Correlação da desvantagem vocal e qualidade de vida em deglutição de pacientes com câncer de laringe submetidos à quimiorradioterapia

Abstract

Purpose To verify the correlation between the voice handicap and swallowing quality of life in individuals submitted to chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal cancer treatment. Methods Cross-sectional, observational and quantitative study. Fourteen male individuals diagnosed with laryngeal cancer were submitted to exclusive chemoradiotherapy treatment. The individuals completed the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaires. Data were submitted to descriptive and inferential analysis using Spearman's Correlation Test to verify possible correlations among the scores of these instruments. Values of p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results No significant correlation was found between the total VHI and overall SWAL-QOL scores. However, there was significant correlation between the domain Functional of the VHI and the domains Fatigue and Social of the SWAL-QOL, between the domain Organic in the VHI and the SWAL-QOL domain Social, and total VHI score and SWAL-QOL domain Swallowing as a burden. Furthermore, chemoradiotherapy treatment had a greater impact on the voice than on the swallowing for the studied individuals. Conclusion The data showed a significant correlation between voice handicap and the impact of quality of life involving swallowing in individuals with laryngeal cancer submitted to chemoradiotherapy. This may affect individuals' emotional and social aspects, impacting their overall quality of life.

Evolution of the quality of life of total laryngectomy patients using electrolarynx

“…Moreover, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be integrated into treatment and cause sequelae. The impact of radiotherapy is proportional to the number of sessions,and may cause complications, such as mucositis and tissue necrosis 17 . Therefore, the emotional and functional consequences inherent to the therapies reduce psychological and physical comfort, as chemoradiotherapy is associated with sequelae that affect the QoL 17 .…”

“…Mood and anxiety, after treatment and process of adapting to changes, improve and are relevant given the impact on mental health justified by the association between vocal changes and poor communication that contribute to social isolation 17 . Therefore, EL enables dialogue in the absence of oral communication.…”