Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the vocal activity participation and the dysphonia coping strategies of subjects with laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy. Methods: a cross-sectional trial involving 17 individuals with laryngeal cancer treated only by radiotherapy with vocal complaints after radiotherapy management. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian versions of Voice Activity and Participation Profile and Voice Disability Coping Questionnaire protocols were applied. Results: there was a prevalence of male participants (n=16) and the mean age was 62 years. All were former smokers and 15 were former drinkers. Voice Activity and Participation Profile in mean scores was: overall,141.2, self-perception of vocal problem, 6.2, effect at work, 19.1, effects on daily communication, 60.5, effects on media, 20.1, and effects on their emotional, 36.7. In Voice Disability Coping Questionnaire mean scores were: overall,71.7, focusing on problem, 33, and focusing on emotion, 38.9. Conclusion: the participants had high Voice Activity and Participation Profile scores as compared to the literature scores considered for dysphonic individuals in general, and activity with effects on daily communication was the most affected. Voice Disability Coping Questionnaire demonstrates that these patients adopt dysphonia coping strategies with greater focus on emotion.
Highlights
The treatment modalities of the initial and advanced laryngeal neoplasm are surgery, radiotherapy, isolated or associated chemotherapy
In patients with laryngeal cancer undergoing radiotherapy, dysphonia may occur due to laryngeal edema, immobility, mucosal stiffness and/or vocal fold vibratory irregularity and laryngeal fibrosis, factors that restrict the necessary movement of cartilages and laryngeal muscles, modifying the glottic closure for phonation[5]
Considering that there are no studies in the literature that address the impact of dysphonia in patients irradiated by laryngeal cancer regarding their participation in vocal activities and how they deal with this dysphonia, and that such data contribute strongly to the conduction of clinical speech and language rehabilitation, the aim of the study was to trace the profile of participation in vocal activities and to verify the coping strategies of the dysphonia of individuals irradiated by laryngeal cancer
Summary
The treatment modalities of the initial and advanced laryngeal neoplasm are surgery, radiotherapy, isolated or associated chemotherapy. In patients with laryngeal cancer undergoing radiotherapy, dysphonia may occur due to laryngeal edema, immobility, mucosal stiffness and/or vocal fold vibratory irregularity and laryngeal fibrosis, factors that restrict the necessary movement of cartilages and laryngeal muscles, modifying the glottic closure for phonation[5]. Such alterations can lead to modifications in the physiology of oropharyngeal swallowing and conditions for the individual’s overall well-being[5,6]. Many quality of life protocols verify the patient’s self-perception of the impact of vocal changes in their lives and their analyses provide important information about the impact of difficulty in vocal production[9]
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