Facial pain, health-related quality of life and trismus-related symptoms up to 5years post-radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

• Purpose: Pain is a frequent symptom of head and neck cancer (HNC) but longitudinal studies investigating facial pain are scarce. We aimed to investigate prevalence of facial pain, its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and trismus-related symptoms in a HNC cohort. Methods: Patients (n = 194) were prospectively followed post completion of radiotherapy (RT). Outcome measures included facial pain, HRQL, trismus-specific symptoms, and maximal interincisal opening (MIO). Results: Facial pain was reported by 50% at baseline. Corresponding figures for 3-, 12-, and 60months post-RT were 70%, 54% and 41%. Moderate to severe pain was reported in 29–44% of patients reporting pain during the study period. Patients reporting pain scored significantly worse on more HRQL variables and trismus symptoms, as well as had significantly smaller MIO at all follow-up time points. Conclusions: Facial pain was common in HNC patients pre- and post-RT and remained prevalent up to 5years after completion of RT. Reductions in MIO were associated with more facial pain. Pain was also associated with worse HRQL.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oto-rhino-laryngologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Otorhinolaryngology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Facial pain

Head and neck cancer

Health-related quality of life

Radiation therapy

Trismus

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)