The first eletrocnic Journal of Otolaryngology in the world
ISSN: 1809-9777

E-ISSN: 1809-4864

 
1928 

Year: 2015  Vol. 19   Num. 1  - Jan/Mar - (9º)
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1395790
Section: Original Article
 
Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders after Nonsurgical Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer
Author(s):
Marta Halina Silveira, Rogerio A. Dedivitis, Débora Santos Queija, Paulo César Nascimento
Key words:
head and neck neoplasms - dysphagia - deglutition disorders - quality of life - radiotherapy - chemotherapy
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.

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