A time frame evaluation of the oral health-related quality of life among patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the oral health-related quality of life among patients with head and neck cancer. Material and methods: The Oral Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was applied at four distinct moments of antineoplastic therapy. The influence of oral mucositis (OM) severity and associated oral pain were measured during the radiotherapy. Results: Twenty-four patients were followed up from 6 to 18 months. Functional limitation had worsened since radiotherapy started and remained so after its completion, impairing the patients’ quality of life. Physical pain increased during radiotherapy. The overall impact on quality of life was affected by radiotherapy while dental treatment caused no damage. There was a significant positive correlation between pain and OM severity. Head and neck cancer treatment impacted oral health-related quality of life. Conclusion: This understanding can orientate the progress of preventive approaches and more resolute and extensive treatments focusing not only in solving oral problems, but also pondering their impact on the cancer survivors.

Keywords

• Quality of life
• head and neck neoplasms
• Oral health
• OHIP-14
• Radiotherapy