Pediatric Cancers Misdiagnosed as Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Sarah E Forgie, Joan L Robinson
Primary Institution: Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hypothesis
If children were misdiagnosed with an infection initially, there would be a delay in cancer therapy.
Conclusion
Most pediatric malignancies are not delayed in diagnosis due to misinterpretation as infections, but certain symptoms should prompt consideration of malignancy.
Supporting Evidence
- Fever was reported in 71% of the cases.
- Most children had abnormal blood counts.
- Two patients experienced delays in diagnosis due to misinterpretation of symptoms.
Takeaway
Sometimes kids with cancer can look like they have an infection, but doctors usually figure it out quickly. If a child has a fever and bone pain, it might be a sign of something more serious.
Methodology
The study reviewed charts of patients diagnosed with malignancy who were referred to infectious diseases service before diagnosis.
Limitations
The study was a retrospective chart review, which may have incomplete data, and lacked a control group.
Participant Demographics
Children diagnosed with malignancies in Northern Alberta from 1993 to 2003.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website