scholarly journals Course of Self-Reported Dysphagia, Voice Impairment and Pain in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Veit Zebralla ◽  
Susanne Wiegand ◽  
Andreas Dietz ◽  
Gunnar Wichmann ◽  
Thomas Neumuth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC)-specific symptoms have a substantial impact on health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine whether self-reported dysphagia, voice problems and pain of HNC patients changed over time and whether specific clinical or sociodemographic variables were associated with these symptoms. Methods: HNC patients (n = 299) in an outpatient setting answered questionnaires (Eating Assessment Tool-10; questions from the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC H&N35) on dysphagia, voice problems and pain, collected with the software “OncoFunction” at three different timepoints (t1–t3) after diagnosis. The mean score changes from t1 to t3 were expressed in terms of effect sizes d. The impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the course of the variables was tested with multivariate analyses of variance. Results: Dysphagia, voice impairment and pain in HNC survivors significantly improved over a period of approximately 14 months after diagnosis. Tumor site, stage, treatment modality, occupational state and ECOG state were significantly correlated with self-reported functional outcome. The pain level of the HNC patients was rather low. Conclusions: Patients suffer from functional impairments after HNC treatment, but an improvement in self-reported symptoms could be demonstrated within this time period.

scholarly journals Dysphagia, voice problems, and pain in head and neck cancer patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veit Zebralla ◽  
Gunnar Wichmann ◽  
Markus Pirlich ◽  
Carola Hammermüller ◽  
Thomas Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Emotional Quality ◽  
Eortc Qlq C30 ◽  
Important Symptom ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can leave devastating side effects with a relevant impact on physical and emotional quality of life (QoL) of HNC patients. The objectives were to examine the amount of dysphagia, voice problems, and pain in HNC patients, the impact of sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors on these symptoms, the psychometric properties of the EAT-10, and the relationship between these symptoms and QoL variables. Methods HNC patients attending for regular follow-up from 07/2013 to 09/2019 completed questionnaires (Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10); questions from the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC H&N35) on dysphagia, voice problems, pain, fatigue, and QoL collected with the software OncoFunction. Associations between prognostic factors and symptoms were tested with analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Associations between the symptom scales and QoL variables were expressed with Pearson correlations. Results Of 689 patients, 54.9% suffered from dysphagia, the EAT-10 proved to be a reliable measure. The mean voice score was 37.6 (± 33.9) [range 0–100], the mean pain score 1.98 (± 2.24) [range 0–10]. Trimodality treatment was associated with the highest dysphagia scores. Dysphagia, voice problems, and pain significantly correlated with each other, the highest association was found for dysphagia and pain (r = 0.51). QoL was strongly correlated with dysphagia and pain (r = − 0.39 and r = − 0.40, respectively), while the association with voice problems was weaker (r = − 0.28). Conclusion Dysphagia is an important symptom in HNC patients greatly affecting patients’ QoL and significantly correlating with voice problems and pain.

scholarly journals Impact of exercise with TheraBite device on trismus and health-related quality of life: A prospective study

2020 ◽  
pp. 014556132096172
Author(s):  
Charlotte Montalvo ◽  
Caterina Finizia ◽  
Nina Pauli ◽  
Bodil Fagerberg-Mohlin ◽  
Paulin Andréll
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Oncologic Treatment ◽  
The Impact

Trismus is a common symptom in patients with head and neck cancer that affects many aspects of daily life negatively. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of structured exercise with the jaw-mobilizing device TheraBite on trismus, trismus-related symptomatology, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with head and neck cancer. Fifteen patients with trismus (maximum interincisal opening [MIO] ≤35 mm) after oncologic treatment for head and neck cancer, underwent a 10-week exercise program with the TheraBite device and were followed regularly. Time between oncologic treatment and start of TheraBite exercise ranged from 0.7 to 14.8 years (average 6.2 years). MIO, trismus-related symptoms, and HRQL was assessed before and after exercise and after 6 months. A significant improvement in MIO was observed post-exercise (3.5 mm, 15.3%, p = 0.0002) and after 6-month of follow-up (4.7 mm, 22.1%, p = 0.0029). A statistically significant correlation was found between increased MIO and fewer trismus-related symptoms. In conclusion, exercise with TheraBite improved MIO and trismus-related symptoms in patients with trismus secondary to head and neck cancer. Structured exercise with the jaw-mobilizing device seems to be beneficial for patients with trismus independent of time since oncologic treatment.

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) and demographic characteristics of long term head and neck cancer survivors submitted to concomitant chemoradiation in Brazil

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18572-18572
Author(s):  
D. V. Santos ◽  
K. M. Kiyota ◽  
I. Snitcovsky ◽  
G. M. Leitão ◽  
M. H. Federico
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Emotional Function ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Eortc Qlq

18572 Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a stigmatizing disease. In order to identify special needs in these patients (pts), we evaluated HRQoL and the demographic characteristics of HNC pts who had survived at least one year after chemoradiation. Methods: Our survey, done in may 2005, identified 42 pts alive (from 527 admitted from May 2002 to May 2004 treated with either exclusive (n = 19) or adjuvant (n = 23) chemoradiation. These pts as well 16 normal controls, were interviewed and invited to complete EORTC-QLQ-C30 and HN35. These questionnaires had already been validated for Brazilian Portuguese. Primary site was 12 oral cavity, 14 pharynx, 13 larynx, 3 not determined. Age 60.3 ± 9.0 y, 36 male and 6 female; 39 were squamous cell carcinoma and 3 other type; 28 were stage III or IV; 40 had no evidence of disease and two had recurrent disease at the time of survey. Comparison between groups were done by using the Mann-Whitney test and differences of at least 10 points was considered of clinical significance. Simple correlations were conducted between HRQoL variables and clinical correlates and demographics. The level of significance was established at p < 0.05. This work was conducted according to Helsinki declaration and Brazilian law. Results: Scores relative to global QoL (p = 0.18) and emotional function (p = 0.59) did not differ in pts as compared to controls. Pts presented worse scores in swallowing, senses, speech, pain, dental problems, xerostomia and mouth opening (all p < 0.05). Emotional function (r = 0.316, p = 0.041) and financial worries (r = −0.509, p = 0.001) impacted on global QoL, what did not happen with marital status, income and level of education, age or previous surgery. Chronic pain was more prevalent in oral cavity tumors than in other sites such as pharynx or larynx tumors (p = 0.046 and p = 0.030, respectively). Pts with larynx tumors presented worse cough score as compared to those with pharynx tumors (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Providing continuous oral and dental care seems to be important to address survivors’ concerns. Financial distress could be ameliorated by a better social support system. Tumor site seem to affect differently some domains of HRQoL, in contrast to organ preservation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals A relationship between quality-of-life and head and neck cancer: A systemic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 179-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujal Mitul Parkar ◽  
Mihir N. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aim: The aim was to identify the literature and to assess the association between quality-of-life (QoL) and head and neck cancer (HNC) related outcomes systemically. Materials and Methods: The full articles published in English language bio-medical journals between 1992 and December 2014 were searched using Medline database. The keywords used for searching the articles include the combination of "health-related of QoL," "QoL," "HNC." The search limited only to the observational studies using questionnaires European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C 30 and EORTC QLQ H and N 35. Purely psychological studies were excluded. Results: A total of 5055 articles were retrieved, and 16 articles were selected for this review. Of 16 observational studies, 13 (81.25%) were prospective cohort studies while remaining 3 (18.75%) were cross-sectional studies. The main findings of the studies revealed that the treatment of HNC had a statistically significant influence on QoL. Others associated factors like age, female sex, duration of treatment, advance tumor, and site of the tumor has also the impact on QoL on patients suffering from HNC. Conclusion: This review provides evidence for a positive relationship between cancer-related outcomes and QoL. Assessment of QoL in relation to HNC with proper methodology and validated instruments is lacking hence there is a need for further evidence to support the relation between cancer and QoL.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of head and neck cancer survivors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oreste Gallo ◽  
Chiara Bruno ◽  
Luca Giovanni Locatello ◽  
Federica Martelli ◽  
Maria Cilona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of lockdown and social distancing. The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group are still unknown, and we want to explore how their quality of life (QoL) has changed in this unique situation. Materials and methods An online survey, composed of pandemic-specific items, plus the EORTC QLQ-C30, was administered to a cohort of HNC survivors. Using previously published reference values as a control group, we have evaluated the impact of the pandemic on their QoL. We have also explored the differences between those who had received a total laryngectomy (LP, laryngectomized population) vs other HNC patients, in order to assess the role of tracheostomy in this regard. Results One hundred and twenty-one HNC patients completed the survey. The scores of the physical (80.5 vs 85, p = 0.028), role (78 vs 84, p = 0.030), and emotional functioning (76 vs 81, p = 0.041) were significantly different in the two groups, with worse functioning in our patients. Comparing LP with the other HNC patients, social (76.6 vs 88.9, p = 0.008) and physical functioning (75.5 vs 86.1, p = 0.006) were significantly worse in the former group. LP also reported a greater perception that others are afraid to be close to them (1.67 vs 1.32, p = 0.020). No differences were found between LP with and without voice prosthesis. Conclusions Our results show how HNC patients are at high risk for a worsening in QoL because of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

scholarly journals Randomized Trial Assessing the Impact of Routine Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3826
Author(s):  
Oumar Billa ◽  
Franck Bonnetain ◽  
Jérôme Chamois ◽  
Angeline Ligey ◽  
Valérie Ganansia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Satisfaction With Care ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Eortc Qlq C30 ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Routine Assessment ◽  
Eq Vas

The impact of routine assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on satisfaction with care and the HRQoL of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy was assessed. Patients with HNC were randomly assigned to two arms, with stratification on sex, cancer localization, and stage of the disease. In the intervention arm, the patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires first before randomization, then before each medical appointment during radiotherapy (7 weeks), and then every 3 months until 1 year and at 2 years thereafter. In the control arm, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires were completed before randomization and at 1 year and 2 years thereafter. The primary endpoint was mean change in HRQoL at score at 2 years from baseline assessed by EQ VAS from the EuroQol questionnaire. The secondary endpoint was mean change in satisfaction with care at 2 years from baseline assessed by QLQ-SAT32. Two hundred patients with head and neck cancers were involved in this study (mean age, 58.83 years (range, 36.56–87.89)), of whom 100 were assigned to the intervention arm and 100 to the control arm. Patients in the intervention arm were reported to have a statistically significant increase in EQ VAS at 2 years (p < 0.0001) and exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (mean change at 2 years from baseline = 10.46). In the two arms, mean differences between arms were not statistically significant, but minimal clinically important differences in favor of the intervention arm were found for EQ VAS (mean change difference (MD) = 5.84), satisfaction with care, in particular waiting times (MD = 10.85) and satisfaction with accessibility (MD = 6.52). Routine assessment of HRQoL improves HRQoL and satisfaction with care for patients with HNC treated with radiotherapy.

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on suspected head and neck cancer two-week-wait referrals

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
N Bhamra ◽  
B Gorman ◽  
W Arnold ◽  
A Rajah ◽  
K Jolly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Increasing Mean Age of Head and Neck Cancer Patients at a German Tertiary Referral Center

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 832
Author(s):  
Julius M. Vahl ◽  
Marlene C. Wigand ◽  
Michael Denkinger ◽  
Dhayana Dallmeier ◽  
Chiara Steiger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Catchment Area ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Tertiary Referral ◽  
Tertiary Referral Center ◽  
Referral Center ◽  
The Impact

Background: The impact of demographic change on the age at diagnosis in German head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is unclear. Here we present an evaluation of aging trends in HNC at a tertiary referral center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on aging trends at the initial diagnosis of newly diagnosed patients with HNC between 2004 and 2018 at the head and neck cancer center Ulm in relation to demographic data of the catchment area. Results: The study population consisted of 2450 individuals diagnosed with HNC with a mean age of 62.84 (±11.67) years. We observed a significant increase in annual incidence rates and mean age over time. Mean age among HNC patients increased significantly more than among the population in the catchment area. Whereas the incidence rate of patients <50 years did not change, the incidence of HNC patients aged ≥70 years increased the most. The mean patient age in the main tumor sites increased significantly. Surprisingly, HPV-positive patients were not younger than HPV-negative patients, but showed a non-significant trend towards a higher mean age (63.0 vs. 60.7 years). Conclusions: Increasing incidence rates in older patients pose a challenge for health care systems. A nationwide study is needed to assess the dynamics and impact of aging on the incidence of HNC.

scholarly journals Impacts of Environmental Factors on Head and Neck Cancer Pathogenesis and Progression

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Marisol Miranda-Galvis ◽  
Reid Loveless ◽  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽  
Yong Teng
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
The Impact

Epidemiological and clinical studies over the past two decades have provided strong evidence that genetic elements interacting with environmental components can individually and collectively influence one’s susceptibility to cancer. In addition to tumorigenic properties, numerous environmental factors, such as nutrition, chemical carcinogens, and tobacco/alcohol consumption, possess pro-invasive and pro-metastatic cancer features. In contrast to traditional cancer treatment, modern therapeutics not only take into account an individual’s genetic makeup but also consider gene–environment interactions. The current review sharpens the focus by elaborating on the impact that environmental factors have on the pathogenesis and progression of head and neck cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives in this area of research are also discussed. Inhibiting key environmental drivers of tumor progression should yield survival benefits for patients at any stage of head and neck cancer.

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