Changes in oral function, swallowing function, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment can cause oral morbidities, such as oral dryness and dysphagia, affecting the patient’s quality of life (QOL). The relationship between oral functions and QOL in patients with early-stage HNC remains poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the QOL of patients with early-stage HNC and identify factors that affect the QOL of these patients. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 37 patients who underwent early-stage (Stage I/Stage II) HNC treatment were evaluated for their oral function, swallowing function, and the QOL score at baseline (BL) and 12 months after surgical treatment (12 M). The participants were divided into two groups: patients who returned to the BL QOL score at 12 M (RE; n = 26) and those who did not (NR; n = 11). Results In total, 29.7% (11/37) patients with early-stage HNC did not return to the BL QOL score at 12 M. There was no significant difference between the RE and NR groups regarding the oral and swallowing function. Moreover, oral and swallowing function of all patients returned to the BL at 12 M. The NR group showed lower QOL scores than the RE group in the global health status, and “sticky saliva” parameters in the questionnaires. Conclusion Restoration of the oral function is insufficient to improve the QOL of patients with early-stage HNC. The treatment of these patients should instead consider several factors that affect their QOL.

Texture properties of foods targeted for individuals with limited oral processing capabilities: the elderly, dysphagia, and head and neck cancer patients

“…Concerns have also been raised regarding singlecentre studies in HNC investigations, which rely only upon the expertise of the treating clinicians. 18 Shimizu et al 90 recommended multicentre prospective studies with large sample sizes and diverse food texture levels within safe margins to deeply evaluate food texture and feeding behaviour in HNC patients. A holistic approach is important to addressing the HNC nutritional issues of patients.…”

“…Concerns have also been raised regarding single-centre studies in HNC investigations, which rely only upon the expertise of the treating clinicians. 18…”

“…15,16 Commonly referred to as ‘oral cancer’, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is the most concerning HNC worldwide. 17 HNCs (tumours of the lips, oral cavity, tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx) are the 6 th 17 or 9 th 18,19 most common malignant neoplasm globally. In 2021 alone, cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and oesophagus accounted for 3.9% of US total new cases.…”

Relationship between Lip Seal Strength, Tongue Pressure, and Daytime Sleepiness in Japanese Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…We assessed lip seal strength and tongue pressure as the exposure variables in all participants. We used a lip seal strength measurement device (Lipple kun™, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan) that has been reported to be reliable [10][11][12]. Dental oss (30 cm long) was tied in a ring shape, and Lipple button® (Shofu) was attached to the tip of Lipple kun [12].…”

“…Dental oss (30 cm long) was tied in a ring shape, and Lipple button® (Shofu) was attached to the tip of Lipple kun [12]. Lipple kun, which has an oral screen-like shape, was placed in the oral vestibule [12]. This device shown in Fig.…”