Neuropathic pain prevalence and risk factors in head and neck cancer survivors.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating symptom among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors although few large studies report its prevalence and associated risk factors. A cross-sectional survey assessing demographic, behavioral, and clinical risk factors for NP. NP was assessed using the Self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (S-LANSS). Forty-five percent (227/505) reported having pain including 13.7% (69/505) who were positive for S-LANSS. Reported pain sites were in the regions of the head and oral cavity (46.2%) and neck and throat (41.5%). Despite a higher self-reported use of analgesic medication (NP+=41.2%; NP-=27.4%; p=0.020) and alternative pain therapies (NP+=19.1%; NP-=8.4%; p=0.009), severe pain was more prevalent among those with NP (N+=23.2%; NP-=13.3%; p=0.004). Adjusted for opioid medications, ethnicity/race, age, surgery, depression, and comorbidities were risk factors for NP. NP remains prevalent in HNC survivors highlighting the importance of routine pain surveillance.