Patient-reported outcomes for dental health, shoulder-neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life after treatment with radiation for head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The current exploratory cross-sectional study was designed to examine and characterize survivorship issues among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer with regard to dental health, shoulder-neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

Patients (N = 58) being seen for follow-up at a radiation oncology clinic at least 1 year beyond the end of treatment completed three survey questionnaires regarding general QOL as well as dental health issues and shoulder-neck dysfunction. The questionnaires were scored and univariate analyses were performed using the variables of age, radiation dosage, definitive radiation + neck dissection versus definitive surgery + postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 2.5 years. Of 58 patients, 35% reported having more problems with their general dental health as compared to before treatment and 38% reported having pain at night in the neck/shoulder after treatment. With regard to pretreatment counseling, 79% of patients reported being counseled about their dental health prior to treatment, while 31% reported being counseled about possible shoulder-neck dysfunction. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation reported more functional and symptomatic issues.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer face a number of survivorship issues, including problems with dental health and shoulder-neck dysfunction, and are not necessarily thoroughly counseled about these issues prior to treatment. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation may experience more survivorship issues.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.