Vanderbilt head and neck symptom survey, version 2.0: Clinical and research utility for identification of symptom clusters and changes in symptoms over time

The symptom burden caused by head and neck cancer (HNC), combined with the related side effects of definitive surgical, systemic, and radiotherapeutic interventions, is among the most relentless of all malignancies [1,2]. Symptoms experienced by HNC patients are not only severe, but also broad in scope, encompassing both local symptoms such as mucositis and dysphagia [3,4], as well as systemic symptoms of fatigue, depression, and neurocognitive changes [5]. Furthermore, these patients may suffer multiple functional deficits, including impairment of salivation, swallowing, phonation, taste, smell, hearing, and range of motion in the jaw and neck [6].

Source: Oral Oncology - June 9, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Sheila H. Ridner, Bethany A. Rhoten, Kenneth J. Niermann, Barbara A. Murphy, Mary S. Dietrich Source Type: research