IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF TUMORS

*Dr. Arpana Dharwadkar, Dr. Vidya Viswanathan, Dr. Anubhaw Verma, Dr. Ruchi Randive, Dr. Shruti Vimal and Dr. S. S. Chandanwale

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 pandemic has remarkably affected the global population. It has impacted the health of people due to non-covid reasons as well. Some cancers can be screened and diagnosed early while those with symptoms that are detected at an early stage can be treated appropriately resulting in better prognosis of the patient. Objective: In this study we intend to study the impact of covid 19 pandemic on the diagnosis of tumours. Methods: Number of patients diagnosed as benign or malignant tumours on biopsy or surgical specimen, during the lockdown period were calculated and compared with the pre- covid numbers. Results: The diagnosed cases reduced by 77 % in benign tumours and 37.5% in malignancies. A 37% decrease in the diagnosis of early-stage cancers was noted. Conclusion: COVID-19 fear has profoundly affected the diagnosis of benign as well as malignant tumours by delaying them which could have been treated timely with a favourable prognosis.

Keywords: COVID 19, Tumours, Delay.