Preservação de órgãos em cânceres de cabeça e pescoço: análises da qualidade de vida e parâmetros vocais pós-tratamento

Abstract

Head and neck cancer has high prevalence and morbidity. Although radiotherapy has shown good results, function is not always fully preserved. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of voice complaints after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, with subjective and objective assessments of voice quality and quality of life of head and neck cancer patients. This cross-sectional study selected subjects diagnosed and treated at the Radiotherapy Division of the Instituto Oncológico, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the period from 2000 through 2006. Voice quality was assessed through subjective and objective analyses, while quality of life was assessed through a protocol. Patients with stages I, II, III and IV oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, undergoing treatment with radiotherapy only or chemotherapy-concomitant radiotherapy, were enrolled. Stage IV patients refusing surgery were also included. Exclusion criteria were: cancer-related head and neck surgery, alone or combined with another therapy; history of neurological disorders; physical, motor or emotional changes precluding participation; and refusal to participate. The SPSS 14.0 software was used for data analysis, with the χ2 test being used to calculate the proportions among the groups, according to anatomical location, sex and therapy modality. Continuous variables had their means analyzed by Student`s t test. Comparison of ordinal variables with nominal outcomes was made by Kruskal Wallis`s test. The statistical significance level was set at 5%. The main results indicated a predominance of males (76%), smokers (80%) and alcoholusers (76%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the histological type identified in 76%. Stage II was found in 32%, and combined radiotherapy/chemotherapy was undergone by 56%. After treatment, 40% complained oh hoarseness and 47.6% of moderate dysphonia. As for quality of life, those interviewed were mildly handicapped concerning their physical, functional and emotional status. Yet, 80% reported difficulty to have their voice understood on daily conversation. In conclusion, speech therapy plays an important role in the multidisciplinary team, once some sequelae are present after therapy for head and neck cancer. Speech therapy thus contributes to bringing the patient back to society, restoring health and improving the quality of life.