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Abstract
Background The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life of patients who underwent radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study. The sample comprised 40 patients whose xerostomia was classified through the xerostomia inventory and the quality of life evaluated through the oral health impact profile questionnaire (OHIP). Results The majority of participants were male (75%), mean age 58.7 years. According to the degree of severity of the xerostomia, the average score among the participants was 36 points, this being considered moderate xerostomia. A significant impact was observed, with the median score 11 points, with the highest scores in the domains related to functional limitation, physical pain and physical disability. The majority of the participants (97.5%) had reduced salivary flow after the end of radiotherapy. There was a significant positive correlation between the degree of xerostomia and reduced quality of life, Pearson correlation 0.5421, (p< 0.05). Conclusions Based upon the results it is concluded that xerostomia has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients who undergo radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Key words:Head and neck neoplasms, radiotherapy, xerostomia, quality of life.
Highlights
Radiotherapy (RT) and surgery are described as standard therapies for early and locally advanced malignant tumors in the head and neck region
Radiation-induced xerostomia depends on the cumulative doses of radiation on the head and neck region, in the first week of conventional RT, salivary flow decreases from 50 to 60%, after 7 weeks it diminishes to approximately 20% and continues to decline for up to several months after RT [2]
Damage to the salivary glands has generally shown a reduction in salivary flow, which can translate into a subjective sensation dry mouth, taste disturbance, difficulty speaking, swallowing, chewing and increased risk of caries, pain and burning of the mouth, all of which culminates in negative consequences on the quality of life [4,6,7]
Summary
Radiotherapy (RT) and surgery are described as standard therapies for early and locally advanced malignant tumors in the head and neck region. In view of the above, it is observed that studies that evaluate xerostomia and its consequences are of considerable importance, since it is a complex condition may have negative effects on the quality of life of individuals who need to undergo radiotherapy in the head and neck region. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life of patients who underwent radiotherapy in the head and neck region. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life of patients who underwent radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Conclusion: Based upon the results it is concluded that xerostomia has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients who undergo radiotherapy in the head and neck region
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