title: Radiation therapy and pain in patients with head and neck cancer.
abstract: Pain is commonly present at the time of diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Pain occurs in all patients treated for oropharyngeal cancer. This study examined the prevalence, severity and characteristics of pain in patients treated with radiation therapy for cancer involving the head and neck and oral cavity. Pain increases throughout the course of radiation and persists following treatment and in some patients continues for 6-12 months. Pain frequently requires systemic analgesics in addition to oral rinses.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dentistry, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors