Nutritional implications of dental and swallowing issues in head and neck cancer.
Tumors of the head and neck account for 4% of cancers in the United States. Both the disease process itself and side effects of cancer treatment, such as xerostomia, dysphagia, and malnutrition, compromise oral health, swallowing ability, and nutritional status. Optimal treatment of dental, swallowing, and nutritional problems of head and neck cancer patients requires practical strategies that address these problems. These strategies should include appropriate referrals to the dentist, speech/language pathologist, and registered dietitian to enhance patient comfort, prevent secondary malnutrition and dental disease, and improve treatment outcomes. Since dental, swallowing, and nutritional issues are interrelated, appropriate therapeutic strategies hinge on timely, integrated input from each discipline. A better understanding of the dental and swallowing therapies used in patients with head and neck cancer by health professionals will help promote the comprehensive care of these patients.
Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Clinical Research Dietitian, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Dwyer
D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003729:Dental Care; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009909:Oral Health; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome