Patient‐reported outcomes for dental health, shoulder‐neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life after treatment with radiation for head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES: The current exploratory cross‐sectional study was designed to examine and characterize survivorship issues among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer with regard to dental health, shoulder‐neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life (QOL). METHODS: Patients (N = 58) being seen for follow‐up at a radiation oncology clinic at least 1 year beyond the end of treatment completed three survey questionnaires regarding general QOL as well as dental health issues and shoulder‐neck dysfunction. The questionnaires were scored and univariate analyses were performed using the variables of age, radiation dosage, definitive radiation + neck dissection versus definitive surgery + postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy. RESULTS: Median follow‐up was 2.5 years. Of 58 patients, 35% reported having more problems with their general dental health as compared to before treatment and 38% reported having pain at night in the neck/shoulder after treatment. With regard to pretreatment counseling, 79% of patients reported being counseled about their dental health prior to treatment, while 31% reported being counseled about possible shoulder‐neck dysfunction. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation reported more functional and symptomatic issues. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer face a number of survivorship issues, including problems with dental health and shoulder‐neck dysfunction, and are not necessarily thoroughly counseled about these issues prior to treatment. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation may experience more survivorship issues. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV