Revista Ciencias Biomédicas (Jan 2015)

BIOETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN HEAD AND NECK TUMORS

  • Osorio-Anaya Steven,
  • Villegas-González Juliana,
  • Morales-Valdés Lady Johana

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 179 – 182

Abstract

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The head and neck cancer (HNN) are tumors with morbidity and mortality that cause a significant deterioration of the quality of life of patients, with adverse familiar and social repercussions. The majority of patients consult in locally advanced stages and according to the location and alteration, the life prognosis without treatment could be discouraging. The treatments are not free of adverse consequences. Some of them could be as mutilated and incapaciting as the same disease. The approach always must be integral and multidisciplinary with high clarity of the human connotation of the patients and their family. The different approach options that search the preservation and recuperation of the quality of life must be offered. Iatrogenic and excessive treatments must be avoided due to their adverse impact. The risk of suicide, the life expectancy and the real opportunity of improvement with the proposed intervention must be informed. Rev. cienc.biomed. 2015;6(1):179-182 KEYWORDS Cancer; Palliative care; Head and neck.

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