A comparison of psychological well-being and quality of life between spouse and non-spouse caregivers in patients with head and neck cancer: a 6-month follow-up study

Objectives: Head and neck cancer (HNC) account for major cancer burden in the Indian population. Patients often present with a diversity of distressing physical and psychological symptoms, significantly affecting their quality of life. This study aims to determine the correlation between symptom cluster and perceived distress in such patients. Materials and Methods: This single center prospective observational study was done on 175 adults advanced HNC patients referred to palliative medicine outpatient clinic. Patients fulfilling eligibility criteria were regularly assessed for their symptoms and distress at baseline and followed up at days 7, 14, and 28. Results: Most patients belong to the age group of 40–50 years and having a diagnosis carcinoma of the tongue. The most common symptoms presented were pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, and feeling of well-being. We observed statistically significant correlation between total ESAS score and distress levels in patients at days 0, 7, and 14, respectively, (P = 0.003 vs. 0.0004 vs. 0.002). However, at day 28, no such statistically significant correlation was found (P = 0.085) suggesting attention to other factors during assessment. Conclusion: Outpatient palliative care consultations have shown significant improvement in symptom and distress score. Perceived distress in a person can not only be related to physical symptoms. Acute control of symptom may uncover underlying psychosocial and spiritual issues which need to be addressed promptly for better quality of life.

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QUALIDADE DE VIDA EM DEGLUTIÇÃO E CÂNCER DE CABEÇA E PESCOÇO: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Journal of Dentistry & Public Health ◽

10.17267/2596-3368dentistry.v8i1.1260 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 26

Author(s):

Manoela Carrera ◽

Alena Ribeiro Alves Peixoto Medrado ◽

Gabriela Botelho Martins ◽

Hayana Ramos Lima ◽

Raquel De Santana Oliveira Marques ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Deglutition Disorders ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Treatment Modality ◽

Well Being ◽

Swallowing Function ◽

Advanced Stages

Objective: This study aimed to review the literature on the quality of life related to swallowing of patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: We searched for studies describing the physiology of swallowing and aspects involved in dysphagia, such as definition, causes and their impact on quality of life. We used the electronic databases Pubmed, Medline, Scielo, books, as well as articles identified in the references. Results: Deglutition disorders may occur due to disease and / or treatment modality, persisting during or after termination of treatment. The frequency and severity of dysphagia will depend on the modality of treatment used, location and stage of the tumor, when involved in structures that participate in swallowing. Patients with tumors in more advanced stages and located in the pharynx try to present worsening of swallowing function. Such factors may directly affect swallowing and quality of life of the patient, especially in family, social and lifestyle relationships. Conclusion: Although it does not replace clinical and instrumental evaluations, investigating the quality of life in swallowing may contribute to assess specific aspects of patient well-being that are not contemplated.

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