Abstract

HURTADO DE MENDOZA AMAT, José et al. Pancreas cancer: an approach to mortality in Cuba. Rev Cub Med Mil [online]. 2008, vol.37, n.4. ISSN 0138-6557.

We studied a total of 906 necropsies of cases with cancer of pancreas, as a basic death cause, taken from the Database of Necropsies of the National Center of Automated System of the Registry and Control of Pathological Anatomy, National Registry of Necropsies in Cuba, aimed at showing their general aspects, direct causes of death, assessment of pre-mortem diagnoses, and evolutive aspects. There was a representation of forty hospitals of different provinces of the country, among which the 6 military hospitals that performed necropsies stood out with 27 % of the cases. The situation of pancreas cancer in the world and in Cuba was analysed, and it was stressed the significance and complexity of early diagnosis to achieve greater survivals. Ages fluctuated between 19 and 101 years old. The most represented decade was that of 65-74 years old, accounting for 25.7 %. Approximately a fifth died at ages of military interest. M/F ratio was 1.3. Cancer as such, bronchopneumonia and pulmonary thromboembolism were the most frequent direct causes of death. The total and partial diagnostic discrepancies in basic causes of death were 20.1 and 24 %, and the total in direct causes of death accounted for 41.8 %. The most frequent localization was the head followed by body and cauda. Carcinoma reached 100 % and adenocarcinoma 92 %. The most frequent metastasis sites were the lymphatic ganglia, liver, lungs, and peritoneum. The use of multiple causes of death in the study of pancreas cancer was highlighted. The function of necropsy as the most complete study of patient/disease, and the guarantee of quality in Medicine was also confirmed.

Keywords : Autopsy; cancer; pancreas; quality; multiple causes of death.

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