Maximizing Functional Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: Assessment and Rehabilitation

Nausheen Jamal; Barbara Ebersole; Andrew Erman; Dinesh Chhetri

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2017.04.004

Maximizing Functional Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: Assessment and Rehabilitation

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2017 Aug;50(4):837-852. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2017.04.004. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Authors

Nausheen Jamal¹, Barbara Ebersole², Andrew Erman³, Dinesh Chhetri⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3440 North Broad Street, Kresge West #300, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA. Electronic address: nausheen.jamal@tuhs.temple.edu.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3440 North Broad Street, Kresge West #300, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Speech Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA.
³ Department of Audiology & Speech, University of California, 200 UCLA Plaza, Suite 540, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
⁴ Department of Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, 200 UCLA Plaza, Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.

PMID: 28606600
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2017.04.004

Abstract

With increases in survivorship for patients with head and neck cancer, attention is turning to quality-of-life issues for survivors. Care for these patients is multifaceted. Dysphagia and issues of voice/speech, airway obstruction, neck and shoulder dysfunction, lymphedema, and pain control are important to address. Rehabilitation interventions are patient-specific and aim to prevent, restore, compensate, and palliate symptoms and sequelae of treatment for optimal functioning. Central to providing comprehensive interdisciplinary care are the head and neck surgeon, laryngologist, and speech-language pathologist. Routine functional assessment, long-term follow-up, and regular communication and coordination among these specialists helps maximize quality of life in this challenging patient population.

Keywords: Complication; Dysphagia; Dysphonia; Head and neck cancer; Morbidity; Survivorship; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cancer Survivors*
Deglutition Disorders / rehabilitation
Dysphonia / rehabilitation
Head and Neck Neoplasms / physiopathology*
Head and Neck Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
Humans
Interdisciplinary Communication
Quality of Life*
Survivorship