Neoplastic Incidentalomas in Emergency Department: The Unexpected Dark Side of Emergency Patients

Abstract

Background and Aims: Neoplastic incidentalomas unexpected oncologic lesions found during imaging for unrelated complaints represent a growing challenge in se emergency medicine. This study aimed to assess their prevalence, anatomical distribution, and potential diagnostic implications in low acuity emergency department (ED) presentations.

Materials/Patients and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on all adult patients presenting to the ED of Marcianise Hospital (Italy) in 2023. Incidentalomas were identified through discharge summaries and categorized by imaging modality, anatomical site, and triage code. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.