RESUMO
A cross-sectional study was planned to assess the socio-economic burden of cancer among patients referred for palliative care. Patients referred within 6 months of diagnosis were grouped as early while others were late referrals. The socio-economic status, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), and budget adjustments were noted and compared between the two groups using SPSS v 23.0. A total of 96 patients were included among which 57 were referred late. Most patients belonged to middle- and lower-income groups but only 22/96 had some kind of social security. The demographic profiles of the two groups were comparable. Although the patients referred late had more OOPE compared to the early ones, the difference was not statistically significant. Patients receiving chemotherapy had a significantly higher OOPE (P = 0.001). Job interruptions and loss of family income leading to budget adjustments were reported by 50 patients. The study indicates that there is a significant economic impact and OOPE that needs to be addressed in our patient population.
RESUMO
Synchronous splenic metastases from oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas are extremely rare. Most of the cases of splenic metastases reported in the literature are mainly metachronous and occur usually from adenocarcinoma primary. The treatment options range from splenectomy to palliative chemotherapy with standard doses in fit individuals. However, in cases with poor performance status, the management is often the best supportive care only due to the fear of tolerance and toxicities with standard dose chemotherapy. Herein, we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the distal thoracic oesophagus in a poorly fit elderly male diagnosed with synchronous splenic metastases and successfully treated with palliative chemotherapy with reduced flat doses and radiotherapy with no significant toxicities.
