the referral, but only 12 of them had a primary ovarian malignancy. Conclusion:Majority of the patients with Ca-125 of more than 35U/mL, who were referred through this pathway, did not have cancer. This message can be disseminated by primary care practitioners who may be able to reassure patients prior to their initial consultation with a gynaecologist. This review queries the future value of using Ca-125 as the basis for referrals from primary care referrals for suspected ovarian malignancy. Further studies are required to assess whether a higher Ca-125 cut off may be used as the basis of referrals for postmenopausal women. One-stop focused gynaecology ultrasound clinic (OSFGUC) where clinicians may assess patients with suspected ovarian cancer symptoms and perform ultrasound scans may be better for managing this patient population. |
