Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders after Nonsurgical Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Introduction Radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy can result in severe swallowing disorders with potential risk for aspiration and can negatively impact the patient's quality of life (QOL). Objective To assess swallowing-related QOL in patients who underwent radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Methods We interviewed 110 patients (85 men and 25 women) who had undergone exclusive radiotherapy (25.5%) or concomitant chemoradiotherapy (74.5%) from 6 to 12 months before the study. The Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire was employed to evaluate dysphagia-related QOL. Results The QOL was reduced in all domains for all patients. The scores were worse among men. There was a relationship between oral cavity as the primary cancer site and the fatigue domain and also between advanced cancer stage and the impact of food selection, communication, and social function domains. Chemoradiotherapy association, the presence of nasogastric tube and tracheotomy, and the persistence of alcoholism and smoking had also a negative effect on the QOL. Conclusions According to the SWAL-QOL questionnaire, the dysphagia-related impact on QOL was observed 6 to 12 months after the treatment ended.

Qualidade De Vida Em Deglutição E Câncer De Cabeça E Pescoço: Revisão De Literatura

“…Os efeitos da radioterapia e da quimioterapia concomitante sobre a deglutição demonstram ser relevantes na QV. A QV em deglutição foi avaliada por meio do Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) em 110 pacientes com CCP constatando uma redução em todos os parâmetros avaliados para todos os pacientes, mesmo 6 e 12 meses após o término do tratamento 30 . O questionário avaliou onze domínios: alimentação como um fardo, medo, desejo de se alimentar, comunicação, duração da alimentação, saúde mental, frequência de sintomas, social, seleção de alimentos, fadiga e sono.…”

The impact of time after radiation treatment on dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer enrolled in a swallowing therapy program

“…1,3 In particular, swallowing dysfunction, whether pre treatment or post treatment, [4][5][6][7] contributes significantly to both morbidity and mortality especially in older adults. [9][10][11] Multiple studies have attempted to predict, prevent, and/or treat swallowing dysfunction. [9][10][11] Multiple studies have attempted to predict, prevent, and/or treat swallowing dysfunction.…”

“…8 Posttreatment QOL studies have identified speech and swallowing issues as well as depression as factors in poor patient scores. [9][10][11] Multiple studies have attempted to predict, prevent, and/or treat swallowing dysfunction. In the hopes of targeting those with high risk of dysphagia, predictive studies have identified nonglottic cancers, advanced classification, and baseline dysphagia as factors likely to be present in long-term swallowing issues.…”

Qualidade De Vida Em Deglutição E Câncer De Cabeça E Pescoço: Revisão De Literatura

“…A QV em deglutição foi avaliada por meio do Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) em 110 pacientes com CCP constatando uma redução em todos os parâmetros avaliados para todos os pacientes, mesmo 6 e 12 meses após o término do tratamento 30 . O questionário avaliou onze domínios: alimentação como um fardo, medo, desejo de se alimentar, comunicação, duração da alimentação, saúde mental, frequência de sintomas, social, seleção de alimentos, fadiga e sono.…”

“…Pacientes com tumores primários avançados (T4) tiveram os piores resultados para os parâmetros seleção de alimentos, comunicação e social. Quando o SWAL-QOL foi associado ao tipo de tratamento, os parâmetros mais afetados foram a deglutição como um fardo, fadiga e comunicação (30). Pacientes com disfagia moderada ou grave apresentam pior QV do que aqueles sem disfagia.…”