Factors linked to late diagnosis of malignant bone tumors of the limbs in Abidjan : Case of the orthopedic and trauma surgery department of university hospital of Treichville from 2020 to 2024

Objective : To study the factors of late diagnosis of malignant bone tumors in limbs in the orthopaedic and traumatological surgery department of the hospital and university center of Treichville in order to improve their prognosis. Results : The study involved 25 patient records. The average age was 39.2 years and male sex was involved in 15 cases (60%). Occupations were dominated by the unemployed and informal sector workers in 56% of cases. The management of patients was ensured by themselves with sometimes the help of the entourage in 92% of cases. Pain and swelling were the signs that led patients to consult in 84% of cases. These were primary tumors (72%), notably osteosarcoma (48%), which were preferentially located at the lower limbs in 16 cases (64%). The symptomatology had been evolving for more than 1 year for 16 (64%) patients. Late consultation for traditional treatment reason (84%) represented the first factor of late patient-dependent diagnosis. The traditional treatment had been motivated by cultural and religious beliefs (58%) as well as the lack of financial means (38%). The lack of knowledge of the bone tumor pathology by the nursing staff has been the factor of late diagnosis depending on doctors or paramedics. The lack of technical platform necessary for diagnosis in the health structure was the cause of the late diagnosis of malignant bone tumors independently of the patient and caregivers. Conclusion : Late diagnosis factors of bone malignant tumors are multifactorial. This study allowed us to determine factors related to the patient, the caregivers and the technical platform in the hospital.